Disney Treasure: New theme-packed sixth ship to its cruise line

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship Grand Hall.
The Grand Hall of the Disney Treasure is inspired by "the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace ... and draws on real-world influences from Asia and Africa." Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line

By Forrest Brown of CNN

Disney is adding a sixth ship to its growing cruise line, the entertainment giant announced this week in a video presentation.

It will be christened the Disney Treasure, and it's brimming with the kind of colourful, pop-culture theming you'd expect, with nods to The Lion King, Marvel superheroes, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Star Wars and others.

But don't pack your bags quite yet. The maiden voyage of the Treasure, sister ship to the Disney Wish that launched in 2022, is scheduled for December 21, 2024. It will leave Port Canaveral, Florida, for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, Disney said in a news release. After that, the ship will embark on seven-night itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.

While the first voyage is more than a year away, die-hard Disney cruisers can reserve a spot much sooner. Bookings for Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members start September 12 this year. Bookings open to all guests on September 20, according to the news release.

Here's a look at some of the highlights:

Upper deck adventures

Fancy water rides are becoming a family cruise ship staple. The Treasure has its own jewel.

Called 'AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg', the ride will be suspended above the upper decks. Water jets will shoot two-person vehicles through 760 feet (232m) of winding tubes, offering views of Mickey Mouse animation as well as views of the ocean and the ship below. Disney Wish also has an AquaMouse attraction.

Water rides are becoming a must on cruise ships. AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg will "introduce an all-new storyline to its existing lineup that follows Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a zany misadventure into an ancient temple," Disney said.
Water rides are becoming a must on cruise ships. AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg will "introduce an all-new storyline to its existing lineup that follows Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a zany misadventure into an ancient temple," Disney said. Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line

For smaller children, the ship will have a Toy Story splash zone, wading pool, family waterslide and smoothie bar. Adults who need a child break can slip away to 'Quiet Cove', which will feature an infinity pool and poolside bar and cafe.

Family entertainment

The sea-based equivalent of Main Street U.S.A., the ship's Aladdin-themed Grand Hall "will serve as the ship's most prominent gathering space, inspiring wonder and exploration during each voyage," the release said. Guests will be able to see shows, have character encounters and hear musical performances here.

Sarabi (named for The Lion King matriarch) will be a two-story gathering spot that will evoke an African savannah and feature things such as "Villains Game Night".

Guests will also have a Broadway-style theatre, showing Beauty and the Beast and Disney Seas the Adventure, as well as cinemas.

Sleep and food

The Treasure will sport 1,256 staterooms. Concierge-level staterooms and suites will come with a private sun deck.

Four royal suites will "pay tribute to the faithful feline companions of daring Disney characters", the release said. For a truly epic stay, the EPCOT-inspired Tomorrow Tower Suite will overlook the top deck and will sleep eight.

The Disney Treasure will set sail in December 2024. It will be the sister ship to the Disney Wish.
The Disney Treasure will set sail in December 2024. It will be the sister ship to the Disney Wish. Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line

As for food, the ship's Plaza de Coco will be the first theatrical dining experience themed to the Disney and Pixar 2017 film Coco, the release said. The Mexican restaurant will have dining tables set around a central stage with mariachi performances. Other main restaurants: Worlds of Marvel, flavoured with a dash of Spider-Man encounter, and 1923, an upscale venue named for the founding year of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The ship will also offer an ice cream parlour (Jumbeaux's Sweets), adults-only dining and a steampunk-style watering hole at the Periscope Pub.

The Treasure will carry 4000 passengers and a crew of 1555, Disney said. It will have a length of 1119 feet (341m) and a height of 221 feet (67.4m).

CNN