With record expansion for Disney Cruise Line happening this decade, the House of Mouse aims to replicate the success of its theme parks on the high seas. Last summer, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced four new ships joining the fleet between 2027 and 2031. By the end of that period, Disney Cruise Line’s total fleet size will sit at 13 ships.
In addition to the four announced last summer, two new vessels will embark on maiden voyages this year. The upcoming additions include the Disney Destiny, which will launch this November out of Florida, and the Disney Adventure. The latter marks Disney Cruise Line’s entrance into Asian home ports, as the Adventure will embark on fully at-sea voyages from Singapore starting this December.
Whether a family finds themselves among the first to sail aboard Disney’s brand-new ships or chooses an older vessel, travel experts advise planning in advance. The growing demand for sailing with Disney Cruise Line in 2025 makes booking new itineraries and finding savings more challenging.
New Ships And Island Destination
All signs indicate a busy 2025 for Disney Cruise Line, which includes the debut of two new ships. In addition, the cruise line launched its sixth ship, the Disney Treasure, at the end of 2024. This ambitious era of growth also includes new onboard experiences that become destinations in and of themselves.
For Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit, bringing aspects of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort’s attractions to the cruise ships widens a potential new market of cruising clientele. He shares, “Disney is increasingly integrating elements from their theme parks on their cruise ships. This is perhaps most evident with the wildly popular Haunted Mansion Parlor, which debuted on the Disney Treasure in 2024 and will be seen again later this year on the Disney Destiny.”
The upcoming Disney Destiny will also feature the Cask and Cannon, a bar and lounge space inspired by the popular Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park. “Fans of these classic Disney attractions should prioritize this immersive lounge space on their next cruise,” Doyle adds.
Due to the demand for these new experiences, Kimberly Fidler, Vice President of Marketing for Get Away Today, recommends staying on top of the cruise vacation planning process. She says, “If you have your eye on sailing aboard one of the newer ships, book as early as possible.” As Disney brings more ships online in the coming years, travelers will find booking the Treasure or Destiny easier.
In addition to the Adventure and Destiny ships, Disney Cruise Line brought more new offerings to travelers with the opening of its second Disney private island destination in the summer of 2024. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, located in the Bahamas, adds another port of call to Disney’s Bahamian cruise itineraries. Lookout Cay brings quintessential Disney magic ashore in the form of white sand beaches and crystal blue water, creating a new experience for cruisers.
The Existing Fleet
In addition to the new offerings, families often seek out Disney Cruise Line’s older ships. Sailing on one of Disney’s original four vessels — the Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy — provides a more accessible option for families, as Fidler explains. She notes, “New ships launching can often bring deals to older ships, so watch for that if you’re looking for a deal. Disney offers an amazing experience, no matter the ship.”
On the contrary, theme park journalist Megan duBois warns travelers of sticker shock with the most in-demand Disney sailings. She warns, “Travelers should be aware that cruises on the newer ships are often more expensive.”
No matter the ship, Disney Cruise Line has the goal of building its itineraries with the entire family in mind. Fidler adds, “Cruises, in particular, are wonderful for multigenerational vacations because your together time is already built in. You don’t need to worry about making dining reservations for a large group.”
Fidler recommends that families new to cruising book with an expert agent who can walk them through everything and help them plan the best trip possible.