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

[Trera]

New ship 2: Full-time in Europe/Mediterranean and mid/south Atlantic, Canaries / Azores / Greek Isles in the fall/winter

You dont want to be in the Greek Isles in the winter time. I think Sept would be about as late as I would want to be there.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

Does the PC contract specifically name Dream and Fantasy? For some reason I thought it was that the newest ships were to sail out of PC year-round?

I believe there were some posts in another thread, or maybe this one, about the new ships that indicated that contract had expired or will expire prior to the new ships setting sail. So I guess it's a matter of what DCL wants to negotiate with PC. If they want to keep their options open for the new ships, they may insist on any contract being a generic # of ships, as opposed to specific ships. PC may push back though as having the new ships there will drive business as people will want to sail on the newest ships.

 

[yowcruiser]

Also, would not be surprised if Disney announces another private island location somewhere in the Caribbean! Castaway Cay is amazing, but with more ships, it can't handle the work load, so Disney leases another amazing spot and some plans you go to both their islands on one 7 night cruise!!

Or not... If Disney was to keep the same number of trips to CC, but only sends the bigger boats they would probably be able to accommodate the demand, at least in the short to mid-term. That said, love the idea of a secondary private island in the Caribbean!

 

[FigmentSpark]

I believe there were some posts in another thread, or maybe this one, about the new ships that indicated that contract had expired or will expire prior to the new ships setting sail. So I guess it's a matter of what DCL wants to negotiate with PC. If they want to keep their options open for the new ships, they may insist on any contract being a generic # of ships, as opposed to specific ships. PC may push back though as having the new ships there will drive business as people will want to sail on the newest ships.

Didn't someone mention that Port Canaveral has to build something for the new fuel that these ships will use? I think that's going to be a huge factor on where they sail from and where they will go. If the fuel is a cutting edge technology thing, then they may not even be able to do the ports they usually do, unless they don't take on fuel in ports on the trip... just a embarkation?

 

[Pens Fan]

Didn't someone mention that Port Canaveral has to build something for the new fuel that these ships will use? I think that's going to be a huge factor on where they sail from and where they will go. If the fuel is a cutting edge technology thing, then they may not even be able to do the ports they usually do, unless they don't take on fuel in ports on the trip... just a embarkation?

Hmmm - interesting point! I hadn't thought about that. I googled "LNG fuel cruise ships" and found some interesting articles. Disney's ships won't be the first out there using LNG fuel, so hopefully some of the supply logistics will have begun to get sorted out when they sail. Still, it could be an issue in the short term.

https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/lng-powered-cruise-ships-lead-the-way

https://www.lngworldnews.com/shell-to-fuel-carnivals-lng-powered-cruise-ships/

This last one is an old one, but I thought it was interesting as it pointed out that the infrastructure is further along in Northern Europe.

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-...e-propulsion-Increasingly-LNG-fuels-newbuilds

 

[WaywardMemphian]

Just got back from our first Disney cruise, a three day trail run on the Dream. We liked it so much, we made the deposit on the Barcelona to Rome 6 nite for 2019 as part of our month in Europe. Anyways, an Adai crew member that's been with Disney for 7 contracts said he was excited because he was looking forward to being on the new cruises that will connect the Disney Asian parks. This makes lots of sense really. Begin and end in Tokyo and Hong Kong with Shanghai in the middle. I imagine as the new ships come online the older Dream and Fantasy will undergo extensive drydock spells.

Royal Carribean is certainly uppimg the private island game along with MSC's under construction.

Love the Idea of two separate islands with distinctively different features

 

[disneycruise100]

I hate to be the one to say this... But at least one person has to wonder if the Magic/Wonder retirement conversation is on the table. I get that they're rated for many more years.. But most major cruise lines start getting rid of ships around the age of 25 or so.

 

[phinz]

Hmmm - interesting point! I hadn't thought about that. I googled "LNG fuel cruise ships" and found some interesting articles. Disney's ships won't be the first out there using LNG fuel, so hopefully some of the supply logistics will have begun to get sorted out when they sail. Still, it could be an issue in the short term.

https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/lng-powered-cruise-ships-lead-the-way

https://www.lngworldnews.com/shell-to-fuel-carnivals-lng-powered-cruise-ships/

This last one is an old one, but I thought it was interesting as it pointed out that the infrastructure is further along in Northern Europe.

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-...e-propulsion-Increasingly-LNG-fuels-newbuilds

In addition, there's this excerpt from the International Propeller Club's annual convention:


LNG coming to Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer John Murray, one of the panelists at a session on liquefied natural gas, said he expects Port Canaveral to have one or more cruise ships fueled by LNG based there by 2021 or 2022.

While he had no specifics, Murray noted that there are 16 cruise ships now under construction that will be fueled by LNG. With Port Canaveral being the world's second-busiest cruise port, behind the Port of Miami, there is a great likelihood that one or more of these ships will be based at Port Canaveral, Murray said.

He said the cruise ships using LNG likely would be fueled at Port Canaveral via waterside barges.

