A cruise not so well publicised, and not available to the general public this year, was that of Mitsui OSK Lines’ 1989-built cruise ship Fuji Maru, which journeyed from port to port in northern Japan providing free day-use services, such as meals, baths, and rest, for victims of the March earthquake and tsunami.
Ports called at included Ofunato, Kamaishi and Miyako, with the ship staying at each port for several days. One victim, who was able to use the ships services, said: ‘We suffered the tsunami because we are a harbour town, and because we’re a harbour town, we could receive the gift of these wonderful services.’ Fuji Maru has since returned to service for her operator Nippon Charter Cruise.
