Disney Cruises Into New Venture

Mickey and Donald are taking to the sea in the Walt Disney Co.’s latest venture: building and operating a line of vacation cruise ships.

Disney will build two vessels that will offer island-hopping vacations and on-board children’s activities featuring Disney characters, the company confirmed this week.

Disney said months ago that it was considering such a move. But a formal announcement on Tuesday was coupled with news that it hired Crystal Cruises President Arthur Rodney to oversee development and operation of the new project.

“Operating our own cruise line will allow us to bring a new dimension of entertainment to our guests,” said Michael D. Eisner, Disney’s chairman. “We are creating a distinctive Disney product, with recognized Disney quality and service, in this popular and growing vacation segment.”

Disney plans to make both of its ships large enough to carry 2,400 passengers. The first is expected to be launched by 1998.