The recent announcement from Disney Cruise Line will ultimately expand the fleet size more than threefold.

One of the most surprising revelations during the Walt Disney Company's D23 fan event last night in Anaheim, California, wasn't related to theme parks (though there were plenty of those as well).

We now realize that Disney Cruise Line's swift growth—from just four ships that operated for nearly a decade to a current total of nine either sailing or being built—is merely the start.

Disney Cruise Line is set to add four more ships to its existing fleet of five and the previously announced four under construction, aiming for a total of 13 ships by 2031.

This represents more than a threefold increase in the number of ships it has operated for many years, until the Disney Wish embarked on its maiden voyage in June 2022.

Disney revealed that while the names and itineraries for the newly announced four ships are still in the works, they are expected to debut between 2027 and 2031.

For those keeping track, Disney Treasure will make its inaugural voyage later this year as the sixth ship in the fleet.

In 2025, two additional ships will be added to the lineup. Disney Destiny will depart from Florida's Port Everglades, while the massive 9,000-passenger ship Disney Adventure, acquired mid-construction from Asia-based Dream Cruises, will sail from Singapore.

We also anticipated what was thought to be the ninth ship, a Tokyo-based vessel, which was announced just weeks ago and is set to begin construction in Germany in 2025, with a launch planned for 2029.

However, given the new timeline for four additional ships starting in 2027, it seems at least one of these new vessels may be ready ahead of the previously announced Japan-based ship developed in partnership with the Oriental Land Company, owner of Tokyo Disney.

There is still much to learn about these newly unveiled four Disney Cruise Line ships, including their dimensions, whether they will follow a new or existing design, and their home ports and destinations. Currently, some U.S. ports, like Galveston, are only serviced seasonally by the line.

Nevertheless, Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, hinted at plans for at least some of the ships, stating, "Expanding our fleet allows more people in diverse regions to experience a vacation at sea like only Disney can offer." This suggests potential routes in areas not currently served by Disney Cruise Line. Notably, the company does not yet sail to or from South America, an important market for them, especially with the first D23 fan event set to occur in Brazil this November.

Disney has also announced that its current ships are enjoying both high demand and satisfaction, reaching 97% occupancy in Q2 2024.

In comparison, Royal Caribbean operates 28 ships. While a fleet of 13 ships would still be significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's, which also targets family travelers, it represents a much closer fleet size than just a couple of years ago when Disney only had four ships.

During an investor call a few days ago, a Disney executive mentioned that the cruise ships generally offer a "quick return on investment," indicating that Disney is making a substantial commitment to its cruise operations and its capacity to attract 'voyagers' for years to come.

Thinking of going on a Disney cruise? Begin with these articles:

• Top Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks
• Review of Disney Magic, the inaugural ship in the Disney fleet
• What’s the real cost of a Disney cruise?
• Are Disney cruises enjoyable for adults?