MOL Cruises Announces New Cruise Ship Name

The cruise ship Mitsui Ocean Sakura. Photo courtesy of MOL.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (“MOL”) has announced that its subsidiary, MOL Cruises, has named its new cruise ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura. It is scheduled to enter service in late 2026.

The Mitsui Ocean Sakura will offer a wide range of itineraries centered on short- to medium-term cruises calling at various ports in Japan. Taking advantage of its compact size (a gross tonnage of approximately 32,000 tons and a length of less than 200 meters), the new cruise ship can call at ports in various regions, from remote islands in Okinawa and Hokkaido - popular destinations from the "Fly&Cruise" series on the company's Nippon Maru - to ports located within walking distance of urban areas. The company also plans to offer one-night cruises, which have gained wide popularity among guests, as well as cruises themed for festivals, fireworks, music and food.

While preserving the "Omotenashi" cultivated through previous cruise ships operated by MOL Cruises, the connections with ports of call and people throughout Japan, one-of-a kind experiences in each region, and meals that carry on tradition while inspiring passion, the new cruise ship will offer guests a new kind of cruise experience with the company’s sense of Japanese beauty unique to MOL Cruises.