The Japanese Cruise Line, Mitsui Ocean Cruises is making major moves in the luxury cruise market, snagging another Seabourn cruise ship from Carnival Corporation—and this one is no small deal! The ultra-luxurious Seabourn Sojourn has officially been sold and is set to be revamped for the Japanese market. But wait… there’s a twist!

SEABOURN ISN’T LETTING GO JUST YET
Even though Mitsui Ocean Cruises took ownership of the ship on February 28, Seabourn isn’t saying goodbye so fast! The ship is being chartered back to Seabourn to finish its itineraries—including a massive world cruise that won’t end until May 2026. That’s right, Mitsui Ocean Cruises is already making plans for its newest luxury ride two years in advance!

The big question remains—what’s the plan for this beauty? Mitsui says it’ll be refurbished (aka ultra-glammed up) before launching into short- to mid-length luxury cruises in Japan. And just like that, Japan’s cruise industry is getting a serious glow-up!

MITSUI’S BIG CRUISE TAKEOVER?
If you think this is just a one-time deal, think again. Mitsui Ocean Cruises bought the former Seabourn Odyssey back in March 2023. That ship is now sailing as the Mitsui Ocean Fuji, and insiders say passenger feedback has been stellar. Now, Mitsui is doubling down on its luxury cruise takeover with the Sojourn.

JAPAN WANTS LUXURY—AND IT WANTS IT NOW!
Mitsui Ocean Cruises isn’t wasting time. The new ship will be Japanese language-only and will take elite travelers to hidden gems like the Seto Inland Sea, Okinawa, and remote Hokkaido islands. Plus, they’re using their Fuji experience to make sure this ship is top-tier right from day one when it enters service in late 2026.
 

But Mitsui isn’t the only Japanese company in the race. NYK Line’s Asuka III is about to drop in July, and even Ryobi Holdings (yeah, the transportation giant) is joining the luxury cruise game with its own fancy yacht-style ship for 2027. Looks like Japan is all-in on cruising!