A data storage disk cartridge having a dual housing structure includes an inner housing that contains a disk, and an outer housing that contains the inner housing. The inner housing is at least partially removable from the outer housing for insertion into a disk drive. The outer housing remains external to the disk drive, however, except for a portion that is inserted into the drive to provide a docking channel for retraction of the inner housing. A shutter on the inner housing covers a portion of the disk, but is manipulable by the disk drive to uncover the disk and allow drive access. The dual housing structure of the cartridge is capable of significantly improving disk and drive reliability, particularly for recording applications that require higher areal recording densities, such as near field optical recording. In particular, the disk cartridge reduces the accumulation of debris on the disk and drive components. The dual-housing disk cartridge provides a system of partially redundant barriers that significantly reduce the possibility of debris accumulation. The barriers form a hierarchy of cleanliness that stands between the outside environment and the disk and drive components. Consequently, in a preferred mode, the disk is never exposed to the outside environment. The reduced amounts of debris contribute to more consistent optical and mechanical performance of the disk and drive, and thereby enhance data storage reliability.