Mitsui Ocean Sakura Enters Nagasaki Yard for Japan Debut
Mitsui Ocean Sakura reached Yokohama on May 30 after its final Seabourn sailing, with 29 cruises planned through late December from eight Japanese ports.
Two conversion projects and an extended technical repair program are shaping June cruise ship drydock activity, with Mitsui Ocean Sakura in Nagasaki, Vasco da Gama back at Damen’s Brest yard and Heritage Discoverer beginning work in Bremerhaven. The projects cover fleet-entry preparations for two recently acquired ships and a repair stay that has disrupted Nicko Cruises’ ocean program.
Each ship has a near-term deployment deadline attached to the yard work: Mitsui Ocean Cruises is preparing a second former Seabourn vessel for Japan cruises, Nicko is working toward an early-July return to service, and Heritage Expeditions is converting a vessel for Antarctic operations later this year.
Mitsui prepares Sakura for Japan debut
The 32,246-ton, 450-guest Mitsui Ocean Sakura, previously Seabourn Sojourn, entered Mitsubishi’s Nagasaki yard on June 2 after reaching Yokohama on May 30 following its final Seabourn sailing from Vancouver in mid-May. The 650-foot ship was built by T. Mariotti in 2010 and was acquired by MOL in early 2025, then chartered back to Seabourn through completion of its world cruise.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises is adapting the vessel for its FUNATABI product, including locally focused onboard features such as Sushi Bar Shiosai. Mitsui said the concept centers on “beautiful encounters with Japan,” and the ship is expected to be reflagged before entering service.
The Sakura will join Mitsui Ocean Fuji, the former Seabourn Odyssey, which entered service for Mitsui in December 2024. Mitsui retired Nippon Maru in May, leaving Fuji as the line’s only ship until Sakura joins the fleet.
Mitsui has not listed a completion date for the Nagasaki work. The inaugural program includes 29 cruises through late December, with short Japan sailings from Yokohama, Tokyo, Kobe, Hakata, Kanazawa, Niigata, Nagoya and Hiroshima. The first five-night voyage from Yokohama is scheduled to call at Toba and Hidaka, while a longer New Year itinerary sails roundtrip from Kobe with a call at Ishigaki and an overnight in Keelung, Taiwan.
Vasco da Gama repairs extend into July
Nicko Cruises’ Vasco da Gama is scheduled to remain at Damen’s Brest yard until July 2 after a new assessment identified the need for more repair work. The 55,819-ton, 1,270-guest ship has been out of service since technical problems affected the final leg of its world cruise in late April.
The repair sequence has affected five sailings: May 1 and May 9 departures, a May 26 Norwegian Fjords cruise, a June 9 charter from Kiel and an 18-night Scandinavia and Iceland voyage scheduled for June 14. The ship had left Brest on May 23 before turning back toward the yard.
Nicko told affected passengers that “an unexpected new technical defect occurred in one of the engines” during the crossing toward Hamburg. The company also said the new issue was not related to recent starboard propeller repairs.
Marios Ferreira, CEO of Nicko parent Mystic Cruises, said the extended stay was the responsible decision. “Ships of this character and quality require continuous care, attention, and preventive technical maintenance,” Ferreira said.
The 219-meter ship was built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone and underwent a significant refurbishment in 2025 that included aesthetic work and SCR systems to meet Tier III emissions standards. For guests booked on the canceled June 14 sailing, Nicko offered a full refund, a similar 2027 cruise, or a future cruise credit for another Nicko river or ocean sailing; guests who rebook receive a 10 percent discount.
Heritage Discoverer conversion starts in Bremerhaven
Heritage Discoverer, formerly Exploris One, arrived at Bredo Dry Docks in Bremerhaven on May 22 for conversion work after being acquired by Heritage Expeditions in late 2025. The 6,130-ton, 132-guest vessel was built in 1989 and is undergoing work before entering service under its new name.
The 108-meter ship is ice-strengthened and has a 1A ice rating. Its expedition equipment includes Zodiacs. The vessel is also scheduled to sail for Polar Latitudes Expeditions.
Heritage has not announced a completion date for the Bremerhaven conversion. The ship is due to debut in Antarctica later this year before moving on to Australia and Asia.
