Disney Cruise Line Makes History With Record-Breaking Panama Canal Transit

Disney Cruise Line has made history as Disney Adventure completed her transit of the Panama Canal this week, becoming the largest passenger vessel by both capacity and gross tonnage to ever pass through the waterway.

A large cruise ship, possibly the Disney Adventure or another of the largest ships, is assisted by a tugboat as it navigates through the Panama Canal beside a concrete dock with yellow safety barriers and signage under a cloudy sky.

The milestone transit occurred as part of the ship’s repositioning voyage to Asia, where she will enter service later this year. The Panama Canal Authority has officially confirmed the record.

Breaking the Previous Record

Disney Adventure stretches about 1,120 feet long and is roughly 152 feet wide.

At 208,000 gross tons and carrying approximately 6,700 passengers, she surpasses the previous record holder, Norwegian Bliss, which transited the canal in May 2018.

Two people in Mickey and Minnie Mouse costumes dressed as ship captains stand on a dock before the Mega Ship Disney Adventure, a proud addition to the Disney Cruise Line, with overcast skies and faint fireworks in the background.
(Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

Disney Adventure’s passage highlights the growing number of cruise ships capable of transiting the Neopanamax locks, which opened in 2016 to accommodate larger ships.

The Panama Canal Authority reports that more than 40 Neopanamax cruise ship transits are expected during 2025, including inaugural passages by AIDAdiva, Brilliant Lady, Celebrity Ascent, and Star Seeker.

A New Chapter Begins for Disney Adventure

Disney Adventure’s path to this moment has been anything but straightforward.

Originally ordered by Dream Cruises as Global Dream, construction began at MV Werften in Wismar before Genting Hong Kong collapsed in early 2022, leaving the ship unfinished.

A large cruise ship sails on calm blue water, featuring colorful recreational areas and water slides on its upper deck, as it embarks on a Disney Adventure through the Panama Canal, with multiple levels and open spaces visible.

Disney Cruise Line acquired the incomplete hull, and Meyer Werft took over completion and redesign to Disney specifications.

After delivery in December, the ship departed Bremerhaven, Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the Bahamas for inspections, stopped at Port Canaveral, and now continues westward toward the Pacific.

Disney Adventure will homeport in Singapore, operating three- and four-night itineraries. This is Disney Cruise Line’s first permanent deployment in Asia.

The ship features seven themed zones drawing on Disney, Pixar, and Marvel properties. Notable features include Marvel Landing and the Ironcycle Test Run, an 820-foot roller coaster that Disney calls the longest at sea.

At 208,000 gross tons, Disney Adventure is the largest ship ever built for Disney Cruise Line.

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Frank M

Frank is a seasoned travel journalist with over a decade of experience covering hospitality, cruise, and air travel. He has traveled extensively by land, sea, and air, collaborating with industry giants like Marriott, Hyatt, Disney, and Carnival Corp. His work has been featured in major international and industry publications across four continents.
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