Disney Cruise Line officially opened an office at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany this week, as work continues to move forward on the design and development for the company’s two new cruise liners.

In a ceremonial welcome, the Disney Cruise Line team presented Meyer Werft with an official company flag which was hoisted at the entrance to the shipyard.

“This is an exciting time as we take the first step in our new build process” said Frank de Heer, Vice President of New Ship Development for Walt Disney Imagineering.  “Meyer Werft’s expertise and fine craftsmanship combined with classic Disney artistry and storytelling will ensure that our ships will be among the finest at sea.”

“This is a special moment for Disney Cruise Line,” said Fabio DiMarco, Director of New Build, Marine and Technical Design for Disney Cruise Line.  “We are so happy to be here and fly our flag proudly at the Meyer Werft shipyard.”

For the next five years, the Disney Cruise Line flag will fly at the Meyer Werft shipyard and the company will maintain a permanent office in Papenburg.  Full-time Disney Cruise Line Cast Members and Disney Imagineers will work alongside the Meyer Werft team to deliver the two new ships in 2011 and 2012.

“We are honored to welcome Disney Cruise Line to Papenburg,” said Bernard Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft shipyard.  “We look forward to building these magnificent ships with Disney, and together bringing new levels of innovation to cruise passengers around the world.”

Meyer Werft, which is known for its sophisticated ship building, entered into a contract with Disney Cruise Line in April of this year to construct the two new vessels.

Disney Cruise Line currently has two 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, which each have 875 staterooms.  The two news ships will be significantly larger at 124,000-tons with 1,250 staterooms.