Cruise demand is recovering fast from the pandemic slump. Ship operators in Japan are taking the chance to target foreign tourists and younger travelers to expand.
The transport and tourism ministry says 1.43 million foreign travelers visited Japan by cruise ship in 2024, four times more than in the previous year.
A subsidiary of shipping firm NYK Line plans to launch a new cruise ship called Asuka III in July, doubling its fleet.
The operator has mainly targeted older Japanese travelers in the past. It's now eyeing inbound tourists as well as younger travelers.
English-speaking staff will be on-board. Also, one-person cabins and flexible dinner times are being added to cater to younger travelers.
Meanwhile, MOL Cruises started operating its second cruise ship in December. The company plans to add another in the second half of next year.
MOL Cruises says Japanese travelers make up most of its customers. But it aims to eventually raise the ratio of foreign cruisers to 30 percent.
The transport and tourism ministry says 1.43 million foreign travelers visited Japan by cruise ship in 2024, four times more than in the previous year.
A subsidiary of shipping firm NYK Line plans to launch a new cruise ship called Asuka III in July, doubling its fleet.
The operator has mainly targeted older Japanese travelers in the past. It's now eyeing inbound tourists as well as younger travelers.
English-speaking staff will be on-board. Also, one-person cabins and flexible dinner times are being added to cater to younger travelers.
Meanwhile, MOL Cruises started operating its second cruise ship in December. The company plans to add another in the second half of next year.
MOL Cruises says Japanese travelers make up most of its customers. But it aims to eventually raise the ratio of foreign cruisers to 30 percent.
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Summary
Japan's cruise industry is experiencing a swift recovery post-pandemic, with operators focusing on attracting foreign and younger travelers. The Transport and Tourism ministry reports a fourfold increase in foreign travelers visiting Japan by cruise ship in 2024 compared to the previous year. A
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ID: def3234d-4428-4ee4-a094-a579bc0afb6d
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250317_B5/
Created: 2025/03/18 07:00
Updated: 2025/12/08 05:29
Last Read: 2025/03/18 08:01