disney cruise ship bridge

JetsettingBen

Visiting the bridge of the Disney Magic

With all the excitement surrounding the Disney Magic at Sea UK Staycation sailings, today I am going to share the fun I had whilst I enjoyed a Disney Cruise Line voyage in the Mediterranean in the Summer of 2011. How time flies! (I feel old now…)

The Disney Magic

The Disney Magic was the first cruise ship in the DCL fleet and set sail for the first time in 1998. Since then, Disney Cruise Line have certainly taken the cruise experience to a whole new level through their renowned levels of guest service, unrivalled entertainment offerings and pixie dust which only Disney could bring to the high seas!

I embarked the DCL Magic in Barcelona for a 7-night voyage around the Western Mediterranean; which included visits to Villefranche, Nice; La Spezia, Italy, Civitavecchia, Italy (for Rome), and Naples, Italy. With the exception of La Spezia, I had visited all of the ports-of-call on previous cruises – but enjoyed revisiting them nonetheless.

One of the fun-aspects of a DCL cruise is their innovative rotational dining concept. During each voyage, guests and their assigned table staff “rotate” around the three main restaurants, each of which has a different theme. When I sailed on the ship, these were Lumiere’s (French), Parrot Cay (Caribbean) and Animator’s Palate (American). My favourite has to be the latter, especially because the entire restaurant transforms from a black and white canvas into full colour during the course of your meal. Magic!

Being a self-confessed cruise geek

As the sub-heading suggests, I am indeed a lover of all things to do with cruising, travel and Disney. Around the time of this voyage, I had the ambition to become a Navigational Officer which is simple terms, mean work on the bridge of cruise ships. I couldn’t think of a better way to see the world!

During the cruise I had the opportunity to meet the Captain who was in-charge of the Disney Magic at various meet and greets including the typical Captain’s Gala Reception. He was very friendly, certainly no Captain Hook let’s put it that way. Whilst having my photograph taken during the formal evening, I mentioned I had an ambition to become an officer on the bridge and the Captain was very pleased to hear this. So much so, he asked for my details which he passed to the secretary and a couple of days later, I was invited to step onto the bridge of the Disney Magic for a tour with the ability to speak to some of the officers.

I made sure I had a number of questions to ask the officers, including how they started their careers at sea and what advice they could give me for the future. A number of them began their seafaring careers working for other cruise operators, on cargo ships or even within the Navy before joining Disney Cruise Line – it truly was fascinating to hear about their experiences and challenges they had to overcome.

Here is a photo of a very young Ben sitting in the Captain’s chair!

If that wasn’t enough of a thrilling and inspirational experience, the next thing that I got to do was even better…

The Captain asked if I wanted to press the button which sounds the ships whistle, and this isn’t just any whistle… the one on the Disney Magic whistles to the tune of “ When You Wish Upon a Star !” Everyone was certainly very envious of me and it is one of those cool things I can share if asked that thought-provoking question “Tell us about something fun you’ve done in the past…”

I very much enjoyed that experience, could you tell by my reaction in the video?

Admittedly, I was looking for a big red button compared to one the size of a 50-pence piece, but it was still such a cool experience – and I am very thankful I had the opportunity to do something not many people have done. I also got to visit the bridge of the Disney Dream whilst it was docked in Disney’s Private Island – Castaway Cay, that was pretty awesome too. Especially as I could compare the technology between a ship built in 1998 vs 2011.

All of the officers provided me with advice to continue to study hard, explore all opportunities and mentioned a rather well-known quote from Walt Disney… “Keep Moving Forward” – something that I still do to this very day. Unfortunately due to health issues I was unable to continue with my ambition to become a deck officer, but you never know what the future holds. People do change careers at any age…

Cruising is one of my favourite types of holiday, where you have the ability to visit a number of destinations during one holiday whilst travelling in comfort and style. It’s also a great way to make new friends and create memories. I look forwards to setting sail and enjoying a cocktail under the sunset again in the future once things calm down a little.

But for now stay safe and healthy…

@JetsettingBen

Similar Posts

Air New Zealand Skycouch Review

Editor Update: Unfortunately the LHR-LAX route has now been suspended. Air New Zealand have become one of my favourite airlines, and it goes without saying that…

Royal Caribbean announce Quantum of the Seas features

P&o azura cruise blog – day 1.

On Friday I set sail aboard P&O Cruises’ Azura on a seven-day voyage from Southampton to the stunning scenery and fjords of Norway.

P&O Azura Cruise Blog – Day 2

Read all about my second day aboard the Azura as she sailed in the North Sea.

Azura Cruise Blog – Day 3

Read all about my third day aboard P&O’s Azura as we visited Bergen, Norway.

Azura Cruise Blog – Part Four

Read the fourth part of my Azura cruise blog.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Disney Cruise Line Information

DCL Fan is your source for Disney Cruise Line Information, News, and Discounts

Newly Released Images Share Progress on Disney Treasure

Disney Cruise Line has done something we’ve never seen before; they’ve released the official ship’s log for the upcoming Disney Treasure ship! This official record shares a behind-the-scenes look at the complex shipbuilding process and important milestones in the ship’s journey. Construction began on the Disney Treasure in January of 2023, and the ship is scheduled to set sail in 2024.

Back in March, we saw photos of the ship’s funnel and bow thrusters upon arrival at the Meyer-Werft Shipyard. Later in March, Disney Cruise Line provided pictures of the keel-laying ceremony , and in April, we got our first look at the filigree featuring Voyager Minnie that will grace the ship’s bow. The photo below shows the bow of the ship arriving at the construction hall aboard a barge.

In mid-May, the bow of the Disney Treasure was mounted to the forward section of the ship. The photos below show how a crane is used to install the bow block carefully. In the log, DCL shares how the bow block “was held in position with the help of a high-precision laser scanner until it was fully welded to the foreship.”

The end of May brought the fascinating photo below of what will become The Walt Disney Theatre. You can see just how gigantic the theatre is and how many decks it will occupy if you look to the upper right side of the image where the two Disney Imagineers are standing.

The last entry in the journal, for now, was on June 26, 2023, when DCL shared images of the ship’s bridge. The bridge block is where the ship’s wheel and other important navigational equipment is located.

It’s exciting that Disney Cruise Line has shared these milestones with the world and we’re looking forward to seeing more!

About Post Author

Jackie Gailey

Senior Editor at The DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a ’13/’14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº

See author's posts

Share this:

• ← DisneyBand Plus Available on Disney Fantasy July 29
• Disney Cruise Line Quietly Raises Pricing on Signature Dining →

You May Also Like

NEW Mickey’s Color Spin Dance Party Coming to Disney Dream

New Ground Transfer Options to Port Canaveral Shared for 2022 and Beyond

Disney Cruise Line Cancels Additional Departures through mid-May 2021

Discover more from disney cruise line information.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Disney Wish Cruise Ship: Everything You Need to Know

Disney Cruise Line’s new ship is the Disney Wish, which sets sail in Summer 2022. This guide covers everything you need to know, with concept art, photos & video and a behind-the-scenes preview of the Marvel, Star Wars & Frozen experiences, luxury amenities, and spacious staterooms aboard the “next chapter” of DCL’s story. ( Updated April 26, 2022 .)

After a delay of one month, the Disney Wish will sail its 5-night maiden voyage on July 14, 2022, followed by a season of 3 and 4-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Bookings are now open to the general public for sailings through Summer 2023.

Our first impression of the Disney Wish is that it’s a ship of “firsts.” It has the first-ever attraction at sea, theatrical dining experience themed to Frozen that’s never been done before, ditto its unprecedented Marvel dinner adventure, Imagineering lab for kids, and Star Wars bar that is only for adults. The unprecedented quality of the Disney Wish extends beyond the melding of dining and entertainment–the ship’s staterooms and royal suites are more spacious than the legacy ships, most have an ocean view, and 70% have a verandah.

Turning to the specifics, let’s start inside the Disney Wish’s Grand Hall, which is the ship’s “Castle on the Seas.” This is where guests will find Luna, the town square stage. This brand-new entertainment hub will transition from a daytime setting for family fun into an elegant evening venue for adult-exclusive entertainment, offering a variety of live shows and interactive programming throughout the day and night.

Featuring a design inspired by the Disney-Pixar short “La Luna,” the venue will feature a two-story LED screen wall, stylish stage, full-service bar and spacious seating. Luna will create an energetic atmosphere on the lower level that will buzz with community and life. The balcony will offer a more intimate setting for enjoying the festivities in small groups, with secluded seating in semi-private booths.

Disney Wish Stage Shows & Entertainment

Next, Live Shows at the Walt Disney Theatre. This venue is a hallmark of the Disney Cruise Line experience, which hosts a roster of original Broadway-style stage shows developed exclusively for DCL. These shows will be presented in the Walt Disney Theatre, an elegant 1,274-seat show palace that spans three decks with orchestra and balcony seating.

On the Disney Wish, the design of the Walt Disney Theatre will evoke an enchanted forest, imbuing the atmosphere with a sense of magic inspired by scenes from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Fantasia . The theater will be equipped with state-of the-art technology, including projection mapping technology and a Dolby Atmos 3D audio system to create a transformative theatrical experience rivaling anything on land or at sea.

The first show is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed “Aladdin on Broadway” stage show, which is not new to Disney Cruise Line or even Disney theme parks. It’s a great show that’s absolutely carried by Genie and his humor. Here are the new additions to the Disney Wish…

Disney The Little Mermaid – An original take on the renowned Walt Disney Animation Studios film, developed as a collaboration between the creative minds at Disney Cruise Line and a team of top Broadway talent. This modern-day adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” is exclusively for the Disney Wish. Audiences will rediscover the iconic scenes, acclaimed music and beloved characters of the film, as a cast of contemporary storytellers put their own spin on the timeless tale.

