Mickey Mouse saves cruise-liner hull
Disney has announced that it’ll be basing a cruise ship outside the USA . . . and it’s bought Global Dream. MIN regulars will remember this particular ill-fated ship’s sister Global Dream II which was destined for the scrap yard in January (2022) after shipbuilder MV Werften filed for bankruptcy. The fate of Global Dream was unsure, but now Disney says its acquisition of the partially completed ship will ‘bring the magic’ to new global destinations.
The 208,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be among the first in the cruise industry to be fuelled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available. Disney Cruise Line expects the passenger capacity to be approximately 6,000 with around 2,300 crew members. It’ll be adorned with Mickey Mouse-inspired colours (black and white with a splash of red).
Construction will be completed at the former MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft, the Papenburg-based company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. The ship’s previous owner filed for bankruptcy before completing the vessel, enabling Disney Cruise Line to secure it at a ‘favourable price’. The project also secures employment for hundreds of former MV Werften employees and will provide opportunities for numerous maritime industry suppliers in the region.
The ship will be renamed with certain features ‘reimagined’ and is expected to set sail in 2025.
“Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,” says Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
More details about the maiden voyage will be announced at a later date.