Additionally, Murray said, he expects to have a private entity develop an LNG storage facility at the port in the future to accommodate the needs of companies in the space industry that plan to use LNG as one of their rocket fuel components.

Other speakers on the panel stressed the advantages of LNG in reducing air pollution, and contended that it is a safe fuel, despite concerns raised by some in the general public.

 

[Spork24]

I hate to be the one to say this... But at least one person has to wonder if the Magic/Wonder retirement conversation is on the table. I get that they're rated for many more years.. But most major cruise lines start getting rid of ships around the age of 25 or so.

I mentioned this on a thread a while back and got some minor flames for it. I’ve thought about it some more and I really think they will keep them in service until the next round of shipbuilding. I think the wonder and magic have a size advantage on some of their iteneraries with fewer staterooms to fill. I would expect Disney to maintain ships in this size class even after they retire the current classic ships.

 

[Intr3pid]

Some very good points so far. To add:

1. The competition in the Caribbeans is cutthroat. Pretty much every cruise line now has a presence. (You can look at the prices being charged in the Caribbeans vs elsewhere.) Unsure how much more capacity DCL would want to add in the region.

2. The Caribbeans is also the least fuel hungry of most destinations. Calmer waters and closer distances help. BUT, using a more fuel efficient ship could help with the margins.

3. Barcelona is supplying LNG to one of AIDA's new cruise ships. It's likely then that one of the new ships in Europe is home-ported in Barcelona.
http://www.greenport.com/news101/lng/cruise-ship-fuelled-by-lng-while-docked

4. LNG could be supplied through a bunkering system or even at sea:
https://www.lngworldnews.com/msc-cruises-arta-develop-new-lng-bunkering-system/

5. You can expect two ships to operate in Europe in the summer. Current DCL prices being charged in Europe pretty much seals that one. Same story for west coast/Alaska. The Alaskan prices in mid-June through August provide insane margins.

6. Panama Canal needs one of the smaller ships. Similarly, TA and east coast/Canada would also be best suited for a smaller ship due to the off-season dip in demand.

 

[Spork24]

Some very good points so far. To add:

1. The competition in the Caribbeans is cutthroat. Pretty much every cruise line now has a presence. (You can look at the prices being charged in the Caribbeans vs elsewhere.) Unsure how much more capacity DCL would want to add in the region.

2. The Caribbeans is also the least fuel hungry of most destinations. Calmer waters and closer distances help. BUT, using a more fuel efficient ship could help with the margins.

3. Barcelona is supplying LNG to one of AIDA's new cruise ships. It's likely then that one of the new ships in Europe is home-ported in Barcelona.
http://www.greenport.com/news101/lng/cruise-ship-fuelled-by-lng-while-docked

4. LNG could be supplied through a bunkering system or even at sea:
https://www.lngworldnews.com/msc-cruises-arta-develop-new-lng-bunkering-system/

5. You can expect two ships to operate in Europe in the summer. Current DCL prices being charged in Europe pretty much seals that one. Same story for west coast/Alaska. The Alaskan prices in mid-June through August provide insane margins.

6. Panama Canal needs one of the smaller ships. Similarly, TA and east coast/Canada would also be best suited for a smaller ship due to the off-season dip in demand.

1. Agreed

2. Disney is the type to put margins of the business over margins of a route, if fuel efficiency is a driving factor, you could see Dream stay on Bahamian cruises.

3. I agree with you, but LNG isn’t that limiting within North America and Europe, a LNG fueling station is easy enough if the fuel is available. (It’s plentiful in NA and Europe)

4. Sure

5. Absolutely, Disney will assuredly increase European and Alaskan yearly fares. I imagine that they will do so with multiple ships in each location but they coul just use the bigger ships there.

6. It is yet to be seen if the new ships will fit through the canal, the dream class is about 20-30 ft Too tall. The new class funnels could be lower profile to fit under the bridge of the americas. I agree that a classic ship is ideal for NE And Canada sailings

 

[Intr3pid]

You dont want to be in the Greek Isles in the winter time. I think Sept would be about as late as I would want to be there.

Generally agreed. One caveat is that an island such as Santorini is warmer in October/November than Alaska in the summer. DCL need not pitch it as a sun or beach vacation.

 

[Pens Fan]

Generally agreed. One caveat is that an island such as Santorini is warmer in October/November than Alaska in the summer. DCL need not pitch it as a sun or beach vacation.

I agree. We will be in Santorini in late Oct 2019 and are quite looking forward to the cooler weather. I'd much rather need a light jacket than bake in the heat.

Also, other cruise lines operate ships in Europe all winter - usually traveling to Spain, the Canary Islands, or Morocco for example. Obviously I have no clue if Disney will decide to do that, but there is certainly nothing ruling out Europe in the winter. I'd love that option - avoid the summer crowds!

 

[Intr3pid]

I mentioned this on a thread a while back and got some minor flames for it. I’ve thought about it some more and I really think they will keep them in service until the next round of shipbuilding. I think the wonder and magic have a size advantage on some of their iteneraries with fewer staterooms to fill. I would expect Disney to maintain ships in this size class even after they retire the current classic ships.

