5 Client Prospects Perfect for MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES

MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES isn’t simply a new luxury cruise line. It’s a Japanese company, steeped in Japanese traditions that is opening its doors to English-speaking passengers to see how the Japanese do cruising. Because its not Americanized and the overall experience isn’t being diluted to make it more comfortably familiar to an international audience, it’s a cruise line that’s definitely not for everyone.

On a recent FAM trip with MITSUI, eight travel advisors had the chance to experience the product for themselves. TMR sat down wit four of them – all from Cruise Travel Outlet – to see which types of clients they think are a good fit for a MITSUI cruise.

Here’s what they told us.

1. Experienced Luxury Cruisers

When asked who the right client for a MITSUI cruise is, the four advisors from Cruise Travel Outlet didn’t hesitate.

“It’s definitely your luxury customer,” Michelle Saklad said. “Someone that’s probably well-traveled.”

Jeanie Rocco added that clients that have been on Silversea, Viking, Regent, or Seabourn would be great prospects, but said she could also see some Celebrity cruisers as being a good fit.

Someone who is more likely to “think out of the box” and not your “regular” cruiser.

2. Groups Over Individuals

The advisors also agreed that they’d rather send a group – even one as small as two couples – over an individual couple.

One of the obstacles, they said, is that a couple alone on a sailing with no to few other English-speaking guests could feel alienated and lonely.

“I think of myself on this trip without all of you, with just my husband. It would be a long eight or nine days. I would miss that interaction,” Saklad said.

But a group of friends or more than one couple traveling together would eliminate that problem.

3. Adventurous Foodies

Travelers who look forward to experiencing a destination through its food are another great prospect, though they’ll need to be adventurous.

Meals are a mix of traditional Japanese mixed with Japanese interpretations of Western dishes. In the main restaurant, there is a set menu every night, and you won’t always know exactly what you’re being served.  

While shore excursions don’t currently include shoreside meals, MITSUI is considering adding that after feedback from FAM participants – who did have meals included in excursions – was overwhelmingly positive. Landside, cruisers have even less choice when it comes to dining.

Though vegetarian and gluten-free can be catered to, your clients still need to be willing to try foods they’ve never encountered before.  

“The guests who are looking for the burgers and the mac and cheese, you’re not going to get that here,” said Dawn Brockert.

4. Lifelong Learners

MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES is more Japanese than American, and it puts the needs and likes of its Japanese passengers above those of the international market.

This sense of foreignness may be uncomfortable for some. But cruisers who enjoy learning about the destinations they visit by being immersed in the culture, through interactions with local people, and by visiting attractions such as museums and family-owned businesses, will fit right in on MITSUI.

“It’s someone looking for a true, authentic experience, not a Japanese experience that’s been Americanized,” Saklad said.

It’s not, Claudine Colarusso added, for the passenger who likes to stay onboard in port.

5. Well-traveled Families with Older Kids

When asked if they’d consider putting family clients onboard MITSUI, all four advisors said yes – if it’s the right family.

Though there were small children on our sailing, there is no regular kid’s program onboard because Japanese families like to keep their kids with them. With little to do to occupy their time, the advisors said they would only put families with teenagers or young adults onboard.

Families would need to already be well-traveled, with an appreciation for learning about other cultures. MITSUI is not for the family that wants to sit by the pool or go to the beach.