With the traditional keel-laying ceremony, MEYER WERFT in Papenburg celebrated another milestone of the new cruise ship Disney Believe. Like her sister ships, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny, the vessel will produce lower emissions compared to conventional propulsion systems through the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

The laying of a specially minted coin beneath the keel marked the beginning of assembly of the second giga-block for the new cruise ship. The ship’s first giga-block had already left MEYER WERFT’s more than 500-meter-long covered building dock in September and is now berthed at the outfitting pier in front of the shipyard. Following maritime tradition, Tracy Wilson (Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Cruise Line), Andres Ovalles (Portfolio Executive Project Management, Disney Cruise Line), André Walter (CEO, MEYER WERFT), and Jörg Heidelberg (COO, MEYER WERFT) placed the coin beneath the keel. According to tradition, the ceremony is intended to bring good fortune and a safe future at sea to the ship and her future crew. The specially minted coin features a portrait of Tinker Bell, who will also adorn the bow of the Disney Believe. 

“The Disney Believe will be the fourth ship in the Wish class to showcase MEYER quality while meeting Disney’s high standards for entertainment and onboard amenities,” said André Walter, CEO of MEYER WERFT GmbH. 

The new vessel for Disney Cruise Line will feature 1,256 staterooms and a gross tonnage of 144,000 GT. Delivery of the Disney Believe is scheduled for 2027. In addition to delivering the Disney Wish in 2021, MEYER WERFT has previously built and delivered the Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy for Disney Cruise Line between 2010 and 2012.