Disney Cruise Line’s Largest Ever Ship Floats Out at Construction Yard
It’s a momentous day for Disney Cruise Line and cruising in Asia as Disney Adventure has officially floated out from the construction hall at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Wismar, Germany on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
This is a major milestone in bringing the ship to life, as it demonstrates the official completion of her hull and now the vessel is ready for both on-deck exterior work as well as getting underway on interior details.
Both Captain Minnie and Captain Mickey were on hand to watch their ship set forth – they are the two characters already revealed for the ship’s stern sculpture and will be iconic figures on every sailing.
Also on hand were the city’s mayor, Thomas Beyer, and State Premier Manuela Schwesig to welcome the ship to her next phase of construction.
Beyer told local news NDR.de that the day was a “day of pride” for the city, which has been enjoying “ship fever” as Disney Adventure‘s progress continues. Just days ago, the construction doors were opened, permitting the first views of the ship’s bow as she prepared to leave the bay.
Of course, in true Disney fashion, celebratory fireworks also accompanied the ship’s movement, blasting from the roof above the door as Disney Adventure began to slowly move forward out of the construction bay.
Overall, the event took roughly 90 minutes from bow to stern, having begun at about 9 a.m. with preparations for tugs to move the ship. During that time, Disney Adventure did not go far, only having moved outside the bay and alongside a nearby pier to continue her construction.
What’s Next for Disney Adventure
While the float-out is a grand and exciting milestone, Disney Adventure is far from being ready to head for the open water.
The hull may be complete, but the upper, outer decks of the ship are largely unrecognizable. At the moment, the ship’s iconic red funnels are not yet in place, nor are other pieces of critical equipment, including radar gear and communications antennas.
All the features guests will love, including waterslides and the first-ever roller coaster for the cruise line, Ironcycle Test Run, as well as other thrill rides, will now be installed as well.
Once the ship’s critical systems are complete, she will move into her sea trials. These will take place in the Baltic Sea, likely sometime in the summer months. Exact dates have not yet been announced.
Sea trials test all of a cruise ship’s new systems, including navigation, propulsion, braking, emergency responses, and more. These maneuvers ensure the ship is operationally sound and capable of any action that may be necessary.
Typically, each round of sea trials lasts several days, and it is not unusual for a ship to have two rounds of these tests as further adjustments may be made.
Read Also: Disney Cruise Ships by Size – Largest to Smallest
Following that critical step, the interior details of the ship will be completed, and she will be officially handed over to Disney Cruise Line several weeks prior to her debut.
Then will come a frantic period as the very final touches are added to the vessel and she is supplied for sailing. During those weeks, crew members will begin to arrive and learn the ship and her eccentricities.
Finally, Disney Adventure will get underway for her homeport of Singapore, where she will undoubtedly be greeted with great fanfare and excited celebrations.
The 208,000-gross ton ship – the largest ever built for Disney Cruise Line – will set sail on her maiden voyage on December 15, 2025, a 3-night sailing that will surely be filled both great adventures and Disney magic.
Disney Adventure will be offering 3- and 4-night cruises to nowhere as she homeports from the Lion City. The ship itself is an incredible destination, with seven themed zones to immerse guests in their favorite Disney worlds.
Disney Cruise Line’s Largest Ever Ship Floats Out at Construction Yard