Speculation: Three Expansion Locations for Disney’s Massive Cruise Ship

Disney Cruise Line announced this week that it was taking ownership of a partially completed behemoth cruise ship already named the Global Dream by its now-bankrupt founders.

In its announcement, Disney made it clear that this new ship would not cater to the popular U.S. market and would instead be utilized for expansion.

Disney Parks Blog stated,

“The new ship, to be based outside the United States, will feature innovative Disney experiences along with the dazzling entertainment, world-class dining and legendary guest service that set Disney Cruise Line apart. The exterior will be adorned in the iconic, Mickey Mouse-inspired colors of the fleet, complete with signature red funnels.”

But just where could those new destinations be? Here are some theories:

Hong Kong

The Global Dream was originally built by the Hong Kong Genting Group, which provided cruising vacations to the Asian market. So it would make sense to see Disney Cruise Line also secure port access in an Asian cruising hub like Hong Kong. Disney also already has business established in the city-state with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Singapore

Another rapidly growing cruising hub in South East Asia is Singapore. Disney’s cruising competition Royal Caribbean International already has a presence there for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises ships that use the home port to take Guests to destinations throughout China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It would make sense for Disney Cruise Line to now tap into that market as well.

Tokyo

While it is not a common cruising destination, Japan has a growing cruising season in the Spring and Fall. Current itineraries take passengers from Yokohama Harbor on 7-14 day tours of the islands from Hokkaido to Okinawa and include stops in historically crucial Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Some itineraries also stop in South Korea. Like Hong Kong, Disney already has a Disneyland Resort established in Tokyo, offering the possibilities for more “land and sea” vacations that combine visits to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea with a Disney Cruise.

It should be restated that this is all speculation at this time, and we wait on word from Disney Cruise Line on official confirmation of any expansions.

This new ship, yet to be renamed by Walt Disney Imagineers, is expected to sail on her maiden voyage in 2025.

Disney Cruise Line’s latest confirmed expansion includes its first-ever sailings in Australia and New Zealand next year. 

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Cruise Line news and stories as more developments come to light.