Oriental Land Co., owner and operator of the Disney parks in Tokyo, commissioned Meyer Werft a Wish-class vessel to sail year-round in Japan.
OLC will operate the vessel, which will be registered in Japan, under a licensing agreement with Disney.
This fourth new-build Disney Cruise Line ship in the Wish series, with a gross tonnage of 140,000, is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and is expected to begin operating in Japan in early 2029.
It will have approximately 1,250 cabins with capacity for around 4,000 passengers and 1,500 crew members. There will be some modifications for Japanese passengers.
“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, president of Disney Experiences. “We are thrilled to continue the success of this expansion by collaborating with Oriental Land Co. to introduce another distinctly Disney vacation experience to families and fans in Japan.”
“Oriental Land will use its expertise in the theme park business to continue pushing boundaries and delivering inspiring and surprising family cruise entertainment experiences,” said Yumiko Takano, Representative Director, President and CEO of OLC.
OLC opened Tokyo Disneyland in 1983 and Tokyo DisneySea, Disney's first ocean-themed theme park, in 2001. It also operates Tokyo Disney Resort, which includes hotels, a monorail, and a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. Last month, it opened Tokyo DisneySea's eighth themed port, Fantasy Springs.
Meyer's new client
“I am very pleased to sign this contract today and to gain OLC as a new customer from Japan. This order contributes to the long-term development of shipbuilding in Papenburg,” said Bernard Meyer upon signing the agreement today in Tokyo.
“This also continues Disney Cruise Line’s long-standing relationship with Meyer Werft and is a strong signal for shipbuilding in Papenburg and shows that companies around the world trust in the quality of Meyer Werft,” added Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group.
Ships under development
Meyer Werft is scheduled to deliver the Disney Treasure later this year and the Disney Destiny in 2025.
Also planned for delivery in 2025 is the larger, 208,000 DWT Disney Adventure, which is being completed on Meyer's former MV Werften and is scheduled to operate year-round in Singapore.
OLC has stated that it intends to operate short cruises “departing from and arriving at ports in the Tokyo metropolitan area.”
Details about the maiden voyage, itineraries, and experiences aboard the new Japanese ship will be announced later.
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