“Disney The Little Mermaid” will feature innovative theatrical design, dazzling special effects, artistic choreography, and a reimagined script and score that will surprise and delight guests of all ages. “Under the Sea” will be the show’s biggest production number, complete with incredible vocals, show-stopping choreography and plenty of special effects. The show’s cutting-edge puppetry will be on the greatest display, as countless sea creatures and fantastical characters like Sebastian and Flounder gather on stage to sing, dance and celebrate.

Throughout the show, scenic designs and state-of-the-art video projections will transform the Walt Disney Theatre into a 360-degree undersea environment. During “Kiss the Girl,” Sebastian will lead a chorus of sea life in a refreshed rendition of the melody as the audience is visually transported into the scene. In a new twist exclusive to our show, even though Ariel doesn’t have a voice at this point in the story, her inner voice  will play an important and meaningful role in the song.

Disney Seas the Adventure – This show will begin with Captain Minnie Mouse handing over the helm to her dear friend Goofy, leaving him a little unsure about the responsibility. With the help of some familiar friends, he’ll embark on a musical voyage into favorite Disney and Pixar stories on a journey to discover his own inner captain.

Early in his adventure, Goofy will learn the power of hard work to make a dream come true when he meets Tiana during a lively performance of “Almost There” from “The Princess and the Frog.” The show’s grand finale will feature a cavalcade of characters joining Captain Minnie and Goofy on stage. But rather than bidding the audience farewell, these favorite Disney friends will lead guests out of the theater and into the Grand Hall for an unforgettable sendoff experience unlike anything we’ve done before.

Another entertainment option aboard the Disney Wish is Hero Zone, a futuristic sports arena where physical activity will blend with imagination, alternating between a family obstacle course and a free-play sports hub. Families will take on action-packed physical challenges themed to super heroes during over-the-top, game show-style competitions. Balcony viewing space will be available for other guests to watch, cheer and admire the fearless feats performed during the epic games.

Disney Wish AquaMouse “Attraction at Sea”

Moving on to perhaps the most exciting detail of the Disney Wish: AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney “attraction at sea.” This brand-new family water attraction that will bring to life the adventures of “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts like never before.

AquaMouse will be complete with show scenes, lighting and special effects, and splashtacular surprises, this first-of-its-kind water ride will send guests on a fun family adventure through 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks. This will be a 2+ minute experience with a 42″ height requirement.

During this ride, Mickey and Minnie are starting their very own seaside excursion company, “Port Misadventures,” on board the Disney Wish. Adventuresome cruisers will join them on an undersea excursion to Mermaid Lagoon that will inevitably go awry.

The journey begins with guests boarding two-seater ride vehicles and ascending into a magical tunnel that will teleport them into the cartoon world of “Scuba Scramble,” a new animated short that plays out through oversized virtual portholes. Along the way, they’ll encounter curious sea creatures, character, and 60+ water effects that bring the subaquatic hijinks to life — all synced to an original musical score by Emmy-nominated composer Christopher Willis.

At the height of the show, guests will blast out of the tunnel and embark on a wild water ride around the upper decks. First, they’ll zip into the forward funnel through an enclosed tube surrounded by dazzling lighting effects, followed by a quick dash through a dark tunnel that opens up to reveal ocean views.

They’ll then jet up and down a series of speed blasters propelled toward the grand finale: a soaring loop over the edge of the ship, with clear views down to the sea. With that, they’ll splash down for a send-off message from Mickey and Minnie–another successful tour in the books!

There were a lot of cool aspects of the Dish Wish unveiling, but this takes the cake for me. The parallels to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway are obvious, and if Imagineering manages to pull off something even a quarter that impressive aboard a cruise ship water ride, it’ll be an impressive feat of storytelling and technical innovation. I’m really excited for AquaMouse!

Disney Wish Pool Areas

In addition to AquaMouse, families will have more pools, more deck space and more dining than ever before in an expansive pool district themed to Mickey and friends. Located on decks 11 and 12 midship, this area will include six pools of various sizes, staggered among tiered decks to provide families with space to stretch out. Guests will enjoy a variety of poolside entertainment on Funnel Vision. For guests seeking a laid-back environment, another family pool will be available on deck 14 forward.

The Disney Wish will also feature brand-new food and beverage offerings on the upper decks, including relaxed indoor dining and a fresh take on quick and casual fare with a festive character twist. More details on these experiences will be released at a later date.

At Quiet Cove, guests ages 18 and older will find a secluded adults-only district dedicated to lounging, sipping and soaking. Set away from the bustle of family activities, this relaxing refuge at the back of the ship will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean from a luxurious infinity pool.

At the other end of the spectrum, children will be able to enjoy Toy Story Splash Zone, a water playground where Woody, Buzz and friends will be adorably reimagined as larger-than-life rubber bath toys that move and spray water. Inspired by the Disney and Pixar short “Partysaurus Rex,” this bathtub-themed splash zone will combine the Old West of Woody’s Roundup with the intergalactic world of Buzz Lightyear, featuring two toddler-sized slides and pop jets, geysers, and bubblers galore.

Everyone in the family will enjoy a trip down Slide-a-saurus Rex, a double-looping waterslide that sends guests plunging “down the drain” with the rest of the toys when the metaphorical bathtub overflows. Another feature will be Trixie’s Falls, a six-inch-deep wading pool with a small fountain and waterfall. Finally, Wheezy’s Freezies, a smoothie bar serving up refreshing fruit blends for the perfect cool-down treat.

Speaking of smoothies, let’s turn to dining on the Disney Wish, starting with a video previewing adult experiences aboard the Disney Wish…

Disney Wish Dining

Like every Disney Cruise Line vessel, the Disney Wish will offer a collection of bars and lounges reserved exclusively for adults each evening.

These venues will be spread out among the ship’s other core gathering places for a more flexible, free-flow experience. Also new is the storytelling in these spaces, providing ways for adults to experience Disney stories in sophisticated ways.

Disney Wish Bars & Lounges

Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge – This will be a high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship, set against a virtual window into the galaxy that will feature famous spaceships from Batuu, Tatooine, and beyond. This richly themed, immersive experience will be reserved for adults every evening, offering interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by the films.

The venue’s sleek interior design and metallic detailing is inspired by lavish star cruisers similar to Dryden Vos’ ship in “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” While guests sip their galactic concoctions, this space-faring voyage will transport them to iconic locations from the eras of the Republic, Empire and First Order, employing hyperspace jumps to travel from planet to planet while sensational scenes unfold just beyond the ship’s panoramic viewport at each stop.

Keg & Compass – A pub that is perfect for watching live sports or news while enjoying custom craft beers available exclusively aboard the Disney Wish. Keg & Compass celebrates the adventure and romance of the sea, designed in the architectural style of a late 1800s Norwegian sailor’s map room. Drawing inspiration from the rich folklore of Norse seafaring, period-style oil paintings will depict tales of the deep and intricate carvings of tentacles, barnacles, compasses, and more will accentuate porthole frames.

Spanning the entire ceiling will be a grand map in old maritime style that features references to ocean lore and pays homage to Disney characters and stories related to the sea. In addition to such characters as Ursula and Moana, the map will call out important locales related to Disney.

Nightingale’s – A refined piano bar inspired by Cinderella’s lyrical rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale” in the 1950 film, offering an extensive menu of fine wines, bubblies and hand-crafted cocktails. Nightingale’s lounge will be a thematic extension of the fairytale-inspired Grand Hall from which it stems, with large doors that allow the music to spill into the atrium.

Classically modern with a soft metallic palette, the predominant design feature of Nightingale’s will be a glittering chandelier perched above the piano, with swirling pearlescent bubbles and music notes crafted out of rose gold.

The Bayou – Guests looking for New Orleans-inspired good time can go down to The Bayou, an informal lounge themed to The Princess and the Frog . This centrally located venue will offer creative cocktails, specialty coffees, and signature beignets in a lively, social atmosphere with live entertainment and musical performances.

With magnolia blossoms, lily pads, and a canopy of twinkling fireflies overhead, the Bayou will evoke the magical marsh where Tiana and Naveen take refuge in the film. A bronze statue of each character will be prominently displayed, and two gazebos inspired by the city’s iconic wrought iron metalwork structures will provide intimate seating for small groups on either side of the bar.

Disney Wish Casual Dining & Buffets

Marceline Market – Named for Walt Disney’s early childhood hometown in Missouri, Marceline Market is the Disney Wish’s main food hall. Inspired by popular marketplaces, Marceline Market will feature a changing menu of specialized offerings in a free flow setting with both indoor and outdoor seating and ocean views all around.

Featuring 10 food stalls and a café-style beverage bar in the center, Marceline Market will be styled as an old industrial loft converted into a bustling marketplace. At this food hall, the local proprietors are Disney characters themselves, as each station is themed to beloved animated films such as Tangled, Ratatouille, Alice in Wonderland, Zootopia , and more.

These shopkeepers will curate a wide-ranging variety of freshly prepared cuisines for the whole family to enjoy, including American classics, international specialties, comfort foods, seafood, soups and salads, vegetarian cuisine, baked goods, and desserts. Effectively replacing Cabanas Restaurant, Marceline Market will offer a casual, walk-around dining experience for breakfast and lunch, followed by table-service dining at dinnertime with entrees cooked to order.

Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods – Located in the middle of the fun on the upper decks, Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods will be the venue for grabbing a quick bite for lunch, dinner or anytime in between. Fan-favorite treats will include Disney Cruise Line’s signature soft-serve ice cream. The Disney Wish will feature the fleet’s first dedicated quick-service venues for barbeque and Mexican-inspired fare.

This open-air eatery comprises five separate food stalls: Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue, Donald’s Cantina, Daisy’s Pizza Pies, Goofy’s Grill, and Sweet Minnie’s Ice Cream. The design is inspired by the seaside boardwalk setting featured in popular “Mickey Mouse” animated shorts. A large shaded seating area will provide convenient and comfortable accommodations for families to relax and enjoy their meals.

