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Tag: disney cruise line

  • Disney Wish Hits the Water for the First Time

    Disney Wish Hits the Water for the First Time

    Marking a major milestone recently, The Disney Wish hit the high seas for the first time when it floated out of an enclosed building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

    During this momentous event, the Disney Wish touched water for the very first time, then made a grand exit from the enclosed building dock where it has been constructed.

    The occasion was celebrated in true Disney style with fireworks, music and even a special appearance by Captain Minnie Mouse herself! Check out the video below to see the incredible “float out” of the Disney Wish:

    When the Disney Wish sets sail in summer 2022, families will discover a mesmerizing new world created especially for them: a celebration of Disney’s rich legacy of enchanting storytelling that brings to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars adventures like never before.

    Families will embark on a splashtacular adventure with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse aboard the first-ever Disney attraction at sea; revel in a royal celebration during a theatrical dining experience with “Frozen” friends; team up with the Avengers on a Marvel cinematic dining adventure; and travel to a galaxy far, far away in a first-of-its-kind Star Wars experience on board a Disney ship.

    “With the Disney Wish, we’re continuing our tradition of delivering the most magical and relaxing vacations at sea, combining legendary service and entertainment with imaginative storytelling and all the care you expect from a Disney vacation,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “Our newest ship will celebrate everything that families love about sailing with us, from the incredible dining experiences and character interactions, to dazzling shows and the crew’s thoughtful attention to detail. We can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard the Disney Wish as we expand the reach of our world-class fleet.”

    The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage — a five-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay — on July 14, 2022, followed by an inaugural season of three- and four-night cruises to the same destinations from Port Canaveral, Florida.

  • Disney Cruise to require children 5 and up to have COVID-19 vaccination

    Disney Cruise to require children 5 and up to have COVID-19 vaccination

    Beginning Jan. 13, children ages five and up will be required to be vaccinated before sailing on Disney Cruise Line.

    The mandate is an expansion of one that already exists for the cruise line, where it requires all vaccine-eligible guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

    Those who are not eligible because of age will need to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken between three days and 24 hours of their sail date.

    Children who are between the ages five and 11 may complete testing instead of being vaccinated before sailings that depart on Jan 13.

    Guests four and under must complete testing. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.

    “As we set sail again, the health and safety of our Guests, Cast Members and Crew Members is a top priority. Our focus remains on operating our ships in a responsible way that continues to create magic for all on board,” Disney says on their cruise line website.

  • Disney Cruise Line Premiering Marvel Dining Experience Aboard Disney Wish

    Disney Cruise Line Premiering Marvel Dining Experience Aboard Disney Wish

    Disney Cruise Line has revealed more details on the immersive Marvel-themed dining concept called “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” coming to the Worlds of Marvel restaurant aboard the Disney Wish.

    Premiering in summer 2022, this all-new cinematic dining adventure will assemble some of Earth’s Mightiest — and tiniest — Super Heroes in a larger-than-life showcase of revolutionary quantum technology and world-class cuisine.

    Check out the video below to see it for yourself, then read on to learn more about this incredible experience coming to Disney’s newest ship in summer 2022.

    “’Avengers: Quantum Encounter’ is Disney Cruise Line’s most ambitious dining experience ever,” said Danny Handke, senior creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re doing something that’s never been done before in a restaurant, developing an exclusive Avengers adventure that will immerse our guests in the action through sophisticated technology and innovative storytelling. It’s the perfect complement to the incredible menu of story-driven dining aboard the Disney Wish.”

    Guests aboard the Disney Wish will also enjoy Marceline Market and Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods, two new quick-and-casual dining options for relaxed meals throughout the day.

    ‘Avengers: Quantum Encounter’ at Worlds of Marvel

    Worlds of Marvel is the first-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where guests will play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around them, complete with a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    Cinematic Dining

    “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” will follow Ant-Man and The Wasp as they embark on their first public speaking engagement on behalf of the Avengers. Anxious to impress, they are hosting a special presentation of the most powerful Super Hero technologies, such as Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s arc reactor and Ant-Man’s Pym Particles, giving guests an up-close look at holographic models, field reports and iconic scenes from Marvel movies displayed on the screens surrounding the room.

