On October 14, Oriental Land Cruise held a press conference at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal regarding “Disney Cruise Line Japan,” Japan’s first Disney cruise line.
At the press conference, it was announced that the luxury cruise ship—one of the largest in Japan—would be named the “Disney Imagination.” It is scheduled to begin service in the second half of fiscal year 2028 (spring 2029).
“Disney Imagination” is a ship filled with “dreams and wishes” and the power of imagination that lies at the heart of Disney’s storytelling. The ship’s name embodies the hope that guests of all ages will enjoy their voyage while experiencing the magic of Disney’s imagination.
At the stern, a scene depicting Ariel, the heroine of the Disney movie *The Little Mermaid*, and Sebastian, the court musician, painting the ship’s name is featured.
Yumiko Takano, Chairperson and CEO of Oriental Land—the company that operates Tokyo Disney Resort—took the stage at the press conference.
“We’re transforming cruises—which have traditionally been seen as a leisurely experience for adults—into family entertainment cruises where everyone, from children to seniors, can take center stage. OLC’s challenge to establish this new culture takes a major step forward today as we aim for the ship’s maiden voyage in the second half of fiscal year 2028. “Our cruise ship will set sail from this Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, carrying many smiling faces. I am truly honored to be able to announce the ship’s name here, where your travel memories will begin,” he said, expressing his joy and anticipation.
Regarding the Ariel at the stern, the company explained, “Her spirit of adventure as she steps into the unknown, her boundless curiosity, and her belief in her own dreams beautifully align with the sentiments embodied in the ship’s name.”
Furthermore, the company states that it “offers a new way to enjoy cruising, where the ship itself becomes the destination.” Specifically, this includes a seamless Disney experience that continues from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep, along with shows and activities featuring characters dressed in original costumes, a wide variety of dining options, and relaxing time at the pool and spa in the adults-only area.
Ryotaro Shiiba, President and CEO of Oriental Land Cruise, cited the high potential of the cruise market in Japan as a key feature of Disney Cruises. He pointed out that the percentage of the population who take cruises stands at just 0.2% in Japan, compared to 5.9% in the United States.
At the same time, he pointed out that one key benefit of the ship being registered in Japan is that it enables transportation between domestic ports. By offering short cruises lasting two to three nights based out of the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, these trips would fall within the average number of nights spent on domestic stays in Japan (1.7 nights), making cruises an attractive option as an extension of local travel.
Mr. Shiiba cited the “ability to create an environment of overwhelming immersion” as the key advantage of cruises, and also stated, “I hope cruises will become a well-established form of leisure in Japan.” Citing the example of Tokyo Disneyland—which opened at a time when the concept of theme parks had not yet taken root but has since become commonplace—he pledged to do his utmost to ensure that cruises similarly gain widespread acceptance and become a popular leisure choice.
As for onboard amenities, the ship is said to incorporate guest preferences—including bathtubs—gained from operating Disney hotels, specifically with Japanese guests in mind. Regarding dining options, there are reportedly proposals to serve dishes such as noodles at the counter or through quick-service outlets.
He also said that, taking into account Japan’s unique souvenir culture, they are considering measures such as expanding the retail space. Regarding the staff, he noted that the workforce will be a multinational, hybrid team, including Japanese and Filipino employees, among others.
Regarding the progress of shipbuilding, construction is currently underway at Meyer Werft in Germany, with the local office coordinating with Disney headquarters. Construction of the hull began this past October, with delivery to Oriental Land scheduled for the fall of 2028 and the ship set to enter service in the second half of fiscal year 2028. Reservations are scheduled to open six months prior to the ship’s launch.
In addition, Natasha Rafals, President of Disney Signature Experiences, described Disney Cruises as “a blank canvas for families to create their own stories,” and Tracy Wilson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line Operations, said, “It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. I have high hopes for bringing the magic of Disney to Japan.”
© Source travel watch