Disney Wish Rotational Dining

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure – Rotational dining aboard the Disney Wish will be unique, with the debut of three brand-new family restaurants. First up, Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. This is Disney Cruise Line’s first “Frozen”-themed theatrical dining experience, bringing the kingdom of Arendelle to life through immersive live entertainment along with Nordic-inspired cuisine.

Designed in the style of a theater-in-the-round, families be invited to attend a royal engagement party for Queen Anna and Kristoff, picking up the story where “Frozen 2” left off. Elsa and Olaf will host the celebration with catering provided by their friend Oaken’s “Hearty Party Planning Service… and Sauna” and live entertainment by “local” musicians who specialize in Nordic renditions of familiar “Frozen” songs.

‘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.

“Avengers: Quantum Encounter” will follow Ant-Man and The Wasp as they embark on their first public speaking engagement on behalf of the Avengers. 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. This will give 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 unstable, cutting-edge technology to shrink and grow targets. Of course, something will go hilariously wrong, with Ant-Man-style hijinks ensuing.

An unexpected villain will also show up with an army in tow, attempting to steal the 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 diners of the Disney Wish for back-up.

Every table at Worlds of Marvel will feature an interactive Quantum Core, which is a 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 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 Easter eggs and hidden details.

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 locales like African Wakanda, Eastern European Sokovia, and the Avengers’ home base of New York City. Guests can expect to find a diverse array of globally influenced items and fun nods to the worlds and characters from Marvel Studios films.

1923 – Named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, 1923 is an elegant celebration of the company’s legacy, paying homage to the golden age of animation and offering a tasteful tribute to its Californian heritage.

Combining classic Hollywood glamour with a dash of Disney whimsy, 1923 features two lavishly appointed dining rooms, aptly named for the men behind the magic of the original film studio: Walt and Roy Disney. The rooms are adorned with more than 1,000 drawings, props and other tools of the trade, providing an inside look at the evolution of Disney animation.

At 1923, guests will enjoy sophisticated dishes designed with families in mind and inspired by the fusion of cultural flavors found throughout the Golden State. The diverse menu will mirror the region’s unique blend of Asian, European and South American cuisines and will feature local ingredients like fresh produce, wild honey and earthy pistachios.

Disney Wish Fine Dining

Aboard the Disney Wish, guests will savor gourmet meals and exceptional beverages at Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, and The Rose, a trio of epicurean excellence exclusively for adults, inspired by Beauty and the Beast .

Palo Steakhouse – An evolution of the restaurant concept Disney Cruise Line guests know and love, now combining the relaxed sophistication of authentic Italian dining with the classic refinement of a modern steakhouse in a genteel setting inspired by Cogsworth. This elegant environment with spectacular ocean views off the back of the ship has been designed with a warm, luxurious palette of rich woods and shining metals, artwork & details that evoke ornate clocks, pendulums and gears.

At Palo Steakhouse, guests will choose from a selection of exquisite Italian dishes and the world’s best steaks, from the most elite American prime cuts to melt-in-your-mouth Australian wagyu to succulent Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beefs. The menu will be paired with the finest Italian wines and bold craft beers. For dessert, a fan-favorite indulgence: signature Palo chocolate souffle, prepared fresh-to-order and served piping hot with luscious vanilla bean and chocolate sauces.

Enchanté – This will offer the most luxurious dining experience on board the Disney Wish, featuring a gourmet menu crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement, one of the culinary masterminds behind the fine dining experience at Remy aboard the Dream and Fantasy.

Enchanté will offer a romantic and intimate venue, evoking the dazzling candlelight and lavish hospitality of Lumiere, with shimmering light fixtures and illuminations that will give life to the two intimate dining areas and private 10-seat dining room. With an elegant infusion of soft blues and metallic embellishments, the enchanting atmosphere will be completed by stunning ocean views.

The menu will feature superior products and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world to create an exceptional ensemble of international dishes, masterfully developed with the passion, philosophy and expertise of Chef Lallement. From the moment they enter the glittering champagne room, guests will be swept up in a sumptuous journey marked by consummate cuisine, superlative wines and first-class service.

The Rose – This is a chic lounge at the entrance of Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté. Inspired by the fateful flower at the heart of the story, guests will enter The Rose through a corridor of beautiful, bespoke artwork commissioned exclusively for the Disney Wish. This grand entrance culminates in a gilded, golden rotunda, unfolding into a plush lounge with rich velvet seating, glorious views and magical illuminations.

The Rose will be an idyllic setting for a pre-dinner aperitif or after-dinner cocktail, with an extensive selection of high-end wines and liquors. Guests will also indulge in a special menu of gourmet amuse-bouche and small plates from the Enchanté galley, curated by Chef Lallement.

Disney Wish Kids Clubs & Activities

Oceaneer Club – Children ages 3 to 12 will enter the captivating worlds of favorite Disney stories in the reimagined Disney’s Oceaneer Club, a real-life wonderland of immersive spaces specially designed to unlock their imaginations. Aboard the Disney Wish, this club will offer an exclusive line-up of interactive games and programs where characters stay to play.

With the club located on deck 2, parents will be able to check in their children in the Grand Hall on deck 3 and then send them “down the rabbit hole” on a twisting slide that lands directly and securely into the central hub. Decorated with black-and-white sketches of Disney and Pixar characters, the hub will feature a stage and its own slate of special shows, activities and character appearances.

Marvel Super Hero Academy – A high-tech Avengers headquarters where young “recruits” will train to be the next generation of Super Heroes with the help of their own real-life heroes, like Spider-Man, Black Panther, Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Kids will begin by choosing a super hero suit from a selection of power sets based on Marvel heroes like Iron Man and Captain Marvel, and watching their choices become nanotech forms around mannequins in real-time. Then it will be time for “Avengers: Mission Training,” a gesture-based technology game where they put their new suits and skills to the test as they virtually battle bad guys.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Book pixie-dusted makeovers for kids ages 3 to 12, complete with hairstyling, makeup, costumes and accessories. The venue will feature beautiful wood detailing, chandeliers with candle lights and design elements inspired by Cinderella. There will also be a mural featuring a majestic wooded landscape and Cinderella Castle sparkling in the distance.

In addition to the guest-favorite princess, pirate and knight transformations already available, the Disney Wish will offer a selection of brand-new looks coming soon to the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet. For example, young cruisers will be able to become Captain Minnie Mouse and Captain Mickey Mouse with these adorable makeovers inspired by the characters’ signature Disney Cruise Line looks.

Fairytale Hall – A royal trio of activity rooms where kids will join some of their favorite Disney Princesses and Frozen Queens as they let their creativity shine at Rapunzel’s Art Studio, read and act out stories at Belle’s Library, and test newfound icy powers at Anna and Elsa’s Sommerhus.

• Inspired by her love of expression, Rapunzel’s Art Studio will be a creative escape where kids will have the best day ever making their own arts and crafts projects, like floating lanterns and paintings.
• Belle’s Library will be a cozy corner for reading and acting out stories with the help of Disney characters. An enchanted painting above the fireplace will magically transform to bring the tales to life.
• Anna and Elsa are never far from snow, even in their summer cabin. Here, kids will unlock icy powers during “Frozen Fun,” a series of gesture-based games hosted by Olaf, which include snowball fights with friendly trolls and a hunt for mischievous Snowgies — the tiny, playful snowmen created by Elsa in the animated short “Frozen Fever.”

Walt Disney Imagineering Lab – A first-of-its-kind opportunity for kids to discover the secrets of world-renowned Disney Imagineers – the creative masterminds behind Disney theme parks, resorts and cruise ships – with hands-on activities and inventive experiments. Sorcerer Mickey, the ambassador of Walt Disney Imagineering, may even stop by to lend a wand to the newly minted magic makers.

One of the most exciting things Imagineers get to do is design roller coasters. At the Ride Studio, kids will create a coaster along the lines of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain or Matterhorn Bobsleds — and then climb into a capsule where they will virtually ride their imaginative masterpiece.

Very envious of the 12 and under crowd here, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab sounds awesome.

Disney Wish Staterooms & Suites

Last but not least, the staterooms. These look nice! With an all-new look and feel steeped in enchantment and inspired by dreamy Disney stories, every stateroom on the Disney Wish will be a luxurious retreat designed with families in mind. Each will feature custom-made artwork depicting beloved Disney fairytales created especially for the Disney Wish.

Imagineers have designed dreamlike worlds and restful imagery of enchanted Disney fairytales through glittering gold-leafed headboard murals and framed pieces commissioned exclusively for the Disney Wish. Stateroom artwork represents classic and contemporary Disney stories that capture the essence of wish fulfillment and dreams come true. Beyond the artwork, every detail has been designed to tell a story, from pixie-dusted furnishings to delicate linen embroidery inspired by the fleet’s signature golden filigree.

Every stateroom aboard the Disney Wish has been designed with ample room for families, plenty of storage space and upscale amenities. Most of the ship’s 1,254 staterooms will offer an ocean view, and 877 staterooms (70% of the total!) offer a spacious verandah.

In addition to that, the Disney Wish will be 451 connecting doors that adjoin rooms to accommodate larger families. Some connecting staterooms will have a partition between verandahs that may be opened to create a bigger, shared balcony.

• Most staterooms will feature Disney Cruise Line’s signature split-bathroom concept, with a sink and shower in one room and a sink and toilet in a separate room. All will include a bathtub — perfect for giving children a bath.
• Enhanced storage options, roomy closets and elevated bed frames with generous under-bed space will provide plenty of places to store suitcases and other bulky items essential to family travel.
• Little ones will delight in a secret starfield hidden above pull-down beds, with original artwork revealing a constellation of Fairy Godmother overhead.
• Other exceptional amenities and highlights will include a 43-inch TV, USB and USB-C ports, large vanity, mini drawer refrigerator, full-length mirror, mini safe, hair dryer, privacy divider, queen and pull-out sofa beds, deluxe toiletries, plush robes, and lavish bed linens and duvets.

