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Seabourn Odyssey handed over to Mitsui Ocean Cruises

Mitsui Ocean Cruises received Seabourn Odyssey, the future Mitsui Ocean Fuji, at a handover ceremony in Yokohama.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

September 25, 2024

2 Min Read
Commemorating the handover, Seabourn Odyssey Capt. Krasimir Redev, center right, and Mitsui Ocean Fuji Capt. Kim Karlsson, center left, joined by their senior officers. From left, Mitsui Ocean Fuji Hotel General Manager Keiichiro Kawano, Chief Engineer Diyan Shopov and Staff Capt. Simon Westall and, to the right, Seabourn Odyssey Staff Capt. Katarzyna Sobolewska, Hotel Director Marco De Oliveira and Chief Engineer Kamen DimitrovPHOTO: MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines acquired the 2009-built Seabourn Odyssey in March 2023 and it continued to operate for Seabourn under a charter agreement.

That has now ended, and the ship was handed over today following its arrival to the Port of Yokohama from a 22-day farewell voyage that embarked in Seattle.

Mitsui flag raised

In a ceremony, the Mitsui Ocean Cruises flag was raised, and now Seabourn Odyssey will transform into Mitsui Ocean Fuji, scheduled to debut Dec. 1.

The event was attended by Seabourn Odyssey Capt. Krasimir Radev, who handed the ship over to Mitsui Ocean Fuji Capt. Kim Karlsson.

'It has been my honor and privilege to be one of the captains of this beloved cruise ship, and I am humbled to officially hand her over to Mitsui Ocean Cruises, beginning a new journey on the high seas,' said Radev, who started on board as a safety officer for the ship's inaugural 2009 season.

'We'll take great care of her'

Shoichiro Yamashita, chief operations officer, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, added: 'It is my pleasure to be part of this commemorative day with Seabourn Odyssey. We offer our sincerest respect to Seabourn, Capt. Radev and his onboard team for taking such great care of this ship, keeping her safe and extending their renowned luxurious service to all who have sailed on her for the last 15 years, and we promise to continue delivering exceptional seafaring experiences.'

Related:Mitsui Ocean Cruises details inaugural Mitsui Ocean Fuji itineraries

Karlson pledged to 'take great care of her.'

Mitsui-employees-greet-Seabourn-Odyssey.jpg

Also attending the event at the Shinko Pier Passenger Terminal were senior executives of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, senior crew members of Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Seabourn Odyssey, and Shinbo Yasuhiro, director general of Yokohama Port and Harbor Bureau.

To Mitsubishi for refurbishment

The vessel will go to Mitsubishi Shipyard in Yokohama for refurbishment, such as the addition of shower toilets in all suites, galley equipment updates and rebranding of venues. Crew training also begins in preparation for the inaugural season.

The 458-passenger, 32,477gt Mitsui Ocean Fuji will operate a series of debut cruises December through January, spring and Golden Week cruises in April-May and a 66-day 'Grand Asia Cruise' May-July.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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