The new builds are due to enter service in 2011 and 2012 and at 122,000 tons, will be larger than the line's current ships, Disney Wonder and Magic (each 83,000 tons). The Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany has received the order to build the new ships. Disney said the new builds will be "a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s" and "evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising".
Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, added "With a larger fleet, we'll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries. This is a business that our guests love, and we're pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships." Bob Iger the Walt Disney Company president and CEO said ""Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike. We are excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us."
Disney will operate in Europe for the first time this summer with sailings from Barcelona. With the proposed increase in capacity, this should turn into a regular occurrence. Adding to this Royal Caribbean Internationals imminent announcement of new itineraries for Europe and the number of ships on order for predominantly European based cruise lines like P&O and Costa, Europe should see the cost of cruising reach an all time low, relatively speaking.
By: David E-Stainer