Mitsui Ocean Cruises has announced that Mitsui Ocean Sakura, its freshly renovated and Japanese-flagged ship will introduce new spaces and unique offerings when it debuts in Japan in September 2026.
As the first Japanese-flagged cruise ship available to North Americans for leisure travel, Mitsui Ocean Sakura itineraries will be announced and open for sale in early 2026. The 458-guest, 32,477-ton Mitsui Ocean Sakura, currently sailing as Seabourn Sojourn and soon-to-be sister ship to Mitsui Ocean Fuji, continues the heartfelt hospitality cultivated over decades by Mitsui Ocean Cruises.
(Mitsui Ocean Cruises)
“As we designed the onboard atmosphere of Mitsui Ocean Sakura, we drew inspiration from the traditions and spirit of our past ships,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, president of Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “Our hope is that everyone who sails aboard our newest vessel will feel a lasting connection to Japan through shared cultural experiences between local and international guests.”
Highlights of Mitsui Ocean Sakura onboard venues and offerings include:
- Restaurant Sakura (Main Dining) – The ship’s largest restaurant will offer daily menus featuring beautifully presented Japanese and Western courses crafted by expert chefs, including a traditional Japanese breakfast.
- Terrace Restaurant Yae – This buffet restaurant serves seasonal dishes with local ingredients, including Japanese favorites, Western cuisine and Asian specialties—inspired by the onboard chefs who sailed around the world multiple times. The warm atmosphere features comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.
- Sushi Bar Shiosai – This new sushi bar offers counter and table seating, serving freshly prepared sushi, small dishes and sake. Guests can enjoy a few pieces of sushi casually or enjoy a relaxing atmosphere interacting with the chef and even try the Omakase, showcasing multi-course sushi and seafood experiences. The space turns into a bar after dinner, adding to the live music and entertainment at the adjacent Ocean Club & Bar featuring sake and cocktails and signature Gin Cart.
(Mitsui Ocean Cruises)
- Hokusai Fine Dining – After the hugely popular debut of this specialty restaurant on Mitsui Ocean Fuji, the cruise line’s partnership with Chef Kiyomi Mikuni extends to Mitsui Ocean Sakura. One of Japan’s most celebrated chefs, acclaimed for his unique culinary style masterfully blending Japanese flavors with traditional French cuisine, guests indulge in a prix fixe course menu with hand-selected wines.
- Poolside Terrace and Bar – Guests can enjoy fast-casual cuisine and comfort foods like pizza, karaage chicken and burgers while surrounded by the sound of the ocean in a peaceful atmosphere. They can even make their own smoothies using seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Bar Umi – The lounge and bar is located at the bow of deck 10, where guests enjoy panoramic ocean views, sunrises, sunsets and a sky full of stars. The venue offers light bites, such as pastries and breads in the morning, and a variety of specialty cocktails, Japanese whiskey, wines and more with live musical performances in the evening.
- Grand Pool – Located in the center of deck 8, the Grand Pool offers a spacious, resort-like atmosphere complete with two heated whirlpools for a soothing soak, deck chairs and tables. New to Mitsui Ocean Sakura is a relaxing footbath where guests can unwind after a day in port or wellness activity.
(Mitsui Ocean Cruises)
In addition to the newly named venues for Mitsui Ocean Sakura, guests will also enjoy venues by the same name found onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji. These include:
- Mitsui Ocean Square – Serves specialty coffees, tea, Japanese pastries, sandwiches, gelato and more.
- Ocean Stage – The central entertainment theater features live musical performances, Broadway-style shows, Rakugo (Japanese comic storytelling), special presentations, and more.
- Ocean Club – A smaller entertainment venue for guest activities, games and live music.
- Ocean Boutique – Features a selection of fine goods and crafts from Japan, luxury brands, fine jewelry and the all-important Omiyage food and gifts, including Mitsui Ocean Sakura merchandise.
(Mitsui Ocean Cruises)
- Spa & Wellness Kodama – Balancing mind and body to experience true relaxation, guests step inside for massages, facial treatments and salon services, to name a few.
- Fitness Center & Motion Studio – Features strength training and cardio equipment, plus a studio for yoga, Pilates, and more to support physical wellness.
- Recreation Raiko – A top deck recreation area where guests play games, soak up a soothing sunrise, sunset and daytime views.
- Pool Cerulean – A quiet pool and whirlpools located aft offering another peaceful refuge to cool off in the summer or rejuvenate in the whirlpools.
Offering a range of itineraries sailing throughout Japan and with its intimate size, Mitsui Ocean Sakura can access hidden gems—smaller ports, remote islands and scenic bays—that larger vessels cannot reach, including secluded destinations in and around Japan, including the Seto Inland Sea, Okinawa and Hokkaido. Seasonal sailings will celebrate Japan’s festivals, fireworks, music, and cuisine.
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