Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, looking to attract North American cruisers, will rebrand its cruise line Mitsui Ocean Cruises from Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line.

The company will also rename the 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey the Mitsui Ocean Fuji once the ship completes a charter with Seabourn next year. The company made a surprise acquisition of the Odyssey in March.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises plans to begin sailing the Fuji in December 2024 and expects to sail a 100-day world cruise in April 2025 from Yokohama. 

The Fuji will become the second ship in the line’s fleet, joining the Nippon Maru, built in 1990. The group plans to build two 600-passenger ships to be delivered around 2027. 

The growing cruise brand is part of an effort by MOL to diversify the shipping company’s portfolio and offset volatility in the shipping sector, the company said. The line plans to further expand and focus on its cruise business with domestic travelers and grow its base of international travelers. 

Mitsui Ocean Cruises will offer what it described as high-quality Japanese “omotenashi” service and hospitality with Western hardware. 

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