The Sefu is now scheduled to launch service in spring 2028, according to a recent update shared by R Yacht Co.

Currently under construction at the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, the 120-passenger ship was initially set to debut ahead of the summer 2027 season.

Marking the debut of R Yacht, the luxury vessel will offer itineraries to Japan and other destinations in the Far East.

In its September 2026 newsletter, the Japanese company said that the ship’s deployment will be announced at a later date.

R Yacht also announced that the 10,000-ton vessel will fly the Japanese flag, being registered at the Port of Uno.

The company said that the chosen port has been serving as a “key point for maritime traffic connecting Honshu and Shikoku.”

“Today it welcomes many travelers as a gateway to the Setouchi Inland Sea islands, including Naoshima,” R Yacht explained.

“Uno Port has sent off and welcomed countless people to the Setouchi Inland Sea. From now on, its name will travel the seas together with Sefu.”

The newsletter also highlighted the name that R Yacht chose for the ship, noting that it represents the company’s relationship with Japan.

As reported by Cruise Industry News, the name was announced in late 2025 and comes from two Japanese words: Setouchi and wind.

R Yacht said that it aims to transmit the “charm of the Setouchi Sea, islands, food, culture and port towns” to Japanese and international travelers.

“With this vision and role in mind, we begin a new journey with Uno Port as our homeport,” the company added.