Disney Cruise Line’s 25th Anniversary: Celebrations, New Ships, and an Island Escape

The Disney Cruise Line’s 25th Anniversary—Silver Anniversary at Sea—celebration kicked off this week and will continue on select sailings through September! With a new fireworks-at-sea show, treats, merchandise, and character costumes, there’s a lot of shimmer coming your way this summer. Plus, we’ll take a look at Disney’s new island escape at Lighthouse Point, the upcoming Disney Treasure ship, and everything we know about the purchase of another mega ship destined for overseas markets. There’s a lot of Disney Cruise Line news to explore, so let’s set sail on a course of celebration and discovery!

The Disney Cruise Fleet Additions 

Disney Cruise Line began in 1998 with the Disney Magic, followed by the Disney Wonder (in the same class). Then came the Disney Dream in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy in 2017. In 2019, Disney announced three new ships, with the first one, the Disney Wish, setting sail in 2022.

Find out all about the Disney Wish, the latest Disney ship, below:

Explore the Disney Wish – Deck by Deck

Disney Treasure 

The Disney Treasure is set to debut in 2024. While we await the inaugural sailing information, Disney Cruise Line has provided a first look at the Disney Treasure theme. At the keel-laying ceremony, a new Voyager Minnie coin was laid into the keel. The coin matches the bow art for the ship.

Voyager Minnie sets the tone for the Disney Treasure from the start with the proposed bow art.

Her new outfit definitely lends to adventure and treasure hunting.

The Grand Hall has also been revealed. It features Jasmine, Aladdin, and Magic Carpet. Genie’s Lamp is seen on the railing.

I can’t wait to find out more about the Disney Treasure, there is a lot more to reveal between now and the first sailing!

A Disney Mega Ship

It was a bit of a shocker when Disney announced the purchase of the unfinished Global Dream Mega Ship in November of 2022. This ship was canceled by Dream Cruises in 2020 after construction had begun. 

There isn’t much we know about this ship yet. It was initially designed for a passenger capacity of 9,000! However, Disney has announced a reconfiguration of the space, reducing the passenger capacity to around 6,000. The remaining space, which was previously intended for cabins, will be repurposed for public use while onboard. This vessel will be the largest ship Disney Cruise Line has ever sailed. The currently unnamed ship will have its homeport in Singapore! We look forward to more information on the transformation of this mega ship as it prepares to set sail in 2025.

Disney’s New Island Destination – Lighthouse Point 

Disney’s Castaway Cay has been a part of the Disney Cruise Line experience since its inception, welcoming guests since 1998. With areas designed for families, kids, and adults, this destination is quintessentially Disney and a highlight of many Disney Caribbean cruises. With the addition of new Disney ships and passengers, more island space was needed, prompting the construction of a brand new Disney island experience. The upcoming Lighthouse Point promises to offer a similar experience while being more deeply immersed in Bahamian culture.

Lighthouse Point will have plenty of the Disney touches we are accustomed to with family, kid, and adult-only areas. 

Disney’s new private beach experience at Lighthouse Point will be opening in 2024! The first sailing with a port of call to Lighthouse Point is on sale now, the 7-Night Disney Fantasy cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale on June 8, 2024. 

DisneyBand+

DisneyBand+ (think MagicBand+) is coming to Disney Cruise Line this summer with three exclusive designs. Initial testing is on the Disney Wish before a fleetwide rollout.

If you have MagicBand+ from either Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you will be able to use those onboard and vice versa. DisneyBand+ can be used for onboard charges, photos, and interactions just like the MagicBand+ in the theme parks.

The Disney Cruise Line Silver Anniversary at Sea

The 25th Anniversary of the Disney Cruise Line includes special entertainment, the Shimmering Seas Collection, and celebratory treats and eats. Captain Mickey, Minnie, and pals are setting the tone in new shimmering outfits. 

The Silver Jubilee debuts a new signature song as you cast off for vacation. In addition to Pirate Night, there will be a limited-time offering of Silver Anniversary at Sea Fireworks on most sailing 4-night or longer in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mediterranean this summer. 

Disney Cruise 25th Anniversary Onboard Treats 

Get ready to toast the Silver Anniversary at Sea with a new signature cocktail. The Jubilee by the Seas cocktail is complete with a silver dusting and a shimmering blue sugar rim and comes with a keepsake bookmark with the recipe to continue the party once you return home.

There is also a new specialty coffee mug featuring Mickey in an anniversary design. An etched 25th Anniversary beer mug is available, showcasing the anniversary logo. For non-drinkers, special Coca-Cola bottles commemorating the Disney Cruise Line Silver Anniversary at Sea can also be purchased.

A plethora of sweets including Chocolate Cream Cookies, Vanilla Crisped Rice Treats, 25th Disney Cruise Line Cupcakes, Mickey Chocolate Spheres, and more are available.

At Cabana’s and Marceline’s Market, you will find a 3 Layer Carrot Cake and the Disney Cruise Line Anniversary Chocolate Marquise. Signature desserts will be found throughout the ship, including a Chocolate Soufflé at Palo.

Of course, there’s a Silver Anniversary at Sea Popcorn bucket decorated with each ship in the Disney fleet.

Shimmering Seas Collection

From a matching Loungefly backpack and ear headband to the Spirit Jersey and jewelry here’s just a peek of the Silver Anniversary at Sea merchandise onboard this summer.

New Castaway Club Level

With the Anniversary comes a new level of the Castaway Club, Disney Cruise Lines loyalty program. Pearl is the newest level, for those having completed 25 or more sailings. All Castaway Club members sailing this summer on a Silver Anniversary at Sea cruise will receive a limited-edition framed art print.

Castaway Club levels and benefits:

Silver Member (After completing 1 sailing)

• • Book new itineraries 1 day before the general public
  • Add cruise activities 90 days prior to sailing
  • Select Port arrival time and complete check-in 33 days prior to sailing
  • Exclusive cruise terminal check-in where available
  • Castaway Club Member Exclusive phone number and member communications
  • Welcome back aboard gift

Gold Member (after completing 5 sailings)

• • Book new itineraries 2 days before the general public
  • Add cruise activities 105 days prior to sailing
  • Select Port arrival time and complete check-in 35 days prior to sailing
  • Private onboard reception
  • Exclusive Member discounts
  • Plus, all Silver Castaway Club Member benefits

Platinum Member (After completing 10 sailings)

• • Book new itineraries 3 days before the general public
  • Add cruise activities 120 days prior to sailing
  • Select Port arrival time and complete check-in 38 days prior to sailing
  • Complementary dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse
  • Plus, all Silver and Gold Castaway Club Member benefits

Pearl Member (after completing 25 sailings)

• • Book new itineraries 4 days before the general public
  • Add cruise activities 123 days prior to sailing
  • Select Port arrival time and complete check-in 40 days prior to sailing
  • Complimentary unlimited Digital Photo Package
  • Plus, all Silver, Gold, and Platinum Castaway Club Member benefits

Pearl Members sailing this summer will receive a new assortment of welcome gifts including a pair of pearlescent tumblers.

Let’s Hear From You

Will you be sailing for Disney Cruise Line’s Silver Anniversary at Sea? Looking forward to Lighthouse Point or any of the upcoming ships? Let is know in the comments below.

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