CHICAGO – The Walt Disney Company is sailing full steam ahead with the building of two additional cruise ships, scheduled for completion in 2021 and 2023.

Each new ship will be approximately 135,000 gross tons – slightly larger than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – and will boast approximately 1,250 guest staterooms. Design plans, ship names and itineraries are still in the works.

“We pride ourselves on the unforgettable vacation experiences we deliver to our guests each and every day, and the expansion of our Disney fleet will allow us to create even more magical memories for families at sea and in incredible cruise destinations around the world,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

Since the launch of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in 2011 and 2012, the company has introduced several firsts for the cruise industry, including the first water coaster at sea (AquaDuck) as well as virtual portholes in interior staterooms (Magical Portholes) that provide real-time views of the sea and sightings of animated Disney characters.

Plans for the expansion come during a period of “momentous growth and innovation” for Disney properties around the globe. This includes new Star Wars experiences coming to the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts, the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and the grand opening Shanghai Disney Resort.