Disney acquires a partially completed ship to add to the Disney Cruise Line fleet

Nov 16, 2022 in "The Walt Disney Company"

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Disney Cruise Line Announces Acquisition of Ship

Posted: Wednesday November 16, 2022 4:19pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has today announced the acquisition of a partially completed ship to expand the Disney Cruise Line fleet and to travel to new global destinations from 2025.

Disney Cruise Line Announces Acquisition of Ship

Disney will work with the Meyer Werft shipbuilding company to complete the cruise ship previously known as the Global Dream in Wismar, Germany. The ship will be renamed with certain features reimagined by Walt Disney Imagineers and is expected to set sail in 2025.

“Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

The new ship, to be based outside the United States, will feature innovative Disney experiences and the exterior will be adorned in the iconic, Mickey Mouse-inspired colors of the fleet, complete with signature red funnels.

The 208,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be among the first in the cruise industry to be fueled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available. Disney Cruise Line expects the passenger capacity to be approximately 6,000 with around 2,300 crew members. In comparison, the new Disney Wish can carry 4000 passengers.

Construction will be completed at the former MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft, the Papenburg-based company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. The ship’s previous owner filed for bankruptcy before completing the vessel, enabling Disney Cruise Line to secure it at a favorable price and within the capital expenditure guidance The Walt Disney Company provided on its recent earnings call. The project also secures employment for hundreds of former MV Werften employees and will provide opportunities for numerous maritime industry suppliers in the region.

More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.

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jaklgreen9 days ago

I know, I have been following the progress and I like the ship. The original Disney Cruise line ships are great, but this is next level. The husk of the ship being purchased cheaply doesn't change that.

Andrew C9 days ago

It is always difficult to sort out when it is a new ship and not everything is released yet. If you are not already using a travel agent for your Asia trip in general, I would suggest going through one to book the Disney cruise part. @Kingdom Konsultant

NotCalledBob9 days ago

We are going on vacation in Asia next April and want to book a 4 night cruise on the Adventure. I've had a good look at the stateroom floor plans and an imagination garden view verandah stateroom seems like a good pick. However it's really difficult from the floor plans currently released and the artist rendering to see where the stage will be located in imagination garden. We'd like to be able to watch the shows from our verandah. Any one with more cruising experience have any idea? This will be our first DCL cruise.

HauntedPirate11 days ago

Remember that $lappie bought this on the cheap and it was retrofitted with Disney theming.

jaklgreen12 days ago

I think this ship looks amazing. I am actually pissed that it is going to Asia. I feel the the Asian market gets all of the amazing stuff. Their parks are better, the food is better, now they have an amazing ship.

vikescaper13 days ago

Definitely not for me either. The Wish class is big enough for me.

DisneyDreamer0813 days ago

Heck no. Way too big. It gives me anxiety just looking at it 😂

invader13 days ago

Adding funnels is like putting lipstick on a pig. That thing is horrendous.

DCBaker13 days ago

Here's another look at the Disney Adventure (photo via Sebastien Giorgetti): Closer video:

Vegas Disney Fan13 days ago

I thought the Wish class felt too large, this looks enormous, I’m far more excited about the recently announced “smaller” ships than any of the Wish class ships or this ship.