The results of the “Cruise of the Year 2024” sponsored by the Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association (JOPA) have been announced. This award recognizes cruise products sold in Japan that are highly original and have contributed to the Japanese cruise market.

The Grand Prix, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award, went to Yusen Cruises’ “Asuka II 2024 Round the World Cruise.” This is the first time in six years that a Japanese cruise operator has conducted a round-the-world cruise, and despite the difficult circumstances, including last-minute changes to the route due to the situation in the Middle East, the event was highly praised for its comprehensive content.

In addition, this year’s award results are as follows.

Excellence Award

• MITSUI OCEAN FUJI Debut Cruise 2024 (Mitsui O.S.K. Cruises)
• MSC Cruises Okinawa Season (MSC Cruises Japan)
• 2024 Solar Eclipse Total solar eclipse observation cruise across the American continent 14 days (Hankyu Transportation)

special award

• Sorachi Shinkin Bank 100th Anniversary Special Route Nippon Maru Charter Cruise (Tabi no Chikara, JTB Hokkaido Division, Sorachi Shinkin Bank)
• Silver Week food cruise around Japan Nanao Port (Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Mitsui O.S.K. Cruises)
• A new flow of people created by the redevelopment of Pier No. 3 and the surrounding area (Otaru City, Hokkaido)
• Sasebo Port (Sasebo City Port Department)
• Cruise customer “hospitality” trial aimed at resuming international cruises – Aiming to improve the standard of passenger ship acceptance at Japanese ports – (Yokohama Port Promotion Association)