In a major step toward fleet renewal, Mitsui Ocean Cruises has confirmed that its long-serving cruise ship Nippon Maru will be retired in May 2026, drawing to a close a 35-year career that helped shape the modern Japanese cruise industry.
The vessel’s final voyage is scheduled to return to Yokohama on 10 May 2026, marking the end of an era for the 1990-built ship. Since entering service, Nippon Maru has carried more than 600,000 passengers, completed over 2,000 cruises, and travelled in excess of 5.3 million kilometres – roughly the equivalent of circling the globe 133 times.
The ship became known for its ability to reach smaller, less-accessible ports, providing guests with authentic regional experiences that set it apart from larger international vessels. On board, passengers enjoyed cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and participated in events co-hosted with communities at ports of call.
Its retirement, however, signals a broader transformation underway at Mitsui Ocean Cruises. The company, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, is repositioning itself within the premium cruise market, following the acquisition of newer vessels. In 2024, it welcomed Mitsui Ocean Fuji, a former Odyssey-class ship from the ultra-luxury line Seabourn, into service. A second ship from the same class, Seabourn Sojourn, is expected to join the fleet in May 2026.
These additions mark a shift in strategy for Mitsui Ocean Cruises, as it expands beyond its traditional offering to appeal to a broader international audience while maintaining the uniquely Japanese hospitality for which it is known.
Details of Nippon Maru’s final cruises will be announced in the coming months, but the company has revealed that the farewell voyage will feature special seasonal menus and commemorative gifts for passengers, designed to honour the ship’s long-standing legacy.