Seabourn Cruises have revealed their oldest vessel, Seabourn Odyssey, has been sold to the Japanese transport company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines for an undisclosed amount.
Seabourn Cruises tell us they will continue to operate all published Seabourn Odyssey voyages under a charter arrangement until 22 August 2024.
When Seabourn Odyssey entered service in 2009 it was the first in a new class of ultra-luxury vessels. Carrying 450-passengers, it set new standards for space and guest experiences. Indeed, two more of the popular Odyssey-class vessels were also built, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest.
Seabourn tell us the sale of Seabourn Odyssey helps ensure the modernity of their fleet. Indeed, the addition of the 264-guest Seabourn Pursuit later this year will give the cruise line one of the youngest fleets at sea.
The future of Seabourn Odyssey beyond 2024 is unclear. However, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines presently operates a single cruise ship named Nippon Maru (circa 1990) with itineraries base mostly around the Japanese islands. The line’s President and CEO Takeshi Hashimoto previously told Nikkei Asia that USD710 million was set aside to replace the ageing Nippon Maru with two newer vessels. Though Hashimoto had initially indicated this was to build two new vessels.
Seabourn will continue to operate Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest, as well as the larger blue water vessels Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. The cruise lines expansion into the expedition market continues with Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.
For more information visit the Seabourn website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
