The company responsible for building ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Meyer Werft, has been saved by a potential deal by the German Government.
Less than a month ago, as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan event, Disney announced that four more ships would join the Disney Cruise Line fleet between 2027 and 2031, continuing the company’s long-standing partnership with Meyer Werft.
In a report from Bloomberg, the German government will acquire a 40% stake in the company along with “a stake of the same amount by the state of Lower Saxony,” with financing amounting to around €200 million ($222 million).
Lower Saxony and the German government will “also guarantee 80% of a debt capital credit line totaling €2.6 billion [over $2.8 billion] […] The banks assume 20% at their own risk.”
Meyer first developed trouble during the COVID-19 pandemic. New ships, like Disney Cruise Line, are normally paid for when handed over to customers, but capital is needed. A “prolonged downturn in the German manufacturing sector” saw the need for a rescue deal, per Bloomberg.
It’s the firm determination of the government — of me personally and of my ministry, which is doing the work here — that Meyer Werft gets the support it requires to continue to build ships.
—Germany Economy Minister Robert Habeck
Back in August, when the four new Disney Cruise Line ships were announced Meyer Werft stated in a press release:
We are very happy to continue our partnership with Disney Cruise Line and build four additional outstanding ships over the next seven years. We now have eight ships for Disney Cruise Line in our order book which reflects the trust in our capabilities and hard work of our team. —Bernard Meyer, Meyer Werft
A similar sentiment was expressed by Disney, speaking of excitement for cruise ships to come:
Our Disney cruise ships are the true ambassadors for our brands and beloved by families the world over. As we embark on this ambitious and unprecedented expansion for Disney Cruise Line, we are delighted to work with Meyer Werft once again
—Thomas Mazloum, president, New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences
Disney Cruise Line currently has plans to launch three new cruise ships to its fleet: the Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and Disney Adventure. The owners of Tokyo Disney Resort, Oriental Land Company, announced its Cruise Line Ship will launch in 2029.
The ships currently sailing in the fleet are:
- Disney Magic
- Disney Wonder
- Disney Fantasy
- Disney Dream
- Disney Wish
Would you like to sail on the new Disney Cruise Line Ships when they launch?