Mitsui’s Nippon Maru to Retire After 35 Years at Sea

A photo of the Nippon Maru cruise ship as seen on the screen of a camera
Cruise Industry
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Updated Published

The renowned Japanese cruise ship Nippon Maru, operated by Mitsui Ocean Cruises, is set to retire on 10 May 2026, marking the end of more than 30 years of distinguished service. Throughout its career, the vessel has completed over 2,000 voyages, travelled approximately 2.88 million nautical miles - equivalent to circling the globe about 133 times - visited more than 400 ports, and carried over 600,000 passengers.

To commemorate the ship’s remarkable legacy, Mitsui Ocean Cruises has launched the “Everyone’s ‘Nippon Maru’ Photo Exhibition”, inviting guests, crew, and fans to share their favorite memories of the vessel.

Participants are encouraged to submit:

  • A photo of the Nippon Maru (interior or exterior) that reflects a memorable moment.
  • An optional short story or note explaining why the image is special.

Entries must be in JPEG or PNG format, up to 10 MB in size, and may be either square or rectangular. The contest is open to everyone, with no entry restrictions.

Submission period:

  • Opens: Thursday, 30 October 2025
  • Closes: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 at 23:59 (Japan time)

Submissions will be accepted through the official Mitsui Ocean Cruises application page.

A panel of judges, including the Captain of the* Nippon Maru* and celebrated photographer Kazuyoshi Miyoshi, will evaluate all entries. Winners will be announced on a special website in late February 2026**, and those selected will receive notification by email.

Awards include:

  • Grand Prize (Nippon MaruPrize): One winner — Cruise for two on the ship’s final voyage (Superior Twin cabin).
  • Gold Award: One winner — A collection of regional specialties from the ship’s ports of call.
  • Silver Awards: Two winners — Nippon Maru original merchandise and assorted sweets.
  • Special Awards:
    • Nippon Maru Captain’s Award — A model of the ship.
    • Professor Kazuyoshi Miyoshi Award — A framed photograph of the Nippon Maru taken by the photographer himself.

Full terms and conditions can be found on the official submission page.

Since her launch in 1990, the Nippon Maru has been an integral part of Japan’s maritime heritage, offering voyages that celebrated both domestic and international destinations. The vessel has played a key role in promoting cultural exchange, supporting local communities, and inspiring generations of travelers.

This farewell photo exhibition provides a heartfelt opportunity for passengers, crew, and admirers alike to celebrate the ship’s legacy and share the memories that made the Nippon Maru such a beloved part of Japan’s cruising history.