Disney Adventure’s Maiden Voyage Delayed by Three Months
Disney Cruise Line has announced a significant delay in the debut of its newest ship, the Disney Adventure, originally set to launch on December 15, 2025. The maiden voyage will now take place on March 10, 2026, due to construction challenges and unexpected delays in the shipbuilding process. This postponement affects nearly two dozen sailings, prompting Disney to offer discounts and flexible rebooking options for affected guests.
Impact of the Delay on Bookings and Guests
The Disney Adventure was anticipated to operate from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore, offering 3-4 night cruises for at least five years in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board. Although bookings opened to the public last December and the maiden voyage was nearly fully booked, demand has been softer compared to Disney’s Wish-class ships in the U.S. market.
With the new launch date, all cruises scheduled from December 18, 2025, to March 12, 2026, will be canceled. Guests who had booked the original maiden voyage will automatically be rescheduled for the new date and receive a 50% discount. For those unable to rebook, Disney will provide a 50% off future cruise credit, valid for any cruise departing on or before March 31, 2027, when booked by March 31, 2026. Similarly, guests on the canceled sailings will receive a full refund and the same future cruise credit offer.
Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience, stating, “To ensure the experience we deliver reflects our commitment to excellence, we’ve made the decision to adjust our timeline.” The ship recently departed Wismar, Germany, after over seven years of construction and is currently undergoing sea trials in the Baltic and North Seas.
Unique Features of the Disney Adventure
The Disney Adventure is unlike any other ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, featuring seven uniquely themed areas, including Disney Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, and Marvel Landing. This ship, formerly known as Global Dream, was acquired by Disney for $40 million after its previous owner went bankrupt. Disney has since invested approximately $1 billion to reimagine the ship’s interior, aiming to create a distinctly Disney experience.
While the ship’s exterior work is nearly complete, the focus has shifted to interior design and system testing. The delay raises questions about whether the ship’s themed spaces are fully ready or if issues arose during sea trials. Comparisons have been drawn to the launch of the Wish, which also faced delays but ultimately set sail successfully.
As the Disney Adventure prepares for its new launch date, the cruise line remains optimistic about its potential as a destination cruise ship in Southeast Asia. The company is committed to ensuring that the final product meets the high standards expected by its guests.
