Disney Cruise Line is embarking on an exciting expansion, which aims to introduce new customers to its remarkable cruise experiences and the cherished Disney brand itself. This revelation came from CEO Bob Iger during the company’s fiscal Q3 earnings call.
Set to debut in December, the Disney Adventure will be the largest cruise ship in Disney’s fleet, operating from Singapore. The ship, designed to accommodate between 6,000 and 7,000 guests, significantly surpasses the capacity of the existing Wish-class ships, which host around 4,000 passengers. Iger expressed optimism about the expansion, stating, “This will give us an opportunity to float the Disney brand in all of its glory into a region that we think has a huge Disney brand affinity.”
Moreover, the Disney Destiny, marking Disney’s third Wish-class addition, is anticipated to launch in November from Fort Lauderdale. The Disney Treasure, now sailing since last December, is reported to have had a robust start and is performing admirably, reflecting the overall positive trajectory of Disney’s cruise line operations.
“Forward bookings look great, and we’re running at very high occupancies,” stated CFO Hugh Johnston, noting that Disney Cruise Line is approximately half booked for 2026, with even stronger percentages for its newer vessels.
Domestic Park Spending Rises
Disney Cruise Line operates under the Disney Experiences division, which encompasses theme parks, hotels, the Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney. This segment reported impressive growth in Q3, with operating income rising 13% to $2.5 billion. A sizeable portion of this success stemmed from domestic operations, where income soared by 22% to $1.7 billion. This growth was attributed to increased guest spending at parks and resorts and additional cruise passenger days from the Disney Treasure, as well as a one-time boost of $40 million from the Easter holiday falling within this fiscal quarter.
However, this success comes with some rising costs, including approximately $30 million in pre-opening expenses correlated with the introduction of the Disney Destiny and Disney Treasure. An additional $50 million in pre-opening cruise costs is anticipated for Q4.
Disney’s theme parks, particularly in the United States, have shown a thriving performance. The celebrations marking the anniversaries of Disneyland’s 70th and Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th have significantly contributed to this upswing. Johnston mentioned that Walt Disney World achieved record revenue in fiscal Q3.
When analyzing guest demographics, particularly regarding international visitors to the U.S. and the recent launch of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, Johnston indicated that there have been no significant impacts on Disney’s guest mix.
Internationally, Disneyland Paris is thriving, with exciting new developments planned, including the upcoming World of Frozen land slated to open next year. However, the CFO noted some challenges faced in China, mainly due to diminished guest spending rather than lower attendance levels.
For further updates on Disney’s cruise line experiences and park developments, you can visit the [official Disney Cruise Line site](https://www.disneycruise.com) and explore additional resources from [Disney Experiences](https://www.disney.com/experiences/).
As Disney Cruise Line continues its growth initiatives, both existing and potential guests can anticipate memorable adventures and enchanting experiences, further solidifying Disney’s brand presence worldwide.