The Disney Wish will elevate the concierge experience with 76 concierge staterooms and suites — more than double the number available on other Disney ships.

• Accommodating up to five guests, these rooms will feature spacious living areas, king beds, luxurious finishes and premium amenities. Most will include a generous private verandah, and most have been designed with the rich color palette and distinctive iconography of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Tangled.”
• One-bedroom concierge suites will have a separate living room, walk-in closets, two 43-inch TVs and two bathrooms (including a master bathroom with rain shower, bathtub and double vanity).
• Seven exclusive oceanview rooms are Disney’s first-ever staterooms located above the bridge. These will have extended living areas with breathtaking views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the bow.

The Disney Wish will also debut four royal suites that celebrate the gilded world of Disney Animation’s “Sleeping Beauty,” with two Princess Aurora Royal Suites and two Briar Rose Royal Suites. Each pair includes a single-floor option and a two-story configuration, the first of their kind for the Disney fleet.

• Royal suites will feature extravagant details, upscale furnishings and first-class amenities, including an extensive living area, open dining salon, sizeable pantry and private hot tub on the oversized verandah.
• Each suite has two master bedrooms – each with its own opulent bathroom featuring a double vanity and either a rain shower or bathtub – as well as a double sleeper sofa in the living room and a third bathroom with a shower.
• The two-story royal suites will boast floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning statement pieces, like an elegant spiral staircase and a spectacular two-deck-high bespoke stained-glass frieze.

Ultimately, we are really  excited for the Disney Wish. It’s actually a bit difficult to reconcile my general indifference towards cruising right now with my hype for this new ship. Everything that Disney has revealed about this new ship (except the price points) makes me more enthusiastic about the upcoming ship.

I don’t want to overdo the enthusiasm or get carried away since it’s mostly just concept art at this point, but the Disney Wish looks amazing. Like the next generation of cruising. It’s as if Imagineering took a huge leap forward, iterating on past designs to make technical, functional, and storytelling improvements in the process. It’s still early, but the Disney Wish looks significantly better than its predecessors, which is really saying something since those ships are exceptional.

The dining slate looks formidable and unique (although it’ll garner the least attention, I’m most excited for 1923), the rooms look really nice, and AquaMouse is exactly the type of attraction (at sea) that is perfect for Disney Cruise Line–something only Imagineering could do. Reasonable minds may differ, but I’m personally pleased that Disney hasn’t gone over the top in adding crazy recreational options that impinge upon the classic aesthetics of the ship’s design.

Perhaps I’m just old and curmudgeonly, but so much of what other cruise lines are adding seems more gimmicky than anything else; “upgrades” that are great for slick marketing materials, but the vast majority of cruisers will never use. In short, I love what Disney Cruise Line has shown of the Wish thus far, and am incredibly pleased with both its style and substance.

Planning to set sail aboard one of the DCL ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your voyage, plus plan entertainment, activities & excursions, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise! For personalized planning & recommendations, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Does this have you more excited for the Disney Wish? Favorite part of the news? Wishing you were under 12 so you could enjoy the Imagineering Lab? Excited for the AquaMouse? Do you plan on booking a cruise aboard this ship, or are you awaiting more details? Do you agree or disagree with our advice and assessment? Any questions? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Is there any way to nudge Disney to improve the offerings for teens? We are booked for next winter but I’m really wondering if it’s worth it for teens. My teens are obsessed with Marvel and with Disney parks but won’t be able to do either the super hero activity or the imagineering? Why exclude teens from those? One of my teens has played piano for a dozen years and would love the piano bar—why limit that just to adults? (Or at least have an all ages show.). The dueling piano bar on NCL was one of our favorite family events! Just seems like disney puts a lot of thought into families with young kids, but needs to think a bit more about the older ones. Particularly with these short 3 and 4 day trips, most teens are not going to be in a mode where they want to hang in the teen club and make new friends—the cruises aren’t long enough for that. Anyone know a way to get feedback to the powers that be at disney?

Kat, my kids did not like the Disney cruise much so I know they would not now as teens Biggest complaint is the pools are so crowded, you’re lucky to get a toe in

Long wait for waterslides (aquaduct, etc)

We enjoy Royal Caribbean much more and more to do for teens for sure Just my opinion

Kat I also forgot to mention that my teens are huge Disney fans We visit Disneyworld a couple times a year for a week at a time and love love it Cruising is a different story We prefer Royal Caribbean for cruising

We are booked for the end of September and can’t wait!! I am with you 100% and am most excited about dining at 1923. This is our first Disney cruse and I’m so happy that it’s this ship… it just looks stunning!! Fingers crossed that the weather doesn’t play havoc during our trip this year!!

Didn’t they release any info on the tween & teen clubs? Unfortunately one of our kids just outgrew the oceaners club with the pandemic. Wondering what they have in store for those age 11+

Looks Amazing, but get ready to pay over double vs. a Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise.

Bye-bye Cabanas? Buffets are a pre-COVID phenom at this point I guess.

The 70% of rooms having a verandah stat – is that the same for the other Disney ships? I probably can’t afford a verandah, so I hope I’m not fighting over a much smaller pool of rooms than before, as I’d love to cruise on the Wish.

The ship looks beautiful. The staterooms are very nice looking, and the bathrooms look like a gorgeous upgrade. I’m not so fond of the television facing the bed, rather than in the living area. Families may not like that either. Like being able to close the curtains and read while the kiddo watches Mickey Shorts before bedtime. Also, wondering about the adult district? It seems to be missing? Also wondering about the running track. As a vegan, disappointed about the conversion of Palo into a steakhouse, so I’ll probably skip dinners there, and have my complimentary Platinum meal at brunch. Enchante looks very beautiful. It will be fun and exciting to explore a new ship, of course. Anything, after this past year. ..

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Disney Parks Blog Launches a Disney Treasure Ship Log to Track the Shipbuilding Journey

Today, the Disney Parks Blog launched a Ship’s Log for the Disney Treasure to provide updates on the complex shipbuilding progress. Disney says the archive will document all the important milestones of the Disney Treasure’s journey.

As part of the Disney Treasure ship log , they shared some new images from the Meyer Werft shipyard.

January 19, 2023 – Disney Treasure Steel Cutting

February 9, 2023 – Second Funnel Arrives at Meyer Weft

March 22, 2023 – FERU Drives at Meyer Werft

March 30, 2023 – Keel Laying Ceremony

April 15, 2023 – Disney Reveals Voyager Minnie Bow Design

April 18, 2023 – Bow Section Arrives at Meyer Werft

May 12, 2023 – Bow Block Assembly

May 26, 2023 – Walt Disney Theatre

June 26, 2023 Bridge Block Installment

There are many more Disney Treasure updates on the Disney Cruise Line’s journey leading up to the day the ship sets sail in 2024.  

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What New Disney Cruise Ships Are Being Built?

March 20, 2024: This article has been updated with the newly-announced name of Disney’s 8th ship, the  Disney Destiny .

Sept 9, 2023: This article has been updated with the newly-announced name of Disney’s 7th ship, the Disney Adventure .

Sept 5, 2023: This article has been updated with several new details about the Disney Treasure , which is scheduled to sail on its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024 .

After ten years with no new ships, Disney Cruise Line is in the process of rapidly increasing the size of its fleet. By the end of 2025, Disney will have eight ships, doubling its fleet size since 2012. Here’s a look at the new Disney Cruise Ships that are currently being built, with all the latest information we have.

Before we begin, let’s take a quick look at the fleet as it stands today:

Ships Currently Operating

• Disney Magic — Maiden Voyage July 30, 1998
• Disney Wonder — Maiden Voyage August 15, 1999
• Disney Dream — Maiden Voyage January 26, 2011
• Disney Fantasy — Maiden Voyage March 31, 2012
• Disney Wish — Maiden Voyage July 14, 2022

And here’s a glance at what’s on the horizon:

Ships Under Construction

• Disney Treasure — Maiden Voyage scheduled for late December 2024
• Disney Adventure (Former Global Dream) — Maiden Voyage expected in 2025
• Disney Destiny — Maiden Voyage expected in 2025

Now, let’s learn a bit more about each of the three ships that are still under construction.

Get Answers to All Your Disney Cruise Questions

Disney Treasure — December 2024

Image © Disney

The sixth ship of the Disney Cruise Line fleet — and the next one to begin sailing — will be named the Disney Treasure.

It’s currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. This is the same shipyard which built three prior Disney Cruise Ships , the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish.

The first of the large “building blocks” which will make up the ship began arriving onsite at the shipyard in November 2022. By March of 2023, one of the recognizable “funnels” had arrived.

You can follow along as more parts of the ship arrive at the shipyard over the coming months by checking out all the videos from the excellent Ems-Dollart Media YouTube channel.

Construction continues to move along swiftly; Disney’s own photographic log of the shipbuilding process shows that the bridge (essentially the “cockpit” of the ship) was installed in late June 2023.

And by early December 2023, both of the iconic funnels had been installed on the ship, already showing hints of their signature red color and Mickey Mouse icon.

As of late March 2024, the superstructure of the ship is essentially complete. Photos released by Disney show the ship fully painted, actually afloat in the water versus in drydock, and now moved to a new location for finishing work as construction work shifts toward the new Disney Destiny (detailed later in this article).

The Disney Treasure afloat at its shipyard on March 27, 2024 | Image © Disney

The Disney Treasure is expected to host its first passengers in late December 2024. It will be a sister ship to the current newest ship, the Disney Wish (which began sailing in 2022) — as well as to the Disney Destiny, which joins the fleet in 2025. This means that these three ships should be generally the same in terms of construction, though some themed elements will vary between the three.

