Meyer Werft to build Disney Wish-class ship for year-round Japan cruises

OLC will operate the ship, to be registered in Japan, under a license agreement with Disney.

Fourth in the Wish series

This fourth Disney Cruise Line newbuild in the 140,000gt Wish series is scheduled for 2028 delivery and expected to commence Japan operations in early 2029.

It will have about 1,250 staterooms with capacity for 4,000 or so passengers and 1,500 crew. There will be select modifications for Japanese guests.

Ambitious plans

'Disney Cruise Line has ambitious plans to bring family vacations and Disney storytelling to more guests around the world than ever before,' said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Experiences. 'We are thrilled to continue the success of this expansion as we collaborate with Oriental Land Co. to introduce another distinctly Disney vacation experience to families and fans in Japan.'

$2b investment

'Oriental Land will use their know-how from the theme park business to continue pushing boundaries and provide family entertainment cruise experiences filled with inspiration and surprise,' said Yumiko Takano, representative director, chairperson and CEO, OLC.

OLC said the cruise venture will represent an investment of about 330b yen ($2b), including ship 'construction, preparations, etc.'

OLC opened Tokyo Disneyland in 1983, and Tokyo DisneySea, the first ocean-themed Disney theme park, in 2001. It also operates Tokyo Disney Resort, which includes hotels, a monorail and a retail-dining-entertainment complex. Last month it opened Tokyo DisneySea’s eighth themed port, Fantasy Springs.

New Meyer customer

'I am very happy to sign this contract today and win OLC as a new customer from Japan. This order contributes to the long-term development of shipbuilding in Papenburg,' Bernard Meyer said upon inking the deal in Tokyo today.

This also continues DCL's long relationship with Meyer Werft and is a 'strong signal for shipbuilding in Papenburg and shows that companies from all over the world rely on the quality of Meyer Werft,' added Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group.

Ships in the pipeline

Meyer Werft is scheduled to deliver Disney Treasure later this year, and Disney Destiny in 2025.

The yard has been a cash crunch, with a state bailout considered likely.

Also scheduled for 2025 delivery is the larger, 208,000gt Disney Adventure, which is being completed at the former MV Werften by Meyer, and is scheduled for year-round Singapore operations.  

Short cruises

OLC said it intends to operate short cruises 'departing from and arriving at ports around [the] Tokyo metropolitan area.'

Details about the new Japan ship's maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.