If you’ve been keeping count of Disney Cruise Line’s breathtaking fleet expansion, your sailing wish list is about to get much longer.
Following the classic elegance of the Magic and Wonder, the modern scale of the Dream and Fantasy, the wish-filled magic of the Wish, Treasure, Destiny, and upcoming 2027 Believe, and the massive Asia-bound Adventure, Disney is preparing to chart completely new waters.
During the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23 in Anaheim, Walt Disney Imagineering pulled back the curtain on an entirely new, next-generation class of cruise ships set to debut starting in 2029.
Taking the stage to share the very first look at the unnamed class, Imagineering Portfolio Executive Creative Director Claire Weiss explained why this trio of ships will bring a fresh dynamic to Disney’s lineup.
“We also have an entirely new class of ship for Disney Cruise Line that will debut starting in 2029,” Weiss revealed to the arena crowd. “And this is such a cool size. It’s right in the middle of our classic ships and our newer ones, and this gives us some really amazing opportunities to visit new places and reach brand new audiences we haven’t before.”
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The “Goldilocks” Sweet Spot of the Fleet
While Disney is keeping specific vessel names and venue themes under wraps, the details we do know are already giving fans plenty to get excited about.
Built by the famed Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the trio of new vessels will roll out back-to-back:
- Ship 11: Early 2029
- Ship 12: Late 2029
- Ship 13: Late 2030 (bringing Disney’s global fleet to a grand total of 13 ships!)
At around 100,000 gross tons and built to hold 3,000 guests, these new additions hit a true “Goldilocks” sweet spot. They’re roughly 20% larger than classic favorites like the Disney Magic, yet noticeably sleeker and more nimble than mega-ships like the Disney Dream or Disney Wish.
If you love shorter walks to your stateroom, easier deck layouts, and a little extra breathing room by the pool, this mid-sized design brings back that cozy, nostalgic feel—without sacrificing any of the top-tier dining, Broadway-style shows, or kids’ clubs Disney is famous for. Even better? Their smaller footprint means these ships can glide into shallow harbors, charming historical ports, and scenic canals that the giant mega-ships simply can’t reach.
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Greener Seas and Panoramic Ocean Views
Beyond getting us into cooler ports, these new ships are getting a major eco-friendly upgrade—in fact, Disney is designing them to be among the lightest and most energy-efficient vessels on the water.
Under the hood (or hull!), they’ll feature a sleek, streamlined design, high-tech battery systems to help power the engines, and shore-power capabilities that let them literally “plug in” and turn off their engines while docked. Plus, Disney is building the power systems to run on low-emission biofuels—like renewable methanol and hydrotreated vegetable oil—as those green fuels become more widely available around the globe.
And then there’s the detail that has everyone talking: the first-look teaser video at D23 revealed a massive wall of lower-deck panoramic windows midship. Built to give guests front-row ocean views right at the waterline, it’s a stunning nod to the classic romance of sea travel that’s sure to be a prime spot for taking in the view.
Whether this means future Disney voyages through the Greek Isles, new corners of the South Pacific, or boutique Caribbean harbors, the new class marks an exciting shift toward destination-rich sailing.
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