Only a few details have been fully confirmed, but here’s what Disney has announced publicly and what we can estimate based on what we know about its sister ship the Disney Wish.

The overall theme of the ship is “adventure,” as announced at the 2022 D23 Expo.

The ship’s bow will feature artwork of Minnie Mouse in “adventure-ready” attire, while the stern will feature 3D sculptures of Peter Pan and Captain Hook.

The grand hall of the ship is “inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace,” with both real-world inspiration (Asia and Africa) and fairy-tale inspiration ( Agrabah ).It will be the first Disney Cruise ship to feature three Disney characters in its atrium lobby statue: Aladdin, Jasmine, and their Magic Carpet (along with the fateful lamp).

On September 5, 2023, Disney released a significant amount of information on what will be included onboard the ship. As expected, some of the offerings are generally in line with what’s found on the Disney Wish — but others are unique to the Treasure.

Here’s a quick glance at some of the spaces and offerings that will be on the ship:

• The usual variety of Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge Staterooms
• Four Royal Suites , including Bagheera Royal Suites and Rajah Royal Suites with designs inspired by characters from  The Jungle Book and  Aladdin , respectively.
• An astounding  Tomorrow Tower Suite inspired by EPCOT, in one of the ship’s iconic red funnel smokestacks.
• The  Plaza de Coco restaurant, inspired by the film  Coco , offers themed dining with live Mariachi music and a visit from Miguel
• The  Worlds of Marvel and  1923  restaurants, also found on the Disney Wish
• Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté , and The Rose , adult-exclusive specialty dining / lounges, also found on the Disney Wish
• Jumbeaux’s Sweets , inspired by Zootopia , offers tasty snacks for purchase
• Jade Cricket Café and Heihei Café , inspired by Mulan and Moana
• Periscope Pub , inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
• Skipper Society , a lounge inspired by the Jungle Cruise attraction
• Haunted Mansion Parlor , a lounge themed to the Haunted Mansion attraction
• Marceline Market and Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods casual dining
• The AquaMouse  features a new Curse of the Golden Egg storyline developed for the Disney Treasure.
• Ten pools plus a  Toy Story Splash Zone
• Disney’s Oceaneer Club  featuring  Marvel Super Hero Academy ,  Fairytale Hall ,  Walt Disney Imagineering Lab ,  Star Wars Cargo Bay , and  Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck
• Edge , Vibe , and it’s a small world nursery! for tweens, teens, and toddlers, respectively.
• Live Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, including  Beauty and the Beast , Disney Seas the Adventure , and a new show called Disney the Tale of Moana
• Hero Zone , Wonderland Cinema , and Never Land Cinema , also found on Disney Wish
• Character encounters, music, and shows in the Grand Hall (ship atrium / lobby)
• Sarabi , a “central hub” for daytime activities and adult-exclusive evening entertainment
• DCL-favorite  Senses Spa returns to the Disney Treasure, along with a reimagined  Senses Fitness center
• Tangled Salon and  Hook’s Barbery for beauty treatments

Meyer Werft shipyard – Papenburg, Germany

Maiden Voyage

Dec. 21, 2024

Port Canaveral,  FL

Approximately 144,000 gross tons

19.5 knots cruising speed and 23 knots maximum speed

Liquefied Natural Gas

Crew Members

Maximum capacity.

4,000 passengers

Guest Staterooms

1,256 staterooms, about 90% of which are expected to have either a porthole window or verandah balcony

• 123 inside staterooms
• 185 oceanview staterooms
• 948 verandah staterooms

Passenger Decks

14 passenger decks. Technically, the second floor of the Tomorrow Tower Suite would be a 15th deck, but it’s an isolated space inside the ship’s funnel not accessible to most passengers.

Contact the Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer today to start planning your cruise on the Disney Treasure or any of the other ships in the fleet! The Vacationeer offers free cruise booking help with no planning fees . They can help you pick the perfect stateroom , find the ideal itinerary , find the best time to cruise , and answer all your questions.

Then they’ll let you know exactly how much your Disney Cruise will cost with a free, no-obligation quote . If you like what you see, you can reserve your room by paying a small deposit now and then paying the balance over time.

Once you’re booked, your Vacationeer will keep track of all the planning and payment milestones for you — they’ll even watch for new discounts that may be announced after you’ve booked! They’ll even provide a generous onboard credit that can be used toward purchases on the ship.

And because their planning services are free to use, you can rest assured that you’ll get the best price possible without paying any unnecessary fees. So get your free, no-obligation cruise today!

Disney Adventure (former Global Dream ) — 2025

In 2022, it was announced that Disney had purchased a partially-completed cruise ship that was in the process of being built for another cruise line. This announcement was a big shock, as Disney had already surprised fans with an unexpected announcement of Disney Cruise Line’s seventh custom-built cruise ship (see next ship section below) and everyone thought that would be the end of the fleet expansion for the foreseeable future.

This newly-acquired, partially-constructed ship — known at the time as the Global Dream  — was in its fourth year of construction at MV Werften shipyard in Germany as an addition to the fleet of Genting Hong Kong .

But thanks to a series of bankruptcies (involving both the original cruise line and the shipbuilder!), construction was eventually abandoned and the partially-built ship was due to be scrapped.

Disney Cruise Line was long rumored to be interested in acquiring the hull, and the purchase was officially announced in November 2022. Meyer Werft, which has built every Disney Cruise ship since the Disney Dream, will oversee the Global Dream’s completion and its conversion into a Disney Cruise ship.

As you can see in this video originally taken in February 2022 (months before the deal was announced), a significant amount of construction on the ship has already been done. Note that the video pre-dates the Disney purchase but has since been retitled to reflect Disney’s ownership.

Because Disney has come into the project as the ship is already about 75% complete, the former Global Dream is not likely to have a so-called “sister ship” in the Disney fleet; it will be its own vessel without an equivalent.

The ship will not home-port in the United States but rather in Singapore. At the time the purchase was originally announced, Disney indicated that the ship was being purchased specifically to serve “new markets,” and the conventional wisdom of industry observers at the time was that this ship would likely primarily serve Asia — its original target market under the prior cruise line.

On March 29, 2023, Disney and the Singapore Tourism Board announced a five-year exclusive partnership that would base the ship in Singapore once construction is complete in 2025.

Sharp-eyed readers might notice that in the newer concept art, the ship has “lost” one of its three red smokestack funnels and now has only two — mirroring the other ships in the Disney fleet.

Although this is the eighth Disney Cruise Ship to be announced, comments by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro have repeatedly indicated that it will be the seventh one to enter service.

Disney recently dipped its toes into serving previously-uncharted waters (uncharted by Disney, at least), with its new Australia and New Zealand itineraries. It’s widely believed that the additions of the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and the Disney Destiny will give Disney the freedom to reassign some some of its older ships — as well as the former Global Dream ship — to cruise farther-flung itineraries going forward.

The Singapore announcement gives credence to those theories.

Virtually no information about Disney’s new theme for this ship has been released. We did, however, find out its name. On September 9, 2023, Disney announced that it will be known as the Disney Adventure.

Given that it’s a standalone ship with no “sister,” we really don’t have much to compare it to. And given that the ship is expected to target an international audience, it’s unclear if any of the traditional Disney Cruise elements might be adjusted (or completely abandoned) to better match regional travel preferences and customs.

Amusement Park Onboard?

Among the most tantalizing items in the original plans for the Global Dream was mention of an “amusement park” onboard the ship. It’s unknown how extensive that concept was in the first place — much less what (if any) of it will survive now that Disney has taken over. But Disney has been upping its onboard attractions game as of late; the Disney Wish is home to the AquaMouse, which Disney has called its first ever “attraction at sea.” We’ll see if this concept takes forward when the former Global Dream re-launches as a Disney ship.

Casinos Onboard?

The original plans for the ship under its prior ownership also included a casino — Disney doesn’t have casinos on any of its existing ships, so it’s likely that this space will be repurposed for something else on the Disney Adventure. Theoretically, it’s possible Disney could keep the casino given the “new market” targeting, but it’s generally considered unlikely.

One of the two cruise ports in Singapore. Most likely the Marina Bay Cruise Centre , which is better-equipped to handle mega ships such as this one.

The Disney Adventure will be a behemoth! At 208,000 gross tons (based on original Global Dream specs and early indications from Disney), it’s expected to be among the top ten heaviest cruise ships in the world; based on ships currently sailing in 2023, it would rank number 7.

Estimated to be approximately 1,122 feet (based on original Global Dream specs)

Estimated to be approximately 152 feet (based on original Global Dream specs)

Estimated to be approximately 31 feet (based on original Global Dream specs)

Unclear at this time

Green Methanol (based on early indications from Disney)

Estimated to be approximately 2,300 (based on early indications from Disney)

Estimated to be between 6,000 passengers (based on early indications from Disney)

Unclear at this time. Global Dream was originally expected to have about 2,500 staterooms, but it’s likely Disney Adventure could remove some of those to accommodate more common areas. This possibility would be supported by the fact that Global Dream was originally expected to hold about 8,000-9,000 passengers but Disney has indicated it would likely only accommodate somewhere around 6,000 after conversion.

Estimated to have approximately 14 passenger decks, counting both staterooms and common areas such as pools (based on original Global Dream concept art)

Get Answers Without Waiting on Hold

Disney Destiny — 2025

Disney Destiny concept art | Image © Disney

The last ship currently scheduled to be fully built (from start to finish) specifically for Disney’s fleet is due to arrive in 2025.

This ship was somewhat of a surprise in and of itself. Disney originally announced in 2016 that it would be building two new ships. But at the following year’s D23 Expo, the company announced it would actually be building three new ships.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the expected roll-out of the additions to the fleet, this ship is now expected to hold its maiden voyage sometime in 2025. Although it has long been colloquially known as the “seventh” Disney ship, the addition of the Disney Adventure (previously known as the Global Dream ) to the fleet lineup will likely mean that this ship will actually be the eighth Disney ship to begin sailing with passengers.

