A New Wave of Luxury - Mitsui Ocean Cruises

Sailing on a luxury Japanese cruise ship, discovering small, off -the-beaten-path ports at cherry blossom time is a feast for the senses. Vanessa Lee

OUR GLEAMING WHITE SHIP felt familiar, but the destination and onboard experience certainly were not. It was our first visit to Japan, and we were thrilled to cruise with a luxury Japanese-based cruise line. And sailing at peak cherry blossom – Sakura time - in mid-spring, was absolutely delightful. 

Mitsui Ocean Cruises is based in Tokyo and is part of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, which is expanding into the North American market to encourage prospective guests to try their unique Japanese take on cruising. We were very impressed to discover a whole new experience on this 7-day cruise, sailing round-trip from Tokyo. Looking back, the most notable standout aspects of our cruise were the cultural immersion, refined hospitality, and luxuriously relaxed pace - a very different experience than most cruises would offer. The Mitsui Ocean Fuji, formerly the Seabourn Odyssey, debuted in late 2024. Sister ship, the Mitsui Ocean Sakura sets sail this fall. She was the former Seabourn Sojourn, so two lovely ships with impeccable histories are now tied to a distinct Japanese heritage and destinations. The ships carry no more than 458 guests, ensuring an intimate, charming experience with all-suite accommodations. 

There is a strong focus on “omotenashi,” which translates to heartfelt service and “funatabi,” which means beautiful encounters with Japan. And such was indeed the case, as we noted these subtle sensibilities were always present to enhance every guest’s onboard experience. It’s a different way to cruise, entirely authentic and fascinating and particularly delightful, if one is a Japanophile. The public spaces are elegant, yet understated – serene lounges, observation decks and cultural programming are at the heart of Mitsui’s offerings. The onboard culture is distinctly Japanese yet contemporary, and guests can choose between Western and Japanese cuisine. Evening entertainment ranges from traditional performances to Broadway-style shows (all were excellent in every respect) with some of the best singing I have heard at sea. Japanese and English are the official languages onboard, and daily schedules are provided in English for international guests. The staff is international, the Captain was Finnish, and everyone spoke English.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises, as you’d expect with a luxury line, offers an all-inclusive environment at sea, with most beverages included, such as wine, Champagne, beer, soft drinks, select spirits, and sake. Guests enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities and 24-hour room service, and one English-guided shore excursion in each charming port. Our suite was 300 sq ft with a private verandah, a walk-in closet, a sitting area, plush robes and slippers, full tubs, double sinks, a separate shower, and those lovely, warm, high-tech Japanese toilets that everyone loves! Tea kettles and hair dryers are also offered. The accommodations are most comfortable and spacious with bespoke service – we were definitely pampered! 

Our voyage, like many from this brand, prioritized lesser-visited Japanese ports and was thoughtfully curated, also making one stop outside the country. Ours was in fascinating Busan in South Korea, but some itineraries call in Taiwan or Jeju Island in Korea. The cultural engagement offered was a highlight, and the refined, immersive feel of the Fuji and her delightful staff was a key part of our enjoyment of the trip. After enjoying a sea day and participating in some of the many activities offered such as visiting the spa or fitness centre, we arrived in Ibusuki, famed for its hot springs and unique sand baths. After a tender ride to port, we were taken to Chiran District. In this historic Samurai area, we enjoyed a walk through a series of old walled gardens, beautifully and elegantly landscaped by samurai from the 17th to the 19th Century and now cared for by locals - a photographer’s dream. From there we toured the Peace Hall Museum, which called for much reflection, especially as we first walked under a bower of gorgeous cherry blossoms – a telling juxtaposition of beauty and sadness. It was from this airbase in WWII that young men (boys really) trained as Kamikaze pilots and then knowingly flew to their deaths. The museum afforded us all the chance to reflect on the importance of peace and the opportunity to see the personal effects of some of these young men, such as poignant letters. Another day we enjoyed a full-day tour in Sasebo where we visited a Catholic church whose spires vied with gorgeous Buddhist temple roofs. Nearby Hirado Castle, built in the early 18th Century, was a stunning seaside fortress well worth a visit. 

Finally, we visited Arita Pottery to see their gorgeous porcelain. We sailed on to Busan in South Korea, the country’s second-largest city, which proved very popular with guests – great shopping! We visited the Gamcheon Culture Village, reborn as an art town in the 1950s, with its funky streets, brightly painted houses and terraced neighbourhoods, small alleys, and open-air street art. Overall, Busan offers historical depth and modern energy. Renowned as a fishing port, it also had terrific seafood markets. All our ports of call were carefully chosen and really interesting – and most of them I had never heard of.

A moment I particularly treasured was being invited to a special Tamatebako Afternoon Tea. Typically offred to only 20 guests in the higher suite categories or for a charge, it is an unforgettable Japanese experience. “Tamatebako,” means treasure box in Japanese, and the experience was designed by Mitsui as a unique event for guests. It’s inspired by the long-loved fairy tale of Urashima Taro. From the carefully selected, gorgeous tea ware to the tea leaves, this one-of-a-kind teatime experience reflected the elements of this fascinating tale. We indulged in specially crafted Mt Fuji-themed, beautifully presented pastries and sipped curated teas from the Shizuoka region. Every delicacy was meticulously crafted by the ship’s pastry artisan, much to the delight of our taste buds.

Cuisine is always an integral part of a cruise and Mitsui Ocean Fuji did not disappoint. There were several dining choices and one venue which required reservations. The main Fuji Restaurant alternated in its menu options – Japanese one night and Western the next. In the more casual Terrace Restaurant Hachiyo, open every day for all meals and snacks, there were numerous buffet dishes suitable for anyone’s taste. Local dishes were on the menu, of course, but also Western-style pastas and perhaps curries, a French corner, Korean and Chinese cuisine and even a Mongolian BBQ at one point. On two evenings, guests could reserve a table here to experience the Omakase Sushi – which was fabulous and very impressively presented as visual art. Sushi fans – this is a must! There was also a poolside restaurant and bar for casual fare such as burgers, pizzas, guacamole and such.

The small, beautiful Hokusai Fine Dining had three set dining times each evening, which had to be reserved in advance and cost 15,000 Yen per person. It served exquisite Japanese cuisine from a small menu. Most nights the dress code was informal/smart casual, but there were two “formal” evenings when a suit jacket and tie were required for gentlemen and elegant outfits for the ladies. If you’re seeking a rich tapestry of ancient traditions and immersion in all things Japanese, Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ Fuji and Sakura, tailored to Japan’s unique geography and culture, showcase something very special. Mitsui also offers cruises of various lengths and from ports other than Tokyo. Whatever itinerary you choose, you can be sure you’ll enjoy a fascinating journey into a charming and welcoming part of the world.

Written by Vanessa Lee for the Cruise & Travel Lifestyles Magazine, Fall 2026 issue