Mitsui Ocean Cruises celebrated the naming of Mitsui Ocean Sakura in Yokohama, the new 458-guest luxury ship that brings the Japanese company’s fleet to two vessels. The ceremony took place on September 16, 2026, onboard the ship at the Yokohama Hammerhead cruise terminal, just ahead of her entry into service on September 19 with the departure of her inaugural voyage from Yokohama.
Mitsui Ocean Sakura now joins Mitsui Ocean Fuji, which has been in service since December 2024, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the luxury cruise segment dedicated to exploring Japan. Symbolically serving as the ship’s namers were the company’s officers, crew members and employees, represented by inaugural Captain Satoshi Ninomiya, who delivered the official naming declaration before the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony. “With this ship, we pledge to travel around beautiful Japan and the world for many years to come, connecting hearts and sailing safely,” said the captain.
The new vessel becomes part of a maritime tradition that Mitsui Ocean Cruises traces back more than 140 years. During the ceremony, Ninomiya recalled several passenger ships that have marked the company’s history, including Argentina Maru, Brazil Maru, the first Nippon Maru, Sakura Maru and Shin Sakura Maru, followed by the more recent Fuji Maru, Nippon Maru and Mitsui Ocean Fuji. The name Sakura itself, referring to the cherry blossom, one of Japan’s most recognizable symbols, reflects both the country’s cultural identity and this maritime heritage. “Mitsui Ocean Sakura carries on the legacy of our cruise business while embarking on a new era,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, highlighting the company’s aim to offer experiences that combine time spent onboard, landscapes, local culture and the connections created throughout the journey.
With a gross tonnage of 32,477 tons, a length of approximately 198 meters and a maximum capacity of 458 guests, Mitsui Ocean Sakura is an all-suite ship, with every accommodation offering ocean views. Her relatively compact size is designed to allow access to smaller ports and destinations close to city centers, expanding the range of itinerary possibilities along the Japanese coast. Registered in Japan, the ship will initially be deployed mainly on short- and medium-length domestic cruises. During her first three months of operation, through December 2026, 29 departures are scheduled, including one- to three-night autumn, Christmas and New Year cruises, while the program already announced includes a total of 61 itineraries through September 2027.
The onboard experience follows the FUNATABI – Beautiful Encounters with Japan concept, designed to showcase the country’s cuisine, culture, hospitality and destinations. Among the new features is Sushi Bar Shiosai, a specialty restaurant on Deck 5 with both counter and table seating, offering tasting menus featuring sushi, seasonal dishes and sake. At the Grand Pool on Deck 8, guests can also enjoy an open-air footbath, designed as a relaxing retreat between shore excursions and onboard activities. The cruise offering also includes suite accommodation, dining, more than 200 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, Wi-Fi, selected onboard activities and, in most ports, half-day shore excursions.
With Mitsui Ocean Sakura and Mitsui Ocean Fuji, Mitsui Ocean Cruises is further consolidating an offering deeply rooted in Japanese identity, combining itineraries of different lengths, gastronomy, less conventional destinations and the principle of omotenashi, the Japanese approach to hospitality based on thoughtful care for guests and close attention to detail.
Gabriele Bassi