Nippon Maru Cruise Ship Retires After 35 Years at Sea

JAKARTA - The Japanese cruise ship, Nippon Maru, returned to a port south of Tokyo on Sunday last week, after its last voyage to mark the end of its 35-year career, during which the ship had transported a total of 600,000 passengers and sailed around the world.

Fans and family members of crew members gathered at the port in Yokohama to say goodbye and show their gratitude to the 22,472-ton vessel that is retiring, which was once considered a pioneer of Japan's luxury cruise ship industry.

They waved flags and cheered as the Nippon Maru, operated by a subsidiary of Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., docked at around 8 a.m. after completing a three-day voyage in the Pacific off Japan's east coast.

At the retirement ceremony held at the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, Captain Koichi Uchida expressed his appreciation for the ship.

"From staying one night to sailing around the world, we have taken many trips where we can share the excitement with our guests. Thank you and congratulations on your hard work," he said, as reported by Kyodo News (12/5).

Among the fans was 11-year-old Ayane Senoue from Tokyo, who recalled, "The hospitality and service were amazing, and the show was so much fun."

Nippon Maru, which began operations in 1990, has sailed more than 5.3 million kilometers, equivalent to circling the earth about 133 times, in more than 2,000 voyages, stopping at more than 400 ports in Japan and other countries, according to the ship operator.

Equipped with 190 guest cabins and a large hall that is the venue for various performances by singers and musicians, the 167-meter-long ship underwent renovations in 2010 and 2020. By taking advantage of its compact size, Nippon Maru is able to stop at various ports, according to the ship operator.

Although Nippon Maru will be retired, the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines group has been trying to expand its cruise business by introducing new ships, amid expectations of growth in demand for cruise ships in Japan.