    The highlight of this special event is a hands-on demonstration of the latest and greatest Pym Tech, the Quantum Core, which uses cutting-edge — and highly unstable — technology to shrink and grow targets at the push of a button. A few “misfires” result in hilarious Ant-Man-style hijinks, but the real trouble begins when an unexpected villain shows up with a fearsome army in tow, eager to get their hands on this powerful quantum technology. Ant-Man and The Wasp will need all the help they can get to save the day, calling on Captain America, Captain Marvel and the brave diners of the Disney Wish for back-up.

    Quantum Core Technology

    Every table at Worlds of Marvel will feature an interactive Quantum Core, “a brand-new device that can cause objects to shrink and grow remotely.” Guests will assist Ant-Man and The Wasp as they attempt some small-scale trials, perhaps shrinking oversized luggage for easy stateroom storage.

    When enough of the Quantum Cores are activated at the same time, the entire venue will become supercharged as energy pulses through the power channels in the walls and ceiling. Outfitted with state-of-the-art Pym Tech and decked out in signature Stark-itecture style, the design of Worlds of Marvel will offer surprises in all shapes and sizes, from a distinctly Marvel hexagonal motif to the various “Easter eggs” and unknown details embedded in the show.

    Globally Inspired Menus

    True to its name, Worlds of Marvel will take families on a flavorful tour of the real and fictional settings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with dishes inspired by legendary locales like African Wakanda, Eastern European Sokovia and the Avengers’ home base of New York City. Though menus are still in development, guests can expect to find a diverse array of globally influenced items and playful nods to the worlds and characters they know and love from Marvel Studios films.

  • Holiday Cruises Return to Disney Cruise Line Fall 2022

    Holiday Cruises Return to Disney Cruise Line Fall 2022

    Disney has announce that the magic of the holidays returns to Disney Cruise Line in the fall of 2022 with Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises across the fleet.

    The return also marks the first fall season on the all-new Disney Wish.

    With five ships sailing from Florida, New York, Texas and California, more guests than ever before will be able to experience holidays at sea with Disney Cruise Line.

    Halloween on the High Seas returns to Disney Cruise Line in mid-September through October 2022. On select sailings across the fleet, guests can dress up and join Disney characters in their Halloween costumes at Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party; enjoy themed food, beverages and crafts; and immerse themselves in a ghostly ship takeover with elaborate decor and a magical Pumpkin Tree.

    From early November through December, the Disney Cruise Line fleet is decked from bow-to-stern with holiday cheer and entertainment during Very Merrytime Cruises. Holiday magic is unwrapped for the whole family with festive holiday decor, favorite characters in their finest holiday attire and a special visit from none other than Santa Claus.

    Bookings open to the public June 24, 2021.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • CDC Approves Disney Cruise Line for Test Sailing in June

    CDC Approves Disney Cruise Line for Test Sailing in June

    Disney Cruise Line says it’s been granted CDC approval to conduct test cruises.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the cruise line’s request to conduct a two-night simulation cruise on June 29 on the Disney Dream departing from Port Canaveral.

    “We’re very excited and ready to welcome back the iconic Disney ships to their home at Port Canaveral,” Port CEO Captain John Murray said.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is suing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the no-sail order. The CDC is set to let cruises sail again if 98% of the crew and 95% of passengers are vaccinated and ships take other measures to limit the risk of transmitting the virus.

    DeSantis and industry leaders argued this spring that with widespread testing and vaccines becoming more available, the danger is now no worse than air and train travel, which are open. Cruising has resumed with restrictions and protocols in much of the world with the industry leaders saying there have been no new outbreaks tied to their ships.

  • Bookings Now Open for the Disney Wish’s Maiden Voyage

    Bookings Now Open for the Disney Wish’s Maiden Voyage

    Starting today, you can book the family vacation of a lifetime and be part of Disney Cruise Line history during the Disney Wish’s inaugural season next summer.

    On June 9, 2022, the Disney Wish will set sail from Port Canaveral for a special five-night voyage, featuring two days at sea and stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. From there, the ship will embark on three- and four-night itineraries to these stunning tropical destinations.

    In Nassau, your family will enjoy breathtaking beaches and fun activities like swimming, snorkeling, shopping and more. At Castaway Cay, you’ll discover a pristine island brimming with special Disney touches that is completely outfitted for family fun and relaxation. Reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, this island oasis is home to clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches and the signature lush landscapes of the Bahamas. Take a closer look at the video below:

    While the ports of call are sure to be a big draw, just wait until you see the ship! In case you missed any of the details about all the enchantment that awaits on board, check out the video below for a quick look at the Disney Wish.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • Port Everglades in talks with Disney Cruise Line for New Year-round Port

    Port Everglades in talks with Disney Cruise Line for New Year-round Port

    Port Everglades is in discussions with Disney Cruise Line as the company looks for a second port in Florida.

