Disney Cruise Line has reached two major milestones in its shipbuilding programme at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, with the float-out of Disney Destiny and the start of construction on a fourth Wish-class vessel.
Disney Destiny left Hall 6 for the first time on Saturday, floating out into the harbour to begin final outfitting and systems testing. The event marks the next phase in the vessel’s construction ahead of the scheduled Ems River conveyance, which is expected in late September, although the timing will depend on shipyard and operational requirements.
The 144,000-gross-ton ship, which will accommodate around 4,000 passengers and be powered by LNG, is due to enter service in November from Port Everglades, Florida.
The day before, a steel-cutting ceremony was held for the as-yet-unnamed fourth Wish-class ship, officially assigned hull number S723 and scheduled for delivery in 2027.
The ceremony was attended by Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences; Philip Gennotte from Walt Disney Imagineering; Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft; and Cruise Director Carly Scott.
With the help of Captain Mickey Mouse, the first piece of steel was cut in the yard’s laser cutting room, revealing the shape of a Disney cruise ship.
“We have a great history with Meyer Werft, and we are excited to continue our partnership as we move into this next phase of growth for Disney Cruise Line,” said Schott. “Each of these ships represents a new opportunity to bring Disney magic to guests around the world.”
Like its sister ships Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny, the 2027 vessel will be approximately 144,000 gross tons, carry 4,000 passengers and be powered by LNG.
The vessel forms part of Disney Cruise Line’s wider expansion strategy, which will see four new ships delivered between 2027 and 2031, including a brand-new class of ship in 2029.
The growth plan also includes the introduction of Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore in 2025, and an agreement with Oriental Land Co., Ltd. to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029.
These developments are intended to increase capacity, diversify the fleet, and expand the company’s global deployment in line with growing demand for Disney’s cruise offering.
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