Disney Embraces Smaller Ships: Here’s Why Disney Cruise Line is Downscaling
Disney Cruise Line is set to take a different approach from many of its rivals.
While other cruise lines, particularly Royal Caribbean, are focused on constructing larger vessels, Disney plans to launch three smaller ships in the coming years, specifically in 2029, 2030, and 2031.
According to Disney, these new ships will each weigh around 100,000 tons and accommodate approximately 3,000 passengers.
This is a notable reduction compared to their Disney Wish class ships, which measure about 144,000 tons and can hold 4,000 guests.
Nevertheless, the upcoming vessels will be roughly 20% larger than Disney’s initial ships, the Magic and the Wonder, launched in 1998 and 1999.
Why is Disney opting for smaller ships?
Disney states that the decision to build smaller ships is aimed at providing passengers with a wider variety of experiences and destination options.
“As we grow our fleet, it’s vital that we offer our guests diverse experiences,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of new experiences portfolio and Disney signature experiences. “Families appreciate the range of vacation choices we provide, from our classic ships to the Wish-class vessels. They also look forward to visiting a wider selection of destinations, including those that cater to smaller ships.”
Mazloum emphasized that the new, smaller ships will have the capability to “reach more ports and locations around the world.”
Details about home ports, itineraries, and onboard offerings for these new ships have not yet been revealed.
What is the feedback on this decision?
“Personally, I’m thrilled that they are focusing on smaller ships,” remarked Scott Sanders, the owner of Disney Cruise Line Blog, which operates independently of Disney.
Sanders explained that smaller ships would allow for more varied docking options and create a “more intimate atmosphere” compared to vessels accommodating over 5,000 passengers.
“As a guest, this is fantastic,” he noted.
In addition, Sanders mentioned that some of his blog followers suggest the arrival of these new ships could pave the way for retiring the Magic and the Wonder, both of which have been in operation for over 25 years.
He clarified that while Disney hasn’t indicated any immediate retirement plans, “once a ship reaches 30 years, decisions about its future tend to be made.”
How many ships are currently in Disney’s fleet?
Disney’s fleet currently consists of six operational ships. By 2031, this number will grow to 13.
What ships are currently part of Disney’s fleet?
Alongside the Magic and the Wonder, Disney’s active ships include the Dream (launched in 2011), Fantasy (2012), Wish (2022), and Treasure (2024).
Which ships are home-ported at Florida’s Port Canaveral?
- Disney Fantasy (offering five- and four-day cruises departing on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
- Disney Treasure (offering seven-day cruises departing on Saturdays).
- Disney Wish (offering four- and three-day cruises departing on Mondays and Fridays).
What other ships is Disney planning to launch?
The Disney Adventure, which will be based in Singapore, is set for launch in late 2025.
The Disney Destiny will be stationed at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and will start operating this year. It will be a sister ship to the Wish and Treasure, and another ship in that Wish class is slated to commence voyages in 2027.
Moreover, a recent partnership with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. will introduce Disney cruise holidays to Japan in 2029.
What innovations can we expect on the ships debuting in 2029, 2030, and 2031?
Disney has stated that the upcoming trio of ships will incorporate “state-of-the-art technology and designs to broaden Disney Cruise Line’s global footprint and enhance its environmental initiatives.”
“Our Disney Imagineers are crafting this new class of ships to be as fuel and energy efficient as possible, and guests will notice distinctions — from a more hydrodynamic structure to lighter materials and energy-efficient technology across the vessels,” said Philip Gennotte, project management executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We are proud to support Disney’s broader environmental ambitions now and in the future.”
How will they contribute to environmental sustainability?
Disney’s existing Wish class ships — Wish, Treasure, Destiny, and another unnamed vessel launching in 2027 — utilize a low-emission liquefied natural gas propulsion system.
However, the next set of ships aims to enhance these eco-friendly features significantly.
Disney revealed that the new ships will be designed for fuel savings with a streamlined hull, advanced power and propulsion technologies, and optimized operations for energy efficiency.
They will incorporate energy-efficient features and a battery system to support and complement the main engines.
These ships will be equipped to run on various fuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable methanol options, and will also be adaptable to other fuel types that may emerge in the cruise industry.
When docked, the new vessels will be capable of using shore power technology to shut down their engines and connect to a port’s energy supply to power onboard systems.
Manufacturing will occur at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, with designs crafted by the team at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Dave Berman serves as the business editor for FLORIDA TODAY. Reach Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54