    “They have the opportunity to establish this as home,” said Port Everglades CEO Jonathan Daniels to the commission. “Their other home is Port Canaveral because of the proximity to Orlando and to the parks. They are looking for a new home in South Florida and we have the opportunity I think to negotiate a very solid deal financially but I think it goes a little bit beyond that.”

    Under the proposed deal with Disney, the Fort Lauderdale port would be looking at a year-round ship capable of carrying around 3,500. It was not immediately clear what ship Disney would sail out of the port. 

    The commission voted unanimously to forego competitive selection requirements the port would normally have to go through for a terminal agreement.

    Disney Cruise Line currently has four ships in its fleet, basing two at Port Canaveral and migrating two others among a variety of seasonal ports from Europe and Alaska to New York, Galveston, New Orleans and PortMiami among others. A fifth ship, Disney Wish, is set to debut in June 2022 with two more due by 2025.

    Disney has been sailing from PortMiami to some degree since 2012, and the line has a deal in place that would let them sail year-round through 2024, except that would mean sharing a terminal built by another cruise line – MSC Cruises.

    “It is their desire to have their own home port operation and not have to share the terminal with another operator,” Daniels said. That’s where an opportunity lies at Port Everglades, which because of an agreement to get back the use of its Cruise Terminal 4 from Carnival Corp. in a pandemic-related deal, allowed the Fort Lauderdale location to be an option for DCL’s potential future.

    Cruise Terminal 4 is one of the terminals closest to Fort Lauderdale’s convention center, massive renovated parking garage and a hotel. Port Everglades’ proximity to Fort Lauderdale International Airport is also seen as a bonus by port officials.

    “Because of what we’re able to offer Disney Cruise Line as a whole from docking to parking facilities to the fact that hopefully what they’re going to do is bring down their cast and crew members and make them a part of the community as well, and I think that goes beyond just what it means to the port,” Daniels said. “Ultimately it spills out to what it means for the county and the community.”

    Daniels said initial talks have centered on a year-round vessel to start with the possibility of a second seasonal ship. With one ship carrying about 3,500 passengers per sailing, running four- and five-night itineraries, the port would see about 536,000 passenger movements annually.

    The ship would have to be one of the four existing vessels, as Port Everglades is not set up to handle ships that run on liquefied natural gas as Port Canaveral has done. Disney Magic debuted in 1998 followed by Disney Wonder in 1999. Disney Dream came in 2011 followed by Disney Fantasy in 2012.

    Disney recently signed a 20-year agreement with Port Canaveral that continues its exclusive use of Cruise Terminal 8, which has just been renovated. The line plans to base at least two of the three new ships at the port when they debut, while also continuing at least a two-ship year-round presence and bringing in a third in at least seasonally as part of the deal by 2024.

  • ‘Beauty and the Beast’-Inspired Spaces Aboard the Disney Wish

    ‘Beauty and the Beast’-Inspired Spaces Aboard the Disney Wish

    The Disney Wish will be the fifth ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet, with sailing expected to begin in summer 2022 and Disney has revealed that the ship will feature “Beauty and the Beast” inspired spaces aboard the ship.

    If you’ve ever vacationed with Disney Cruise Line before, you know how they offer dedicated spaces for adults to relax and unwind. Aboard the Disney Wish, their adult dining venues will have a uniquely Disney twist inspired by this classic story. 

    At Palo Steakhouse, they are evolving the Disney Cruise Line favorite and combining authentic Italian cuisine with modern steakhouse fare. As you dine in this sophisticated setting, you’ll notice subtle theming centered around everyone’s favorite punctual and precise clock, Cogsworth! The design of this space features dark wood detailing that is adorned with clockwork-inspired wall art. The layout will offer oversized banquette seating or the option for a more intimate table that will be adjacent to expansive windows offering stunning ocean views.

