Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have announced a groundbreaking partnership that will see the American cruise line debut in Southeast Asia with its first homeport and new cruise ship in the region.

The new ship, the eighth in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will be exclusively homeported in Singapore for at least five years beginning in 2025.

“This landmark collaboration marks Disney Cruise Line’s debut in Southeast Asia,” said S. Iswaran, Minister of Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations in Singapore. “It speaks volumes of our region’s significant potential for cruise tourism.”

The new ship will be the largest in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, with a passenger capacity estimated to be approximately 6,000 and around 2,300 crew members. Families will be able to create unforgettable memories with beloved Disney characters such as Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse, Disney Princesses, Marvel Super Heroes, and more. It is expected to be among the first in the cruise industry to be fuelled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available.

“As we like to say: in Disney Cruise Line is ‘where magic meets the sea’,” said Disney Parks’ chairman of experiences and products, Josh D’Amaro. “For many guests, our ships are the true destination, with Disney Kid clubs, Broadway style shows, interactive character moments, themed restaurants and fine dining and rejuvenating spots.”

“Disney Cruise Line was a pioneer in family cruises and is still the leader in the segment today. Thanks to its immersive storytelling and signature service, the Singapore tourism board and Disney World join forces to deliver fun and memorable experiences tailored for regional markets,” said Iswaran.

Disney Cruise Line has confirmed that the as-yet unnamed ship that will sail in Singapore’s waters is that of the unfinished Global Dream acquired last year. The construction of the ship is expected to be finished at the MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany. Meyer Werft, the Papenburg-based company responsible for building the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish, will manage the project. Additionally, Meyer Werft is currently constructing two other Wish-class ships.

The addition of a Disney Cruise Line ship in Singapore is a significant milestone for the country and reflects Disney Cruise Line’s strong confidence in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

The exclusive partnership is expected to have a major impact on the Southeast Asian tourism industry, attracting millions of local and foreign cruise passengers to the region over the next five years.

“This collaboration affirms our position as the region’s premier cruise hub and major player in cruise tourism,” said Iswaran. “World-class air connectivity and port infrastructure make us an ideal choice, especially for fly-cruise passengers who arrive in Singapore by air and then hop onto a cruise.”

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding between Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board, more details about the maiden voyage, itineraries, and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.

“We eagerly anticipate your inaugural sailing in Southeast Asia in 2025,” said Iswaran to Disney Cruise Line. “We look forward to a long and successful collaboration between Disney and Singapore with many more significant milestones in the years ahead.”

This article was originally published on Travel Weekly Asia