As Japan Emerges from the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Cruise Industry Eyes a Bright Future
Riding the wave of a younger demographic who is ready to travel, the cruise industry in Japan is starting to boom.
According to a new report from Nikkei Asia, cruise line operators, shipping lines, and entertainment companies are finding a demand for luxury cruises from new demographics.
NYK Cruises, a part of Japanese shipping company NYK, for example, announced on September 6 that it was launching a 103-day round-the-world cruise. Initially, the announcement was to be delivered to 30 potential customers, before demand necessitated that they expand to 80.
As Japan continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise operators are seeing a rebound in the country’s tourism industry and new demand to sail.
The Disney Cruise Line Will Expand to Japan in 2029
Perhaps the biggest example of the industry’s optimism about Japan came in July when Disney and the Oriental Land Company (OLC) announced a new agreement to bring year-round Disney cruise vacations to Japan.
“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 of 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.”
The new cruise ship will be operated by OLC and will be based in Japan. A sister ship to the Disney Wish, the unnamed vessel will feature many of the Disney Cruise Line hallmarks, albeit tailored to a Japanese audience.
“Tokyo Disneyland may be a catalyst for the cruise industry,” Masayuki Ito, managing director of Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association, said to Nikkei Asia.
Oriental Land Company Looks to Expand Its Offerings
For the Oriental Land Company, the goal will be to bring the level of service that has made Tokyo Disney Resort famous to the high seas.
“Oriental Land will use their know-how from the theme park business to continue pushing boundaries and provide family entertainment cruise experiences filled with inspiration and surprise,” said Yumiko Takano, representative director, chairperson, and CEO of Oriental Land.
While the Disney Cruise Line will not come to Japan until 2029, the currently unbuilt vessel is a symbol of a new demographic of younger Japanese citizens who are ready to sail the seas in style.