Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line Wins 'Cruise of the Year 2015' Grand Prix

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Junichiro Ikeda) today announced that the Nippon Maru: "Tonde (fly to) cruise packages to Okinawa, Kyushu, and Hokkaido", which were planned and offered by its group company Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line, Ltd. (MOPAS; President: Motomu Kobayashi; Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo), won the Grand Prix in the "Cruise of the Year 2015" awards sponsored by the Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association (JOPA). The awards recognize inventive approaches by cruise lines, travel agencies, and so on in creating new travel experiences that contribute to the expansion of Japan's cruise market.

The Tonde Cruise Hokkaido was launched in 2006 as Japan's first full-scale fly-and-cruise package - in which travelers fly to the cruise ship port and fly home at the end - and marks its 10th anniversary this year. This four-day, three-night cruise to Hokkaido, calling at out-of-the-way destinations like Rishiri Island, Rebun Island, and the port of Rausu, with arrival/departure at the Port of Otaru. The Tonde Cruise Okinawa, with arrival/departure at the Port of Naha, visits surrounding islands, while the Tonde Cruise Kyushu, visits neighboring islands around its arrival/departure port of Hakata.

Thanks to MOPAS' efforts to meet customer needs and build strong relationships in arrival/departure ports and local areas, a total of more than 22,000 passengers from all over Japan have enjoyed these fly-and-cruise packages. Its efforts to develop new cruise markets and its leading role in the promotion of regional tourism were key to its selection for this award.

JOPA presented the Grand Prix plaque to MOPAS Director Kazuyoshi Shimada at the awards ceremony on December 17.

MOL Group continues to offer services that enrich people's lives and contribute to society.