Disney’s Cruise Empire Expands: A New Era of Family Fun
The Disney Treasure Sets Sail
Next month, Disney will launch its sixth cruise ship, the Disney Treasure, on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s rapid expansion plans. The Treasure, measuring 221 feet tall and 1,119 feet long, can accommodate 4,000 passengers and 1,555 crew members. Onboard, guests will experience themed dining, curated lounges, and premium live entertainment, setting a new standard for family cruising.
Rapid Expansion Ahead
Disney’s fleet will double by 2031, with two new ships, the Disney Destiny and the Disney Adventure, arriving in 2025. This growth spurt will be followed by four additional Disney-branded vessels and a partnership with Oriental Land Company to bring Disney’s cruise vacations to Japan. “Disney Cruise Line is going through an unprecedented period of growth,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney’s new experiences portfolio and Disney signature experiences.
Record Revenue and Profit
Disney’s experiences division, which includes parks, resorts, and consumer products, posted record revenue and profit for fiscal 2024. Revenue increased by 5% to $34.15 billion, while operating income rose by 4% to $9.27 billion. The division was the second-highest revenue driver for Disney last year, behind its entertainment division.
Innovations in Cruising
What sets Disney apart is its focus on storytelling and guest-centric design. Gavin Doyle, founder of MickeyVisit.com, noted that Disney redefined the cruising space by integrating beloved characters and intellectual properties into its ships. The company’s rotational dining system, where passengers dine at different themed restaurants with the same servers, busboys, and restaurant managers throughout their trip, has become a hallmark of Disney cruises.
Immersive Dining Experiences
Onboard the Treasure, guests will enjoy immersive dining experiences, such as Plaza de Coco, inspired by the 2017 film “Coco,” and Worlds of Marvel, featuring two different shows. The ship also boasts 1923, a restaurant named after the founding year of Walt Disney Animation Studios, with a collection of exploration-themed artwork from modern and classic animated films.
Adult-Exclusive Dining and Lounges
For those traveling without kids or seeking a night away, the Treasure offers upscale restaurants inspired by “Beauty and the Beast,” including Palo Steakhouse and Enchante. The Rose, a chic lounge, serves pre-dinner aperitifs and after-dinner cocktails.
Bringing Parks to the Sea
The Disney Treasure marks the first time Disney has brought intellectual properties from its parks to one of its ships. The Haunted Mansion Parlor, a bar featuring ghostly design elements, and Jungle Cruise’s Skipper Society, a themed cocktail lounge, are just two examples of this innovative approach.
Family-Friendly Fun
Disney cruises are designed with families in mind, catering to multiple generations. The ship features dedicated spaces for every age group, including It’s a Small World nursery, Disney’s Oceaneer Club, and the Walt Disney Theatre, which hosts Broadway-style productions like “Disney the Tale of Moana.”
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