Since setting sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has charted a remarkable journey. This post takes a quick look back at how it all began — from the early partnership that launched Disney’s first cruises to the six-ship fleet sailing today and the new era ahead. What started as an ambitious experiment has become one of the most celebrated names in family cruising. With the arrival of the Disney Destiny in late 2025, the next great chapter in Disney’s story at sea is about to unfold.
Before Disney Cruise Line (1985-1992)
Before Disney Cruise Line launched its own fleet, the Walt Disney Company partnered with Premier Cruise Line from 1985 to 1992. The partnership even appeared in pop culture — the 1987 Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade featured a segment on the Big Red Boat hosted by Alan Thicke. You can watch all the segments below. The Big Red Boat offered Disney-themed voyages departing from Port Canaveral. It combined character meet-and-greets with vacation packages that included visits to Walt Disney World. This early experiment paved the way for Disney’s future at sea.
After the Premier Cruise Line partnership ended, Disney explored potential alliances with other cruise companies, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Those discussions did not lead to a deal, which pushed Disney to create its own brand. Between 1993 and 1998, Disney did not operate any branded cruises. Instead, the company spent those years designing and commissioning its first two ships. This development period set the stage for the launch of the Disney Magic in 1998. The move allowed Disney full creative control over ship design, entertainment, and guest experience.
The Early Days: Magic and Wonder (1998-1999)
When the Premier Cruise Line partnership ended in 1993, Disney began designing a fleet of ships built entirely under its own brand. By 1994, Disney officially announced plans for Disney Cruise Line, marking a new chapter in the company’s travel legacy., Disney began designing a fleet of ships built entirely under its own brand. By 1994, Disney officially announced plans for Disney Cruise Line. In 1998, the Disney Magic set sail, marking the start of a new era of ocean storytelling.
The story of Disney Cruise Line truly began with the launch of the Disney Magic. This ship transformed Disney’s dream of storytelling at sea into reality. With its Art Deco design, Broadway-style shows, and immersive dining, the Magic set a new standard for family cruising. Its sister ship, the Disney Wonder, followed in 1999 with an Art Nouveau design that blended elegance with charm. Featuring favorites like Animator’s Palate and Frozen: A Musical Spectacular, the Wonder built on the Magic’s success. Together, they helped Disney Cruise Line establish its signature mix of innovation and storytelling magic.
The Dream and Fantasy Era (2011-2012)
In 2011, Disney entered a new era of scale and spectacle with the Disney Dream. Larger and more advanced, it introduced the AquaDuck water coaster and themed suites that made cruising feel cinematic. The Disney Fantasy followed in 2012, expanding the Dream’s luxury and adding entertainment inspired by Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. These ships set the bar for immersive experiences, solidifying Disney Cruise Line as a leader in family entertainment.
The Wish Class: Wish, Treasure, and Destiny (2022-2025)
The next generation of ships arrived with the Disney Wish in 2022, introducing the new Wish Class — a trio of ships ordered together and designed to represent Disney’s future at sea. The Wish debuted AquaMouse, the first Disney attraction on a cruise ship, and dining adventures inspired by Marvel and Star Wars.
The Disney Treasure, which launched in 2024, built on that foundation with a theme of adventure and discovery. Inside, guests can explore Aladdin’s Golden Palace or relax in a Haunted Mansion-inspired lounge. The result is a bold mix of classic Disney stories and stunning design.
The third ship in the class, the Disney Destiny, will set sail from Fort Lauderdale in November 2025. Inspired by the balance between heroes and villains, the Destiny highlights characters from The Incredibles, Black Panther, Cruella de Vil, and The Haunted Mansion. Its design celebrates courage, imagination, and choice. The Wish Class reflects Disney’s boldest approach to combining storytelling with technology at sea.
The Future: Expanding the Fleet (2026-2031)
Disney is continuing to grow. With the Disney Adventure launching from Singapore in 2026 and several new ships planned through 2031, Disney Cruise Line is entering its fastest period of expansion to date. The Adventure will be Disney’s first ship based in Asia, marking a significant step in the company’s global growth.
Beyond the Adventure
At the 2024 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Cruise Line announced its next wave of ships. Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed four new vessels joining the fleet between 2027 and 2031. This expansion will bring the total number of Disney Cruise Line ships to thirteen. It also represents the largest period of growth in the company’s history. The addition of new destinations, ship designs, and imaginative onboard experiences will continue to push boundaries on the high seas.
These upcoming ships build on the legacy of the Wish Class. They combine innovation, sustainability, and Disney’s signature entertainment. One highlight of this expansion is a new collaboration between Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd., announced in July 2024. This partnership will bring year-round Disney cruise vacations to Japan starting in early 2029. Oriental Land Co. will build and operate a Disney-branded cruise business based in Japan, with the ship constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. The vessel will be a sister ship to the Disney Wish, featuring many guest-favorite venues with select modifications designed for Japanese guests. Expected to be approximately 140,000 gross tons and powered by liquefied natural gas, the ship will feature around 1,250 staterooms.
Disney Cruise Line’s future looks brighter than ever. Guests can look forward to even more ways to experience Disney magic beyond the parks — from Florida (Fort Lauderdale & Port Canaveral) to Singapore and in 2029 Japan.
Setting Sail for the Future
Each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet represents a step forward in storytelling. From the early days of the Magic to the promise of the Destiny and Adventure, these ships carry more than guests — they carry Disney’s imagination. As the Destiny prepares for its maiden voyage, it stands as a symbol of everything Disney has learned at sea and the magic still to come. For itineraries and updates, visit the official Disney Cruise Line site.