If we go through Disney's 2017 financials, we see that pretty much every segment saw revenue and operating income declines. Including studio entertainment (with income DOWN 13%) - as much as everyone would like to believe in the Marvel / Star Wars franchises.

The one glaring exception was parks and resorts (which DCL is a part of), whose operating income climbed 14%!

For Iger's team, the writing is on the wall. They need to leverage the secular growth in themed vacations and global branded travel. I am expecting them to announce a mix (or all) of the following over the next few years:

* A new resort in the Mediterranean opening in the same time frame as the new ships
* ~3 to 5 new ships to enter service between 2026 and 2030
* An additional resort closer to the southern Asian large populations but in the sun (such as in Singapore or Dubai) opening between 2026 and 2030

By the 2025-2030 timeframe, they can retire the Magic and Wonder - or just convert them to stationary resorts.

While ABD is currently niche-y, I also expect it to go mainstream once the new ships and resorts open up the supply chain to other parts of the world.

Good times ahead.

 

[disneycruise100]

I mentioned this on a thread a while back and got some minor flames for it. I’ve thought about it some more and I really think they will keep them in service until the next round of shipbuilding. I think the wonder and magic have a size advantage on some of their iteneraries with fewer staterooms to fill. I would expect Disney to maintain ships in this size class even after they retire the current classic ships.

Every time I do see someone mention it, the mob comes out. But it is something that should be discussed as they get older and new ships come out.

You do bring up a good point. I'm hoping for some unique itineraries for the Magic and Wonder as the new ships come online.

 

[Amunet]

he was excited because he was looking forward to being on the new cruises that will connect the Disney Asian parks. This makes lots of sense really. Begin and end in Tokyo and Hong Kong with Shanghai in the middle.

OMG You have NO IDEA how excited this would make me (and others!) if it happened I vote YES on this idea!

Morocco for example

Ahhh another idea I fully support I've only ever seen Africa, never been. I NEED to have Disney and Africa in the same, easy, vacation

* A new resort in the Mediterranean opening in the same time frame as the new ships

Don't they already have one; Disneyland Paris? Or are you meaning a Disney themed resort like Aulani?

 

[lds0191]

I hate to be the one to say this... But at least one person has to wonder if the Magic/Wonder retirement conversation is on the table. I get that they're rated for many more years.. But most major cruise lines start getting rid of ships around the age of 25 or so.

We were just off the Magic (first cruise after dry dock) and had an interesting conversation with our server in Palo, who has been on the Magic for 9 years. We were commenting on the major changes on the Magic in the last few years and he told us that Disney could have built a new ship for the money they have spent on re-imagining the Magic. He said that Disney has so many cruisers that have a real connection to the Classic ships (especially the Magic as it was the first Disney ship) and that is important to DCL. I am one of those who have such special memories; it is an emotional attachment and we still prefer the smaller ships. From that conversation it was clear Disney does not plan on taking either of the Classic ships out of service; at least anytime in the near future.

 

[disneycruise100]

We were just off the Magic (first cruise after dry dock) and had an interesting conversation with our server in Palo, who has been on the Magic for 9 years. We were commenting on the major changes on the Magic in the last few years and he told us that Disney could have built a new ship for the money they have spent on re-imagining the Magic. He said that Disney has so many cruisers that have a real connection to the Classic ships (especially the Magic as it was the first Disney ship) and that is important to DCL. I am one of those who have such special memories; it is an emotional attachment and we still prefer the smaller ships. From that conversation it was clear Disney does not plan on taking either of the Classic ships out of service; at least anytime in the near future.

I definitely understand that. The Wonder was the first ship I sailed on. And I'm hoping to sail on her again someday.

I don't think the cruisers are the only ones that have a connection to the Magic... DCL has a lover affair with its first born.

 

[Intr3pid]

Don't they already have one; Disneyland Paris? Or are you meaning a Disney themed resort like Aulani?

Aulani-style I would love.

I think they will put another theme park in Europe though. They have three in Asia Pacific (Tokyo, HK, and now Shanghai) - and two in North America. European population can handle another one. They just need to build a slightly larger Marvel/Star Wars/Frozen/etc fan base with the younger crowds (= push through another 4-5 years of movies).

 

[Spork24]

We were just off the Magic (first cruise after dry dock) and had an interesting conversation with our server in Palo, who has been on the Magic for 9 years. We were commenting on the major changes on the Magic in the last few years and he told us that Disney could have built a new ship for the money they have spent on re-imagining the Magic. He said that Disney has so many cruisers that have a real connection to the Classic ships (especially the Magic as it was the first Disney ship) and that is important to DCL. I am one of those who have such special memories; it is an emotional attachment and we still prefer the smaller ships. From that conversation it was clear Disney does not plan on taking either of the Classic ships out of service; at least anytime in the near future.

No way that servers calculations could have been right. New ships are rediculously expensive. I don’t have time to do the research, but I file this in the exaggeration category.