Disney Cruise Line has pushed back the highly anticipated launch of its newest ship, Disney Adventure. Originally set to debut on December 15, 2025, the maiden voyage has now been rescheduled for March 10, 2026. That’s right—cruise fans who had already booked one of the early sailings will need to adjust their plans. And it’s not a small change.
Why the Delay?
Disney says the postponement comes down to unexpected shipbuilding delays. Disney wants to make sure it meets the company’s high standards before welcoming guests onboard.
It’s disappointing, yes—but it’s also Disney’s way of saying: “We’d rather get it right than rush it.”
Disney Signature Experiences president Joe Schott explained that the delay of Disney Adventure was the result of unexpected shipbuilding setbacks, noting that the timeline adjustment was necessary to maintain the company’s commitment to excellence. He acknowledged the disappointment this may cause guests but emphasized that Disney is working closely with them to provide flexible rebooking options and preserve their trust.
This isn’t just about one sailing being pushed back. The delay wipes out 25 scheduled cruises between December 2025 and March 2026.
What Disney Is Offering
To their credit, Disney is rolling out a compensation package to soften the blow:
- Full refunds for cancelled sailings
- 50% discount on a future Disney cruise
Guests booked on the original maiden voyage will be reassigned to the new March 10, 2026 sailing with that same discount
One catch: Disney won’t be covering extra travel expenses like flights, hotels, or other pre-booked arrangements. So, if you’ve already bought those plane tickets, you may be out of luck.
