Japan's first Disney cruise ship named Disney Imagination for spring 2029 debut
In short
Oriental Land announced on October 14 that its new Disney cruise ship will be named Disney Imagination and enter service in spring 2029. The ship will mainly offer two- to four-night cruises from Tokyo, with capacity for about 4,000 passengers.
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Oriental Land announced on October 14 that the ship for its new Disney cruise business in Japan will be called Disney Imagination. The company, which operates Tokyo Disney Resort, plans to begin service in spring 2029. Tokyo International Cruise Terminal will be the main departure and arrival base for the ship, according to Japanese outlets. [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]
The main product will be two- to four-night cruises without port calls, with prices of 100,000 to 300,000 yen per person, Nikkei and Sankei Shimbun reported. Asahi Shimbun said prices would vary by season and room grade. Oriental Land is targeting families, while short itineraries are also intended to make the service accessible to younger travelers. [ 2 , 6 , 8 ]
The ship is expected to have about 1,250 cabins and accommodate about 4,000 passengers. Onboard facilities will include a theater with more than 1,300 seats and about 30 food and drink venues. Asahi reported that the ship would have three main dining restaurants themed around Disney, along with cafes, bars and shops selling exclusive merchandise. [ 4 , 6 ]
Entertainment plans include shows and meetings with Disney characters. The ship will also have areas exclusively for children and others limited to adults, Asahi reported. At the press conference, Oriental Land's chair said the company wanted cruise travel to offer a central role to everyone from children to older people, rather than be seen only as a relaxing trip for adults. [ 4 , 6 ]
Construction is under way at a German shipyard, with investment expected to total about 330 billion yen, Sankei reported. Yahoo! News Japan identified the builder as Meyer Werft and said the vessel was based on Disney Wish. Game Watch reported that the stern would feature Ariel and Sebastian from The Little Mermaid depicted painting the ship's name. [ 1 , 5 , 8 ]
Why it matters
Oriental Land is targeting families with short cruises and plans investment of about 330 billion yen. The company says it wants to broaden cruise travel beyond its image as a leisure activity for adults.
Key facts
- Oriental Land announced the Disney Imagination name on October 14. [ 1 , 4 ]
- The planned service begins in spring 2029, mainly from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]
- The ship will have about 1,250 cabins and capacity for about 4,000 passengers. [ 4 , 6 , 8 ]
- The main offering will be two- to four-night cruises without port calls, priced at 100,000 to 300,000 yen per person. [ 2 , 8 ]