Disney Cruise Line announces expansion with four new ships, adding to its fleet for a total of 13, and reveals new entertainment like “Disney Hercules” for the Disney Destiny.
Amid a period of unprecedented growth, Disney Cruise Line shared more exciting news during D23, The Ultimate Fan Event over the weekend, including further expansion of the fleet and new details about the signature entertainment coming to the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny in 2024 and 2025.
Disney Cruise Line Expansion
Disney Cruise Line announced an additional four ships that will join the award-winning fleet, giving families more opportunities to experience the world-class dining, exceptional entertainment, and signature hospitality that Disney Cruise Line is known for.
With five ships in the current fleet and four others already in the works, the additional four ships announced Saturday will bring the fleet to a total of 13. These new ships, which will debut between 2027 and 2031, will be constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, and the ship names, designs, and itineraries are still in development.
Go the Distance: “Disney Hercules,” All-New Stage Show to Debut Exclusively Onboard Disney Destiny
When the Disney Destiny sets sail in November 2025, it will bring spaces and experiences inspired by legendary Disney heroes and villains to the high seas. Onboard, one such tale of good vs. evil will come to life when everyone’s favorite Greek gladiator takes center stage in the Walt Disney Theatre in “Disney Hercules,” an all-new, Broadway-style show developed exclusively for the Disney Destiny.
The high-energy show will be filled with the celebrated songs and larger-than-life characters from the Walt Disney Animation Studios movie, presented in an all-new way. “Disney Hercules” will stay true to the story and spirit of the film while showcasing a fresh, modern adaptation tailor-made for the stage.
Like the film, the Muses will be the show’s storytellers, guiding guests through this mythical tale of good vs. evil. The show will include all the beloved songs featured in the film, along with the theatrical debut of “Shooting Star.” The new musical arrangements will emphasize the iconic soundtrack’s pop and gospel influences, drawing on the production team’s extensive and diverse experience that ranges from theatre to pop music. Guests can expect show-stopping musical numbers, incredible vocals, stunning visuals and immersive projection effects.
“Disney Hercules” will be one of three stage shows coming to the Disney Destiny, along with fan-favorites “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” and “Disney Seas the Adventure,” which features Disney and Pixar characters and signature Disney songs.
First Look: New Rendering from “Disney The Tale of Moana” Premiering on Disney Treasure Later This Year
“Disney The Tale of Moana” will bring Moana’s unforgettable coming-of-age adventures from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film to live audiences for the first time onboard the Disney Treasure. With the show debuting later this year, Disney Cruise Line has shared a first look at one of the key climactic moments from the production.
The scene depicts Moana as she takes her final stand against Te Kā, the fiery lava-wielding foe who will appear on stage as an incredible fifteen-foot-tall puppet, the largest puppet ever produced for a Disney Cruise Line Broadway-style show. “Disney The Tale of Moana” will also portray Moana’s courageous determination to restore the heart of Te Fiti and the resulting transformation of the Te Kā puppet into her true self, a stunning green goddess.
Audiences will see many of their favorite characters from the film reimagined as puppets, including a young version of Moana. The captivating array of puppetry is being developed for the show by Jeff Conover, creative director of puppetry and articulation for Disney Live Entertainment, and Michael Curry, whose previous credits include “The Lion King” on Broadway.
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