New Disney Ships: News, Rumors, Speculation.....and Names!

[AquaDame]

Wondering just what differences would include. Something specific to that hull and related marine equipment? Something different about the design of the cabins? Different soft goods? New restaurant concepts?

Some of these would seem to be included in the basic design decisions while others seem to be just simple changes that would apply to any ship.

All of the above, but mostly was thinking about the more 'expedition' locations. So maybe smaller for ports that won't take big ships, strengthened hulls for icy waters, that sort of thing.

 

[holula]

Wondering just what differences would include. Something specific to that hull and related marine equipment? Something different about the design of the cabins? Different soft goods? New restaurant concepts? .

I would love them to purpose build a ship for Alaska. Have more inside viewing areas for if the weather is poor. Essentially, bring back Outlook Cafe (and don’t turn it into a concierge lounge this time.)

 

[Mom2Anna&Elsa]

I would love them to purpose build a ship for Alaska. Have more inside viewing areas for if the weather is poor. Essentially, bring back Outlook Cafe (and don’t turn it into a concierge lounge this time.)

Would love a solarium for the pool (even a retractable roof to make it multi-purpose). I would like to do an Alaskan cruise on DCL but Disney's ships not having a covered pool is one of the negatives.

 

[OKW Lover]

I would love them to purpose build a ship for Alaska. Have more inside viewing areas for if the weather is poor. Essentially, bring back Outlook Cafe (and don’t turn it into a concierge lounge this time.)

Interesting thought. What would the ship do during the winter months?

 

[peder]

Would love a solarium for the pool (even a retractable roof to make it multi-purpose). I would like to do an Alaskan cruise on DCL but Disney's ships not having a covered pool is one of the negatives.

The Explora Journeys ships all have retractable roofs in their indoor pools, and those ships are only 63-70k GT in size, so they I think Disney absolutely could accommodate on their new 100k GT ships.

I wonder if DCL will shift more in that direction, as they continue to position more toward the luxury end of the cruise market?

 

[scroogie]

Interesting thought. What would the ship do during the winter months?

The same thing that other cruise lines' Alaska ships do during the winter. Being purpose-built for Alaska doesn't automatically disqualify a ship from being suitable when sailed elsewhere.

 

[mamaburrito]

It would be foolish for Disney not to build a ship with Alaska in mind in the future. Especially since they added the Magic on those sailings.

We all know that the one day the Magic and Wonder will one day be retired and with smaller ships coming up next - one or two of those will probably go to Alaska eventually.

 

[OKW Lover]

The same thing that other cruise lines' Alaska ships do during the winter. Being purpose-built for Alaska doesn't automatically disqualify a ship from being suitable when sailed elsewhere.

I guess I'm behind the curve here. I've sailed to Alaska twice on RCL. Nothing on those ships was any different than the rest of their fleet. What lines have built ships specific to Alaska?

 

[awrites]

I guess I'm behind the curve here. I've sailed to Alaska twice on RCL. Nothing on those ships was any different than the rest of their fleet. What lines have built ships specific to Alaska?

What class of ship were you on?

My family is sailing Royal to Alaska next year on the Serenade. More glass throughout the ship and covered, heated pool (the Solarium, normally for adults only but my understanding is they open it to kids at select times for AK sailings).

I can’t say for sure if the Radiance class was “designed for Alaska” like a PP mentioned, but the extensive glass views and covered heated pool strike me as Alaska-friendly, and weren’t features of the Allure (the only other Royal ship my DH and I sailed on).

 

[aka Charles]

I hope we can still get the Wonder and the Magic for a few years after all the new ships debut!

I hope so, as well.

The Magic has become like a second home for me.

It is my favorite ship for when I do solo cruises.

My son and I have cruises coming up on the Dream and on the Fantasy, but my next solo cruise is back on the Magic for the Panama Canal cruise!
.

 

[aka Charles]

As for my thoughts on the new ships...

The next Wish class ship (after the Destiny) is coming out in 2027 and I believe it will home port in Galveston.
Galveston is very committed to expanding their port for the cruising industry and it has been reported that Disney has signed a long term agreement with them.
With the Wish and Treasure at Port Canaveral and the Destiny going to Fort Lauderdale, it makes sense to add a Wish class ship to Galveston.

The last Wish class ship (2028) is for OLC in Japan, so it will be exclusively for the Japanese market.
It may just do at sea cruises like the Adventure is going to do, but I hope that they do at least some cruises to other ports, in or around Japan.

The three new "Mid-size" class ships coming in 2029, 2030, and 2031 are the biggest mystery.

My guess is that the first one (2029) will port in Fort Lauderdale during the winter, but go to the European market in the summer, like the Dream and Fantasy have been doing for the past number of years.
It may go along with the Dream or Fantasy, or by itself instead of the Dream or Fantasy, depending on forecasted market demand at that time.
I believe this to be the case due to the changing limitations for the ports in that market, for both wanting to limit the number of passengers visiting each day and wanting the ships to have greener footprints.

