Mitsui Ocean Cruises Launches Sales in North America – Cruise Industry News

Mitsui Ocean Cruises has launched sales in North America for the first time, offering its luxury Japanese cruise experience to guests in the U.S. and Canada.

Architects of Travel will lead a targeted sales and marketing campaign to promote the cruise line’s new ship, the Mitsui Ocean Fuji, to travel agents.

The 458-guest, 32,477-ton Mitsui Ocean Fuji, formerly the Seabourn Odyssey, debuted in December 2024.

The vessel features spacious guest areas, traditional omotenashi hospitality, refined Japanese cuisine, entertainment and itineraries showcasing Japan’s culture and natural beauty.

“With Japan being a top destination to visit from the U.S. and Canada, we’re in a unique position to offer a one-of-a-kind cruise vacation which represents true Japanese experiences that only a Japanese company can provide, sailing with Japanese guests and crew, and organically feeling the culture in a way that is genuine to how the locals enjoy leisure travel,” said Anthony Kaufman, head of commercial strategies, Mitsui Ocean Cruises. 

“Partnering with the experts of Architects of Travel is an important step to making this unique travel opportunity available to a small number of guests from North America. Mitsui Ocean Fuji is the best way to visit Japan, with guests seamlessly experiencing Japan on and off the ship.”  

 On sale now, sailings aboard the Mitsui Ocean Fuji departing from Japan include Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); a 19-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025) and Japan Summer Festival Cruises (July-September 2025).

Available itineraries:

• Blossoms and Cultural Treasures – April 10-17, 2025 (eight days): Roundtrip Yokohama visiting Yeosu (South Korea), Nagasaki and Ibusuki.
• Blossoms and Coastal Wonders – April 17-24, 2025 (eight days): Roundtrip Yokohama with Jeju Island (South Korea), Hakata and Sukumo.
• Golden Week – April 24-May 5, 2025 (12 days): Roundtrip Yokohama with port stops in Ofunato, Hakodate, Aomori, Miyazu, Hamada and Busan (South Korea).
• Seas and Traditions – May 5-13, 2025 (nine days): Roundtrip Yokohama visiting Hofu, Sasebo, Yeosu (South Korea), Shimonoseki and Toba.
• Grand Asia – May 21-June 8, 2025 (19 days):  Hong Kong (overnight), to Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh (overnight), Sihanoukville – Laem Chabang (overnight) and disembarking in Singapore after an overnight stay.
• Summer of Sparkles with Fireworks Festivals – July 17-26, 2025 (10 days): Roundtrip Yokohama to Noshiro, Sadogoshima, Kanazawa, Jeju Island (South Korea).
• Festival of Lights – July 26-August 7, 2025 (13 days): Yokohama to Kobe, Busan (South Korea), Sakaiminato, Maizuru, Naoetsu, Sakata, Akita, Aomori and departing in Tokyo.
• Rhythm of the Waves with Awa Dance Festival – August 7-16, 2025 (10 days): Roundtrip Tokyo to Kobe, Busan (South Korea), Kochi, Sukumo, Tanegashima and Komatsushima (for Awa Dance Festival)
• Fireworks at Sea – August 16-24, 2025 (nine days): From Tokyo with visits to Kumano (for the Fireworks Festival), Kochi, Aburatsu, Sasebo, Yeosu (South Korea), Kobe, disembarking in Yokohama.
• Sea of Art – August 24-September 2, 2025 (10 days): Roundtrip from Yokohama to Takamatsu, Shodoshima, Nagasaki, Jeju Island (South Korea) and Kobe.

Architects of Travel Executive Suzy Fragnoli added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Mitsui Ocean Cruises, and the luxurious Mitsui Ocean Fuji, delivering a ‘travel like a local’ experience while sharing Japan’s time-honored hospitality to our North American cruise customers. Mitsui Ocean Fuji will resonate with travelers who wish to explore the most unique aspects of cruising, while uncovering the traditions and hidden gems across both modern and ancient Japan.”    

New July 2025-June 2026 itineraries will be announced soon, the company added.