Disney to Launch New Cruise Ship in Japan by 2028
Oriental Land Co. partners with Walt Disney Co. to introduce a new Disney cruise ship in Japan, starting operations in fiscal 2028.
TOKYO (Kyodo) — In an ambitious move to expand its offerings, Oriental Land Co. announced Tuesday that a brand-new Disney cruise ship will begin operating in Japan from fiscal 2028. This strategic venture comes as the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort seeks to leverage the burgeoning inbound tourism and the untapped potential of the cruise industry.
Boasting approximately 1,250 guest rooms and a capacity to accommodate around 4,000 passengers, this vessel is set to become one of the largest Japan-registered cruise ships. Oriental Land Co. disclosed that it had inked a licensing agreement with Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday, paving the way for the company’s entry into Japan’s cruise market. Construction of the 140,000-ton ship is scheduled to commence in the next fiscal year, starting April 2025.
The investment for this colossal project is projected at around 330 billion yen (approximately $2 billion). The cruise will primarily offer two-to-four-night tours, departing from and returning to various ports in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Pricing for these voyages will range between 100,000 yen and 300,000 yen per person, inclusive of accommodation and meals.
One of the ship’s standout features will be the enchanting shows starring beloved Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse. Passengers can also look forward to an array of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries, as well as numerous swimming pools.
“The ship will provide an experience as if you were in a theme park. The Disney world will never end, from morning until night,” said Yumiko Takano, CEO of Oriental Land, during a press conference in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, the home of Tokyo Disneyland.
Oriental Land has ambitious plans for the cruise’s inaugural years, aiming to attract around 400,000 guests annually and generate approximately 100 billion yen in sales. The company also envisions the possibility of the ship making stops at international ports in the future.
Since the inception of Disney cruises in 1998 in the United States, the fleet has grown to include five ships. Building on this success, three more ships are anticipated, with services slated to begin in Singapore as well, according to a press release by Oriental Land.
This new venture signifies a significant milestone for both Oriental Land Co. and Walt Disney Co., promising a unique and magical experience for cruise-goers in Japan.