As for the last two planned at this time, it's a tossup.
They may be used to expand into new markets and to new ports that the other ships are not suited for.
This is my hope.
But they may replace the Magic and Wonder sooner, rather than later.
Not what I hope.
I believe that DCL has not decided yet, and is going to wait to see how the overall market grows over the next 4 years.
If the market continues growing like it has been recently, they will probably be used to expand into new markets.
If the market slows down or stalls, they will most likely replace the Magic and Wonder as soon as they come out.
Let's hope that is not the case.
.

 

[holula]

As for my thoughts on the new ships...

The next Wish class ship (after the Destiny) is coming out in 2027 and I believe it will home port in Galveston.
Galveston is very committed to expanding their port for the cruising industry and it has been reported that Disney has signed a long term agreement with them.
With the Wish and Treasure at Port Canaveral and the Destiny going to Fort Lauderdale, it makes sense to add a Wish class ship to Galveston.

If they are going to send a Wish class ship to Galveston I see it being the Wish, and not Wish 4.

I also see the new Horizon class (I think that’s what they are called) probably going to Alaska and/or Europe eventually but not right away as normally DCL will have their new ships in Florida for 5 years minimum. I hope they do try two ships in Europe (was hoping for 2026 on this but it wasn’t to be.)

 

[jwalk03]

If they are going to send a Wish class ship to Galveston I see it being the Wish, and not Wish 4.

I also see the new Horizon class (I think that’s what they are called) probably going to Alaska and/or Europe eventually but not right away as normally DCL will have their new ships in Florida for 5 years minimum. I hope they do try two ships in Europe (was hoping for 2026 on this but it wasn’t to be.)

I tend to agree. I think they would prefer to put a new ship in the Wish spot in PC and move the Wish out.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

As for my thoughts on the new ships...

The next Wish class ship (after the Destiny) is coming out in 2027 and I believe it will home port in Galveston.
Galveston is very committed to expanding their port for the cruising industry and it has been reported that Disney has signed a long term agreement with them.
With the Wish and Treasure at Port Canaveral and the Destiny going to Fort Lauderdale, it makes sense to add a Wish class ship to Galveston.

The last Wish class ship (2028) is for OLC in Japan, so it will be exclusively for the Japanese market.
It may just do at sea cruises like the Adventure is going to do, but I hope that they do at least some cruises to other ports, in or around Japan.

The three new "Mid-size" class ships coming in 2029, 2030, and 2031 are the biggest mystery.

My guess is that the first one (2029) will port in Fort Lauderdale during the winter, but go to the European market in the summer, like the Dream and Fantasy have been doing for the past number of years.
It may go along with the Dream or Fantasy, or by itself instead of the Dream or Fantasy, depending on forecasted market demand at that time.
I believe this to be the case due to the changing limitations for the ports in that market, for both wanting to limit the number of passengers visiting each day and wanting the ships to have greener footprints.

As for the last two planned at this time, it's a tossup.
They may be used to expand into new markets and to new ports that the other ships are not suited for.
This is my hope.
But they may replace the Magic and Wonder sooner, rather than later.
Not what I hope.
I believe that DCL has not decided yet, and is going to wait to see how the overall market grows over the next 4 years.
If the market continues growing like it has been recently, they will probably be used to expand into new markets.
If the market slows down or stalls, they will most likely replace the Magic and Wonder as soon as they come out.
Let's hope that is not the case.
.

What is it about the Magic that you like so much?

 

[dreamer17555]

I don’t think they will move the fourth 2027 Wish class to Galveston unless they have built a Disney terminal. They are not going to want a bunch of videos showing the current terminal that they’re sailing out of. They are going to want to market a full Disney experience for the new ship and as far as I can tell, they are not building a terminal there because it doesn’t make sense unless they are occasionally sailing two ships from year round.

 

[OKW Lover]

I don't see them sending a Wish class ship to Galveston. At least not for the next several years. I think they would go with a smaller ship until they build up some demand for that port.

 

[dreamer17555]

I don't see them sending a Wish class ship to Galveston. At least not for the next several years. I think they would go with a smaller ship until they build up some demand for that port.

Wish and Dream\Fantasy hold the same number of guests. Magic is likely going to stay on the west coast (and Galveston already said it would be a ship larger than the Magic).

To me it depends on when "Starting Year Round in 2027" starts. If they meant all of 2027 it is almost certainly the Dream or Fantasy (and I think the Fantasy sadly) and if they mean starting later in 2027 and moving forward it could easily be the Wish after her Europe season and drydock with the new Wish class replacing her in PC (depending on the theme of the new ship).

 

[aka Charles]

What is it about the Magic that you like so much?

Where to begin....

I think I should say that I picked the Magic for my first solo Disney cruise based mainly on the price.
Like most cruise lines, when traveling solo you have to pay for the whole cabin.
The charge is usually the same as it is for two people, minus the port fees and taxes for the second person.
The Magic, being the oldest DCL ship, usually has the best per night prices.

