Disney is expanding its cruise operations with a new ship in Japan, enhancing its global reach.
- The new vessel will be a sister ship to Disney Wish, tailored for Japanese passengers with localised features.
- This ship will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard, featuring 140,000 gross tons and using LNG fuel.
- Oriental Land Co will own and operate the ship, continuing their 40-year partnership with Disney.
- Disney aims to deliver world-class cruise experiences in Japan, leveraging Oriental Land’s theme park expertise.
Disney Cruise Line is set to broaden its offerings in Japan, with a new ship projected to commence operations by early 2029. This strategic move is part of Disney’s efforts to enhance its international footprint by delivering its signature family-oriented cruise vacations to a broader audience.
The forthcoming ship is a sister vessel to Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish and will feature modifications designed to cater specifically to the Japanese market. It will be constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, boasting a significant 140,000 gross tons. The ship will utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a propulsion method, underscoring Disney’s commitment to more sustainable cruising options.
Ownership and operational responsibilities for this new ship will rest with Oriental Land Co (OLC), the company renowned for operating Tokyo Disney Resort. This collaboration is an evolution of a longstanding over 40-year relationship between Disney and OLC. Chairman Josh D’Amaro expressed enthusiasm over extending Disney’s storytelling and vacation experiences to Japan, highlighting the potential for a unique cruise experience.
Yumiko Takano, Chief Executive of OLC, expressed pride in the partnership with Disney. She emphasized OLC’s intent to leverage its theme park expertise to create family entertainment cruise experiences that are both inspiring and surprising. This move is seen as a progression in OLC and Disney’s partnership, promising a distinctly Disney vacation experience for Japanese families and fans.
Further details regarding the ship’s maiden voyage, specific itineraries, and the onboard experiences are yet to be disclosed. However, it is clear that this development is a significant component of Disney Cruise Line’s broader plans, which include year-round operations from Singapore starting in 2025 and the addition of three new vessels by the following year.
Disney and Oriental Land Co are poised to offer an innovative and culturally attuned cruising experience in Japan by 2029.
