Cruise industry developments: Royal Caribbean and Disney Adventure

Royal Caribbean executives, including President and CEO Michael Bayley and product development executive Jay Schneider, recently held a brainstorming session with passengers to gather ideas for future Discovery Class ships. Passenger suggestions included diverse features such as roller coasters, go-kart tracks, bungee jumping, and a lazy river wrapping around the vessel. Other unconventional proposals included a giant rotating rubber duck with an internal restaurant and an onboard cemetery.

In a separate development, Disney Cruise Line has launched the Disney Adventure, its largest vessel to date. The ship, which entered service on December 21, 2024, is designed to bring Disney storytelling to Southeast Asia. Originally constructed as the Global Dream by Genting Hong Kong, the vessel was acquired by Disney in 2022 and underwent a complete reimagining. The 208,000-gross-ton ship features 20 decks, 2,111 staterooms, and themed areas such as Disney Imagination Garden, which includes the first castle at sea.