The company has been conducting domestic and international tours with one ship, the Nippon Maru, and has announced the construction of a new 600-passenger cruise ship in 2022 with the aim of expanding its business.
MOL Cruises is a group company of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. that handles marine transportation of cargo and passengers, and operates cruise business under the brand “MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES”.
The ship will be renamed Seabourn Odyssey (gross tonnage 32,000 tons) and dry-docked after her last call at the port of Yokohama, and will undergo a minor refurbishment, including signage changes. The ship will be Japan’s first all-suite cabin cruise ship, with all cabins over 28m3 and a veranda, and will begin service in December 2024.
The company has already begun accepting applications for tours, including the “MITSUI OCEAN FUJI Debut Cruise – Busan/Kyushu” departing on December 1, and has announced various cruises departing from Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe.
Handover ceremony attended by both captains and others
During the handover ceremony held on board the ship, the MC said, “In the 15 years since its launch in 2009, Seabourn Odyssey has welcomed 180,454 guests, visited 426 different ports, and sailed 859,554 nautical miles, which is equivalent to 39.7 times around the Earth’s equator. This is equivalent to a distance of 39.7 times around the Earth’s equator.
He added that the ceremony, “a traditional ceremony in the shipping industry in which the owner’s flag is passed on to the next owner when the ship is officially handed over,” will mark a new page in the ship’s history.
First to take the stage was Cruise Director John Baron, who was also aboard the ship for its maiden voyage season in 2009. Baron said that standing here was like going back to where he started 15 years ago, and commented that it was a “mixed bag of emotions” to say goodbye to the Odyssey at this location.
He continued, “For more than 15 years, Odyssey has not only welcomed thousands of top-class entertainers, lecturers, and renowned chefs, but has also brought you amazing production shows. I have seen countless standing ovations and guests in tears of emotion, and have felt great pride and gratitude on many occasions,” he recalled, “It is with great relief that I am able to address you today and know that this beautiful ship is in the wonderful hands of new owners. I am relieved to know that this beautiful vessel is now in the wonderful hands of a new owner. Thank you, Seabourn Odyssey, for so many memories,” he concluded.
Krasimir Radev, captain of the Seabourn Odyssey, took the stage next. Mr. Radev began his career on the ship more than 30 years ago as a third officer and became a vice captain in 2005 with Seabourn Cruises. He has been on board the company’s cruise ships ever since.
Today marks the last time I will officially welcome you all as Captain of the Seabourn Odyssey. It has been the pride and joy of my life to captain this beloved cruise ship,” he said. I have experienced many special moments aboard this ship. I have experienced many special moments on board this ship, and it is also the ship that made me a captain. So I will really miss this ship.
He exhorted, “Today, I am honored to hand over this wonderful cruise ship to MOL Cruises, who will be traveling with new guests to the open seas ahead.”
Kim Roger Carlson was introduced as the new captain and took the stage. Mr. Carlson has been with Norwegian Cruise Line for over 24 years and was promoted to Captain in 2008. He has served on numerous vessels and is responsible for the safe and smooth operation of the vessels.
Captain Carlson commented, “As the oldest cruise ship company in Japan, we are pleased to add Mitsui Ocean Fuji, Japan’s first all-suite passenger ship, to our lineup of cruise ships, following Nippon Maru. This December,” he said, “I look forward to welcoming the next generation of guests. As captain, I proudly lead the safe operation of this ship and sincerely look forward to sailing her to beautiful Japan and the ports of call beyond”.
After a photo session by the officials, the ceremony ended with the raising of the new Mitsui Ocean Cruises flag. This marked the end of the Seabourn Odyssey’s journey.
Mr. Shoichiro Yamashita, Director and Executive Officer of Mitsui Oceangoing Cruises, which operates Mitsui Oceangoing Cruises, took the stage at the end of the session. He introduced Mitsui Oceangoing Cruises as a new cruise brand that expresses the beauty of Japan, rooted in Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ 140-year history and the natural beauty of the four seasons and traditional culture. We will continue to offer our guests a beautiful cruise in Japan through exciting entertainment, delicious meals, carefully selected ports of call, and sightseeing tours.
He paid tribute to the crews who have provided safe operation and service for the past 15 years, and promised, “With the launch of the Mitsui Ocean Fuji, starting from the port of Yokohama on December 1 of this year, we will provide all our customers with a unique and unparalleled ship trip.
© Source travel watch
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