While the Disney Cruise Line ships are not known as Mickey and Minnie, we think maybe they should. But in any case the ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) will be joined in 2011 and 2012 by two cousins.  The first steel was cut this week on the two yet-to-be named DCL ships during a ceremony at the Meyer Werft yards in Germany. The first piece of steel cut was part of the Art Deco-inspired scrollwork that will grace the bow of the ships. Similar to the scrollwork on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the pattern is reminiscent of the classic ocean liners of the 1930s but ...

Walt Disney Company will build two new ships for Disney Cruise Line with scheduled launch in 2011 and 2012. Details were scant but the ships will be 122,000 tons each and two decks taller than the 83,000-ton Magic and Wonder. Both will have 1250 staterooms. Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts said, "Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150%." The company statement noted strong demand for new itineraries: "Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within t...