The Oriental Land Company Has Established ‘Disney Cruise Line Japan’
In 2024, the Oriental Land Company and Disney reached a new agreement to bring the Disney Cruise Line to Japan.
Under the new deal, OLC will operate a new Disney Cruise Line vessel that will sail from Tokyo Port.
“Disney Cruise Line has ambitious plans to bring family vacations and Disney storytelling to more guests around the world than ever before,” then Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said.
Photo: Disney
“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 Ship’s Launch Has Been Fast-Tracked
Over the last 18 months, we have continued to learn more about the Oriental Land Company’s plans for Disney Cruise Line.
The yet-unnamed ship will be constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and will be a Wish-class vessel, featuring the same kind of experiences, entertainment, and amenities that have made the Disney Cruise Line famous, albeit catered to a Japanese audience.
Image Credit: Disney
Initially, the two partners set a launch date for 2029.
Subsequently, however, it became clear that OLC wanted to fast-track its plans. The launch date was then moved up to fiscal year 2028.
“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 of Oriental Land.
“Oriental Land will use its know-how from the theme park business to continue pushing boundaries and provide family entertainment cruise experiences filled with inspiration and surprise.”
Now, we have another exciting update to share.
Disney Cruise Line Japan
To help facilitate the launch of Disney Cruise Line Japan, the Oriental Land Company has created Oriental Land Cruise Company, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to the cruise business.
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
“As upheld in the 2035 Long-term Management Strategy, the Company seeks to evolve its business structure to achieve sustainable growth. To this end, the Company is working to launch Disney cruise services in Japanese fiscal year 2028 as a pillar for further growth, while pursuing continued growth for Tokyo Disney Resort®, its mainstay business,” the Oriental Land Company said in a press release.
“As part of this initiative, the Company has decided to establish a subsidiary to accelerate the commercialization of its cruise business. And to manage and operate its future cruise ships in a specialized and agile manner.”
Photo: Disney
In addition to launching its new subsidiary, the Oriental Land Company announced that its Japan-based Disney vessel will operate under the name Disney Cruise Line Japan.
There is even a new logo!
Photo: Oriental Land Company
“The Company is launching Japan’s first Disney cruise ship. This will introduce a new type of experience, family entertainment cruises, to the Japanese cruise market. Please look forward to the launch of the services in Japanese fiscal year 2028,” OLC concluded in its press release.
I, for one, can’t wait to see the Disney Cruise Line spread its magic to Japan.
Photo: MickeyBlog
