Disney Cruise Line A Potential Buyer For THE Global Dream?
The Global Dream has caught the attention of the mouse while targeting a 2024 completion date.
Fan rendering of Global Dream in Disney Cruise Line livery. PHOTO: DISNEY CRUISE LINE FAN GROUP
There may be hope on the horizon for the 208,000-Gross Ton, 9,000-passenger Global Dream after all, as numerous reports of a potential acquisition of the ship have been picked up by German news outlets. The cruise ship, which currently sits at the MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany at 70% completion, has caught the eye of Disney Cruise Line.
Potential Meyer Werft Involvement?
According to information from Norddeutscher Rundfunk (Northern German Broadcasting), discussions are currently underway to study the feasibility of the project. This may also include completing the ship under the direction of renowned shipbuilder Meyer Werft, based in Papenburg, Germany, known for building many popular cruise ships, including the Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas and Resorts World Cruises’ Genting Dream, both currently cruising out of Singapore. Meyer Werft is also building two more Triton-class vessels for Disney, due in 2024 and 2025, with the first ship Disney Wish being delivered earlier in 2022.
"[In principle, we are a possible and capable partner for completing the ship in Wismar. But of course we won't come into play until there is a buyer, so we can't comment on details or possible customers.]" said the shipbuilder.
At the moment, while not much is known about the acquisition, we can expect a 2024 completion for the Global Dream. This is because the Wismar shipyard that has been housing the Global Dream has been sold to submarine builder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, with the shipbuilding hall leased to the liquidator until end-2023, and the outfitting dock available until end-2024.
A Tough Sell
Selling the insolvent MV Werften estate has not been an easy job for insolvency administrator Chistopher Morgan. While MV Werften’s three shipyard sites have been sold off, the Global Dream cruise ship has proven to be a tough sell. And no wonder – the nearly-completed passenger vessel was designed to cater to the Asian market. With a nearly complete vessel comes restrictions in modifications, which may be a deal breaker to potential operators.
Acquisition Raises More Questions Than Answers
Regardless of buyer, Global Dream (or any other cruise ship) will have many rooms to fill in order to remain viable. As such, the acquisition raises more questions than it answers. 9,000 guests is a large step-up from the 3,500 to 4,000 guests current Disney ships accommodate. And with such a niche ship designed for a niche clientele, what does Disney intend to do with the ship? Where will she be based? Could this ship be Disney’s foray into the Asian market? Hopefully, these questions will be answered in due time.
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