Mitsui Ocean Sakura Debuts Three Original Stage Shows
The former Seabourn Sojourn was named in Yokohama on September 16 before a four-night maiden voyage to Toba in Mie Prefecture and Hidaka in Wakayama Prefecture.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises is introducing three original shows aboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura, the former Seabourn Sojourn, for the ship’s maiden season, which began September 19, 2026. Created with Belinda King Creative Productions, the lineup brings together an international cast of singers and dancers for productions spanning classical crossover, popular music and dance.
“Live entertainment has become a guest favorite onboard Mitsui Ocean Cruises,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, president of Mitsui Ocean Cruises. He said performances have earned some of the strongest guest ratings across the onboard experience, with positive feedback from both Japanese and international passengers.
Encore, the classical crossover production, features vocal performances of “The Prayer,” “Hymne a L’Amour” and “Nessun Dorma.” Staged in the ship’s Ocean Stage theater, it pairs the musical selections with choreography combining classical ballet and contemporary jazz.
Icons draws on music by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones alongside songs from the Motown catalog. The third production, Dance, focuses on styles from around the world, with a repertoire that includes Quickstep and Tango. Belinda King Creative Productions also created original shows for Seabourn in 2025.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines acquired the ship in March 2025. Its naming ceremony took place in Yokohama on September 16, ahead of a four-night maiden voyage calling at Toba in Mie Prefecture and Hidaka in Wakayama Prefecture.
The vessel joins Mitsui Ocean Fuji, which entered service in December 2024. Sakura sails under the Japanese flag, allowing it to operate wholly domestic itineraries; Fuji is registered in the Bahamas.
Sakura’s schedule through the end of 2026 averages about three nights per cruise, with numerous one- to three-night sailings. The line is assigning the ship to short- and medium-length voyages around Japan, while Fuji focuses on medium- and long-duration cruises.