Like the Disney Treasure, this ship is expected to be materially similar to the Disney Wish in terms of construction.

On March 20, 2024, we learned that this new ship will be called the  Disney Destiny .

The theme of the Disney Destiny is expected to revolve around the concept of heroes and villains. In announcing the name on March 20, 2024, Disney promised:

… opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose. Onboard, guests will encounter heroes and villains alike – including those from beloved Walt Disney Animation stories like “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” – within spaces, experiences and entertainment throughout their voyage.

The bow of the ship will feature artwork showing Captain Minnie in her superhero best.

Ship bow artwork | Image © Disney

Disney also released a fun comic book style video to announce the ship’s theme:

Given that it is a sister ship to the Disney Wish, we expect a similar layout in terms of the number of kids’ clubs, restaurants, pools, etc. But we don’t yet know the specific theme of any of them.

Not yet known. Either Port Canaveral or Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) are strong possibilities, given that they are the two year-round home ports for Disney Cruise Ships and Disney historically has put its newest ships in Florida — at least to start.

Estimated to be approximately 135,000-144,000 gross tons (based on Disney Wish and Meyer Werft data)

Estimated to be approximately 1,119 feet (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 128 feet (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 27.2 feet (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 221 feet (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 19.5 knots cruising speed and 23 knots maximum speed (based on Disney Wish data)

Liquefied Natural Gas (based on Disney Wish and Meyer Werft data)

Estimated to be approximately 1,555 (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 4,000 passengers (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to have approximately 1,250 staterooms, about 90% of which are expected to have either a porthole window or verandah balcony (based on Disney Wish and Meyer Werft data)

Estimated to have approximately 14 passenger decks, counting both staterooms and common areas such as pools (based on Disney Wish data)

Can’t Wait for the New Ships? Plan a Disney Cruise Now!

You don’t have to wait for all the new ships to arrive to start planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation. You can book sailings right now on any of the Disney Cruise Ships that are currently in service!

Stick close to Florida with a Caribbean or Bahamian cruise, or take a Disney Cruise to Hawaii onboard the Disney Wonder. Find departure ports closer to home — Port Canaveral , Miami , Fort Lauderdale , San Diego , New Orleans , New York , or Galveston — or make the trip to Vancouver to embark on a wonder-filled Disney Cruise to Alaska ! You can even visit Europe on a Disney Cruise .

The best way to plan your first Disney Cruise is to work with an expert. You can get free help booking your Disney Cruise by contacting The Vacationeer ! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , The Vacationeer books thousands of Disney vacations every year. So you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing!

They’ll get you the right cruise at the right price, right away . And, because you’ll have a one dedicated agent from start to finish , you’ll have a seamless and hassle-free experience . There’s no waiting on hold and no giant call centers or wholesalers — just you and your personal cruise assistant planning the vacation that’s perfect for you.

What’s more, The Vacationeer offers a generous onboard credit of up to $1,000 — that’s free spending money you can use while onboard the ship towards specialty dining, alcohol , spa treatments, excursions , and more.

They don’t charge any planning fees — and your cruise won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself. It  might even cost less , thanks to their knowledge of all the latest discounts!

So what’re you waiting for? The sea is calling! (And Vacationeers are standing by!)

Related Posts:

Share This Page: Choose Your Platform!

About the author: jackie steele.

Related Posts

I’m so excited for the Treasure!

Wish the would sail from NY/NJ

Love Disney ships just sad no sailing from New York

Hi Vee — we’re hoping there will be some New York sail dates in the future. They have occasionally skipped a few years but always seem to come back to New York for at least a few sailings. You can keep an eye on our Disney Cruises from New York page to see if anything is announced in the future.

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Disney Cruise Line ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

What's the newest Disney Cruise Line ship? It's something you'll want to know if you're in the market for a Disney cruise.

The newest Disney Cruise Line ship is typically also the Disney Cruise Line ship with the most bells and whistles and the most up-to-date cabins, restaurants, bars and attractions. It's what you want if you want the very latest and greatest in a vessel for your Disney cruise vacation.

Right now, the newest Disney cruise ship is the 1-year-old Disney Wish . It just debuted in July 2022. However, Disney Wish won't be the newest Disney Cruise Line ship for long. It'll soon be supplanted as the newest Disney cruise vessel by the currently-under-construction Disney Treasure — a sister ship being built to the same basic design. Disney Treasure is scheduled to begin sailing in 2024.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Two other relatively new Disney cruise ships are Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. Both began sailing about a decade ago.

In all, Disney operates just five cruise vessels — far fewer than such cruise brands as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line . Founded in 1998, the line has gone long periods without adding a single new vessel, with occasional bursts of expansion, including one taking place right now.

The line has never retired a vessel since its debut in 1998. The oldest Disney cruise ship, Disney Magic, is 25 years old.

In general, Disney's newest ships are bigger and more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave the most possible activities in a Disney cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to the line's three most recently built vessels.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Disney's two oldest cruise ships — those built in the 1990s — are about 40% smaller than the line's newest vessels and have fewer venues on board. Still, even these smaller ships offer a lot of attractions as compared to many vessels at competing lines.

Here, every Disney ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

1. Disney Wish

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 144,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,508

2. Disney Fantasy

Maiden voyage: 2012 Size: 125,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,500

3. Disney Dream

Maiden voyage: 2011 Size: 125,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,500

4. Disney Wonder

Maiden voyage: 1999 Size: 85,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 1,750

5. Disney Magic

Maiden voyage: 1998 Size: 83,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 1,750

What is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship?

The newest Disney Cruise Line ship is Disney Wish. As noted above, it debuted in July 2022. Measuring 144,000 gross tons, it's also the biggest Disney cruise ship and has more amenities than the line's older vessels.

TPG has had staffers on Disney Wish three times over the past year to experience and review the vessel. For more on the ship and its new features, see the following guides and reviews:

• Exclusive first look: Peek inside the new Disney Wish
• 7 things about Disney Wish that surprised us
• 9 things to know about Disney Wish
• Yes, there's a $5,000 drink on Disney Wish — but it's more than a drink
• Why Disney Wish isn't just for kids
• Why Disney Wish may win over non-cruisers
• Is a concierge suite on Disney Wish worth it? We tried one to find out
• Review: The new Enchante restaurant on Disney Wish
• Review: The new Worlds of Marvel restaurant on Disney Wish

What is the oldest Disney Cruise Line ship?

The oldest Disney Cruise Line ship is Disney Magic. Unveiled way back in 1998, it was the very first Disney cruise ship ever built, and its arrival in 1998 marked the beginning of the line.

Disney Magic isn't just the oldest Disney cruise ship but also the smallest Disney cruise ship. Measuring just 83,000 gross tons, it's about 40% smaller than the new Disney Wish. As a result, it has fewer venues than Disney Wish but also a more intimate feel.

Because it offers fewer and smaller attractions than the new Disney Wish and other newer Disney ships, Disney Cruise Line typically uses Disney Magic and its slightly younger sister ship Disney Wonder for its more destination-intensive itineraries — trips where you're going to spend much of your time off the ship and onboard amenities are less important.

Disney Magic, for instance, is the ship that Disney sends to Europe every summer for itineraries that are all about exploring cities such as Barcelona and Rome (reached via the port of Civitavecchia, Italy).

What new Disney Cruise Line ships are coming?

Disney Cruise Line currently has two new cruise ships on order. The first to arrive will be Disney Treasure in 2024. As noted above, it's a sister ship to Disney Wish, and it'll have many of the same features as that vessel.

Another vessel in the same series, known as the Triton class of ships, is on order for delivery in 2025.

The Triton-class vessels are being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, which also built Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

In addition, Disney Cruise Line recently bought a massive, partly finished cruise ship that was originally ordered for Asia-based Dream Cruises. The unfinished ship became available for purchase after Dream Cruises went out of business.

Disney plans to finish construction on the vessel and operate it out of Singapore starting in 2025. The ship will sail Southeast Asia voyages aimed at the Asia cruise market.

What is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship available for booking?

Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship you can book right now. The line's next new ship, Disney Treasure, is not yet available to book.

What is the newest class of Disney Cruise Line ships?

The Triton class is the newest class of Disney Cruise Line ships. It'll be made up of at least three vessels, the first of which (Disney Wish) has already debuted.

The Triton class is the shiny new thing at Disney Cruise Line. The first of the vessels, Disney Wish, debuted with a whole new array of Disney "wow" on board, from the "Star Wars"-themed Hyperspace Lounge that offers a "window" view of passing starships to Marvel- and "Frozen"-themed restaurants.

First look: Disney Wish's new 'Frozen' dinner show

In addition, cabins on Disney Wish include seven ocean-view rooms located over the bridge, a first for Disney Cruise Line. The rooms have extended living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow and out across the ocean. If that isn't enough, there also are four Royal Suites with a "Sleeping Beauty" theme, two of which feature a two-story floor plan.

What's the difference between newer and older Disney cruise ships?

The three newest Disney Cruise Line ships are notably bigger than the two oldest Disney Cruise Line ships. As a result, they have room for more onboard venues and attractions than the older vessels.

On all three of the newer vessels (Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream), you'll find large water coasters careening around the top deck — a level of attraction you won't find on the older Disney ships.

The newer Disney cruise ships also are home to kiddie waterslides, decktop kiddie play areas and several pools apiece. The ships' insides are loaded with huge children's play areas, family entertainment and even adults-only venues.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

Disney's two oldest ships are about 40% smaller than its newest ships and have fewer such features. They have a notably more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships. They also hold fewer people. While Disney's newest ships are designed to hold around 4,000 passengers with every berth full, the line's two oldest vessels (known as the Magic class) are only designed to carry about 2,500 passengers with every berth filled.

