Japan-based cruise line, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, operated by MOL Cruises, has announced its new cruise ship will be named Mitsui Ocean Sakura and begin operating as a Japanese-flagged ship in late 2026. Former Nippon Maru Captain Satoshi Ninomiya has been appointed one of the ship’s Masters, and Executive Chef Katsutoshi Nakayama, also from Nippon Maru, will lead the culinary team.
“Sakura,” a flower long cherished in Japan, continues to captivate people with its beauty. This name was also given to the two cruise ships that the cruise line once operated, the Sakura Maru and the Shin Sakura Maru, which both provided cruise vacations around the world. The name Mitsui Ocean Sakura is therefore in honor of Sakura, which symbolizes the beauty of Japan, and the cruise ships.
MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA will offer a wide range of itineraries, mainly short to medium length cruises, departing from and arriving at various ports in Japan. As a small luxury ship at 32,477 tons carrying 458 guests, Mitsui Ocean Sakura will visit a variety of ports, large and small, as did its predecessor, Nippon Maru. This includes visits to remote islands in Okinawa and Hokkaido. The ship will also offer cruises themed to the seasons, featuring local festivals, fireworks, music and food. Inaugural itineraries of Mitsui Ocean Sakura will be announced and go on sale in early 2026.
Offering 229 suites, Mitsui Ocean Sakura guests will enjoy large suites with balconies, and new and varied dining and entertainment options.
Appointments
Captain Satoshi Ninomiya joined Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line, Ltd. (currently MOL Cruises) in 1993, and boarded Fuji Maru as junior third officer. After that, he gained experience with Shin Sakura Maru and Nippon Maru. He became chief officer in 2006, and was promoted to captain in 2017, serving as captain of the Nippon Maru. In 2024, he became head of the Safety Operations Group in the Fleet Operations Department, which oversees ship safety.
Meanwhile, Chef Katsutoshi Nakayama joined Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line, Ltd. (currently known as MOL Cruises) as a cook in 1990 and oversaw the bakery section when Nippon Maru went into service the same year. After that, he also started cooking bread and desserts in the same section on Shin Sakura Maru and Fuji Maru. He was promoted to Senior Cook in 1996, and Senior Assistant Chef in 1998. In 2011, he boarded Fuji Maru as the executive chef for the first time. Since 2012, he has been the executive chef at Nippon Maru, creating a variety of menus. In 2024, he became the first executive chef of Mitsui Ocean Fuji.
Announced earlier this year, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Ltd. purchased this second luxury cruise ship from Seabourn, currently trading as Seabourn Sojourn. Soon-to-be Mitsui Ocean Sakura, the ship will transition to the Mitsui Ocean Cruises brand in 2026, after completing its Seabourn deployment. Sister ship, Mitsui Ocean Fuji launched in December 2024 and is currently sailing inspiring Japan voyages that connect international guests to the people, natural beauty and cherished traditions of the region—authentically experienced alongside Japanese guests and crew.
Related Articles
Regent Reveals “Farewell Season” for Seven Seas Navigator
Seabourn Outlines Ocean and Expedition Itineraries for 2027-28
Oceania Cruises and Regent Partner With Diamonds International
Hapag-Lloyd Offering Savings on Bilingual Expedition Cruises