Mitsui Ocean Fuji to promote ‘well-being originated in Japan'

Details about the brand's rebirth were made by Shoichiro Yamashita, head of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, at a media briefing during Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific in Hong Kong.

‘With high-quality spaces and featuring our special heartfelt “omotenashi” service we will be offering guests a peaceful and relaxing time onboard our newest ship, Mitsui Ocean Fuji, launching late next year,’ outlined Yamashita, in front of a packed room.

The former Seabourn Odyssey, acquired by Mitsui last March and chartered back to Seabourn through August 2024, will join the company’s 1990-built, 22,472gt Nippon Maru and embark on a world cruise in April 2025.

World voyage

Mitsui Ocean Fuji’s world voyage will stretch 100 days and visit 16 countries with access to 14 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Yamashita said.

Using the tagline: ‘Well-being originated in Japan,' the new ship's dining experience will focus on Michelin-star cuisine and include two full service restaurants and two buffets plus what Yamashita described as Japan’s first marina café located at the stern of the ship.

Freestyle entertainment will be offered in multiple locations throughout the day and evening.

Source markets

As earlier reported, Mitsui aims to target Japanese as well as Asian guests from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the other major international source markets, seeking those looking for an authentic Japanese experience.

Whilst Fuji Maru’s demographic focusses on retirees of 60 years-plus, Mitsui Ocean Fuji will target the 40- to 60-year age bracket, Yamashita told Seatrade Cruise News.

Yamashita confirmed once Mitsui Ocean Fuji joins the fleet the company will mainly make cosmetic changes before sailing under new livery but there are plans to undertake a more detailed refurbment with modifications in 2026.

New ships

Asked for update on the pair of planned 35,000gt, 600-passenger newbuilds, Yamashita said the company is still in discussion with shipyards and does not expect to make any announcement until 2024. The first ship is planned for delivery around 2027.