Walt Disney Co. said Thursday that it is purchasing two new ocean liners in an effort to more than double its cruise line business.

The two ships, which will weigh 122,000-tons each, will be operational by 2012, Disney said.

The new ships will be two decks higher than the existing two Disney Cruise Line ships, which weigh 83,000 tons each. The new additions to Disney’s fleet will sport 1,250 staterooms. The ships are being built by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft.

Disney’s Chief Executive Robert Iger said the move is part of an effort to increase the Burbank-based entertainment company’s resort business.

Shares in Disney closed up 2 cents to $35.16 Thursday.