Two workers were arrested aboard Disney Adventure this week after German federal police boarded the vessel during a refueling stop. The arrests occurred on September 3, 2025, just two days after the ship left the Meyer Werft shipyard to begin its sea trials.
According to authorities, the ship had docked at the Sassnitz-Mukran ferry port to take on fuel when officers boarded in a targeted operation.
A 44-year-old Croatian man was wanted by authorities in Bavaria for a 2022 drunk-driving conviction. After paying a court-ordered fine, he was allowed to remain onboard. A second worker, a 24-year-old man from Slovenia, was arrested on a fraud charge and taken to a correctional facility.
Both were described as shipyard workers conducting technical work during the test voyage.
Over 1,400 workers are currently onboard Disney Adventure as the ship continues sea trials in the Baltic and North Seas.
Following the police operation, the 208,000-gross-ton vessel departed for Bremerhaven to complete additional testing.
Sea trials are a critical step in the shipbuilding process, used to assess propulsion, navigation, safety systems, and overall performance before delivery. Despite the arrests, Disney Cruise Line confirmed the ship remains on schedule.
Background on Disney Adventure
Disney Adventure began construction in 2018 as Global Dream under Genting Hong Kong before the project was halted due to the company’s bankruptcy. Disney acquired the unfinished vessel in 2022 and began retrofitting it to match its brand.
Float-out was completed in April 2025. Following sea trials and outfitting, the ship is expected to be delivered in late September. The maiden voyage is scheduled for December 15, 2025, offering 3- and 4-night cruises from Singapore.
Disney Adventure was purchased after construction had already started following its previous owner going bankrupt.
