Tokyo Disneyland operator Oriental Land Company (OLC) has announced a partnership for a new Disney cruise ship to sail from Japan.
Japanese shipping company NYK Line, its subsidiary NYK Cruises, and OLC have concluded a basic business partnership agreement concerning the latter’s Japan-based cruise services, which are scheduled to launch in 2028.
As part of the agreement, the three companies will now discuss consulting for the cruise business and management of the cruise ships and their operations.
Disney’s Japan cruises to launch in 2028
Per a press release, Oriental Land Company and NYK Group will work together to provide “family entertainment cruise experiences by combining the OLC Group’s expertise in offering immersive settings and excellent hospitality, which has been developed through its well-established theme park and hotel operations, and the NYK Group’s proven cruise operations and outstanding safety technology fostered through its long-standing cargo transportation and Asuka cruise business”.
NYK Line, the largest shipping company in Japan, operates 824 ships. Asuka II, currently the largest Japan-registered passenger ship, will be joined this summer by the Asuka III cruise ship.
OLC has already concluded a licensing agreement with Disney for its cruise business. The 330 billion yen ($2bn) ship will house around 1,250 rooms and a maximum capacity of 4,000 passengers. It will depart from and arrive at ports around Tokyo.
OLC said last year: “This decision was based on the potential growth of the cruise market in Japan, the experience the company has gained in its theme park and hotel operations, and its strong relationship with the Disney company, which will serve as a great advantage for this business opportunity.”
Disney Cruise Line is currently in the middle of a major expansion. Its fleet includes six ships, but will offer a total of 13 ships by 2031.
Images courtesy of OLC and Disney
