Oriental Land Company, LTD announced via a press release on July 9, 2024 the launch of a new business project, a licensing agreement for a cruise business with Disney Enterprises, Inc to bring Disney Cruises to Japan with service expected to start in fiscal year 2028.

This decision is based on the Oriental Land Company board of directors meeting held on July 9, 2024. The Oriental Land Company reached a decision to enter into the cruise business in Japan, and has concluded a license agreement with the Disney Company to bring the magic of Disney cruises to the market. 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.

Based on the license agreement with the Disney Company, constructions for a brand new ship will commence in Japanese fiscal year 2025, with the objective to become operational from Japanese fiscal year 2028. Approximately 330 billion yen ($2,049,663,000 USD) has been earmarked for the project including construction and preparations.

The new Wish Class cruise ship build will be about 140,000 gross tons, with capacity for about 4000 passengers and 1500 crew – which is slightly larger than the Wish class. MEYER WERFT has been selected to build the new vessel scheduled to be delivered by the shipyard in calendar year 2028 and enter service in early 2029.

Ships registry is tentatively Japan and will mainly sail short distance departing from and arriving at ports around Tokyo metropolitan area. The full press release can be read here or in the images below.

More on the announcement can be found here.