There’s something magical about the clang of metal and the flash of sparks when a new ship is born—especially when that ship is destined to wear the Disney name. On August 8, 2025, Disney Cruise Line celebrated a major milestone at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany: the official start of construction on its fourth Wish-class vessel. The steel-cutting ceremony, a time-honored maritime tradition, marked the very first step in transforming blueprints and dreams into a floating wonderland for thousands of future guests.
The event was as Disney as it gets. According to Disney Dining, Captain Mickey Mouse himself pressed the button to activate the giant laser cutter, slicing through steel to reveal the silhouette of a Disney cruise ship. The freshly cut piece, emblazoned with the words “Disney Cruise Line,” was signed by representatives from both Disney and Meyer Werft, as well as other guests in attendance, turning it into a commemorative artifact forever tied to the ship’s origin story.
This new vessel will join the ranks of the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and the soon-to-debut Disney Destiny, expanding a fleet that’s become synonymous with family fun, innovative technology, and the kind of immersive storytelling only Disney can deliver. As Seatrade Cruise News reports, the ship is expected to measure approximately 144,000 gross tons, accommodate around 4,000 guests, and be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG)—a cleaner, more environmentally friendly fuel that’s quickly becoming the standard for modern cruise liners.
While Disney is keeping many details—like the ship’s name, theme, and itineraries—firmly under wraps, the steel-cutting ceremony signals that the project is full steam ahead. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027, and anticipation is already building among Disney fans and cruise enthusiasts alike. "With Captain Mickey officially setting construction in motion, Disney Cruise Line fans now have another voyage to look forward to," wrote Disney Dining, capturing the sense of excitement in the air.
The ceremony was attended by a host of Disney and Meyer Werft dignitaries, including Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences; Philip Gennotte from Walt Disney Imagineering; Bernd Eikens from Meyer Werft; and Cruise Director Carly Scott. According to DCL Fan, sparks flew inside the shipyard’s laser cutting room as the first steel was cut—an event that’s both symbolic and practical, representing the transition from years of planning to the tangible start of assembly.
For Disney Cruise Line, this moment is more than just another ship. As Cruise Hive notes, the Wish class marks the first time Disney has produced more than two ships within a single class, reflecting the company’s ambitious expansion plans. In fact, Disney announced that four new ships are set to launch between 2027 and 2031, including a brand-new, slightly smaller class debuting in 2029.
The fourth Wish-class vessel will closely mirror its siblings in size and layout, offering the same blend of high-seas adventure, immersive entertainment, and signature Disney service. The Disney Destiny, for example, is set to debut in November 2025 with a "Heroes and Villains" theme that will weave together elements from the Marvel universe and a new stage show based on Hercules. A decorative steel piece shaped like a Disney cruise ship was laser-cut and signed during the Destiny’s construction ceremony as well, underscoring the company’s commitment to tradition and storytelling.
But Disney’s cruise ambitions don’t stop at the Atlantic. As Cruise Industry News points out, one of the upcoming Wish-class ships will be operated not by Disney directly, but by the Oriental Land Company—the same group behind Tokyo Disney Resort. This vessel, expected to launch in Japan in 2029, will open up entirely new itineraries and guest experiences for Disney fans in Asia. Hints suggest that a second ship could follow in the region, further expanding Disney’s global reach.
Meanwhile, another major launch is on the horizon: the Disney Adventure, a Global-class ship scheduled to set sail from Singapore in December 2025. Unlike the Wish class, the Adventure was originally built as the "Global Dream" before Disney acquired and completed the vessel. At a hefty 208,000 gross tons, it will be the only ship of its kind in the Disney fleet and is designed to appeal to a broader international audience.
Back in Germany, the celebration wasn’t just about what’s coming in 2027. The Disney Destiny, which will soon join the fleet, is reaching a significant milestone of its own. On August 9, 2025, the Destiny will float out of its construction hall at Meyer Werft for the very first time—a process known as the “float out.” This marks the moment the ship touches water and begins the final phase of construction, including interior outfitting and crucial onboard system tests. The Destiny is slated to make its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in November 2025, bringing new stories and experiences to Disney’s loyal cruise audience.
As for the new Wish-class ship, the next two years will be a whirlwind of construction, design, and anticipation. Disney promises state-of-the-art experiences, plenty of family entertainment, and the kind of enchanting design touches that have become a hallmark of its fleet. The company’s expansion isn’t just about bigger ships—it’s about bringing the magic of Disney to more families, in more corners of the world, than ever before.
"The magic has started, and the journey to 2027 is officially underway," wrote Disney Dining, summing up the spirit of the day. With Captain Mickey at the helm and a team of dedicated designers, engineers, and storytellers behind the scenes, Disney Cruise Line is charting a course for an even more magical future at sea.
For cruise fans and Disney devotees alike, the countdown to 2027 has begun—and if history is any guide, the wait will be well worth it.
