Disney and Oriental Land expand partnership into cruise business

For over 40 years, Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) have worked together to build theme parks and hotels in Japan, including Tokyo Disney Resort. Now, the two companies have signed a new licensing agreement to jointly launch a new Disney Cruise Line ship, which is scheduled to introduce year-round Disney cruises to Japan by early 2029.

According to an OLC press release, “This decision is based on the potential growth of the Japanese cruise market, our experience in theme park and hotel operations, and our strong relationship with Disney.”

Under the partnership, OLC will build and operate a Disney-branded cruise ship. The ship will be the fourth Triton-class cruise ship in Disney’s expanding fleet. Construction is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2025 (starting April 1). The ship will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Disney is currently building its next cruise ship, Disney Treasure, at the same shipyard. The ship is scheduled to launch in December 2024 on a week-long voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida.

The Japan-based ship will feature some of the same facilities and experiences as Disney Wish, but will also have some spaces designed specifically for Disney’s Japanese fan base. The new ship will be approximately 140,000 gross tons, run on liquefied natural gas, and feature approximately 1,250 staterooms. The ship is expected to accommodate approximately 4,000 guests and 1,500 crew members.

Specific routes have not yet been disclosed, but the ship will mainly make short-distance voyages to and from ports in the Tokyo metropolitan area, according to an OLC press release. Total investment in the project is estimated at about 330 billion yen, or roughly $2 billion, OLC said.

“I am truly proud that Disney and Oriental Land are working together to create a world-class cruise business in Japan,” said Yumiko Takano, Chairman and CEO of Oriental Land. “Leveraging our know-how in the theme park business, Oriental Land will continue to push the boundaries to provide an entertainment cruise experience for families that is full of inspiration and surprises.”

The announcement comes on the heels of Disney Cruise Line unveiling its third Wish-class ship, Disney Destiny, and Disney Adventure, which will sail from Singapore in 2025. Disney Cruise Line also opened a new island destination, Disney Lookout Cay, at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas in June 2024. With the news of the Japan-based cruise ship, Disney’s fleet will feature nine ships sailing around the world by 2029.

2024 is also an important year for Tokyo Disney Resort. In June, Tokyo DisneySea opened its newest area, Fantasy Springs. The $2.1 billion, 35-acre development is one of eight themed “ports,” or areas, within the park. Fantasy Springs was built in partnership between OLC and Disney.

“Disney Cruise Line has ambitious plans to bring family vacations and Disney stories to more guests around the world than ever before,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experience, in a press release. “We are pleased to continue this successful expansion by working with Oriental Land Co. to offer new uniquely Disney vacation experiences to families and fans in Japan.”