Once on board, I felt very comfortable with the size and layout of the ship.
For reference, I had only sailed on the Wish up until then.
For me, the adult areas were much more enjoyable than on the Wish.
I really enjoyed walking the outside decks as well, as they went all the way around.
Also, I was matched with two other solo travelers at my table in the main dining rooms.
They were very nice and we had great conversations each evening during dinner.
I have been very fortunate with the dinner companions that DCL has matched me with on each solo cruise, so far.
Some have been more outgoing than others, but every one of them have been pleasant to dine with.

Another reason that I have picked the Magic for multiple cruises (6 times so far) is that it has moved around and has offered different itineraries.
I have sailed on the Magic out of Galveston, San Juan, and Fort Lauderdale.
The only repeated itinerary that I have done was on back to back Bahama cruises that I did from Fort Lauderdale, and that was by choice as all I wanted on those 2 cruises was to check out Lookout Cay and compare it to Castaway Cay.
The rest of the time I just relaxed and enjoyed the ship, as planned.
(FYI, I like them both, but still prefer Castaway Cay)

Next spring I will be on the Magic again for two weeks on the Panama Canal cruise.
Another first time itinerary for me!

The last thing I will say on this post, but certainly not the least, is about the crew.
Like on all of DCL ships, the crew is outstanding.
To me, however, the crew on the Magic have seemed more personable.
It may be that because it is a smaller ship it just seems that way, but it does add to my being relaxed and enjoying the cruise.
A number of the crew have recognized me on later cruises, and I know that it happens on the other ships as well, but it felt like running into old friends to me.
Heck, I even ran into a Magic crew member (that I had met a couple of cruises ago) while at EPCOT last month.
We both happened to be there on vacation at the same time.
.

 

[cruisingtheseas]

I don’t think they will move the fourth 2027 Wish class to Galveston unless they have built a Disney terminal. They are not going to want a bunch of videos showing the current terminal that they’re sailing out of. They are going to want to market a full Disney experience for the new ship and as far as I can tell, they are not building a terminal there because it doesn’t make sense unless they are occasionally sailing two ships from year round.

The Wish doesn't currently use the Disney terminal in Canaveral, so I do not think that is of major concern to them. They'll add signage and temporary decor, and that'll do.

 

[o&smom]

Where to begin....

I think I should say that I picked the Magic for my first solo Disney cruise based mainly on the price.
Like most cruise lines, when traveling solo you have to pay for the whole cabin.
The charge is usually the same as it is for two people, minus the port fees and taxes for the second person.
The Magic, being the oldest DCL ship, usually has the best per night prices.

Once on board, I felt very comfortable with the size and layout of the ship.
For reference, I had only sailed on the Wish up until then.
For me, the adult areas were much more enjoyable than on the Wish.
I really enjoyed walking the outside decks as well, as they went all the way around.
Also, I was matched with two other solo travelers at my table in the main dining rooms.
They were very nice and we had great conversations each evening during dinner.
I have been very fortunate with the dinner companions that DCL has matched me with on each solo cruise, so far.
Some have been more outgoing than others, but every one of them have been pleasant to dine with.

Another reason that I have picked the Magic for multiple cruises (6 times so far) is that it has moved around and has offered different itineraries.
I have sailed on the Magic out of Galveston, San Juan, and Fort Lauderdale.
The only repeated itinerary that I have done was on back to back Bahama cruises that I did from Fort Lauderdale, and that was by choice as all I wanted on those 2 cruises was to check out Lookout Cay and compare it to Castaway Cay.
The rest of the time I just relaxed and enjoyed the ship, as planned.
(FYI, I like them both, but still prefer Castaway Cay)

Next spring I will be on the Magic again for two weeks on the Panama Canal cruise.
Another first time itinerary for me!

The last thing I will say on this post, but certainly not the least, is about the crew.
Like on all of DCL ships, the crew is outstanding.
To me, however, the crew on the Magic have seemed more personable.
It may be that because it is a smaller ship it just seems that way, but it does add to my being relaxed and enjoying the cruise.
A number of the crew have recognized me on later cruises, and I know that it happens on the other ships as well, but it felt like running into old friends to me.
Heck, I even ran into a Magic crew member (that I had met a couple of cruises ago) while at EPCOT last month.
We both happened to be there on vacation at the same time.
.

See you on the Magic next Spring! We also love the Magic. She is my favorite ship. Partly because she was the first, but I really love the size and layout of the spaces. I remember being worried about the increase in size and people on the Fantasy, but was very happy with how the spaces flowed and some familiarity with the Magic and Wonder. I was so looking forward to to the Wish and kept close tabs on all of the info when she was being built. When the deck plans were finally released, I was a little concerned with many of the changes, but was hoping when I finally got to see it built I would change my mind. We were actually scheduled on 2 back to back cruises that got cancelled because the Wish was behind schedule. When I finally got to see people experience the Wish through videos, I knew that my initial feelings about the spaces was correct. We will probably cruise on one of the Wish class ships at some point. (They are very beautiful ships!) For us, the spaces that we have come to love on the four original ships were either removed or changed so dramatically that we would choose to cruise on the original four. So excited to be sailing on the Wonder in September and the Magic next spring once again. Will take advantage of this as long as we can.