Disney Cruise Line has officially taken delivery of Disney Adventure, the largest ship in the company’s history, marking a significant milestone in the cruise line’s long-planned fleet expansion and its first sustained move into the Asian market.
The vessel was formally handed over by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft in mid-December 2025, bringing a complex, years-long construction story closer to its long-awaited conclusion.
With a gross tonnage of approximately 208,000, Disney Adventure will become the largest ship ever operated by Disney Cruise Line when it enters service in March 2026. Designed to carry up to 6,700 guests, the ship represents a major step up in scale for the brand, which has traditionally focused on mid-sized vessels centered on family-friendly experiences and immersive storytelling.
A Long and Unconventional Journey to Completion
Disney Adventure’s path to delivery has been far from straightforward. Construction on the ship began in 2018 under a different owner, when it was originally ordered by Dream Cruises and planned as one of the world’s largest cruise ships. Progress continued until 2022, when Dream Cruises’ parent company, Genting Hong Kong, declared bankruptcy, leaving the vessel roughly 70 percent complete and its future uncertain.
Disney Cruise Line later acquired the partially built ship from Genting’s liquidators and made the strategic decision to bring the vessel into its own fleet. After being renamed Disney Adventure, Meyer Werft was tasked with completing the ship to Disney’s specifications, transforming an unfinished mega-ship into a vessel aligned with the brand’s design standards, entertainment concepts, and guest experience philosophy.
Although the ship was initially scheduled to debut in late 2025, construction and outfitting timelines led Disney to delay the launch until March 2026. The revised schedule resulted in the cancellation of several early sailings, with affected guests rebooked on new dates and offered partial refunds or the option to cancel their reservations.
Singapore Homeport and Strategic Expansion into Asia
Disney Adventure will be homeported in Singapore, operating roundtrip sailings from Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Unlike traditional destination-heavy itineraries, the ship will focus on short three- and four-night cruises that emphasize onboard entertainment, dining, and themed experiences. These “cruises to nowhere” are designed to appeal to regional travelers seeking premium short-break vacations rather than long-haul cruise journeys.
Under an agreement with the Singapore Tourism Board, Disney Adventure is expected to sail from Singapore for at least five years, giving the cruise line a stable base in one of Asia’s most important travel hubs. The move positions Disney Cruise Line to tap into growing demand for cruise vacations across Southeast Asia while introducing its brand to new audiences.
Ahead of the official maiden voyage scheduled for March 10, 2026, the ship will operate a small number of preview sailings, allowing Disney to fine-tune operations before welcoming its first full complement of guests. With delivery now complete, Disney Adventure stands as both the culmination of a complicated construction story and a clear signal of Disney Cruise Line’s ambitions beyond its traditional markets.
