Mitsui Ocean Sakura has officially debuted. The article covers the naming ceremony and an overview of the debut cruise, focusing on the naming announcement in Yokohama, the 4-day, 3-night Yokohama → Shimizu → Tokyo itinerary, and the ship's new facilities and dining features.
The Seabourn Sojourn, formerly one of the world’s leading luxury ships, was refurbished, registered in Japan and launched as Mitsui Ocean Sakura. Blending tradition with new systems, it has begun offering high-quality, comfortable cruises.
On 16 September, just before its debut, a naming ceremony was held aboard the ship at Yokohama Port. The Mitsui Ocean Cruises team jointly declared that the ship would be named Mitsui Ocean Sakura. The ceremony reflected the feelings of those involved, many of whom had witnessed the naming ceremonies of numerous ships over the years.
On 27 September, the three-night, four-day Debut Cruise III—Shimizu set sail. The itinerary ran from Yokohama via Shimizu to Tokyo. The ship is equipped with a wide range of facilities, including Bar Umi, Ocean Stage, a pool and whirlpool, and a foot bath, while its outdoor areas offer shuffleboard and putting golf.
Dining options included a Japanese breakfast at Restaurant Sakura, Western cuisine at the welcome dinner, and dishes combining Japanese and Western elements, such as Japanese beef fillet steak with foie gras, saikyo miso glaze, mango and red wine sauce. The buffet at Terrace Restaurant Yae and the coffee and pastries at Ocean Café were also highlighted as attractions. Additional-charge venues, including Hokusai Fine Dining and Sushi Bar Shiosai, are also available.