Seabourn Sells Seabourn Soujourn

Seabourn—one of the leading names in the world of ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel—has this month announced the sale of flagship Seabourn Sojourn to Mitsui Ocean Cruises, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. 

Following the sale, Seabourn will charter the ship from Mitsui Ocean Cruises and continue to operate all published voyages on Seabourn Sojourn, with the completion of their world cruise in May 2026 drawing Seabourn’s partnership with the vessel to a close. Seabourn Sojourn will be delivered to Mitsui Ocean Cruises after the charter period and upon handover, the ship will be renamed and deployed in late 2026. With Mitsui Ocean Cruises, the ship will coast around the Sea of Japan, in keeping with the company’s focus on short, domestic voyages—a market which is not competitive with Seabourn.

Sisters Reunited

Seabourn Sojourn is a luxury cruise ship chartered and operated by Seabourn Cruise Line. The ship was ordered in 2006 and built in the shipyard of T. Mariotti S.p.A. in Genoa, Italy, before entering service in 2010, as the second of three sister ships. Sister ship Seabourn Quest remains part of Seabourn’s current fleet, whilst Seabourn Odyssey was sold to Mitsui Ocean Cruises in 2023 and renamed Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, said: “We launched Mitsui Ocean Fuji in December 2024 and are very pleased with the guest reaction to the ship and onboard product. The ship’s spacious suites, delicious food, and exciting entertainment are receiving very positive reviews. While all new cruise ships take a little time to settle in, the experience on Mitsui Ocean Fuji is continuously improving and we are now extremely confident that these two ships are the most suitable vessels to expand our cruise business.”

A New Chapter 

Seabourn Sojourn offers a high space-per-guest ratio and personalised services. The vessel’s amenities include 225 staterooms for 458 guests, ten passenger decks, and a large spa, as well as being equipped with the latest technology, including safety management system control and an independent propulsion system. In 2011, the ship embarked upon 111-day round-the-world cruise, and in 2019 became the company’s first vessel to visit Cuba. 

“With this transition, Seabourn will have one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the business, perfectly suited to offer the private yacht-like experience that makes us one of the world’s most popular choices in ultra-luxury cruising”, said Seabourn President Mark Tamis.

“We are proud that after 16 years in the fleet, Seabourn Sojourn will continue her journeys with Mitsui Ocean Cruises. In the coming year, we will find special ways to celebrate Sojourn’s legacy with guests and crew,” added Mark. 

The Rise of Seabourn Expeditions

In the meantime, Seabourn’s ultra-luxury guest experience remains unparalleled, whilst their range of voyages remain as diverse and inspiring as ever. For those in search of once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Seabourn now boasts two purpose-built expedition ships - Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture – in addition to their larger E-Class ships—Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Encore—and remaining O-Class ship, Seabourn Quest. With a five-strong fleet and a rich selection of itineraries, there have never been more options for guests to see the world in style, ensconced in Seaborn’s trademark intimate atmosphere and intuitive personalised service. 

“There are no immediate plans to exit additional ships from our fleet, and there are no plans to sell Seabourn,” a spokesperson said. “Seabourn is performing very well, with strong bookings and the successful launch of our two new purpose-built ultra-luxury expedition ships.”