Disney Cruise Line’s First Asia-Based Cruise Ship Delayed Until March

The highly anticipated Disney Adventure cruise ship will now set sail later than expected, with its maiden voyage rescheduled for March 12, 2026. Originally slated for December 15, 2025, this delay affects nearly two dozen planned sailings. Disney Cruise Line acquired the partially constructed vessel from the defunct Dream Cruises in 2022, and the ship is currently undergoing final preparations at the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

Details of the Delay and Rebooking Options

Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences, announced the delay, citing unexpected challenges in the shipbuilding process. “As we work on the final touches to bring the Disney Adventure to our guests, we’ve encountered unexpected delays,” Schott stated. He emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience, which necessitated the adjustment of the timeline. Disney is aware that this change may disappoint guests and is proactively offering flexible rebooking options.

For those affected by the delay, Disney has implemented a comprehensive rebooking policy. Guests who had reservations for the original maiden voyage will automatically be transferred to the new date on March 10, 2026, at a 50% discount. If they cannot accommodate the new date, they will receive a full refund along with a 50% discount on a future Disney Cruise Line sailing, provided it is booked by March 31, 2026, and departs on or before March 31, 2027. Similarly, guests with bookings on other impacted sailings will also receive full refunds and the same discount on future sailings.

Current Status of the Disney Adventure

The Disney Adventure is currently docked at the MV Werften Shipyard in Wismar, Germany, where it has recently completed sea trials. Disney has reassured potential travelers that the delays are not related to safety concerns but are instead focused on ensuring the ship meets the high standards of quality and service that Disney is known for. The ship, measuring approximately 340 meters in length, will be the largest in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, accommodating around 6,700 passengers.

Onboard, guests can expect innovative dining and entertainment options, including a show featuring Duffy and Friends characters and various attractions, such as a roller coaster. Bookings for sailings through January 4, 2027, are currently available, with additional dates for 2027 expected to be released in March 2026.

Disney Adventure’s MV Postponed Three Months Citing Construction Delays

Strong Demand for Disney Cruise Line

Despite the delay, demand for the Disney Adventure remains robust. Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, reported that bookings for the ship’s initial voyages have sold out quickly, highlighting the strong interest in Disney’s first cruise ship to homeport in Singapore. Iger described the Disney Adventure as a “floating ambassador” for the brand, emphasizing its significance in a region with a growing affinity for Disney.

While the Disney Adventure faces delays, the Disney Destiny, the third ship in the Wish-class series, is still on track for its maiden voyage on November 20, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This continued momentum reflects Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to expanding its offerings and enhancing guest experiences.