Disney Cruise Line marked the beginning of construction on its next vessel. On August 8, 2025, the Meyer Werft shipyard hosted the steel‑cutting ceremony in Papenburg, Germany. Present were Disney Signature Experiences President Joe Schott and Walt Disney Imagineering’s Philip Gennotte.
The Aqua Mouse water slide on the Disney Wish cruise ship – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
The new ship will be the fourth in Disney’s Wish‑class and is expected to be delivered in 2027. Its predecessors include the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. The latter just left Meyer Werft on August 9th, and it is set for its first voyage with passengers later this coming November.
Specifications and Design Features
The forthcoming cruise ship will weigh approximately 144,000 gross tons and accommodate around 4,000 guests. It will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Fleet Expansion Strategy
Disney Cruise Line currently operates six ships and is expanding rapidly. Two ships—Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure—are scheduled for entry in late 2025. The unnamed Wish‑class ship under construction is part of an order for four new vessels slated for delivery between 2027 and 2031, bringing the fleet to 13 by 2031.
One of the pools on the deck of the Disney Wish Cruise Ship – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
The Disney company has already planned a fifth Cruise ship for 2029, to join the Oriental Land Co. and set sail fro Tokyo.
New Smaller Class Ships
In addition to the 2027 Wish‑class ship, Disney will introduce three new vessels in 2029, 2030, and 2031. These ships will measure around 100,000 gross tons, carry about 3,000 guests, and will use a mix of sustainable fuels (renewable methanol, hydrotreated vegetable oil), feature streamlined hulls, advanced propulsion, and onboard battery systems to enhance efficiency.
Key Reasons Behind Disney’s Cruise Fleet Expansion
Disney Cruise Line is experiencing exceptionally strong demand and high occupancy rates. As Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney’s Experiences division, stated: “The demand that we’re seeing right now for Disney Cruise Line is very strong. We’re a premium brand, occupancy is high, and frankly, the business is doing really, really well.”
The Aqua Mouse water slide on the Disney Wish cruise ship – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
Despite its premium positioning, Disney currently holds only about 5% of the Caribbean cruise market and 2.5% globally, positioning the company as a relatively small player with substantial room to grow.
Disney is particularly eyeing expansion in Asia, where it lacks theme parks. The forthcoming Disney Adventure, its largest ship yet (approximately 6,700 passengers), will operate out of Singapore starting in late 2025. This strategic push targets affluent households across Southeast Asia, especially markets like India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Castaway Cay – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Finally, Disney views its cruise ships not just as vessels, but as “movable ambassadors” of its brand. According to Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, “four in every ten guests … say the only reason they’re cruising at all is because Disney is in the space.”
Environmental Commitment
Disney emphasized that the new vessels are being designed to support its broader sustainability goals. The aim is to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency with hydrodynamic design, multi‑fuel capacity, shore‑power readiness, and lighter materials.
Philip Gennotte, Portfolio Project Management Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, spoke on the company’s goals.
The Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay – Photo Credit: That Park Place
“Our team of Disney Imagineers is dreaming up this new class of ships to be as fuel and energy efficient as possible, and our Guests will see the difference,” he said. “From a more hydrodynamic design to lighter materials and energy-efficient technology throughout the ships.”
Have you been on a Disney Wish Class Cruise ships? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Disney gives off serious desperation vibes with this. Their Q3 report looked good on the surface but just scratching the surface reveals a much darker picture for them next quarter onward. How are they going to afford building this, much less maintain their fleet, when their financials are barely above water (no pun intended)? They should be cutting expenses to save money, not to try and finance gambles like a fourth cruise ship when progressive media and leaders have the EU convinced the tariffs will ruin their economy and they should boycott everything American, especially Disney.