Eastern Venus

The 1997-built MS Eastern Venus cruise ship (formerly "Pacific Venus") was launched in September at the Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries shipyard in Tokyo. The vessel was ordered by Japan Cruise Line Inc (a subsidiary of SHK Group) and homeported in Kobe (Osaka).

Under her new name (EASTERN VENUS), the vessel (IMO number 9160011) is currently Panama-flagged (MMSI 352003306) and registered in Colon. Previously (until December 2023), she was Japan-flagged (MMSI 431281000) and registered in Osaka.

On December 10, 2023, the vessel officially changed ownership and registry. She left Port Aioi (Hyogo Prefecture, Japan) on December 7 en route to Port Shidao (northeast of Qingdao), arriving on December 11. She began revenue operations for her new Chinese owner on December 12.

The South Korea-based company Eastern Cruise Line, a subsidiary of DuWon Shipping Co Ltd, is the vessel's new operator.

Eastern Cruise Line debuted on the Asian market on December 24, 2024, when Eastern Venus commenced her Maiden Voyage from Busan. The 4-night roundtrip itinerary to Japan included calls at Sasebo and Kagoshima. The inaugural season also featured scheduled visits to Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. Future plans include expanding itineraries to additional ports in Japan, as well as China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia.

History - Construction and Ownership

The 700-passenger Pacific Venus was the second-largest cruise ship sailing under the Japanese flag. Her first voyage, in 1998, was a 40-day itinerary across eastern Asia. Over time, she sailed extensively around the Japanese islands and also operated world cruises, reaching destinations as far as Europe.

In January 2013, to mark 15 years of service, Pacific Venus undertook a 42-day voyage through the Indian Ocean and Asia, retracing the same route as her maiden voyage in 1998.

In early November 2022, Venus Cruise Line (founded in 1989 and owned by a consortium of cruiseferry operators) announced it would cease operations in January 2023 after 33 years. Pacific Venus’ final voyage departed from homeport Kobe on December 27, 2022, and returned on January 4, 2023.

Before the COVID crisis, Venus Cruise Line operated about 80 voyages annually, serving around 25,000 domestic passengers. The Venus Cruise brand was inaugurated in 1990 with the launch of the newbuild Orient Venus (now Aegean Paradise).

Decks and Cabins

The largest accommodations on Pacific Venus were four Royal Suites (65 m²) located behind the bridge, named "Archaic" (1001), "Modern" (1002), "Elegant" (1003), and "Noble" (1004). "Modern" and "Archaic" were styled with traditional Japanese décor, while "Noble" and "Elegant" featured contemporary interiors.

Each Royal Suite offered a private balcony, lounge, separate bedroom, and a large oceanview bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub.

The ship also had 16 Suites (35 m²), each with a balcony, living area, sleeping area, and bathroom with bathtub.

Guests in Royal Suites and Suites enjoyed various privileges and enhanced onboard services.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

The Main Dining Room, named Primavera, was located aft on Deck 7 and offered 328 seats at large tables. Depending on the voyage, dinners were served in one or two seatings, while charter cruises followed different arrangements. The daily-changing menu featured both Japanese and Western cuisine. Breakfasts combined Japanese set meals with Western buffets, lunches were mainly Japanese, and dinners alternated between Japanese and Western styles. Late-night snacks were also offered.

The ship primarily catered to older Japanese travelers and maintained a casual dress code. Family-friendly packages were also available. With a high space-to-passenger ratio, she offered a comfortable and relaxing cruise experience. Elegant dining, attentive service, and tastefully designed facilities established Pacific Venus as one of Japan’s most luxurious cruise ships in the Asia-Pacific region.

Pacific Venus Cruise Itineraries

The Pacific Venus itinerary program was centered around a 3-month World Cruise departing Japan each April. During winter, she operated longer voyages such as the "Asia Grand Cruise" and the "South Pacific Grand Cruise."

Shorter Asia itineraries were also offered, including the "Japan Circumnavigation Cruise." Homeports included Yokohama and Kobe, both offering roundtrip departures.

In January-February 2017, she completed a 47-day World Cruise from Yokohama (with alternative departures from Kobe). Ports of call included Japan, Marshall Islands, French Polynesia, American Samoa, and Hawaii. Overnight stays were scheduled in Honolulu and Papeete.

During summer, the ship offered shorter Japanese coastal cruises, including 1-night preview cruises-to-nowhere and music-themed voyages during summer festivals. Occasionally, itineraries also included calls in South Korea, Russia, China, and Taiwan.