The German government has secured a deal to potentially save shipbuilder Meyer Werft, the company responsible for building ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
German Government Acquires Stake in Meyer Werft
This news comes less than a month after Disney announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that four more ships would join the Disney Cruise Line fleet between 2027 and 2031, continuing the company’s long-standing partnership with Meyer Werft.
In a report from Bloomberg, the German government will acquire a 40% stake in the company along with “a stake of the same amount by the state of Lower Saxony,” with financing amounting to around €200 million ($222 million).
Lower Saxony and the German government will “also guarantee 80% of a debt capital credit line totaling €2.6 billion [over $2.8 billion] […] The banks assume 20% at their own risk.”
Meyer Werft first ran into trouble, understandably, during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the purchase price of new ships normally paid when vessels are handed over to customers, like Disney Cruise Line, capital in the meantime was needed. This rescue deal also comes during a “prolonged downturn in the German manufacturing sector, per Bloomberg.
it’s the firm determination of the government — of me personally and of my ministry, which is doing the work here — that Meyer Werft gets the support it requires to continue to build ships.
Germany Economy Minister Robert Habeck
When the four new Disney Cruise Line ships were announced in August, Meyer Werft stated in a press release:
We are very happy to continue our partnership with Disney Cruise Line and build four additional outstanding ships over the next seven years. We now have eight ships for Disney Cruise Line in our order book which reflects the trust in our capabilities and hard work of our team.
Bernard Meyer, Meyer Werft
Disney shared a similar sentiment, expressing excitement for the cruise ships to come:
Our Disney cruise ships are the true ambassadors for our brands and beloved by families the world over. As we embark on this ambitious and unprecedented expansion for Disney Cruise Line, we are delighted to work with Meyer Werft once again.
Thomas Mazloum, president, New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences
Currently, Disney Cruise Line is preparing to launch three new cruise ships to its fleet: the Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and Disney Adventure. Oriental Land Company, the owners of Tokyo Disney Resort, also announced their own Disney Cruise Line ship that will launch in 2029. The ships currently sailing in the fleet are:
- Disney Magic
- Disney Wonder
- Disney Fantasy
- Disney Dream
- Disney Wish
You can watch the Disney Cruise Line announcement, along with every other Disney Parks & Experiences reveal in this year’s D23 panel below:
Are you a frequent Disney Cruise Line traveler? What do you think of this new rescue deal on the heels of Disney’s big announcement at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Are you sailing on one of the three upcoming ships when they launch? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and on our social media pages.
If you’re thinking of booking a cruise on one of Disney Cruise Line’s new ships, why not contact our official travel agent, Be Our Guest Vacations, and let them handle the entire booking process for you!
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