Mitsui OSK Lines is one of the world's leading marine transportation companies, operating a fleet of about 600 vessels. Today, the company's major area of operations is international shipping, mostly over long distances; however, it also offers cruise services and is a leader in Japan cruise industry. The department of MOL that deals with passenger cruises is Mitsui OSK Passenger Lines, Ltd. (MOPAS). The cruise routes the company offers cover the globe and offer excellent levels of comfort, luxury, and safety that allow travelers to fully enjoy the pleasures of a sea voyage. Programs and schedules are tailored to meet different customer desires and budgets. MOPAS features Fuji Maru and Nippon Maru. These two Mitsui OSK cruise ships are the wonders of the Japanese shipbuilding. Launch of these advanced vessels was a turning point in the country's cruise industry, for they are unrivaled in their level of luxury and security. Both vessels can carry more than 600 passengers each and have such features as salon, dining room, theater, swimming pool, casino, sauna, massages, etc. Fuji Maru, a 23,340 gt. cruise liner, was constructed in 1989 and has been operated jointly by Mitsui and Japan Cruise Line since 2001. The vessel offers a reasonable amount of space, even though you will not find a particularly attractive environment on deck. The ship was specially designed for Asian passengers who prefer not to stay out on the deck for long during the voyage. There is one swimming pool and traditional Japanese baths to your service. The interior design of the vessel is traditionally Japanese, too, with its Washitsu tatanu mat rooms. Many of these are designed for study groups and conferences. There is a two-tier 600-seat hall: it can be used to host conferences, exhibitions or other such events. All the cabins are outside and are created to serve mostly for work-study. Here comes one of the limitations you should be aware of if you are going on a voyage on this liner. The vessel is primarily designed as a work-study cruise ship; therefore, it does not work so well on pure leisure voyages. However, the major limitation is that the company focuses mostly on Japanese passengers and you need to have some experience in the language and the culture if you are not native to the country. It seems that taking a sea voyage on Mitsui OSK cruise ships is a positive experience for a person with interest in the Japanese culture and speaking a bit of Japanese. Fuji Maru's sister and the second of the Mitsui OSK cruise ships, Nippon Maru, was built in 1990, as popularity of cruise vacations with Japanese passengers increased. It is designed essentially in the same manner as its elder relative and the features it offers are very much alike: piano lounge, library, sports deck, dolphin room, fitness center and other facilities. Combined with all the conveniences of modern cruise vessels offer, an opportunity to delve into Japanese culture on board one of the Mitsui OSK cruise ships may turn out to be a valuable marine experience for a traveler who is looking for something out of the beaten track.