RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Disney Cruise Line

July 3

Posted on

July 3, 2013 – The Disney Magic Returns to Venice, Italy

“…the Mediterranean continues to be an extremely popular destination with incredible history, culture and beauty of these ports-of-call.” – Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz

On July 3, 2013, the original Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Magic, returned to Venice, Italy, for the first time in 15 years. Half of the ship was built in Marghera, Italy, located just outside of Venice. The occasion of its return was met with a first-call ceremony, a special call that signifies the relationship between a ship and its destination port.

Advertisement

March 1

March 1, 2012 – The Disney Fantasy is Christened During Star-Studded Event

“I christen thee the Disney Fantasy. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.”

On March 1, 2012, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet was christened during a star-studded event held in New York City. Named the Disney Fantasy, the ship carried on the maritime tradition of naming someone as the ship’s godmother, and Disney bestowed this honor on recording artist Mariah Carey. Her then-husband Nick Cannon joined Minnie Mouse to christen the ship with a bottle of champagne. A variety of stars were on hand to celebrate this ship, including Neil Patrick Harris, Alan Cumming, and Erin Andrews. Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Thomas Staggs were also on hand at the ceremony.

November 10

November 10, 2016 – Frozen: A Musical Spectacular Kicks Off on Disney Cruise Line

“You’ll go home wishing you had a happy snowman as your best friend.”

On November 10, 2016, the live-action stage show Frozen: A Musical Spectacular began performances on the Disney Cruise Line ship the Disney Wonder. Adapted from the hit animated feature Frozen, the stage show was a Broadway-caliber production that featured most of the songs from the film, as well as dynamic puppetry, special effects, and transformative scenery. This production fed into the idea that Frozen would work as a Broadway musical; however, as of 2018, this production is still running on the Disney Wonder.

August 26

August 26, 2009 – Keel Laying Ceremony is Held for the Disney Dream

“Our fleet expansion will allow us to satisfy demand on both the East and West coasts of the United States while also giving us the flexibility to explore additional global destinations for our Guests.” – Karl Holz, President, Disney Cruise Line

On August 26, 2009, the keel laying ceremony for the third Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream, was held at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. This ship is the sister ship to the Disney Fantasy, which was also built at the German shipyard. The keel laying ceremony featured several special guests, including Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz, ship’s captain Tom Forberg, and Donald Duck. The ship was finally completed in June, 2010.

August 12

August 12, 2000 – The Disney Magic Sets Sail on First Seven-Day Cruise

“Magic at sea.”

On August 12, 2000, the Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Magic, set sail on its first seven-day cruise, traveling from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean, highlighting stops at St. Maarten, St. John, and St. Thomas. Originally, the Disney Magic did three- to four-day cruises to the Caribbean and Disney’s Castaway Cay island. Since then, the number of places where the ship docks has grown significantly, including stops in Mexico and the Mediterranean, as well as the length of time, as cruises last as long as 13 days.

May 7

Posted on

May 7, 2012 – The Disney Wonder Stops in Hawaii for the First Time

“Let us know…if you wish you were saying ‘aloha’ to these gorgeous islands today or if you’re saying on our next Hawaiian cruise in October.”

On May 7, 2012, the Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Wonder, was the first Disney Cruise Line ship to sail to the Hawaiian Islands. The 15-night voyage took guests through Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. Soon after, a 14-night voyage was also offered, departing from the Port of Los Angeles.

February 28

February 28, 2012 – The Disney Fantasy Pulls Into New York City

“Welcome to America, Disney Fantasy”

On February 28, 2012, Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy, pulled into port in New York City. The ship, built in Germany, sailed to New York to prepare for its christening ceremony before sailing to Port Canaveral, Florida; from Florida, the ship would then take its maiden voyage. The Disney Magic was the first Disney Cruise Ship to sail to New York City, and was scheduled to return in May for a summer celebration.

January 29

January 29, 2011 – The Disney Dream Makes First Visit to Castaway Cay

“Disney Dream visits Castaway Cay for fun in the sun during ship’s maiden voyage.”

On January 29, 2011, the Disney Dream’s maiden voyage made its way to Castaway Cay, the Disney-owned island in the Bahamas. The area was bought in 1996, and was created to serve as a stop-over point for Disney Cruise Line ships. During the visit, guests were able to lounge on the beach, or stop at the newest addition to the island: Pelican Plunge, a 2,400-square-foot platform that contains two water slides.

September 3

September 3, 2009 – The Disney Wonder Rescues a Man Overboard

“guess that disney magic is real.”

On September 3, 2009, the Disney Wonder rescued a man from the Atlantic Ocean near Florida at around 12:45 am. The 34-year-old man had jumped overboard from a Carnival Cruise Line ship after allegedly arguing with a woman, and the nearby Disney Wonder diverted its course to rescue him. A Disney rescue boat was then sent to retrieve the man, who had been treading water for about an hour, and brought him back to the Disney Wonder. The cruise ship brought him back to Port Canaveral, where he was taken to a hospital for a physical and mental evaluation.

August 28

August 28, 2003 – The Live Show The Golden Mickeys Premieres on the Disney Cruise Line

“The Golden Mickeys are tonight!”

On August 28, 2003, the live show The Golden Mickeys began performances on the Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wonder. The show’s premise is that of an awards show, where the titular award is handed out to various Disney characters in specialized categories, including Heroism and Romance. Characters come from such films as Tarzan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Tangled. The show is hosted by a reluctant crew member, who has to take over the duties when the real master of ceremonies surprisingly doesn’t show. The show has been performed on the Disney Magic (from 2003 until 2010) and the Disney Dream (beginning in 2011); a version of the show was also performed in Hong Kong Disneyland starting in 2005.