South Korea-based Eastern Cruise is set to launch a new cruise operation in Asia with the former Pacific Venus.

Renamed the Eastern Venus, the 720-guest vessel is set to enter service for the startup brand in August 2024.

Plans call for cruises in Northeast Asia from April to October with South Korea homeports, and in Southeast Asia from October to March with Taiwan serving as the turnaround base.

“This development marks a significant milestone for South Korea’s growing cruise industry and represents an important expansion of cruise offerings in Northeast Asia,” the company’s Public Relations and Marketing General Manager, Un Song Kim, told Cruise Industry News.

Eastern’s launch is aligned with projections of a 5.17 percent annual growth in South Korea’s cruise market between 2024 and 2028, Kim added.

Built for Japan-based Venus Cruises in 1998, the Eastern Venus is undergoing a refurbishment ahead of its debut.

As the newest player in the Asian cruise market, Eastern Cruise is planning a series of three- to five-night cruises with departures from South Korea and Taiwan.

The company’s deployment will target both domestic and international travelers, Kim said.

The new brand is linked to Duwon Shipping, a ro-ro operator that operates between South Korea, Japan, Russia and Southeast Asia.

According to its website, the company also offers ferry services for passengers and cars onboard the 1993-built Eastern Dream.

After concluding a 25-year operational career in Japan, the Pacific Venus was withdrawn from service in January 2023, as part of Venus Cruise’s plan to shut down its cruise business.

The 26,500-gross ton vessel then entered an extended layup period before being sold to new owners in late 2023.