Expands luxury cruise fleet with second Seabourn ship acquisition
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 14
Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is strengthening its presence in the luxury cruise sector with the acquisition of a second vessel from Carnival Corporation's Seabourn Cruise Line.
The Seabourn Sojourn, a 32,477-gross-ton ship, was delivered to MOL on February 28, 2025. Under a charter agreement, the vessel will continue to operate Seabourn's scheduled itineraries, including a world cruise concluding on May 15, 2026, before transitioning to MOL's operations.
For short to medium-length cruises
This move aligns with MOL's strategy to expand its cruise business ahead of the introduction of new vessels. The company is according to plans The Maritime Executive to refurbish the Seabourn Sojourn and deploy it for short to medium-length domestic cruises within Japan. Details regarding the ship's new name and refurbishment plans will be announced in due course.
This acquisition follows MOL's purchase of the Seabourn Odyssey in March 2023, which was subsequently renamed Mitsui Ocean Fuji. After completing its charter with Seabourn, the Mitsui Ocean Fuji entered service under MOL's Mitsui Ocean Cruises brand in December 2024. The company reports positive guest feedback and is confident in the vessel's suitability for expanding its cruise business.
Current itineraries will proceed
MOL's cruise fleet now includes the Mitsui Ocean Fuji and the Nippon Maru, with plans to integrate the newly acquired vessel post-refurbishment. The company emphasizes that current itineraries for both the Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Nippon Maru will proceed as scheduled, with the new ship expected to enhance service offerings upon its entry into service in late 2026.
Variety of ports
The expansion reflects MOL's commitment to diversifying its operations and capitalizing on the growing demand for luxury domestic cruises in Japan. By acquiring and refurbishing these vessels, MOL aims to offer enhanced cruise experiences, leveraging the intimate size of the ships to access a variety of ports, including those in the Seto Inland Sea and remote islands in Okinawa and Hokkaido.
Luxury cruise market
This strategic move also aligns with Carnival Corporation's focus on its larger brands and the development of new mega-ships. Seabourn, under Carnival's umbrella, has introduced two luxury expedition ships in recent years and, following the sale of the Seabourn Sojourn, will continue to operate a streamlined fleet catering to the luxury cruise market.
Overall, MOL's acquisition of the Seabourn Sojourn signifies a proactive approach to expanding its footprint in the luxury cruise industry, aiming to meet the evolving preferences of cruise travelers seeking refined and culturally immersive experiences within Japan.
Facts about Seabourn Sojourn and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) Seabourn Sojourn
Type: Ultra-luxury cruise ship
Operator (Until 2026): Seabourn Cruise Line
New Owner: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)
Built by: T. Mariotti shipyard, Italy
Year Launched: 2010
Gross Tonnage: 32,477 GT
Length: 198 meters (650 feet)
Passenger Capacity: 458 guests
Crew: Approximately 335
Features
All-suite accommodations with ocean views
Multiple dining venues, including gourmet restaurants
Luxurious spa & wellness facilities
Swimming pools & hot tubs
Boutique shopping & entertainment options
Recent developments
Acquisition: Purchased by MOL in 2025 from Carnival Corporation
Charter Agreement: Will continue operating under Seabourn until May 2026
Future Plans: MOL intends to refurbish the ship and integrate it into its growing luxury cruise fleet, likely for domestic Japanese cruises.
The Seabourn Sojourn is known for its elegant design and intimate luxury, catering to high-end travelers seeking exclusive experiences. Under MOL, it may be rebranded and adapted for the Japanese market.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)
Founded: 1884
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Industry: One of the world's largest shipping companies, operating in container shipping, LNG transport, bulk carriers, and cruises.
Cruise Brand: Owns and operates Mitsui Ocean Cruises, which manages ships like Mitsui Ocean Fuji (formerly Seabourn Odyssey) and Nippon Maru.
New Acquisition: Recently purchased Seabourn Sojourn to expand its luxury cruise offerings in Japan, planning domestic routes and refurbishments.
MOL's move into the luxury cruise sector reflects Japan’s growing demand for high-end domestic cruise travel, complementing Seabourn's shift toward newer expedition ships.
