The NYK Group, which includes cruise brand Asuka Cruise and shipping company NYK Line, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Oriental Land Co.

According to a statement shared on the company’s website, the partnership aims to forge a business alliance in the cruise industry, which Oriental Land plans to launch in 2028.

Based on this memorandum of understanding, the three companies will proceed with consideration of two business matters, the NYK Group said.

In addition to providing business consulting services for Oriental Land, the group will also act in the cruise ship management and operations management segments.

“Oriental Land and the NYK Group will combine the Oriental Land Group’s track record of creating extraordinary spaces and high levels of hospitality cultivated through the operation of theme parks and hotels with the NYK Group’s operational track record and high level of safety technology,” the statement said.

NYK Group’s accumulated experience will help Oriental Land realize its vision of a new family entertainment cruise service, the text continued.

Founded in 1885, NYK Line is currently the largest shipping company in Japan, with a fleet of 824 ships and roughly 35,000 employees.

Formerly involved in Crystal Cruises’ operations, the company currently has a presence in the cruise business through its subsidiary Asuka Cruise.

Serving the Japanese national market, the brand operates the 940-guest Asuka II on itineraries around Asia and Oceania.

The company plans to take delivery of a second vessel, the Asuka III, ahead of the upcoming summer season in the region.

According to the statement, Asuka operates a wide range of itineraries tailored to the lifestyles and tastes of Japanese customers. The brand’s goal is said to be the development of Japan’s cruise culture.

Oriental Land was founded in the 1960s with the aim of contributing to “the culture, welfare and wellbeing of Japan,” the statement said.

The company presently operates theme parks as its core business and plans to launch a cruise business in fiscal 2028.