Japan has its own luxury cruise line, and most Australians have never heard of it. Mitsui Ocean Cruises operates two five-star ships sailing exclusively around Japan, and this September its second vessel, Mitsui Ocean Sakura, launches to join Mitsui Ocean Fuji. To mark the debut, Cruise Traveller — the exclusive Australian representative for Mitsui — has released five new fly-free packages for 2027 voyages, with free return flights to Tokyo from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane included for bookings made by 30 November 2026.
Both ships carry 458 guests in all-suite, all-ocean-view accommodation, with 90 per cent of staterooms offering a private balcony. Formerly Seabourn vessels, Sakura and Fuji have been reconfigured around two Japanese philosophies: funatabi, Mitsui’s commitment to immersing guests in Japanese heritage, nature, cuisine and tradition; and omotenashi, the Japanese art of intuitive, heartfelt hospitality. Japanese crew sail alongside guests, and itineraries are designed to reach smaller, less-visited ports — ancient temples, exquisite gardens and towns that most cruise lines bypass entirely.
The flagship fly-free package centres on a nine-night voyage aboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura departing Yokohama on 17 September 2027, during Japan’s Silver Week autumn holiday period. The itinerary circles Honshu’s coastline, calling at five smaller ports — Senzaki, Tottori, Nanao, Kuji and Oarai — rarely visited by other cruise lines. Port excursions, selected onboard beverages and Wi-Fi are included. Priced from A$11,299 per person twin share in a Veranda Suite, including free return flights.
Four additional fly-free sailings aboard sister ship Mitsui Ocean Fuji are available in April and September 2027, with packages starting from A$8,799 per person twin share. All bookings must be made by 30 November 2026 to qualify for the free flight offer.
Book via Cruise Traveller at cruisetraveller.com.au/mitsui-fly-free or call 1800 507 777.
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