MOL Cruises, Ltd, which operates the cruise brand Mitsui Ocean Cruises, today marked the handover ceremony in collaboration with Seabourn Cruise Line, welcoming Mitsui Ocean Fuji to the fleet.
The handover ceremony was held onboard Seabourn Odyssey, after the ship arrived at the Port of Yokohama, concluding a 22-day Farewell Voyage from the United States. Following maritime tradition, the flag of Mitsui Ocean Cruises was raised, as the ship transitions to Mitsui Ocean Fuji, scheduled to debut on December 1, 2024.
The event was attended by Seabourn Odyssey's Captain Krasimir Radev, who handed the ship over to Mitsui Ocean Fuji Captain Kim Karlsson. Both expressed their heartfelt congratulations to Mitsui Ocean Cruises:
“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 Captain Radev, Seabourn Odyssey, who started on board as Safety Officer for the ship’s inaugural season in 2009.
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, Captain 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.”
Captain Karlsson added, “The ship looks absolutely amazing, and we pledge to take great care of her.”
Also in attendance were senior executives of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, senior crew members of Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Seabourn Odyssey, and the Director General of Port and Harbor Bureau from Yokohama Port Shinbo Yasuhiro.
Seabourn Odyssey arrived at the Shinko Pier Passenger Terminal (Yokohama) to the warm welcome of many employees of Mitsui Ocean Cruises and the MOL Group. The ship is loved by many cruise fans, and many loyal Seabourn Odyssey guests who sailed on the debut cruise were onboard the farewell voyage.
The ship will move 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, preparing for the inaugural season.
Mitsui Ocean Fuji will debut in Yokohama on December 1, 2024, as Japan's most luxurious all-suite cruise ship with and spacious passenger venues, traditional omotenashi service, delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call. The ship will sail on inspiring voyages celebrating the blue ocean and Japan’s awesome natural beauty.
The 458-guest, 32,477-ton Mitsui Ocean Fuji embodies “FUNATABI – beautiful encounters with Japan.” On sale now, the inaugural season offers a series of Debut Cruises (December 2024-January 2025), including a special New Year’s sailing; Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); and a 66-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025).
