Disney Cruise Line expanding to Singapore with Global Dream ship

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The 208,000gt ship is planned to feature innovative Disney experiences along with the entertainment, world-class dining and guest service that distinguish the Disney brand
Disney Cruise Line plans to deploy the former Genting Hong Kong newbuild Global Dream, which it acquired and is going to complete, in Singapore, starting in 2025.

The 208,000gt ship is planned to be finished at MV Werften, under the management of Meyer Werft, to carry approximately 6,000 passengers and 2,300 crew. It will be renamed and is expected to be among the first cruise ships powered by green methanol.

Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and S. Iswaran, Singapore’s minister for transport and minister-in-charge of trade relations, announced the news in Singapore today.

'We are incredibly excited to make Singapore the home port to our seventh-launched ship, which will sail from here year-round starting in 2025,' D’Amaro said.

Five-year agreement

Under a memorandum of understanding, Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board agreed to collaborate to homeport the ship exclusively in Singapore for at least five years. More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.

'This is an important milestone for STB and reflects Disney Cruise Line’s strong confidence in Singapore and Southeast Asia,' said Keith Tan, chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board. 'The new Disney cruise ship will be an attraction itself and is expected to boost the tourism sector in Singapore for many years to come.'

Economic impact

The addition of the Disney ship has the potential to add millions of local and foreign cruise passengers across the five-year period, including fly-cruise passengers who arrive in Singapore by air. It also is expected to bring about significant spillover benefits for the wider economy. These include greater demand for port and ship-related services, as well as on-ground spending in Singapore for the lifestyle and hospitality sectors.

The ship is planned to feature innovative Disney experiences along with the entertainment, world-class dining and guest service that distinguish the Disney brand. Its occupancy will be reduced from the 9,000-passenger capacity planned by Genting HK for the Asian family market with many four-berth cabins. 

There will be dedicated spaces and activities for passengers of all ages and characters such as Capt. Mickey Mouse and Capt. Minnie Mouse, Disney princesses, Marvel super heroes and more. 

For a recap of where the other former Genting Hong Kong ships went, see the March issue of Seatrade Cruise Review