Disney doubles down with new class and addition of a fourth Wish ship

Disney doubles down with new class and addition of a fourth Wish ship
Edited by Travel Weekly


Disney Cruise Line revealed more details on the expansion of its fleet, including the introduction of a new class of vessel and the addition of a fourth ship in the Wish class.

The ships will be constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and designed by Walt Disney Imagineering.

The three vessels in Disney’s new ship class will feature industry-leading technology and design to expand Disney Cruise Line’s global reach and support its environmental goals.

Measuring approximately 100,000 gross tons, they will be able to carry 3,000 guests and will be 20 per cent larger than the Disney Magic class but smaller than the Disney Dream and Disney Wish classes. The three ships are planned for delivery in 2029, 2030 and 2031.

Among the lightest cruise ships of their size in the industry, the new vessels will save fuel with a streamlined hull, next-generation power and propulsion systems, and numerous other operations optimised for energy efficiency. In addition to an innovative design and the efficient use of building materials from bow to stern, the ships will be outfitted with energy-efficient systems and a battery system to support and supplement the main engines.

When in port, the new vessels can rely on shore power technology to turn off their engines and “plug in” to a port’s energy grid to run onboard systems.

They will also have the capability and flexibility to operate on a variety of fuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable methanol fuels, while remaining adaptable to additional fuel options that become available to the cruise industry.

The new class will also continue Disney Cruise Line’s long-standing initiatives to minimise waste, conserve water and align with The Walt Disney Company’s 2030 environmental goals.

Fourth Wish Class Ship

In addition to this new class of vessel, Disney Cruise Line will introduce an additional sister ship to the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny. The ship, set for delivery in 2027, will be approximately 144,000 gross tons, accommodate 4,000 guests, and be powered by liquefied natural gas.

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.

“As we expand our fleet, it is important that we continue to provide a variety of experiences for our guests,” said Thomas Mazloum, president, New Experiences Portfolio & Disney Signature Experiences. “Families enjoy the diversity of vacations we offer, from our classic vessels to our Wish-class ships. 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.”

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 optimised for energy efficiency.

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. “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.”

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 bigger (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.

Disney Destiny will from Port Everglades, while Disney Adventure will homeport in Singapore.

Feature render: Disney Cruise Line

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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