Disney Cruise Line to Base Ship Year-Round in Japan

Disney and Oriental Land Co. (OLC) are collaborating to offer year-round Disney cruise vacations in Japan, according to a press release.

OLC will operate a new Disney cruise ship, which will be registered and based in Japan year-round.

Under a recently signed agreement, OLC will manage a Disney-branded cruise business in Japan, with operations expected to begin by early 2029.

This marks the latest milestone in the partnership between Disney and OLC, which owns and operates the Tokyo Disney Resort.

“Disney Cruise Line has ambitious plans to bring family vacations and Disney storytelling to more guests around the world than ever before,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Experiences. “We are thrilled to continue the success of this expansion as we collaborate with Oriental Land Co. to introduce another distinctly Disney vacation experience to families and fans in Japan.”

“I am sincerely proud that Disney and Oriental Land will be able to work together to create a world-class cruise business in Japan,” said Yumiko Takano, representative director, chairperson and CEO, Oriental Land. “Oriental Land will use their knowhow from the theme park business to continue pushing boundaries and provide family entertainment cruise experiences filled with inspiration and surprise.”

To be constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the ship will feature designs by Walt Disney Imagineering.

As a sister ship to the Disney Wish, it will include many favorite venues and experiences, with modifications tailored for Japanese guests. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas and will have about 1,250 staterooms.