Disney buys unfinished cruise ship to make over, add to its fleet

CELEBRATION, Fla. — Disney Cruise Line announced this week that it bought a partially completed cruise ship that it plans to reimagine and add to its fleet.

Cruise line officials said they will work with the shipbuilding company Meyer Werft to complete the ship, which was previously known as the Global Dream, in Wismar, Germany.

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Disney expects that the ship will hold about 6,000 passengers with around 2,300 crew members. It is expected to be based outside of the U.S., and be ready to 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,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

Read: See what’s ahead for Disney Cruise Line

Officials said the ship will be completed at the former MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft, the company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. The cruise line said the ship’s previous owner filed for bankruptcy before completing the vessel, enabling Disney Cruise Line to secure it at “a favorable price.”

Video: New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral on Monday Officials said it will be a trip unlike any other cruise passengers have experienced before. (WFTV)

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