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| Photo: Nippon Maru |
“What makes us different from the American and European luxury lines are the unique facilities onboard the Nippon Maru like the chashitsu (tatami room for tea ceremonies), toilet seats fitted with an automatic bidet, heaters in all the rooms and a grand bath, which are common in Japanese hotels,” said Naohiko Yamaguchi, director, Mitsui OSK Passenger Line.
The 22,474-ton, 1990-built Nippon Maru is sold as a luxury ship, he said, and underwent a major refurbishment in 2010.
The ship will mainly sail domestic cruises for the rest of 2012, but a New Years voyage is offered, calling in Guam and Saipan.
The product is designed for wealthy Japanese seniors, according to Yamaguchi.
The Nippon Maru was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as was the slightly larger Fuji Maru, which the company uses for charters.
“We are always looking at expanding,” said Yamaguchi. “But, there are no concrete plans for a newbuilding. We need to concentrate on being successful with what we have.”
The company is backed by Mitsui OSK Lines, a major Japanese cargo company.
To read more, go to: cruiseindustrynews.com
