Disney Cruise Line acquires one of the world’s largest cruise ships

Disney Cruise Line has come to the rescue of the Global Dream. The under-construction ship for the bankrupt Dream Cruises was set to be the largest cruise ship by passenger volume. Disney acquired the ship today, and will bring it to the Meyer Werft shipyard to finish the construction. The Global Dream will be renamed and its features reimagined by Walt Disney Imagineers in order to set sail in 2025.

Early artist concept rendering of the remodeled Global Dream ship (Disney)

“Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.

Disney Cruise Line expects to base the renamed Global Dream outside the United States, and it will feature innovative Disney experiences including signature entertainment, rotational dining, and the impeccable guest service that sets Disney Cruise Line apart. The exterior will be adorned in the iconic Mickey Mouse-inspired colors of the fleet, complete with signature red funnels.

model of Disney ship inside Disney Cruise Line's terminal
Inside Disney Cruise Line’s terminal at Port Canaveral
Photo by Dave Parfitt

The 208,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be among the first in the cruise industry to be fueled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available. Disney Cruise Line expects the passenger capacity to be approximately 6,000 with around 2,300 crew members.

Construction will be completed at the former MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft, the Papenburg-based company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. The ship’s previous owner filed for bankruptcy before completing the vessel, enabling Disney Cruise Line to secure it at a favorable price and within the capital expenditure guidance The Walt Disney Company provided on its recent earnings call. The project also secures employment for hundreds of former MV Werften employees and will provide opportunities for numerous maritime industry suppliers in the region.

More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries, and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.

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