It's official: Disney Cruise Line to build four new ships

They are planned to arrive between 2027 and 2031.

Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, announced the news at D23, Walt Disney Co.'s big annual fan event.

The ship names, designs and itineraries are in development. The builder of the new series was not disclosed. 

13-ship fleet

With five ships currently in the fleet and four in the works, this would bring the Disney Cruise Line fleet to 13 in 2031.

Current orderbook

The 144,000gt Disney Treasure is set to enter service in December from Port Canaveral, with Disney Destiny to be delivered in late 2025. The 208,000gt Disney Adventure (ex World Dream) is being completed at the former WV Weften by Meyer Werft, and planned for a 2025 debut in Singapore. Recently Oriental Land Co., which owns and operates Disney parks in Tokyo, ordered a Wish-class ship for Japan, expected delivery in late 2028.

Meyer Werft has been behind all the Disney ships, apart from the first two, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. They were constructed by Fincantieri.

During Walt Disney Co.'s third quarter earnings call Wednesday, CFO Hugh Johnston signaled accelerated growth in the cruise part of the business and noted ship investments 'tend to pay back very quickly.'

Disney Destiny production 'Hercules'

Key Disney Destiny features were just disclosed in three days of reveals on the Disney Parks blog. Saturday night D'Amaro added one more: 'Hercules' will be the signature production show for the ship that is themed on heroes and villains.