Disney Cruise Line Reveals First Details of New Ship Class

Disney Cruise Line Reveals First Details of New Ship Class

Disney Cruise Line revealed the first details and images of its new ship class, which will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

With deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030, the series of newbuilds will initially include three 105,000-ton vessels.

During its D23 Expo, the company revealed a rendering of the ships, which will feature a look similar to Wish-class vessels.

Of note, the ship will feature a three-deck-high glass area amidship, while bringing back the company’s traditional look with a black and gold hull and two funnels.

In a video, the company also highlighted a few fundamentals of the new class project, noting that it will have an optimized hull.

The class will also feature what Disney called a state-of-the-art lightweight design, which will allow for more energy efficiency.

According to the company, the new ship was designed to capture the magic of the ocean, with new features set to be revealed at a later date.

“From sketches and finished drawings, thinking ahead and creating new attractions for months and years to come, we keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things,” Disney said.

Slightly smaller than the company’s more recent newbuild, the new vessels are expected to have capacity for up to 3,000 passengers.

Before welcoming the first of the new ships into its fleet, Disney is introducing the new Disney Believe in 2027.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft, the 140,000-ton vessel will be the fourth in the company’s Wish-class series.

The series also includes a fifth, yet-unnamed vessel, which is scheduled for delivery in early 2029.

The 2,500-passenger vessel will mark Disney Cruise Line’s debut in Japan through a partnership with Oriental Land Company.

Disney Signs 15-Year Agreement for Preferred Access at Icy Strait Point

Disney Signs 15-Year Agreement for Preferred Access at Icy Strait Point

Disney Cruise Line and Huna Totem Corporation have signed a 15-year agreement securing preferred weekly access at Icy Strait Point, ensuring Disney Cruise Line guests will continue visiting the Indigenous-owned Alaska destination through at least 2041, the company said in a press release.

“Icy Strait Point has been a valued part of our Alaska itineraries for nearly a decade, offering Disney Cruise Line guests an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, wildlife and rich cultural heritage of Hoonah and the broader Southeast Alaska region,” said Jose Fernandez, vice president of port strategy, development and operations at Disney Cruise Line.

The agreement provides Disney Cruise Line preferential docking at Icy Strait Point for one vessel each week and includes a minimum annual passenger guarantee.

Disney Cruise Line expanded its Alaska presence in 2026 to two ships, with select seven-night itineraries aboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder featuring calls at the destination.

Situated on the shores of Hoonah, Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation representing more than 1,850 shareholders with Indigenous ties to Glacier Bay.

The destination is the largest employer in Hoonah and has welcomed over four million cruise travelers since opening in 2004.

“Disney Cruise Line has been an important part of the Icy Strait Point story for nearly a decade, and we’re grateful to build on that relationship through this agreement,” said Howard Sherman, Huna Totem Tourism Group president.

“Each Disney Cruise Line visit helps support local jobs, businesses and economic opportunity in Hoonah.”

First Two-Ship Alaska Program for Disney Sails from Vancouver

First Two-Ship Alaska Program for Disney Sails from Vancouver

Disney Cruise Line’s first two-ship season in Alaska is underway. Marking the company’s largest deployment in the region, the cruise program includes the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.

The vessels arrived in the region in May, kicking off a series of cruises departing from Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

The Disney Magic started its first season in the region in late May following a drydock in Victoria.

The 1998-built ship is now offering weeklong cruises that sail roundtrip from the Canada Place Cruise Terminal and include visits to Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Following a winter deployment on the West Coast, the Disney Wonder also began its season in Alaska in May.

Offering similar itineraries, the 1,750-passenger vessel is sailing roundtrip from Vancouver for seven-night cruises to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Disney’s itineraries in the region are also highlighted by scenic cruising at Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage.

The two ships are set to remain in Alaska through late September, each offering over 15 departures in the region.

Both ships are scheduled to offer fall cruises on the West Coast after the record-breaking season in the Pacific Northwest.

The Disney Magic will operate a series of itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California before embarking on a repositioning cruise to Texas.

The vessel’s season in the region runs through early November, when it is scheduled to offer a 14-night Panama Canal voyage that ends in Galveston.

Operating on the West Coast year-round, the Disney Wonder is set to offer cruises from San Diego through early 2027.

The vessel’s schedule includes both short cruises to Baja California and six- and seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera.

In addition to Isla Catalina and Ensenada, the 1999-built ship is scheduled to make visits to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.