Cruise Ship "Nippon Maru" Completes Final Voyage and Retires
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises' "Nippon Maru" concluded its 35-year history with a retirement ceremony at Yokohama Port. Its legacy will be carried on by "MITSUI OCEAN FUJI" and the "MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA," launching in September 2026, continuing the tradition of "beautiful Japanese sea voyages."
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- 📰 Published: May 11, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 11, 2026 at 10:31
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MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President: Tsunemichi Mukai, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "the Company"), saw its cruise ship "Nippon Maru" conclude its operations upon returning to Yokohama Port on Sunday, May 10, 2026, bringing its approximately 35-year history to a close. A retirement ceremony was held at Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal on the day, with approximately 7,327 people*1 witnessing its final voyage.
*1: Number of visitors at the entrance of Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal (May 10, Sunday, 6:00 AM - 9:30 AM).
Since its inauguration in 1990, "Nippon Maru" has led Japan's leisure cruise market for approximately 35 years, with the spirit of hospitality cherished by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises at its core, and highly acclaimed onboard dining. It offered a variety of itineraries, from domestic cruises enjoying the changing seasons to round-the-world cruises visiting various countries. In 2001, it became the first Japanese cruise ship to tour the Baltic Sea, providing unique experiential value tailored to the needs of each era. Furthermore, "Nippon Maru" created opportunities for interaction with ports of call through its cruise experiences, fostering connections with local communities, promoting regional culture, and boosting domestic tourism.
Its total cruising distance reached 5,332,383.964 km, equivalent to approximately 133 circumnavigations of the Earth. It completed over 2,000 voyages, called at more than 400 ports both domestically and internationally, and welcomed over 600,000 passengers in total*2. Countless thoughts and stories woven into each voyage have shaped the journey of "Nippon Maru."
*2: According to the Company's research based on records up to March 2025.
On the day of its retirement, it made its final entry into Yokohama Port's Osanbashi around 9:00 AM. Many long-time patrons of "Nippon Maru" and related parties with ties to the ship gathered at the venue, waving to the crew members on deck, showing their reluctance to say goodbye. On the pier, "Nippon Maru" and the cruise ship "MITSUI OCEAN FUJI" were lined up, creating a symbolic scene of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises' past journey and future. Afterwards, a retirement ceremony hosted by Yokohama Port was held, where Captain Koichi Uchida of Nippon Maru delivered the following speech:
"Everyone, Nippon Maru has completed its final voyage and returned to Yokohama Port. Since its inauguration in 1990, Nippon Maru has departed from Yokohama Port countless times, sharing感動 with customers on voyages ranging from one-night cruises to round-the-world cruises. And for its final voyage, we departed from this Yokohama Port, seen off by many, and have safely returned today.
Since the announcement of its retirement, we have received many warm words such as 'Thank you,' 'Goodbye,' and 'Welcome back' at each port of call. I strongly feel that Nippon Maru continues to run in everyone's hearts across the country. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone gathered here today, the people of the Yokohama region, all related parties, and all customers who have supported us. This moment, surrounded by so many people for Nippon Maru, is a special and unforgettable time. And for me, all experiences on Nippon Maru are irreplaceable treasures.
Today, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Nippon Maru, which has been sailing for 35 years, together with all of you. Thank you for your hard work, Nippon Maru. We will not forget you, Nippon Maru. Thank you, Nippon Maru. Everyone, thank you very much for such a long time."
Moving forward, the cruise brand "MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES" developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises will continue to evolve based on its past achievements. "MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA" will be launched in September 2026, and with the already operating "MITSUI OCEAN FUJI," a two-ship system will inherit the tradition of "Nippon Maru" and connect it to the future. Under the theme of "beautiful Japanese sea voyages," Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises will continue to provide memorable encounters and experiences, connecting customers, ports of call, local communities, and crew members, while inheriting the spirit of hospitality cultivated over many years.
Related Links:
MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES
https://www.mitsuioceancruises.com/
Nippon Maru
https://www.mitsuioceancruises.com/nipponmaru/
MITSUI O
*1: Number of visitors at the entrance of Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal (May 10, Sunday, 6:00 AM - 9:30 AM).
Since its inauguration in 1990, "Nippon Maru" has led Japan's leisure cruise market for approximately 35 years, with the spirit of hospitality cherished by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises at its core, and highly acclaimed onboard dining. It offered a variety of itineraries, from domestic cruises enjoying the changing seasons to round-the-world cruises visiting various countries. In 2001, it became the first Japanese cruise ship to tour the Baltic Sea, providing unique experiential value tailored to the needs of each era. Furthermore, "Nippon Maru" created opportunities for interaction with ports of call through its cruise experiences, fostering connections with local communities, promoting regional culture, and boosting domestic tourism.
Its total cruising distance reached 5,332,383.964 km, equivalent to approximately 133 circumnavigations of the Earth. It completed over 2,000 voyages, called at more than 400 ports both domestically and internationally, and welcomed over 600,000 passengers in total*2. Countless thoughts and stories woven into each voyage have shaped the journey of "Nippon Maru."
*2: According to the Company's research based on records up to March 2025.
On the day of its retirement, it made its final entry into Yokohama Port's Osanbashi around 9:00 AM. Many long-time patrons of "Nippon Maru" and related parties with ties to the ship gathered at the venue, waving to the crew members on deck, showing their reluctance to say goodbye. On the pier, "Nippon Maru" and the cruise ship "MITSUI OCEAN FUJI" were lined up, creating a symbolic scene of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises' past journey and future. Afterwards, a retirement ceremony hosted by Yokohama Port was held, where Captain Koichi Uchida of Nippon Maru delivered the following speech:
"Everyone, Nippon Maru has completed its final voyage and returned to Yokohama Port. Since its inauguration in 1990, Nippon Maru has departed from Yokohama Port countless times, sharing感動 with customers on voyages ranging from one-night cruises to round-the-world cruises. And for its final voyage, we departed from this Yokohama Port, seen off by many, and have safely returned today.
Since the announcement of its retirement, we have received many warm words such as 'Thank you,' 'Goodbye,' and 'Welcome back' at each port of call. I strongly feel that Nippon Maru continues to run in everyone's hearts across the country. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone gathered here today, the people of the Yokohama region, all related parties, and all customers who have supported us. This moment, surrounded by so many people for Nippon Maru, is a special and unforgettable time. And for me, all experiences on Nippon Maru are irreplaceable treasures.
Today, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Nippon Maru, which has been sailing for 35 years, together with all of you. Thank you for your hard work, Nippon Maru. We will not forget you, Nippon Maru. Thank you, Nippon Maru. Everyone, thank you very much for such a long time."
Moving forward, the cruise brand "MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES" developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises will continue to evolve based on its past achievements. "MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA" will be launched in September 2026, and with the already operating "MITSUI OCEAN FUJI," a two-ship system will inherit the tradition of "Nippon Maru" and connect it to the future. Under the theme of "beautiful Japanese sea voyages," Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises will continue to provide memorable encounters and experiences, connecting customers, ports of call, local communities, and crew members, while inheriting the spirit of hospitality cultivated over many years.
Related Links:
MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES
https://www.mitsuioceancruises.com/
Nippon Maru
https://www.mitsuioceancruises.com/nipponmaru/
MITSUI O