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Disney to more than double cruise line capacity
Disney Cruise Line is to double in size with an order for two new 1,250-cabin ships.
The new vessels are due to enter service in 2011 and 2012 and will be larger than the line’s current ships.
The increased capacity will enable the line to offer more varied itineraries. Disney will operate in Europe for the first time this summer with sailings from Barcelona.
The company has signed a letter of intent with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany for the two 122,000-ton ships which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, which were both purpose-built for families.
Disney said the newbuilds will be “a modern interpretation of callsic ocean liners of the 1930s” and “evoke images of the glamour of th golden age of cruising”.
Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said: “With a larger fleet, we’ll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries. This is a business that our guests love, and we’re pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships.”
Walt Disney Company president and CEO Bob Iger said: “Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike. We are excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us.”
by Phil Davies
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