Here is the news release/press release I received today:
Disney Announces Expansion of Successful Cruise Business Two new ships will more than double passenger capacity
BURBANK, Calif., (February 22, 2007) – The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) plans to expand its successful cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger announced today. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disney's family cruise vacations. Click here to see larger images.
The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.
"Since our maiden voyage in 1998, the Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike," Iger said. "It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We're excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us."
Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn't been for the Disney brand.
"Focusing on families has been smart business for us," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good. Families know they can trust us to provide a quality, immersive Disney experience. As a result, Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent."
Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with its gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, are reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and will evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising.
Tom McAlpin, the President of Disney Cruise Line, said, "This is an exciting time for Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to blend our innovation and creativity with their fine craftsmanship. Meyer Werft has a long tradition of building magnificent ships. We are confident that the result will be ships that take the immersive Disney family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level."
New itineraries
Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has also enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company and booked 30-50 percent faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices.
"With a larger fleet, we'll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries," Rasulo said. "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."
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit http://disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-2500 or visit http://disneytravelagents.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of our views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control; including adverse weather conditions or natural disasters; health concerns; international, political or military developments; and changes in domestic and global economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer preferences. Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2006 Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
Too bad Carnival Cruise Lines has snapped up so many names that would be great for the Disney ships...I don't know if Disney would want to use the same name for a ship as a competitor...can't wait to find out what they'll be, though!
I would love to go on a Disney cruise.... but unfortunately Tink would never go... so I guess ill just have to keep going to WDW...lol
how about....
"Dreams"
"TinkerBell"
"Goofster" sorry im bias to goofy..lol
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Mike
"Drink up me Hardees... Yo Ho"
One day in Disney is better than none !!! 19 trips and counting to WDW EW Contemp. 83, Contemp. 84, Ft. Wilderness 85 EW Contemp. 86,Class trip 86, Oak Island Cove 02, Radisson 03, Radisson 03, POR 04, Radisson 04 Renaissance Inn 04, POR 2\05, POP 3\05, POR 06, POR 07, POR 08, AKL 10\08, AKL 3\09, Jambo House 5\09....
mb, has Tink been on a cruise before? I have twice, and I can't imagine how much fun a Disney cruise must be! Unless you've been on one, you just can't understand. So this is me applying pressure that you gotta try it.
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Disney Buses: March 24, 2007 - December 9, 2007 Kilimanjaro Safaris: December 10, 2007 - July 6, 2008
Monorails: July 6, 2008 -
When Eisner, and crew started the DCL, they originally planed for a total of 10 ships. Yup, 10.
But then 09/11 happen and the plan got put on hold. Its nice to see that DCL is starting to go with its plan. I'm just wondering where they're going to launch from? Besides Port Carnaverial, I know in they have a Second Site in Tampa, Florida. Its been paid for, since before 09/11.
Other Areas I've heard:
California - 2 ships. Where they've launched before, and in 2008.
Alaska - Not sure where.
Australia - For Oceanic Tours
The Med - Where they're going for 2007
Tampa, Fl - 2 ships for Gulf of Mexico and Central America Tours.
PC, Florida - 2 ships, the current fleet and tours.
???? - I cant remember where the 10th was suppose to be. I'm thinking it was suppose to be India, or England.
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"Sometimes the best way to start something, is to stop talking, and start doing." - Walt Disney
They should put about 2 in San Diego, California, 2 in San Francisco then the two they have in PC, Florida and 2 more in Tampa, Florida. Then they could put 2 in Cardiff, Whales and 2 in Dover (maybe).
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They should put about 2 in San Diego, California, 2 in San Francisco then the two they have in PC, Florida and 2 more in Tampa, Florida. Then they could put 2 in Cardiff, Whales and 2 in Dover (maybe).
Or... how about Harwich? Which is about 30 minutes from my house. There is already a large port there and the cruise ships sail from there around the UK and to the Baltic states. PLEEEEEZZZZEEE Disney!
well, with all the pirate mania these days, I think "The Jolly Roger" and "The Black Pearl" would be quite appropriate.
A Disney cruise has been a dream of mine for a while, unfortunately, I would really, really, REALLY want to stay in one of the suites on bouard, like the Roy Disney!! Sad to say that I really, really, REALLY can never gope to be able to afford it!!
I was so excited to hear the news of two new ships. I'm not so creative with names so I'm not even going to attempt that one. I like all of the suggestions that have been mentioned. For those of you who have yet to sail with Disney I highly recommend a Disney cruise in your near planning. I have been on several cruises with other lines (and they were great) but after sailing with Disney we will never look back. I can't wait to see what other itineraries they add. I want to sail the world with Disney!!! Don't worry too much about what cabin you can afford. My experience is that there is so much going on that I am in the cabin rarely (usually to change and sleep). Hope that helps get some of you on board.
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