Disney Cruise Line has reached a significant construction milestone with the completion and float-out of the first gigablock for Disney Believe at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
The massive section, which forms the central portion of the vessel including the Grand Hall, marks a crucial step towards the ship’s anticipated delivery in late 2027.
The first of three gigablocks has been completed and floated out at the renowned German shipyard, representing months of precision engineering and construction work.
This central section encompasses the ship’s Grand Hall, a signature space that serves as the heart of every Disney cruise ship and traditionally features an iconic bronze statue as its centrepiece.
Disney Cruise Line announced in August 2026 that Disney Believe’s Grand Hall would feature a bronze statue of Moana, the adventurous Polynesian heroine-princess.
The statue depicts Moana in a confident pose, accompanied by her beloved sidekicks Pua the pig and Heihei the rooster.
Renderings of the space reveal extensive Polynesian influences throughout the architecture and décor, incorporating water patterns in the carpeting and wave details adorning the walls.
This creates an immersive environment that celebrates the film’s oceanic heritage.
Technical Specifications And Construction Progress
Each gigablock represents an enormous engineering achievement, with individual sections weighing in excess of 31,000 tonnes.
At this stage of construction, the blocks are complete with essential infrastructure including walls, plumbing systems, and electrical wiring.
However, finishing touches such as painting, carpeting, and artwork installation will be added during later phases of construction, particularly after the gigablocks are joined together.
Photographs shared by Disney Cruise Line on the company’s official Facebook page provide fascinating glimpses into the construction process.
The exterior images clearly show that lifeboat davits – the mechanical arms that hold and launch lifeboats – are already installed and in position, though the actual lifeboats themselves have not yet been fitted.
Interior photographs of the Grand Hall space reveal the skeletal structure showing where different decks will be positioned, including the distinctive balcony area.
This area is where Disney princesses typically greet guests, particularly during embarkation.
Forward And Aft Sections To Follow Assembly Timeline
The construction schedule calls for the forward gigablock to be assembled next, a section that will house critical entertainment venues and public spaces.
This forward portion includes the main show theatre, where Broadway-style productions will entertain guests throughout their voyages, as well as various lounges designed for different age groups and entertainment preferences.
The final aft gigablock will be the last to be completed and will contain two of
Leave a Reply