In a May, Meyer Werft published an updated Cruise Ship Reference document with the hull number assignments for Disney Cruise Line’s cruise ship order through 2031.
According to the Meyer Werft Meyer Werft press document with a creation date of April 8, 2025 the hull numbers for the new ships are as follows:
- N.N. 2027 – s.723
- N.N. Oriental Land Company (OLC) – s.722
- N.N. 2029 – s.731
- N.N. 2030 – s.732
- N.N. 2031 – s.733
All ship names, design plans and itineraries are still in development, with each of the ships expected to have their own unique experiences. The three vessels in Disney’s new ship class (rumored to be called the Meridian Class) will feature industry-leading technology and design to expand Disney Cruise Line’s global reach and support its environmental goals. Able to carry 3,000 Guests and measuring approximately 100,000 gross tons, they will be 20 percent larger than the Disney Magic class and smaller than the Disney Dream and Disney Wish classes, ultimately allowing Disney Cruise Line to access more ports and destinations across the globe, bringing its world-class entertainment, incredible dining, Guest service, and uniquely Disney experiences to more families in more places. The three ships are planned for delivery in 2029, 2030 and 2031.
The gross tonnage of the new ships (hull# 731,732,733) makes me think Magic and Wonder will be replaced/retired once these are delivered. They’ll be 30+ yrs old by then and these new builds are closer to their size. DCL’s builds have gotten larger and larger since Magic/Wonder so only reason to reverse course and go smaller would be to replace Magic/Wonder for Panama Canal and Alaska cruises which Magic/Wonder cover (and also possibly for Norway to get to fjords that larger Dream class can’t reach). Just saying,
I don’t disagree. The company has publicly stated they are building up to a fleet of 13 ships so I feel like unless they make a public correction to this number they will need to build 2 more ships to replace the Magic and Wonder. Could be 2 more smaller ships or 2 completely different ships yet to be announced.
There is no longer a size restriction as it applies to the Panama Canal and any of the current DCL ships. The “Magic-class only” limitation went away in 2016 with the completion of the “New Panamax” expansion. The Magic-class, Dream-class and Wish-class all have length, beam and draft specifications that are compatible with the newest locks. The Norwegian Encore at 169,000 tons visits the same Alaskan ports as DCL, so I don’t believe the size reduction decision is applicable to Alaska.
There is still a height restriction for the Panama Canal due to the Bridge of Americas clearance: “The maximum height of 57.91 meters (190 feet) from the waterline to the vessel’s highest point is specified for both Panamax and Neopanamax vessels to ensure safe passage under the Bridge of the Americas.”
There has been a lot of speculation that the Magic and Wonder will be retired after delivery due to their age and the size of the ships coming next. There have been additional speculation that they will be kept since Disney keeps referencing 13 ships once the fleet is complete. I would venture to say, “Let’s enjoy the adventure. Sail on the older ships, if you haven’t, while you still can.” No one knows what will shake out until it does. We will second guess their decisions along the way. I will be the first to watch with earnest as new ship news is released here and on other platforms. Thanks for the update Scott!!
That’s probable. I hope they will correct some of the layout issues or the wish class
Certainly. If the ‘Meridian’ ships have similar issues or are more like the Wish Class than the Classic ships then I think it’s time to take a long break from Disney unless the Dream and Fantasy are on suitable cruises for me.
Wish class would be unable to sail from Vancouver as Lions Gate Bridge clearance is 200 ft.
I’m excited to see what they come up with. I like that each class has its own unique style, quirks and all. I’m also excited they are a little smaller than the Dream and Wish class.
My money is for sure on the retirement of Magic and Wonder – with 2 of the new ships actually taking the names Magic and Wonder.