Seabourn announces sale of Seabourn Odyssey

Seabourn has announced the sale of Seabourn Odyssey.

The 458-passneger ship is being sold to Japanese transport company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) for an undisclosed sum.

Seabourn Odyssey will continue to operate all published voyages until August 22, 2024 under a charter agreement and will be delivered to MOL once that ends.

The ship, which entered service in 2009, will be renamed ahead of entering service for the company around Japan by the end of 2024.

Seabourn president Natalya Leahy said: “We are proud that Seabourn Odyssey carried our guests across the world for the last 14 years and are happy to see her join a great company.

“As we prepare to say farewell to Odyssey in September 2024, I am excited to further optimise our fleet as we grow our expedition business.

“With the addition of Seabourn Pursuit this summer, Seabourn will have one of the most modern fleets in the ultra-luxury segment with an average age of just seven years.”

MOL Group, which is also is building two 600-passenger vessels to expand its single ship business from November 2023, sees the acquisition of Seabourn Odyssey as a way of accelerating expansion plans.

The company said: “The group aims to develop a high-quality international service based on a new concept that will enrich people’s lives and celebrate the culture of Japan.”

The firm has hired Anthony Kaufman as senior executive advisor, bringing experience from Carnival Corporation, Holland America Group and Princess Cruises, where he played a major role in the development of the inbound and outbound markets in Japan.