Disney Cruise Line Announces Four More Ships, Hercules Stage Show, and First Look at Moana Production

During D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, Disney Cruise Line unveiled plans for four additional ships joining the fleet between 2027 and 2031, bringing the total to 13. The announcements also included confirmation that "Disney Hercules" will debut on the Disney Destiny in 2025, and a first-look rendering from the upcoming "Disney The Tale of Moana" production aboard the Disney Treasure.

Disney Cruise Line made three major announcements at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event — four new ships joining the fleet between 2027 and 2031, a Broadway-style "Disney Hercules" show exclusive to the Disney Destiny, and the first artist rendering from "Disney The Tale of Moana" heading to the Disney Treasure later in 2024.

Four New Ships, One Expanded Vision

Disney Cruise Line confirmed that four additional ships will join its award-winning fleet, supplementing the five ships already sailing and four others already in development. When all arrive between 2027 and 2031, the fleet will total 13 ships. Ship names, designs, and itineraries are still in development, but the announcement signals a significant acceleration of Disney's presence in the global cruise market.

Disney Hercules: From Zero to Hero on the Disney Destiny

The signature theatrical production aboard the Disney Destiny will be Disney Hercules, a Broadway-style show launching when the ship sets sail in November 2025. Developed exclusively for the Disney Destiny, the show stays true to the story and spirit of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film while showcasing a bold, modern theatrical adaptation.

The production features a creative team with experience spanning theatre and pop music, delivering show-stopping musical numbers, incredible vocals, stunning visuals, and immersive projection effects. The Muses serve as the show's storytellers, guiding audiences through the ancient tale of good versus evil. All beloved songs from the film are included, plus the theatrical debut of the heartfelt ballad "Shooting Star." New musical arrangements emphasize the pop and gospel influences that define the film's iconic soundtrack.

Beyond the main show, the Disney Destiny will offer entertainment experiences throughout the ship — characters, live music, interactive performances, game shows, and the all-new "Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King" immersive dining experience.

First Look: Disney The Tale of Moana on the Disney Treasure

Disney The Tale of Moana will bring Moana's coming-of-age adventure to live audiences for the first time when it debuts aboard the Disney Treasure in 2024. A newly released artist concept rendering depicts one of the show's climactic moments: Moana facing Te Kā, who appears onstage as an incredible fifteen-foot-tall puppet — the largest ever produced for a Disney Cruise Line show.

The production will also portray Te Fiti's transformation from her Te Kā form into a stunning green goddess. Many characters from the film will be reimagined as puppets, including a young version of Moana. The puppetry is being developed by Jeff Conover, creative director of puppetry and articulation for Disney Live Entertainment, and Michael Curry, whose credits include The Lion King on Broadway.

What This Means for Future Disney Cruise Line Guests

With 13 ships on the horizon and exclusive Broadway-caliber productions being developed for each new vessel, Disney Cruise Line is positioning theatrical entertainment as a central pillar of its expanding identity. Families planning future sailings aboard the Disney Destiny or Disney Treasure can expect distinctly different show experiences tailored to each ship. Browse upcoming itineraries at DisneyCruise.com.