Disney Cruise Ships in Order of Age

Disney Cruise Line offers an amazing way to travel, combining the excitement of Disney magic with the adventure of a cruise. Since launching its first ship in 1998, Disney has expanded its fleet, adding new ships with unique features and activities. Each Disney cruise ship has something special, from classic designs and beloved characters to thrilling water slides and themed dining experiences.

In this guide, we’ll take you through Disney’s cruise ships in order of age, from the oldest to the newest. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, this list will help you find the perfect Disney ship for your next adventure.

Disney Magic (1998) – The Oldest Disney Cruise Ship

The Disney Magic was Disney’s first cruise ship, launching in 1998 and marking the start of Disney Cruise Line. This ship is part of the Magic Class, which means it has a smaller, classic design that offers a cozy and charming atmosphere.

Maiden Voyage: Disney Magic set sail on its first journey in July 1998, making it the oldest ship in the Disney fleet.
Magic Class: As a smaller ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, it carries around 2,700 passengers, which makes for a more intimate cruising experience. Its design combines classic Disney style with modern touches, perfect for families and Disney fans.
Features and Highlights: Disney Magic includes popular attractions like Animator’s Palate, a unique dining experience where Disney characters and animations come to life during your meal. The ship also has the Oceaneer Club for kids, themed around favorite characters, and water slides for all ages to enjoy.
Refurbishments: Over the years, the Disney Magic has been updated to include new activities and spaces, like the Marvel Super Hero Academy for young superhero fans and remodeled areas that keep the ship feeling fresh and exciting.

With its classic Disney charm and family-friendly features, the Disney Magic offers a timeless experience for guests of all ages.

Disney Wonder (1999) – Sister Ship to Disney Magic

The Disney Wonder is the second ship in Disney’s fleet, launching just a year after the Disney Magic. As a sister ship, it shares many similar features with the Magic but has its own unique charm and offerings.

Maiden Voyage and Class: Disney Wonder set sail in 1999 as part of the Magic Class, designed with the same elegant, classic look that Disney Magic has. Like its sister, it’s a smaller ship in the fleet, making it easy to explore and great for families.
Unique Features: Disney Wonder has its own special attractions, including the Frozen Dining Adventure—a lively dining experience where guests can meet characters like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf while enjoying a themed meal. It also features the Marvel Super Hero Academy, where kids can interact with Marvel characters and take part in superhero activities.
Special Routes: While Disney Wonder sails to various destinations, it’s especially known for its Alaska cruises and Panama Canal sailings. Guests on these cruises can enjoy breathtaking views, wildlife sightings, and themed onboard activities that make the Wonder’s itineraries unique.

With fun themed dining, character experiences, and scenic routes, the Disney Wonder offers a wonderful mix of adventure and Disney magic for everyone on board.

Disney Dream (2011) – A New Class of Ship

The Disney Dream was a major milestone for Disney Cruise Line, introducing the new Dream Class and marking the company’s expansion with larger and more innovative ships. With its launch in 2011, the Disney Dream brought new features, more space, and exciting attractions that set it apart from the older Magic Class.

Dream Class: The Disney Dream is the first ship in the Dream Class, which is larger and more modern than the Magic Class. It can carry up to 4,000 passengers, offering plenty of room for more activities, dining options, and entertainment spaces.
Highlights: The Dream is known for its exciting features, including the AquaDuck—an on-deck water coaster that’s a big hit with guests of all ages. Other highlights include the Oceaneer Club for kids, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for magical makeovers, and the iconic Animator’s Palate, where interactive screens let guests see Disney characters and animations come to life.
Concierge Staterooms and Larger Size: The Disney Dream offers upgraded concierge staterooms, which provide guests with exclusive services, private lounges, and special amenities. The larger size of the ship also means more space for family-friendly and adult-only areas, creating a balanced experience for guests of all ages.

The Disney Dream combines Disney’s beloved character experiences with a wide range of activities, making it a fantastic choice for families looking to explore the magic of Disney at sea.

Disney Fantasy (2012) – Sister Ship to Disney Dream

The Disney Fantasy joined Disney Cruise Line in 2012 as the sister ship to the Disney Dream, also part of the Dream Class. Like the Dream, the Fantasy is a large, modern ship with tons of family-friendly features and Disney magic.

Maiden Voyage and Class: The Disney Fantasy set sail on its first voyage in March 2012. As part of the Dream Class, it shares the same large design and innovative features as the Disney Dream, with a capacity of up to 4,000 passengers.
Popular Features: The Fantasy has some exciting areas for everyone. There’s the Mickey Mouse pool for fun splash time, the AquaLab water play area, and the beautiful Royal Court dining room with Disney princess-inspired decor. The ship also offers live shows at the Walt Disney Theatre, the Oceaneer Club for kids, and special activities for teens and adults.
Themed Nights and Routes: The Disney Fantasy is known for its themed nights, such as Star Wars Day at Sea, where guests can enjoy special events, meet Star Wars characters, and join themed activities. The Fantasy primarily sails to the Caribbean, offering guests a perfect mix of island fun and Disney entertainment.

The Disney Fantasy combines the excitement of a big, modern ship with unique Disney experiences, making it an excellent choice for families who want to enjoy both Caribbean adventures and Disney magic at sea.

Disney Wish (2022) – Disney’s Newest Ship and Part of the Wish Class

The Disney Wish, launched in 2022, is the latest addition to Disney Cruise Line and the first ship in the brand-new Wish Class. This class of ships brings in advanced technology and a focus on sustainability, using cleaner natural gas power to reduce its environmental impact.

