Disney CFO Hugh Johnston discussed the upcoming additions to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet during a Q&A at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference.

Disney Cruise Line Expansion

Johnston said the easiest way to think about the fleet expansion is that they are adding a new ship each year until 2031. The Disney Destiny and Adventure launched in the past few months and the Disney Believe will be next in 2027.

The Believe will be followed by another Wish-class ship then a new class of three smaller ships, for a total of 13.

Johnston said ships “start earning a return like that” because there isn’t much “cannibalization” of older ships.

“Capacity utilization or fill rate on the ships is just as high this year as it was last year, despite all of the new capacity that we’ve added,” Johnston explained.

He emphasized that putting ships outside of Disney’s traditional ports is beneficial. The Adventure is the first Disney Cruise Line ship to sail out of Singapore and the fourth Wish-class ship will sail out of Japan.

“Demand outside the U.S. for Disney Experiences, not just Disney entertainment, is huge,” Johnston said. “By virtue of bringing more ships into other areas of the world, we’re doing two things. Number one, we’re fulfilling that demand and driving revenue. Number two, we know that experiences like being on a cruise tend to bond people more. So we’re increasing their fandom, and with that, we’re increasing the lifetime value of all of these consumers that we’re pulling in.”

He concluded that this strategy will benefit the company for a long time.

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