Disney Cruise Line has started construction of the first of two new ships that will more than double its capacity.
The keel for the 128,000-ton Disney Dream, which launches in 2011, was laid on August 26 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. A sister ship, Disney Fantasy, is due to launch in 2012.
Disney currently operates two ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, each with capacity for 2,600 passengers.
Both new ships will be based at Port Canaveral in Florida, where the dock and terminal are being expanded to take the bigger vessels.
To help fill the new ships, Disney is looking to expand its mainly American passenger base. In 2010, Disney Magic is coming to Europe, offering a second season of Mediterranean cruises visiting Spain, Italy, France, Tunisia, Malta and Corsica, and a maiden season of Baltic itineraries from Dover, calling at Warnemunde in Germany, St Petersburg, Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm.
In 2011, Disney Wonder will be based in Los Angeles.
Disney Cruise Line president Karl Holz said: “Our fleet expansion will allow us to satisfy demand on both the east and west coasts of the US, while also giving us the flexibility to explore other destinations for our guests.”