Wish Class: The Disney Wish introduces a fresh design and new technology, making it the most advanced ship in Disney’s fleet. With natural gas power, this ship is more eco-friendly, while still offering the same Disney magic fans know and love.
New Attractions: The Disney Wish includes exciting, unique features for guests of all ages. One standout attraction is the AquaMouse, Disney’s first-ever attraction at sea—a water ride with animated scenes that create a thrilling experience on the top deck. The ship also has a Frozen-themed dining experience, where guests can dine with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf. The grand hall is another highlight, inspired by Disney princesses, with a sparkling chandelier and storybook-like setting.
For All Ages: The Disney Wish offers something for everyone. Kids can explore the latest youth clubs, where they can enjoy fun activities and meet characters. There are also adult-only areas, including lounges and a private pool area, perfect for relaxation. Character-themed staterooms, featuring designs from movies like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, add an extra touch of magic to the trip.

The Disney Wish is a fantastic option for families who want the newest Disney experiences at sea, complete with exciting attractions, enchanting design, and spaces for all ages to enjoy.

Disney Treasure (2024) – An Upcoming Adventure

The Disney Treasure is set to join Disney Cruise Line in 2024, becoming the second ship in the Wish Class. With advanced design and magical touches, the Treasure will expand Disney’s newest line of ships, bringing even more exciting experiences to guests.

Maiden Voyage: The Disney Treasure is expected to set sail on its first voyage in 2024. Like the Disney Wish, it will be part of the Wish Class, combining Disney’s latest technology and sustainable natural gas power with enchanting features.
New Features: Although the Disney Treasure hasn’t launched yet, it’s anticipated to include themed rooms inspired by Disney adventures and characters, along with new dining options that will immerse guests in different stories. The ship is also expected to offer expanded entertainment areas, creating even more opportunities for family fun, live shows, and interactive activities.
Global Dream (Possible Future Ship): Disney Cruise Line is also planning for future expansion with an additional ship, currently known as the Global Dream. This ship is expected to debut in Southeast Asia and will bring Disney’s cruise magic to new destinations, catering to guests in that region.

With the Disney Treasure and other upcoming ships like the Global Dream, Disney Cruise Line continues to grow and offer more incredible adventures at sea, bringing the magic of Disney to even more people around the world.

Comparison of the Disney Cruise Line Fleet

Disney’s fleet of cruise ships offers a variety of sizes, destinations, and onboard experiences, so there’s something for every type of traveler.

Ship Sizes: The Disney Cruise Line ships vary in size. The smallest ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, each have a gross tonnage of about 84,000 tons, creating a more intimate cruising experience. The largest ships, like the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy, are over 140,000 tons, offering more space for activities, dining, and entertainment.
Itineraries and Unique Destinations: Each Disney ship sails to specific destinations. For example, the Disney Wonder is popular for its Alaska route, allowing guests to explore glaciers and scenic landscapes. The Disney Fantasy often sails to the Caribbean, offering warm-weather escapes with visits to beautiful islands, including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The upcoming Disney Treasure will bring new itineraries, expanding Disney’s reach to even more destinations.
Onboard Experiences: While all Disney ships have family-friendly activities, each offers unique features. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have the AquaDuck water coaster, while the Disney Wish has the AquaMouse, Disney’s first ride at sea. Each ship also has themed kids’ clubs, adult-only areas, and exciting dining experiences, such as Animator’s Palate and Frozen-themed dining on the Disney Wish. These features make each ship a unique experience, offering something special depending on your family’s interests.

With different sizes, routes, and onboard attractions, Disney’s cruise ships provide a variety of ways to explore the world, each with its own magical twist.

Future Disney Cruise Ships and Upcoming Innovations

Disney Cruise Line is continuing to grow, with plans for more ships and new innovations in the years to come.

Disney Treasure and Beyond: With the Disney Treasure set to launch in 2024, Disney is committed to expanding its fleet. Future ships will bring updated technology, fresh entertainment, and even more ways for families to enjoy their Disney Cruise experience.
Sustainability Efforts: Disney is focused on being eco-friendly, using cleaner natural gas to power newer ships like the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure. These efforts help reduce the environmental impact of cruising, and Disney plans to keep adding green features to upcoming builds.
Enhanced Experiences for All Ages: Disney continues to create spaces that meet the needs of every age group. The newest ships have areas designed just for young children, older kids, and teens, as well as adult-only areas for relaxation. This approach ensures that everyone on board, from little ones to adults, can have a fun and memorable experience.

Disney’s future ships and innovations promise to bring even more magic, comfort, and sustainability to their cruises, giving guests of all ages exciting adventures to look forward to.

Disney Cruise Line has grown from its first ship, the Disney Magic, to a fleet of unique and magical vessels that offer something for everyone. From the classic charm of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder to the advanced technology of the Disney Wish, each ship has its own special features, destinations, and onboard activities that make it stand out.

Whether you’re looking for thrilling water slides, themed dining with your favorite characters, or peaceful adult-only areas, Disney’s cruise ships are designed to meet the needs of all ages. With new ships like the Disney Treasure on the way and a commitment to sustainability, Disney Cruise Line is continuing to bring magical experiences to families worldwide.

No matter which ship you choose, a Disney Cruise is sure to create unforgettable memories filled with adventure, relaxation, and Disney magic.