It was reported in November that Disney had purchased a massive-19 deck cruise ship called Global Dream, which remained unfinished at the time. We have since learned that a rather meager sum was paid for the ship.
According to the German business news site Capital, Disney shelled out only $41 million for the still-unfinished Global Dream ship. Construction was underway at MV Werften in Wismar, Germany but the ship was only around 75% finished. The ship’s former owner Genting Hong Kong, had gone into administration following its parent company’s bankruptcy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The estimated cost to construct was originally around $1.8 billion. Disney’s purchase price of $41 million is just over two percent of the original ship’s estimated cost. That leaves Disney with significant financial room to improve the ship while staying well below the cost for a new ship.
Meyer-Werft will temporarily take over operations of the former MV Werften shipyard in Wismar and is expected to work with Disney to outfit the new ship before its new owner ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems takes over the yard in 2025.
It is anticipated that Disney will spend another $1 billion converting and finishing the ship according to Capital, although new SEC filings state “total costs are anticipated to be less than our recent fleet additions,” also noting the cost of the ship was “not material.”
Disney Cruise Line hopes the acquisition of a partially completed ship will bring the magic of a Disney Cruise Line vacation to new global destinations. It will “feature innovative Disney experiences along with the dazzling entertainment, world-class dining, and legendary guest service that set Disney Cruise Line apart.”
According to sources, the ship is expected to have its maiden voyage in 2025. Passenger capacity will be approximately 6,000. The ship will likely be renamed in line with other Disney Cruise Line ship names (such as Disney Magic, Disney Wish, and Disney Dream).
Are you surprised to see that an 8th ship added to the Disney Cruise Line family?