Disney Cruise Line will build a fourth Wish-class ship then move to a new design of three slightly smaller vessels to access more destinations and support environmental goals.
These are the first details of the company's four new builds contracted at Meyer Werft last August. Before now, Disney hadn't disclosed what it planned.
New class 100,000gt
The fourth 144,000gt, LNG-powered Wish-class ship, with capacity for 4,000 passengers, will come in 2027. It will be followed by three vessels in 2029, 2030 and 2031, measuring approximately 100,000gt with capacity for 3,000 passengers.
This makes the new class 20% larger than DCL's original Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, yet smaller than the Dream and Wish classes.
Future fuels and a battery system
The three new ships will not use LNG but will be able to run on a variety of fuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and renewable methanol, while remaining adaptable to additional fuel options that become available to the cruise industry.
Disney said they'll also be among the lightest cruise ships of their size, saving fuel with a streamlined hull, next-generation power and propulsion systems and numerous other operations optimized for energy efficiency.
As well, they'll be outfitted with a battery system to support and supplement the main engines. And, in port, they'll be able to shut down their engines and use shore power.
Access to more destinations
'As we expand our fleet, it is important that we continue to provide a variety of experiences for our guests. Families enjoy the diversity of vacations we offer, from our classic vessels to our Wish-class ships,' said Thomas Mazloum, president, New Experiences Portfolio & Disney Signature Experiences. 'They also expect to explore a broad range of destinations, including those that prefer to host smaller ships.
'At the same time, we are focused on implementing new technology and designs that align with our longstanding commitment to the environment.'
'Guests will see the difference'
The Disney Imagineers are 'dreaming up this new class of ships to be as fuel and energy efficient as possible,' added Philip Gennotte, portfolio project management executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, 'and our guests will see the difference — from a more hydrodynamic design to lighter materials and energy-efficient technology throughout ... We’re very proud to continue to support Disney’s broader environmental goals, now and into the future.'
13 ships in 2031
After debuting second Wish-class ship Disney Treasure in December, Disney Cruise Line currently fields six vessels.
Together with this year's Disney Destiny (third in the Wish class) and the big (208,000gt) Disney Adventure (originally Global Dream), the fleet will number 13 in 2031.
In addition, partner Oriental Land Co., which owns and operates Disney parks in Tokyo, is to take delivery of a Meyer Werft-built, Wish-class ship in late 2028 that will cruise year-round in Japan starting in early 2029.
