At the 2024 D23: The Ultimate Fan Event Presented by Visa, Disney Cruise Line made a splash with a major announcement: four new ships will join its award-winning fleet between 2027 and 2031. The expansion includes one additional Wish-class ship and three vessels in an entirely new class, signaling a bold new era for Disney at sea.
With three of the four ships already revealed, one already sailing, and two more launching this fall, only one mystery ship is left. (And no, we’re not discussing the upcoming ship being developed in partnership with Oriental Land Company.)
During the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, shared that this ambitious expansion reflects Disney’s commitment to bringing the magic of Disney Cruise Line to more families worldwide.
Here’s What We Know Officially
- The 2027 ship will be a Wish-class vessel, following the Disney Wish (2022), Disney Treasure (2024), and Disney Destiny (2025).
- It will weigh approximately 144,000 gross tons, accommodate 4,000 guests, and run on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- The other three new ships will belong to a brand-new class, about 20% larger than the Magic class, but smaller than the Wish class, with a focus on fuel efficiency, advanced propulsion systems, and eco-friendly design.
- These ships are designed to access a wider range of ports worldwide and align with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals.
- Disney Imagineers are engineering these ships to be among the lightest and sustainable cruise vessels ever created.
Now, let’s dive into what we predict for the unrevealed 2027 ship.
Possible Names for the 2027 Disney Ship
Following the whimsical, emotionally resonant naming style of recent ships, here are some of our predictions and thematic contenders:
- Disney Fairytale
- Disney Celebrate
- Disney Imagine
- Disney Enchantment
- Disney Believe
These names reflect Disney’s focus on magic, storytelling, and emotional connection, and any of them would make a stunning addition to the current fleet lineup.
Theming: Princesses & Classic Stories
Based on Disney’s focus on “Wish-class” elegance and storytelling, we expect a heavy influence from Disney princesses and beloved fairytales. The Wish introduced a Grand Hall inspired by Cinderella, and it’s likely the new ship will follow suit with:
- A signature Grand Hall themed around a different royal heroine or classic castle
- Immersive environments celebrating films like Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and The Little Mermaid
- Fairytale dining, shows, and character encounters across the ship
Where Will It Sail? Our Port Prediction: Galveston, Texas
Disney has recently officially announced that Galveston, Texas, will become a full-time Disney Cruise Line port starting in 2027, aligning perfectly with the debut of the new ship. But why Galveston?
- It’s strategically positioned on the Gulf Coast, opening up itineraries to the Western Caribbean, Mexico, and Southern U.S. destinations.
- It’s a growing port with increased Disney investment and infrastructure potential.
This makes it highly likely the new 2027 vessel will be based in Galveston, serving as a major new hub for families in the central U.S.
What Will Be Onboard?
While we don’t have any details, we expect a blend of Disney Cruise Line staples, returning fan favorites, and brand-new attractions. Here’s what we predict:
Must-Have Offerings:
These signature experiences are guest favorites for a reason, they blend Disney magic with comfort, fun, and a touch of luxury:
- Palo: A refined, adults-only Northern Italian restaurant known for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine.
- Senses Spa & Fitness Center: Recharge with relaxing spa treatments and oceanview workouts in this serene wellness space.
- Oceaneer Club: A vibrant, supervised play area filled with imaginative spaces and activities just for kids ages 3–12.
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: A fairytale-worthy makeover experience where kids transform into princesses, knights, or pirates.
- Quiet Cove: A peaceful, adults-only retreat featuring a pool, lounge areas, and specialty coffee bar—perfect for unwinding.
- Walt Disney Theatre: Broadway-caliber stage shows featuring beloved Disney stories, characters, and show-stopping performances.
New Additions:
The Disney Adventure is set to debut Ironcycle Test Run, the first-ever roller coaster at sea for Disney Cruise Line, marking a bold step into thrill-focused innovation. With that milestone, Disney may aim to raise the bar even higher on future ships. Here are a few possibilities they could explore next:
- A second roller coaster with a brand-new theme
- An immersive, ship-wide interactive gaming experience
- Bars and youth lounges inspired by popular theme park attractions and lands
Each addition would continue Disney’s trend of blending high-energy fun with storytelling magic, just at sea.
Looking Ahead
The 2027 ship is shaping up to be a magical blend of cutting-edge technology, heartfelt storytelling, and fairytale luxury, and Disney fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting more details.
As Disney Cruise Line continues its global expansion, one thing’s certain: wherever this ship sails, it will be an unforgettable journey.
