Summary
There’snever any shortage of anime-themed thingsto do when you visit Japan, and one of the most popular things for otaku to experience is a themed cafe. The cafes are based on the most popular anime, not the least of which has beenSpy x Familyin recent years. But this winter, there is something new coming to the world of anime-themed dining - an anime cruise!
Tokai Kisen, a cruise company based in Tokyo, announced via their X (formerlyTwitter) last weekend that they would be devoting one of their ships to a new anime-themed dining experience for otaku. The ship, theSalvia Maru, is going to hostSpy x Familydecorations and events from the end of November until the end of February. It will have many of the features of ausual anime cafe, but held in an all-new setting from your typical restaurant in Akihabara or Ikebukuro.
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The cruise itself will start in Yokohama at 6:10pm, and finish in Tokyo Takeshiba at 7:45pm, going through Tokyo Bay. It will pass several iconic landmarks, including the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo Aqua Line. On board, theSalvia Maruwill have specialSpy x Familydecorations, anexclusive merchandisestore, and snacks and drinks available for an additional fee. There will also be an on board stamp rally to get an exclusive ship sticker! Tickets for the cruise are priced at 2,000 yen for adults ($13 USD).
Spy x Familyhas been airing since November 2021, when a two-part first season premiered to international success. A much-anticipated second season began to air in October 2023. On November 4th, in the fifth episode of season two, “Plan to Cross the Border,” the characters have a mission that takes place on a cruise ship. And exactly one week after that episode aired, this specialSpy x Familycruise was announced, with perfect timing to ride that hype train - or should we say, boat!
Bad jokes aside, theSpy x Familycruise brings a welcome change to the world of anime dining, which has changed little in the past decade. While retaining a touch of tradition with exclusive goods and decorations that everyone expects, having a new setting and something special to do other than just eat is nice to see. Plus, even if one person likes the anime and their friend, family, or partner does not, going on a cruise around Tokyo Bay is something everyone can enjoy together, keeping everyone happy.
TheSpy x Familycruise will run from November 25th, 2023 to February 25th, 2024. Tickets must be purchased two months in advance for dates after January 14th, 2024, and the goods shop will not be open in February. you may get tickets via Tokai Kisen’sofficial websitenow, or at Lawson or 7–11 stores in Japan (though these tickets cannot be redeemed for a souvenir ticket).
