Disney Cruise Line is set to expand its influence into the Japanese cruise market.
- Under a new partnership with Oriental Land, Disney will launch a locally-based ship by 2029.
- The vessel, similar to Disney Wish, will be built in Germany with unique features for Japanese guests.
- Powered by liquefied natural gas, the ship will have approximately 1,250 staterooms.
- The collaboration aims to bring a distinct Disney experience to guests in Japan.
Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its global presence by venturing into the Japanese market through a strategic collaboration with Oriental Land (OLC). This ambitious partnership was formalised with a recent agreement, as announced on 9 July 2024.
The undertaking will see the construction of a new vessel to be stationed in Japan, marking a significant milestone with the launch expected by early 2029. The ship, similar to its sister ship Disney Wish, will be constructed at the renowned Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Walt Disney Imagineering will spearhead the design, ensuring faithful adherence to Disney’s intricate storytelling while incorporating select modifications designed exclusively for Japanese and international guests.
Impressively, the vessel is projected to be approximately 140,000 gross tons, promising a grand structure enriched with Disney’s imaginative offerings. Its design will offer around 1,250 staterooms, catering to a considerable number of passengers, thus enhancing the capacity to deliver enchanting experiences to families and fans alike.
This move aligns with Disney’s aspirations, as articulated by Josh D’Amaro, chair of Disney Experiences, to introduce the world-renowned Disney vacation ethos to a broader audience. By partnering with OLC, Disney aims to extend its family-oriented adventures and storytelling to Japanese shores. Yumiko Takano, representing OLC, echoes this sentiment, expressing pride in their capacity to forge a world-class cruise service, leveraging expertise from their successful theme park business to offer family entertainment cruises steeped in inspiration and surprise.
The development will fuel curiosity and anticipation among potential passengers, with more details regarding the maiden voyage and onboard experiences anticipated soon. As the cruise line and its partners progress, this initiative symbolises a forward-thinking expansion, promising an exceptional voyage designed to meet the cultural and recreational expectations of Japanese guests.
The collaboration between Disney and Oriental Land marks a promising expansion of Disney Cruise Line’s offerings to a new, culturally diverse audience.
