Mitsui Ocean Fuji ship was officially named during a ceremony held in Tokyo Bay on Saturday, December 7th. The traditional sake-breaking ritual was performed by the vessel's godmother, Senko Ikenobo, the Headmaster Designate of the Ikenobo School of ikebana.
The special event celebrated both the ship's inaugural status under Mitsui OSK Lines/MOL Cruises and Japan's rich cultural heritage.
The naming ceremony took place in the ship’s Ocean Stage Theater, with notable participants including MOL Cruises CEO and President Tsunemichi Mukai, Captain Kim Karlsson, and Takeshi Hashimoto, President and CEO of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Senko Ikenobo, the first woman to hold the position of Headmaster Designate at the Ikenobo School - the oldest and most renowned ikebana institution - presided over the event.
The Ikenobo ikebana tradition, which emphasizes harmony with nature and mindfulness, was prominently featured in the ceremony. The stage was adorned with an ikebana arrangement crafted by Senshu Ikenobo, Senko's son and leader of the Ikenobo Youth Club.
Mitsui Ocean Fuji (fka Seabourn Odyssey) commenced her inaugural season on December 1st in Yokohama. Following a series of debut cruises, including a special New Year’s sailing, the vessel is set to embark on a 91-day South America charter under the banner of JTB, Japan's largest travel agency. After completing her charter, the ship will return to operate peak-season itineraries, including spring and Golden Week voyages (April-May), followed by a 66-day Grand Asia Cruise from May to July.