Disney Cruise Line orders two new 135,000 gross ton ships

The Walt Disney Company has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany to build two new cruise ships, with delivery in 2021 and 2023.

Each new ship will be approximately 135,000 gross tons, which is slightly greater than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, both of which are 129,690 gross tons. Each will house around 1,250 guest staterooms.

Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, said: “We pride ourselves on the unforgettable vacation experiences we deliver to our guests each and every day, and the expansion of our Disney fleet will allow us to create even more magical memories for families at sea and in incredible cruise destinations around the world.”

The design plans, ship names and itineraries are still under wraps although we can expect that the ships will build upon the successful innovations found on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. These include AquaDuck, a water coaster at sea, and Magical Portholes, virtual portholes in interior staterooms that provide real-time views of the sea as well as sightings of animated Disney characters. More highlights from the current fleet can be seen in Laura-Jane Parker’s Disney Dream video here.

Plans for the expansion of Disney Cruise Line were announced as Disney expands its land-based properties around the world.

Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, explained: “The expansion of Disney Cruise Line only adds to our excitement for the unprecedented growth taking place across our vacation destinations, from new Star Wars experiences coming to the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts to the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and the grand opening of our newest park, Shanghai Disney Resort”.

Further details about the new ships, their names, the on-board facilities, and itineraries will be announced at a later date.

(Photo credit to Disney Cruise Line)