Mitsui Ocean Cruises
Mitsui Ocean Cruises: the back story
The back story
About Mitsui Ocean Cruises: the back story
MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES is the brand of MOL Cruises, part of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines group. Its two all-suite ships sail Japan’s coast and islands, carrying on the culinary tradition of the line’s earlier ship, NIPPON MARU.
A shipping house goes cruising
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has more than 140 years of Japanese seafaring behind it, and its cruise company, MOL Cruises, was founded in 1963. Its earlier ship, NIPPON MARU, is part of that story; MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES is the new brand, and its name joins the Mitsui heritage to the open sea.
Two ships, all suites
The fleet is two ships of almost identical size. MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, 32,477 GT and registered in the Bahamas, and MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA, 34,138 GT, which began her debut cruise from Yokohama on 19 September 2026 and is registered in Japan. Each has 229 suites for 458 guests, all facing the sea, and at under 200 m they can reach small harbours, islands and bays.
Beautiful encounters with Japan.
The four seasons on a plate
Dining follows the Japanese year: seasonal ingredients gathered from across the country, served as a Japanese set or a Western course in the main restaurant. SAKURA inherits the recipes of more than 35 years on NIPPON MARU. Hokusai Fine Dining, named after the artist, serves a seven-course menu overseen by chef Kiyomi Mikuni, and Observation Bar 36 honours Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji with Mount Fuji-inspired cocktails and the Tamatebako Japanese afternoon tea.
Culture on board
Evenings bring Broadway-style productions on the Ocean Stage, and the days bring rakugo storytelling, tea ceremony, ikebana, calligraphy and lectures on Japanese culture. Announcements and menus come in Japanese and English.
Where they sail
Most voyages trace Japan’s coast from Hokkaido to Okinawa, with calls in Korea and Taiwan, round-Japan cruises and festival and fireworks sailings. Longer voyages reach the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, including a 47-day South Seas cruise from Yokohama in February 2027.
Our advice: go in cherry-blossom or autumn-leaf season, when the line’s seasonal cooking and coastal itineraries are at their most persuasive. Guests from abroad can book through the line’s regional websites, which sell in English.
Why it's on our list
- Part of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
- Two all-suite ships
- 229 suites, 458 guests each
- Japanese and English on board
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Mitsui Ocean Cruises: the back story before you go.