That makes the two oldest Disney ships a good choice for someone who wants to try a Disney cruise but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Disney fleet thus appeal to a subset of Disney fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also sometimes less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Disney loyalty perks

In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at Disney are able to operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Disney Wish.

Note that all Disney ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Disney cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

• Ship Webcams
• Port Webcams
• World Map Of Port Webcam Locations

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

• Guest Register If you are reading this it means you have not yet registered. Please take a second to REGISTER (it's FREE). You will then be able to enjoy all the features of Cruising Earth .

Cruise Ship Webcams / Live Ship Cameras - Cruising Earth

Cruise ship webcams / live ship cameras.

View A Cruise Ship Webcam

If you know the ship webcam you want to view, enter the cruise ship name, camera location or cruise line name below.

Find A Webcam To View From One Of The 16 Ship Lines With Active Webcams Below

First select a ship line below. You will then be shown a list of active ship cameras for that ship line.

Note: The 16 ship lines below are the only ship lines that currently have active webcams onboard. Some ship lines chose to turn off their cameras at the beginning of the pandemic. Many of those ship cameras remain decommissioned at this time. If those cameras are returned to service we will once again provide links to them. The decommssioned camera line links below will provide direct contact information for that ship line if you choose to make a request that they recommission their onboard cameras.

It looks like you may be utilizing ad blocking software or another ad filtering technology while visiting Cruising Earth. Certain areas of this site may not work properly because of this, particularly live updates of ship trackers and webcams.

We work hard to strike a balance between content and ads and as a free site we greatly appreciate your support in permitting ads to render. Ads help us cover our server and maintenance costs, which helps us continue to keep this site free to use. You also don't want to miss out on any specials or discounts posted from the Cruise & Travel Industry! For the best site experience please disable your ad blockers for cruisingearth.com, then click the button below. Thank you.

Employment Opportunities

Disney Cruise Line is working with The Bahamas to create a new island destination that protects and sustains the natural beauty of Lighthouse Point; celebrates culture; helps strengthen the community in Eleuthera; and creates sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians.

Disney Cruise Line has selected American Bridge to oversee the design and construction for its project at Lighthouse Point. American Bridge has been working in The Bahamas and on Disney projects since 1998, including completing the original development of Disney Castaway Cay in Abaco, The Bahamas. They have completed more than 35 marine and/or upland projects in the Caribbean and Bahamas including complex marine, bridge and special structures. In addition to their vast experience with this type of work, American Bridge was also selected due to its commitment to building the Lighthouse Point project in an environmentally responsible way and to delivering on Disney’s commitment to create at least 120 construction jobs and maintaining an overall ratio of 80% Bahamian labor throughout construction. Disney has since nearly tripled that commitment in its Heads of Agreement and now will create more than 300 construction-related roles.

American Bridge is committed to working with Bahamian sub-contractors and Disney previously hosted information sessions and one-on-one meetings in Eleuthera and New Providence providing American Bridge the opportunity to meet directly with Bahamian contractors interested in working on the project.

American Bridge has opened an office on the second floor of the Symonette Enterprises Building on Queens Highway in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Those interested in being involved in the construction work, either as an employee or vendor, should contact Yvette Charlton at [email protected] , or may visit the office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Lunch hours are from 12p.m to 1p.m. daily.

Disney is committed to maximizing Bahamian participation in the project, touring construction sites and meeting with contractors across The Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line also joined the Bahamian Contractors Association and continues to engage with other industry associations.

Direct Employment and Vendor Opportunities with American Bridge

American Bridge has worked to identify and engage Bahamian businesses and labor to support the construction of Lighthouse Point. For more information, email [email protected] .

Several roles will be available in the coming months, pending approvals from the Government of The Bahamas:

Potential employees/vendors interested in these opportunities may reach out to Yvette Charlton at: [email protected]

Direct Employment with Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is committed to providing sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. This includes the creation of at least 150 operational jobs, including management roles, with benefits in a range of disciplines and levels, and with opportunities for training and advancement. Those interested in roles currently available with Disney Cruise Line at Disney Castaway Cay and onboard Disney ships can click here .

Vendors / Suppliers for Goods and Services

Disney Cruise Line has started contracting for goods and services related to the operation of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point . This includes potential tour operators, providers of seafood, agricultural and other food products, and craftspeople who sell authentic, high-quality Bahamian retail goods, crafts and souvenirs.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Baltimore Key Bridge collapse: Temporary channel opens for boats working on bridge response

The cargo ship struck Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday.

A cargo ship crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning, causing a near-total collapse of the span and halting vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore.

Six construction workers are believed to have fallen from the collapsing bridge into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River below. The bodies of two of the victims have been recovered so far, while four remain missing and are presumed dead, officials said.

Latest headlines:

Channel needs to be cleared more in order to recover 4 remaining victims, biden to visit bridge on friday, temporary channel opens, what to know about the collapse.

The container ship Dali struck Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, partially collapsing the bridge , officials in Maryland said.

A local pilot was at the helm of the ship at the time, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said.

The crash appeared to be accidental , not intentional, officials said.

Two construction workers were rescued and six went missing in the immediate aftermath of the collapse, officials said. The bodies of two of the victims were recovered from the water on Wednesday amid ongoing search and recovery efforts, while four remain missing and are presumed dead, officials said.

Legal team for ship argues for 'limited liability' in Bridge crash

Lawyers for the Singaporean company that operates the ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore say the company should have "limited liability" in the aftermath of the crash, according to court documents filed in federal court on Monday.

"The casualty was not due to any fault, neglect, or want of care on the part of Petitioners, the Vessel, or persons or entities for whose petitioners may be responsible," court documents filed in Maryland federal court say. "Alternatively, if any such faults caused or contributed to the Casualty, or to any loss or damage arising out of the casualty, which is denied, such faults were occasioned and occurred without petitioners’ privity or knowledge."

The filing seeks to minimize the financial exposure Grace Ocean Private Limited has over the crash.

It also goes into detail about how much damage the vessel sustained.

Court documents say that the vessel sustained $28 million worth of damage and had $1.7 million worth of cargo on the ship.

-ABC News' Luke Barr

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Monday gave an update on his four directives in the wake of the bridge collapse.

In order to achieve his first goal -- recovering the four victims who remain missing -- Moore said there needs to be more work done to clear the channel in order to move forward.

A portion of the bridge under the water was described as "chaotic wreckage," Moore said, and the water is "so murky and so filled with debris that divers cannot see any more than a foot or two in front of them."

Every time a diver goes in the water to search for a victim, "they are taking a risk," Moore said.

The governor said he wants the recovery mission to be completed with no casualties. Six people have been killed in the bridge collapse, Moore said, adding, "I refuse to lose any more."

As for another goal -- reopening channel traffic -- the governor described the scale of the project as "enormous."

"Unified Command has scheduled another lift for later today, pending conditions -- specifically pending lightning. And they will be lifting an estimated 350-ton piece from the bridge," Moore said.

A temporary channel opened Monday to help get more vessels in the water around the site of the collapse, he said.

"The temporary channel will be marked with government lights to aid navigation and will have a controlling depth of 11 feet," Moore said.

Crews are also working on creating a second temporary channel that will measure about 15 feet deep, he said. That's expected to open "in the coming days," he said.

After more debris is cleared, crews will also work to open a third alternate channel with a depth expected around 20 to 25 feet, said Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath, commander of the Fifth Coast Guard District. No timeline for this channel is known.

President Joe Biden will visit the Baltimore bridge site on Friday, April 5, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Biden will be joined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

Jean-Pierre did not have any updates on the cost of rebuilding the bridge, repeatedly pointing back to the $60 million in emergency relief funds approved by the Biden administration to begin the recovery efforts.

"We're going to have continued conversation with the state of Maryland to get a sense of how much this is going to cost, and we have said, we are going to certainly continue to talk to Congress to get some assistance here," she said.

-ABC News' Karen Travers

A temporary channel has opened in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, but the channel is limited only to vessels working on the bridge response, the Unified Command said.

The temporary channel is a very small opening, only accessible for small boats, the Unified Command said.

The Unified Command is made up of agencies including the Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland State Police.

Temporary channel opens for limited access in Baltimore bridge collapse

-ABC News’ Sam Sweeney

2,600 Carnival cruise passengers rerouted from Baltimore arrive in Virginia

The first of multiple Carnival cruise ships rerouted from Baltimore due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge arrived at a port in Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday

About 2,600 guests aboard the Carnival Legend returned from a cruise to the Bahamas, getting off the ship in Norfolk. The passengers boarded 70 buses and were driven four hours back to Baltimore, where many left their cars parked.

"When we left Baltimore, we had to go under that bridge," passenger Viktoriia Aldred told ABC affiliate station WVEC in Norfolk. "The bridge looked amazing and you go under the bridge and you're like 'wow.'"

Baltimore native Michael Lukoski told WVEC he heard the news of the bridge collapse while on the cruise to the Bahamas.

"When I got the news Tuesday morning … you couldn’t believe it," said Lukoski. adding that when he first heard of the bridge collapse "it was like, 'no way.'"

Top Stories

Rfk jr. says he has ruled out libertarian run for president, on eve of trump's ny trial, manhattan da alvin bragg touts drop in violent crime, israel-gaza live updates: wh says it's up to israel how to respond to iran's attack, buttigieg visits predominantly black community following flooding investigation, kobe bryant's widow, vanessa, gifts exclusive sneakers to la dodgers on mamba day anniversary.

21 Sailors Are Stuck Aboard the Ship That Hit Baltimore's Bridge—With No End in Sight

Marooned on the Dali, a legal and logistical mystery unfolds at sea.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

• In the early morning hours of March 26, a 984-foot-long bridge collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse and the deaths of six construction works.
• More that two weeks after the accident, the 21-person crew is still on board the ship, performing much-needed maintenance.
• Because of the complexity of disembarking foreign nationals on container ships, the crew will likely continue to work and stay on the ship for some time.

