Disney Cruise Line

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[Viator]

 

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[tyro]

I know Disney Diddnt actually design the layout out of the ship, but it’s crazy to me how this area seems like a rip off of the park concept on RCL’s Oasis class. MSC newest ships do the same exact thing as well.

 

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[tyro]

Honestly, I am surprised they are not going the mega ship route, I’d be really interested to see how they could build one from ground up. (I don’t count the Adventure since that is a unique situation)

 

[UNIrd]

They're going smaller again. Love that idea for them and a lot of DCL fans still consider Magic/Wonder their favorite ships.

I think NCL went smaller with their new ships, Aqua and Luna, too. It's a bold move when everyone is going the monstrosity route.

 

[HandsomePete]

The economics of a megaship probably don't work as well for Disney since it's a premium price point relative to others and they don't lean hard into speciality dining upselling, gambling, etc. Having a 3,000 capacity ship full during slow season and pulling in huge rates during busy seasons "maintains" their market position more than a megaship that's full during busy seasons and discounted during slow times.

They're also probably scared to write a check big enough to build a megaship... they would probably 1.5-2X the cost of the Icon if they tried to build something that big.

 

[ThemeParks4Life]

Another issue with megaships is their port of calls are limited by dock sizes. A larger cruise line with a wider fleet can accomodate this, but Disney is nowhere close to having a ship surplus to warrant a megaship. Maybe they'll attempt one after the upcoming ships are fulfilled?

 

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[Viator]

DCL is expanding to have a ship port in Galveston Texas ready by 2027. (Timestamp: 26 minutes and 31 seconds in)

May 21, 2025 Joint Meeting of the City Council and Wharves Board of Trustees - Galveston, TX

It also seems a similar cruise liner to Disney is also being eyed to dock in Galveston; but the cruise liner in question seems tied to NDA's.

 

[tyro]

DCL is expanding to have a ship port in Galveston Texas ready by 2027. (Timestamp: 26 minutes and 31 seconds in)

View attachment 26655

May 21, 2025 Joint Meeting of the City Council and Wharves Board of Trustees - Galveston, TX

It also seems a similar cruise liner to Disney is also being eyed to dock in Galveston; but the cruise liner in question seems tied to NDA's.

My guess is it is the “new” Margaritaville at Sea ship that they purchased from Costa.

 

[HandsomePete]

DCL is expanding to have a ship port in Galveston Texas ready by 2027. (Timestamp: 26 minutes and 31 seconds in)

View attachment 26655

May 21, 2025 Joint Meeting of the City Council and Wharves Board of Trustees - Galveston, TX

It also seems a similar cruise liner to Disney is also being eyed to dock in Galveston; but the cruise liner in question seems tied to NDA's.

Galveston makes the most sense if Disney is going to expand a bit outside of Florida with the newer ships, but the one they’re talking about is clearly the ship destined for Singapore.

 

[OrlLover]

DCL is expanding to have a ship port in Galveston Texas ready by 2027. (Timestamp: 26 minutes and 31 seconds in)

View attachment 26655

May 21, 2025 Joint Meeting of the City Council and Wharves Board of Trustees - Galveston, TX

It also seems a similar cruise liner to Disney is also being eyed to dock in Galveston; but the cruise liner in question seems tied to NDA's.

Did you see that Universal Apex on X claiming that Universal was getting into the cruise line business?

 

[tyro]

Did you see that Universal Apex on X claiming that Universal was getting into the cruise line business?

They have made claims that they have recently updated their ownership of the Universal Cruise Line website domain, I honestly just think it’s a brand protection thing. They don’t even operate their hotels, so why would they get into the cruise line business? Only way I could see it happening is if it was some sort of partnership with Loews.

 

[OrlLover]

They have made claims that they have recently updated their ownership of the Universal Cruise Line website domain, I honestly just think it’s a brand protection thing. They don’t even operate their hotels, so why would they get into the cruise line business? Only way I could see it happening is if it was some sort of partnership with Loews.

In my opinion that market is pretty saturated.

However with the right branding and amenities they could jump in if they wanted to.

People are familiar with their theme parks and of course legacy in the film industry so that’s a major selling point.

 

[GA-MBIT]

Just from a brand perception and vibes perspective and ignoring the actual offerings from DCL, I could see a theoretical "Disney Cruise" offering some amount of luxury, or being rich with ammentities and quality experiences. Disney Princesses, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pixar, Moana, Marvel, Star Wars, Mickey and Co. That feels right to me.

I struggle to find the same positive perceptions towards a Cruise brand with primary themes based around Shrek, Minions, and Jaws. Disney Magic is a real force, and as good as most of the Universal parks are, I don't think it translates 1 to 1 towards a Cruise Ship experience. A lot of big UDX IP are external too. I doubt we'd see Harry Potter or Nintendo here.

Also, from just a basic Google search, it looks like UDX is also currently partnered with Royal Caribbean. The speculation I've heard has been leaning towards a post-2030 launch, so that's not an absolute deal-breaker as there is a lot of time when they could end the partnership before jumping in, but it is something to consider.

 

[ThemeParks4Life]

Just from a brand perception and vibes perspective and ignoring the actual offerings from DCL, I could see a theoretical "Disney Cruise" offering some amount of luxury, or being rich with ammentities and quality experiences. Disney Princesses, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pixar, Moana, Marvel, Star Wars, Mickey and Co. That feels right to me.

I struggle to find the same positive perceptions towards a Cruise brand with primary themes based around Shrek, Minions, and Jaws. Disney Magic is a real force, and as good as most of the Universal parks are, I don't think it translates 1 to 1 towards a Cruise Ship experience. A lot of big UDX IP are external too. I doubt we'd see Harry Potter or Nintendo here.

Also, from just a basic Google search, it looks like UDX is also currently partnered with Royal Caribbean. The speculation I've heard has been leaning towards a post-2030 launch, so that's not an absolute deal-breaker as there is a lot of time when they could end the partnership before jumping in, but it is something to consider.

100% agree. The only way a dedicated Universal Cruise Line would succeed is by combating Royal Caribbean and Norwegian (and to some extent Carnival/MSC but they are obviously more budget options), not Disney. IMO they need to have drink packages, casinos, and more nightlife than you'd find on Disney. A DCL-esqe Universal cruise with no drink packages would immediately deter a good chunk of childless adults.