Key Points:
- The Disney Treasure will launch its maiden voyage in December from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean, becoming the sixth ship in Disney’s cruise fleet.
- Disney plans to double its fleet by 2031, with two new ships arriving in 2025 and additional vessels in partnership with Oriental Land Company to bring Disney Cruise Line to Japan.
- Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Signature Experiences, highlighted strong demand and high occupancy for Disney cruises, emphasizing the line’s success as a premium brand.
Disney is setting sail toward expansion. Next month, the Disney Treasure will embark on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean. This marks the sixth ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet and a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious plans to grow its cruise offerings.
Standing 221 feet tall and stretching 1,119 feet long, the Treasure can accommodate 4,000 passengers and 1,555 crew members. It boasts themed dining experiences, curated lounges, and premium live entertainment, mirroring the high-quality features Disney is known for across its fleet.
A Period of Rapid Growth
Following the 2022 debut of the Disney Wish, the company’s first new ship in a decade, Disney Cruise Line is entering an era of accelerated growth. The fleet is set to double by 2031, with two new ships—Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure—arriving in 2025, along with four additional vessels in subsequent years. A partnership with Oriental Land Company will also expand Disney’s cruise offerings to Japan.“This is an unprecedented period of growth for Disney Cruise Line,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Signature Experiences. “Demand is very strong, occupancy is high, and the business is performing exceptionally well.”
Financial Success in the Experiences Division
Disney Cruise Line forms part of the company’s experiences division, which also includes parks, resorts, and consumer products. In fiscal 2024, this division achieved record revenue and profit, contributing $34.15 billion in revenue (up 5% year-over-year) and $9.27 billion in operating income (up 4%).Notably, the experiences segment delivered the strongest year-over-year revenue growth among all Disney divisions, with expectations for 6% to 8% profit growth in fiscal 2025. This performance made it Disney’s second-largest revenue driver, trailing only the entertainment division.
Competing in the Family Cruise Space
Despite its smaller fleet compared to major players like Carnival (100+ ships), Royal Caribbean (40+), and Norwegian Cruise Line (30+), Disney has established itself as a leader in the family cruising niche.While Disney cruises are often priced higher than competitors like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, the costs become comparable when guests upgrade to larger cabins or add premium dining and experiences. For example, a seven-night cruise on the Treasure starts at $4,277 for two guests or $6,994 for a family of four, with prices increasing for themed cruises such as Halloween or Christmas itineraries.
As Disney Cruise Line charts a course for expansion, it continues to solidify its reputation as a premium, family-focused cruise provider, offering unique experiences that resonate with its loyal customer base.