Days after the collision, media reported that the crew of the ship—consisting of 20 Indian nationals and one member from Sri Lanka—remained aboard the ship and were all safe. The Singapore company Synergy, which owns the vessel , only reported one minor injury to one crew member, who was treated at a local hospital and then returned to the ship. An additional update on April 2nd commented on the overall state of the crew.

“Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the crew during this time is a critical priority for us. We have been actively engaged in a range of actions to support them since the incident,” the press release said , detailing various mental health services being offered to the crew. “The crew has unlimited use of the ship’s satellite communications, so they can stay in constant contact with their families. Food is delivered daily to assist the galley staff and to ensure that the vessel remains adequately provisioned.”

Even if the Dali wasn’t being restocked daily, they’d likely have more than enough resources to survive an extended stay on the boat. The New York Times reported soon after the initial collision that the Dali was only a mere 30 minutes into a 27-day voyage before the ship lost power and collided with the bridge , killing six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time.

So, while safe and provisioned, it might seem strange that the crew must remain on the ship as 50 salvage divers and some 12 cranes begin removing containers from the vessel. But unscheduled shore leave is a bit more complicated than you might think. According to the BBC , moving the Dali is second priority to clearing the shipping channel in Baltimore’s port, as 11 additional ships remain trapped (four of which are important to U.S. national defense ).

Disembarking crews aboard these kinds of ships—even when not dealing with a major infrastructure collapse—is a bit of a headache, as they require valid visas and shore passes to get off the ship. Officials told the BBC back on April 1 that, until the investigation is complete, “the crew will remain on board.”

NPR, who spoke with the executive director of the Baltimore International Seafarers' Center, reports that unless the ship is considered “exceedingly unsafe,” the crew will continue performing upkeep until it is allowed to travel to its intended destination or is otherwise moved from its current location for repairs .

When that will be is anyone’s guess.

Darren lives in Portland, has a cat, and writes/edits about sci-fi and how our world works. You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough. 

.css-cuqpxl:before{padding-right:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;} Infrastructure & Transportation .css-xtujxj:before{padding-left:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;}

What to Learn From the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Secret Tunnel in NYC Destabilizes Nearby Property

The Secrets of a 26-Year-Old Medieval Castle

How Laser Lightning Rods Could Save Our Buildings

Christopher Payne's Industrial Photography

What It Took to Build the World’s Largest Sphere

Greek Mythology Impacts Longest Suspension Bridge

The Hubris of Building a City From Scratch

A Fully Autonomous Ship's Perilous Journey at Sea

Everyday Explained: What Happens After You Flush

U.S. Rail Too Old to Handle Coming Bullet Trains

Celebrate Disney Heroes and Villains

Your legend begins on the Disney Destiny!">Be inspired by the powerful tales of Disney heroes and villains on the Disney Destiny—the newest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet. This ship is a tribute to the dynamic duality at the core of beloved stories from Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Your legend begins on the Disney Destiny!

Disney Cruise Line names its newest cruise ship

I t was bound to happen sometime, but Disney Cruise Line waited until its last of three new sister ships to name one Disney Destiny.

The sister ship to Disney Wish, which debuted out of Port Canaveral in 2022 and the soon-to-debut Disney Treasure arriving in Central Florida this December, the third ship in what was originally called the Trident class had its keel laying ceremony Wednesday at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

It won’t start sailing until 2025, and its home port has yet to be named, but among the details revealed for what will be the eighth ship in the cruise line’s fleet was the theme of the vessel, “Heroes & Villains.”

As such, the filigree artwork for the bow will be of Minnie Mouse wearing a superhero-style outfit complete with a cape.

The cruise line said among the characters from which it will mine features on board will be classic Disney animation films, “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.”

Disney of course owns plenty of good vs. evil intellectual property including Star Wars and Marvel.

“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager for the cruise line, in a press release. “As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising.”

Just like Disney Wish and Treasure, Disney Destiny will be powered by liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel that’s part of the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce emissions.

All three are the 144,000 gross-ton, 1,254-stateroom vessels but still targeting the 4,000-passenger capacity of its older ships, 2011’s Disney Dream and 2012’s Fantasy. The line’s first ships are the smaller Disney Magic that debuted in 1998 and Disney Wonder in 1999. They come in at 84,000 gross tons with 875 staterooms.

The line also is finishing construction for an Asia-bound cruise ship named Disney Adventure that will be the largest in the fleet at 208,000 gross tons.

Disney Wish became the line’s first new ship in more than a decade. It continues to do short three- and four-night Bahamas sailings while Disney Treasure will pick up seven-night trips to the Caribbean.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Advertisement

Supported by

Tangled in Steel With No Way Out: How the Crew Stuck in Baltimore Is Faring

Twenty-two seafarers from India find themselves not only trapped in the ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, but also in an unexpected spotlight.

• Share full article

By Eduardo Medina

Reporting from Baltimore

Even from miles away, the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is a jarring visual: Chunks of steel jut above the water like metallic icebergs. Twisted gray beams protrude in crooked positions. From a park near Fort McHenry, visitors can see the giant cargo ship that struck the bridge and remains lodged in the wreckage.

Less visible, however, are the 22 crew members from India who have remained on the ship, named the Dali, since the disaster on Tuesday.

Little is publicly known about them other than that they are seafarers who embarked on a journey aboard the 985-foot-long cargo ship that was on its way to Sri Lanka, carrying 4,700 shipping containers, when it lost power and struck the Key Bridge, causing the structure to collapse.

Since the accident, which killed six construction workers, the crew members have found themselves in an unexpected spotlight. While keeping the ship operable, they are answering a deluge of questions from officials investigating the nighttime catastrophe, as the evidence of what occurred lies around them in mangled ruins stretching across the bow and deck.

While officials investigate what could have caused the tragedy, another question has emerged this week: What could the crew members, who have limited access to the outside world, be going through right now?

“They must feel this weight of responsibility that they couldn’t stop it from happening,” said Joshua Messick, the executive director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center , a religious nonprofit that seeks to protect the rights of mariners.

Even so, officials have praised the crew’s swift mayday message that was transmitted over the radio as the ship lost power on Tuesday. Before the Dali struck the bridge, traveling at a rapid eight knots, the mayday call helped police officers stop traffic from heading onto the bridge, most likely saving many lives, the authorities said. A local harbor pilot with more than 10 years of experience was onboard, as well as an apprentice pilot in training.

As the ship remains stuck in the Port of Baltimore, where it may remain for weeks, the lives of the crew members have entered an uncertain phase. But one thing is certain: They will no longer cruise through the sea around South Africa toward their destination in Sri Lanka anytime soon.

But they are not going to imminently dock at the port either, as they must wait for enough debris to be cleared to free the ship and reopen the channel to one of the busiest ports in the United States. On Saturday, the governor of Maryland said officials planned to remove the first piece of the debris.

So, for now, crew members are most likely working a grueling schedule to maintain the ship that is similar to the one they would be if they were out at sea. The difference, though, is that they are in an immobile state as the eyes of the world fixate on them, experts said.

“The captain of the vessel and the crew have a duty to the ship,” said Stephen Frailey, a partner at Pacific Maritime Group, which helps with marine salvage and wreck removal.

According to Chris James, who works for a consulting firm assisting the ship’s management company, Synergy Marine, the crew members have ample supplies of food and water, as well as plenty of fuel to keep the generators going. Indeed, when Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, went onboard the ship this week, she observed the cook cooking. “It smelled very good,” she said.

But there is still no exact timeline for when the ship might be extracted from the wreckage, Mr. James said. Once the N.T.S.B. and the Coast Guard finish their investigations, he said, “we’ll look at potentially swapping the crew out and getting them home.”

India, the home country of the crew members, is one of the world’s largest hubs for seafarers, according to John A. Konrad, a ship captain and the chief executive of gCaptain, a maritime and offshore industry news website. Though Indian captains and engineers are paid less than their American counterparts, Mr. Konrad said, they make a decent living when they work for three or more months out of the year at sea.

Working on a cargo ship, he said, is a 24-hour ordeal with no weekends off: Every day, decks are checked for maintenance and safety, cooks and cleaners serve the other members, and workers in the engine room keep things on track.

Cargo ship crew members do have some leisurely activities available to them onboard, though, such as video game breaks in cabins, workouts in gyms, table tennis sessions and movie nights. The Dali crew has at least a TV, magazines and books onboard, said Andrew Middleton, who runs Apostleship of the Sea, a program that ministers to sailors coming through the port.

Clistan Joy Sequeira, an Indian seafarer who was not on the Dali but who docked in Baltimore from another cargo ship on Friday, said in an interview that he feared the repercussions that the bridge collapse could have on his industry and his country.

“I’m scared that because this crew is Indian, our international image will suffer,” said Mr. Sequeira, 31. “Maybe we lose jobs.”

Some in Baltimore’s port community have had some contact with the Dali crew, albeit brief, through third parties or WhatsApp. Mr. Messick said he sent the crew two Wi-Fi hot spots on Friday because they did not have internet onboard.

Mr. Middleton said he had been keeping in touch with two crew members, reminding them that “we’re here for them.”

“When I’ve asked how they’re doing, their answers range from ‘good’ to ‘great,’” he said. “So, by their own accounts, they’re OK.”

Mr. Messick said he had also sent a care package to the crew through a salvage company helping with operations. In the package were candy, home-baked muffins from a concerned local and thank-you cards from children.

With so many questions still unanswered about the crew members’ next steps, Mr. Messick said he was eager to provide them with trauma care and emotional support. On Friday, he wrote a letter to the captain, which was delivered by another vessel.

“We’re here to support you,” it read.

Mike Baker contributed reporting.

Eduardo Medina is a Times reporter covering the South. An Alabama native, he is now based in Durham, N.C. More about Eduardo Medina