Eastern Cruise will embark on its maiden cruise on Dec. 24, 2024, the company announced in a press release.

After acquiring the former Pacific Venus in 2023, the company is poised to offer a series of cruises departing from Busan, South Korea.

For its first sailing, the ship is scheduled to offer a four-night itinerary to Japan that includes visits to Sasebo and Kagoshima.

According to the startup, which is a subsidiary of DuWong Shipping, the operation will open a new chapter for traditional cruising in the region.

“Unlike ferry-type cruise ships, the Eastern Venus is a traditional cruise ship that offers a complete cruise experience beyond transportation, including accommodation and leisure activities,” Eastern Cruise said.

“While there have been foreign cruise ships operating for short periods for Korean tourists or briefly stopping at Korean ports with foreign tourists, the Eastern Venus is the only authentic cruise ship operated by a Korean cruise line sailing internationally,” the company added in a press release.

After its inaugural sailing, the 700-guest ship is scheduled to offer additional short cruises to Japan, including a two-night New Year’s trip to Japan that includes a call to Sasebo.

Eastern Cruise’s maiden season also includes visits to Japan’s Kyushu region, including Nagasaki, Fukuoka and Kumamoto.

According to the company, the Eastern Venus is set to offer additional itineraries tailored to the needs of domestic and international passengers starting in April.

Plans call for cruises visiting destinations in Japan’s Hokkaido region, as well as other ports of call in China, Taiwan, the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

In addition to serving the national market in South Korea, Eastern plans to source passengers in other Asian countries, including Japan, Taiwan and China.

Built for Venus Cruise in 1998, the Eastern Venus was acquired by DuWong Shipping in late 2023. Ahead of its planned debut, the 26,500-ton vessel underwent a complete refurbishment in a shipyard in Asia.