Disney Cruise Line and Tokyo Disneyland operator Oriental Land Company have announced plans for a new ship to sail from Japan.
Modelled after the Disney Wish, the upcoming ship is part of a multi-year expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Disney plans to spend $12 billion on new cruiseships, which is part of a total $60bn investmentin its parks, experiences and products division.
Via a press release from Oriental Land Company (OLC), the operator has decided to get into the cruise business in Japan and has concluded a licensing agreement with Disney.
Disney Cruise Line's expansion
It said: "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's fleet currently contains five ships, including the Disney Wish. Three new ships are being developed – the Disney Adventure, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny. Services are scheduled to begin in Singapore with the Disney Adventure.
Another new ship will be built for the Japanese market. This will be Disney Cruise Line's ninth vessel. Construction is due to start next year, with the ship operational from 2028.
The 330 billion yen ($2bn) ship will have around 1,250 rooms and a maximum capacity of 4,000 passengers. It will depart from and arrive at ports around Tokyo.
“To set sail from Japan will make Disney vacations at sea more accessible to Japanese guests, who we know are some of our biggest fans,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Signature Experiences (via the Business Times).
The Disney Treasure sets sail later this year, and the Disney Adventure will depart from Singapore in 2025.
Images courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
