PAPENBURG, GERMANY (March 2, 2009) – Disney Cruise Line began construction on two new ships today with a steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Scheduled for completion in 2011 and 2012, the new ocean liners will further advance the company’s one-of-a-kind guest experience and create more family cruise options with a brand guests know and trust.

“When we launched our business in 1998, we recognized a need in the marketplace for a cruise experience created just for families,” said Karl L. Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. “With these new ships, we are continuing to build upon that vision of providing more families with an unforgettable cruise vacation and the chance to explore new destinations with Disney.”

The first piece of steel cut for the new ships was part of the art deco inspired scrollwork that will grace the bow of the ships. Similar to the scrollwork on the Disney Cruise Line ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the intricate pattern is reminiscent of the classic ocean liners of the 1930s, designed to reflect the glamour of the golden age of cruising with added touches of Disney whimsy, such as the Mickey Mouse medallion in the center of the design.

Since finalizing a contract with the Meyer Werft shipyard to build the two new ships, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering have created a truly distinctive design for the new ships. Over the next few years, construction will continue, bringing the design to reality. The design details will be unveiled at a later date.

Holz noted that the fleet expansion will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms and will weigh 128,000 tons. Similar to the existing ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new ships will be purpose built with families in mind, with specially designed areas and activities for each member of the family to allow for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences. The focus is to provide a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create.

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:
I am really curious about the exterior design of these two ships. The Disney Magic and Wonder were two of the best looking ships of the last 15-years and hopefully these larger ships will be equally attractive.

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Here's the rendering they released with the press release:

Reading the press statement, it's funny to see that Disney claims more or less that they are building the vessels by them self and not the yard. As with there attractions in there parks they do to. Hope the cooperation between Meyer and Disney is smoother then with Fincantiere.

I will say I sailed this ship with family once and the next time with friends ranging from 25-30. We had a blast and enjoyed the adults only area. It was very refreshing to have an adults night out with kids running around with nothing to do! We stuck to the adult areas in the evening and no kids in site! I like kids dont get me wrong.

Last but not least I loved their private island. I have been to RCI, HALS and Princess private islands and I have to say this is the nicest hands down again the adult section was wonderful.

None the less, compared to what is out there the Disney ships are still some of the most attractive.

I have often thought that the Normandie must have been one of the inspirations for the Disney ships. Were her funnels not a little on the short side too?

Thanks.

The ships may be worth the risk!

[ 04-10-2009: Message edited by: Chris ]