Go back to the e-newsletter

MOL Cruises, which operates the cruise brand MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, yesterday [Wednesday 25 September 2024] marked the handover ceremony in collaboration with Seabourn, 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 1 December 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.

Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.

“It has been my honour 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 of Seabourn Odyssey, who started his career 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 Harbour 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 1 December 2024, as Japan’s most luxurious all-suite cruise ship with and spacious passenger venues, traditional omotenashi service, delicately flavoured and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call.

Lead image: Commemorating the Handover Ceremony between MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES and Seabourn Cruise Line, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI Captain Kim Karlsson (center left) and Seabourn Odyssey Captain Krasimir Radev (center right) were joined with their senior officers; from left MITSUI OCEAN FUJI Hotel General Manager Keiichiro Kawano, Chief Engineer Diyan Shopov, Staff Captain Simon Westall; and Seabourn Odyssey Staff Captain Katarzyna Sobolewska, Hotel Director Marco De Oliveira and Chief Engineer Kamen Dimitrov. 

For additional information visit https://mol-cruises.jp/en.

Go back to the e-newsletter