Disney Cruise Line Christens LNG-Powered ‘Disney Wish’

Disney Cruise Line has christened its first new ship in decade and the first in its fleet to run on lower-emissions dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The 144,000 gross ton Disney Wish was constructed by the Meyer Werft shipyard, in Papenburg, Germany. At 1,119 feet long, the ship can carry 4,000 passengers and 1,555 crew.

It’s maiden voyage is scheduled for July from its home port in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Disney Wish becomes the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joining the Disney Magic (1998), the Disney Wonder (1999), the Disney Dream (2011) and the Disney Fantasy (2012).

Disney Wish departed Meyer Werft’s Papenburg yard in March for conveyance of the River Ems to the Port of Eemshaven. It is the third ship built for Disney by Meyer Werft and the first of a new class of three ships featuring LNG propulsion.

“This ship kicks off the largest expansion in Disney Cruise Line history, and I’ll tell you, our future here is boundless,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s parks division during Wednesday’s christening ceremony.

Disney Cruise Line honored all Make-A-Wish children—past, present and future—as the ship’s godchildren. Disney has been working with Make-A-Wish since 1980, helping to grant wishes for more than 145,000 children with critical illnesses around the world. Disney Cruise Line is continuing to support Make-A-Wish through newly announced initiatives which include an exclusive merchandise collection and the donation of a stateroom aboard a sailing of the Disney Wish.

Fun fact… the ship’s horn plays “When You Wish Upon a Star.”