Disney Unveils Three-Ship Cruise Class for 2029 Debut
The ships are planned for up to three thousand passengers, with battery systems, shore-power connections and fuel capability for hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable methanol.
Disney Cruise Line has unveiled the first rendering and design details for a new class of three 105,000-ton ships to be built by Meyer Werft in Germany. Two vessels are scheduled to enter service in 2029, followed by the third in late 2030, advancing the latter two ships by a year from Disney’s previous timetable.
Combined with a separately ordered Wish-class ship for the Japanese market, the schedule calls for three Disney-branded ship introductions in 2029, the first time the cruise line would debut more than one vessel in a calendar year. The revised plan would expand the fleet to 13 ships by the end of 2030, one year earlier than previously announced.
Intermediate size expands deployment options
The new ships will accommodate up to 3,000 passengers, placing them between the 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder and the 4,000-passenger Disney Wish. Disney disclosed the dimensions and an initial exterior rendering during its D23 Disney Experiences Showcase in Anaheim.
“Not every ship is suitable for every destination in the world,” Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum said, adding that the new class would give Disney greater flexibility to serve additional destinations and markets.
The rendering shows a profile similar to the Wish class, with Disney’s black-and-gold hull treatment and two funnels. A glass-enclosed area spanning three decks will be positioned amidships.
How the new ships will be powered
Disney said the ships will use a lightweight hull design, updated power and propulsion systems and operational changes intended to reduce fuel consumption. The vessels are also planned with battery systems and shore-power connections, and will be able to run on fuels including hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable methanol. They will not use LNG.
DNV describes HVO as a renewable diesel that can be used in existing diesel engines and fuel systems without modification. Methanol has dedicated classification rules and is covered by interim IMO safety guidance for ships using the fuel.
Four other ships precede the new class
Before the first ship in the new class arrives, Meyer Werft is scheduled to deliver the 140,000-ton Disney Believe in late 2027. The vessel will be the fourth Wish-class ship after Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.
A fifth, unnamed Wish-class vessel is being developed with Oriental Land Co. for year-round service from Japanese ports. The 2,500-passenger ship is expected to enter service in 2029. NYK Group will serve as ship manager and business consultant.
The first two new-class ships had initially been assigned 2029 and 2030 delivery dates, while the third was due in 2031.
Disney has not disclosed names, itineraries or detailed onboard attractions for the three ships, and no date has been announced for the next presentation on the class. The company has scheduled an Oct. 7, 2026 livestream to release further details about Disney Believe.
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