    While Palo Steakhouse is deep and rich in ambience, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement celebrates the light and frivolity of Cogsworth’s quick-witted colleague, Lumiere, boasting a palette of blues and white brought to life through shimmering light fixtures made up of gold and glassy baubles. You’ll discover these elegant design details celebrating the debonair candelabra all while enjoying a gourmet menu created by the three-star-Michelin Chef Lallement. One thing’s for sure, a dinner here will certainly be an illuminating experience! 

    Both restaurants will feature private dining rooms and will be joined by an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean.

    And, of course, you wouldn’t be able to celebrate the story of “Beauty and the Beast” without including one of the most iconic elements in the film – the enchanted rose that started it all. Found at the entrance to Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté, the lounge, appropriately named The Rose, will serve as the perfect setting for a pre-dinner aperitif or after-dinner cocktail. 

    The first sailing is slated for June 9, 2022, with three- and four-night sailings going to Bahamas and Castaway Cay, and bookings will open May 27.

  • PHOTOS: Disney Wish to Feature a Moana-Inspired Suite in the Funnel

    PHOTOS: Disney Wish to Feature a Moana-Inspired Suite in the Funnel

    ​When the Disney Wish cruise ship launches in 2022, it will feature a ‘first of its kind’ penthouse located in the forward funnel – the Wish Tower Suite inspired by Moana.

    The ship, which is set to arrive summer 2022, will feature an attraction called AquaMouse, severcal new dining experiences, more pools and deck space and, as Disney Cruise Line shared Friday, a first-of-its-kind funnel suite.

    “On a Disney cruise ship, that beacon of magic is our signature red funnels,” said Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, in a statement. “For the first time ever, guests aboard the Disney Wish will be able to book an incredible two-story suite that’s actually located within one of our funnels.” Take an inside look at the photos below:

    The Wish Tower Suite will offer ocean views, premium Disney service and nearly 2,000 square feet of space. The two-story suite will have two main bedrooms, a children’s room, a library that can convert into a bedroom, walk-in closets, an open dining area, a large pantry, and four and a half bathrooms.

    The design of the suite will take inspiration from Disney’s animated film “Moana.” The rooms will have color palette of blues, soft whites and corals along with artwork and iconography that evoke the world depicted in the film. In the center of the suite will be a hand-crafted porcelain sculpture reminiscent of the heart of Te Fiti that “pulses in myriad hues of green amid soft chimes that recall the films distinctive soundtrack.”

    Guests staying in the suite will also have a personal concierge team, curated experiences and access to a private elevator.

    The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022 and offer three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island Castaway Cay.

    Bookings for the Disney Wish open to the general public May 27.

  • VIDEO: Disney Cruise Line Reaches Key Construction Milestone in Fleet Expansion with Captain Minnie Mouse at the Helm

    VIDEO: Disney Cruise Line Reaches Key Construction Milestone in Fleet Expansion with Captain Minnie Mouse at the Helm

    Today, Disney Cruise Line reached a significant construction milestone marked by the traditional keel laying ceremony of the Disney Wish, the first of three new ships in the line’s fleet expansion. Also announced today, the magic of Captain Minnie Mouse will come to life for the first time through whimsical artwork on the bow of the Disney Wish, a hallmark of Disney Cruise Line vessels.

    “As we look to the future with anticipation and excitement for continuing our legacy of creating magical vacations for families across the globe, we are thrilled to reach this significant milestone in the ship building process and to unveil Captain Minnie as the beloved character on the bow of the Disney Wish,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Cruise Line.

    Keel laying takes place when the first block, or section of a ship, is lowered into the building dock, and a newly minted coin is placed under the keel for good fortune. The coin created for the Disney Wish features Captain Minnie, who made her debut aboard Disney Cruise Line ships in 2019 as part of a collection of initiatives aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the cruise industry. Take a look at the video below:

    “In maritime tradition, keel laying is the ceremonial beginning of the ship’s life,” said Philip Gennotte, portfolio project management executive, Walt Disney Imagineering Germany, who placed the coin at the ceremony. “Today marked a momentous occasion for the Disney Wish, and I could not be more proud of our Imagineers, the cast and crew at Disney Cruise Line and the team at Meyer Werft, the shipyard in Germany, who are bringing this enchanting ship to life.”

    As previously announced, the Disney Wish is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage in summer 2022. Information on itineraries and bookings for the ship will be released at a later date.

    The Disney Wish will showcase the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service that only Disney can deliver. The ship will be powered by liquified natural gas, or LNG, one of the cleanest-burning fuels available. At approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, the ship will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!