Mitsui Ocean Cruises buys a second Seabourn ship

Seabourn Sojourn, on top, is the younger sister of Mitsui Ocean Fuji (ex Seabourn Odyssey), belowPHOTOS: MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is growing new brand Mitsui Ocean Cruises with a second Seabourn ship.

The 2010-built Seabourn Sojourn is Seabourn's oldest vessel. It is the younger sister of Mitsui Ocean Fuji, the former Seabourn Odyssey.

Ending Seabourn service May 15, 2026

Before it is handed over to Mitsui, Sojourn will operate all published voyages through completion of its world cruise ending May 15, 2026.

The terms were not disclosed. Seabourn Sojourn was built for a reported $250m.

'Very pleased' with Fuji

'We launched Mitsui Ocean Fuji in December 2024 and are very pleased with the guest reaction to the ship and onboard product,' said Tsunemichi Mukai, president of Mitsui Ocean Cruises. 'The ship’s spacious suites, delicious food and exciting entertainment are receiving very positive reviews.

'While all new cruise ships take a little time to settle in, the experience on Mitsui Ocean Fuji is continuously improving, and we are now extremely confident these two ships are the most suitable vessels to expand our cruise business ...'

Dry dock, reflagging and short domestic cruises

Before entering Japan service, Sojourn will undergo a significant dry dock refurbishment and reflag to Japan. Operating under a new name, it will offer a variety of short, domestic itineraries in and around the Sea of Japan.

Seabourn said the ship will be deployed by its new owners 'in a market that is not competitive with Seabourn.'

However, Mitsui Ocean Cruises recently commenced sales for Mitsui Ocean Fuji in North America.

The itineraries already announced for Fuji and Nippon Maru are unaffected by this purchase.

Seabourn will be contacting passengers and travel advisors with details on changes or rebooking options.

'We are proud that after 16 years in the fleet, Seabourn Sojourn will continue her journeys with Mitsui Ocean Cruises. In the coming year, we will find special ways to celebrate Sojourn’s legacy with guests and crew,' Seabourn President Mark Tamis said.

The 32,477gt Seabourn Sojourn measures 650 feet and has capacity for 458 passengers in 298 suites. It offers four restaurants.

Net decrease of 388 berths for Seabourn from two ships exiting

With Sojourn and Odyssey's exits, Seabourn will have shed 916 berths, greater than the 528-berths it gained with a pair of expedition newbuilds.

Sojourn is the second in a series of ships built for Seabourn at T. Mariotti, followed by Seabourn Quest (2011). Then came the slightly larger, 40,350gt Seabourn Encore (2016) and Seabourn Ovation (2018) from Fincantieri. Subsequently a pair of 23,000gt expedition ships, from T. Mariotti, were added: Seabourn Venture (2022) and Seabourn Pursuit (2023), each carrying 264 passengers.