Global Dream to Disney Cruise Line? (updated)

The NDR 1 report cited MV Werften insolvency administrator Christoph Morgen as suggesting the ship would be completed at the Wismar yard but under the direction of Meyer Werft.

Papenburg-based Meyer had nothing to do with MV Werften but it does build ships for Disney Cruise Line, with Disney Wish delivered in June, Disney Treasure coming in 2024 and a third sister due in 2025.

No comment from Disney

Disney Cruise Line did not immediately respond to emailed questions from Seatrade Cruise News on Friday afternoon.

'Negotiations with various interested parties'

Oct. 10 update: Morgen told Seatrade he's working on 'various options' for Global One and in negotiations with 'various interested parties.' No binding contracts have been concluded. 

He confirmed completion in Wismar is the preferred solution.

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems now owns MV Werften

MV Werften's Wismar yard with its gigantic covered building dock was acquired by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in June, as earlier reported, with plans to convert the facility for submarine production and perhaps naval surface vessels. 

Back then it was stated Global Dream needed to be removed during 2023 at the latest in order to prepare the yard for naval shipbuilding. That date has certainly slipped, and NDR 1 suggested 2024 was being discussed as a possible delivery date. 

The 208,000gt vessel is said to be approximately 75% completed.

Possible leasing deal

Seatrade Cruise News understands a leasing deal for Disney by the German banks is possible.

US or Asia?

NDR 1 stated Global Dream under Disney would primarily serve the American market.

However, there's speculation the 9,000-passenger ship, designed for the Asian family market with four-berth cabins — could go to Asia instead, where Walt Disney Co. has Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort.

Disney's largest cruise ship, the LNG-powered Disney Wish, measures 140,000gt with 2,500 lower berths.

Also, Global Dream was planned to have a massive, 1.5-deck casino. The Walt Disney Co. historically has steered clear of casino gaming so what might happen with that space is unclear.

World Dream bids still being taken

Meanwhile, Seatrade Cruise News understands bids are still being taken for World Dream, another former Genting HK ship. It operated for Dream Cruises until its arrest in Singapore by Germany's KfW IPEX-Bank in March.

World Dream remains at anchorage off Singapore, according to AIS data.

Frederik Erdmann, Seatrade's German correspondent, also contributed reporting

See related 'Trey Hickey/private equity group pursue Genting HK ships for Asia cruising'