Showing posts with label Disney Cruise Line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney Cruise Line. Show all posts

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Disney Cruise Line Embracing the Bold, Brilliant, Bad -- And A Little Bit Mad -- For 'Heroes And Villains' Inspired Disney Destiny

When guests set sail aboard Disney Cruise Line's new heroes and villains-inspired ship, they will discover an assortment of spaces and experiences inspired by some of Disney's most legendary schemers, scoundrels and specters — and a fearsome crew of Disney villains – at sea.

A voyage aboard the Disney Destiny will embrace the dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their destinies. A diverse range of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters will be the inspiration behind themed venues and entertainment aboard the ship, including brand-new lounges celebrating Cruella de Vil and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Even more new offerings coming to the Disney Destiny will be announced tomorrow on the Disney Parks Blog and disneycruise.com.

"The Disney Destiny is all about celebrating the bold, charismatic and driven characters at the heart of our favorite stories," said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. "And who are our beloved heroes without the antagonists who challenge them to prevail? We want our guests to have fun with the unique theme of this ship, and we are having a blast creating spaces and entertainment experiences that pay tribute to the villains, anti-heroes and mischief makers who have captivated Disney film and theme park audiences for generations."

deVilish Delights

An evening at De Vil's piano lounge will be a lavish affair emblematic of the bar's namesake, the fabulously over-the-top villain Cruella de Vil of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" and the acclaimed 2021 live action film.

Cruella's infamous flair for style and wickedly bold attitude will be reflected in the Hollywood Regency-inspired aesthetic of the adult-exclusive lounge, where everything will be adorned in her signature color palette of red, black and white. Amid sultry tunes from the spotted piano, guests will wind down in style with trendy martinis, chic cocktails, and glamorous wines and bubblies.

One side of De Vil's will be open to the Grand Hall, allowing guests to sit back with a drink and a prime view of the ship's premier gathering space. Whether patrons choose to bask in Cruella's legacy or savor the energy and entertainment of the Grand Hall, their experience at this one-of-a-kind lounge is sure to be anything but "miserable, darling."

Drink Up, Me Hearties, Yo Ho

At Cask and Cannon, guests will join the ranks of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" for an evening of revelry, recreation and — of course — rum. Inspired by the iconic characters and scenes from the beloved Disney Parks attractions around the world, the new pub will be an eclectic yet cozy watering hole furnished with treasures "acquired" (read: pillaged and pilfered) during the pirates' many voyages around the globe.

Visiting buccaneers will regale one another with tales of their own high seas' adventures, cheer and jeer during live televised sporting events, and indulge in an extensive menu of rare, specialty and vintage rums and a selection of "bootlegged" brews developed specially for the venue and served straight from the barrel in true pirate style.

We Dare Not Stop or Waste a Drop

The Disney Destiny will introduce a quirky new storyline filled with Disney Animation villains to AquaMouse, Disney Cruise Line's signature attraction at sea — a 760-foot-long water ride towering over the upper decks of the ship. Featuring an original soundtrack written exclusively for Disney Cruise Line by Emmy award-winning composer Christopher Willis and lyricist Elyse Willis, the new show will exemplify the signature silliness of Mickey Mouse animated shorts.

In "Sing a Silly Song," Mickey and Minnie will lead guests on a seemingly ominous trek to the peak of Villain Mountain. When faced with some of the most fearsome villains of Disney Animation lore, the duo will employ a silly song — and a bit of pixie dust — to transform each chilling encounter into a wacky surprise. Guests will laugh and splash along as Queen of Hearts ("Alice in Wonderland"), Scar ("The Lion King"), Chernabog ("Fantasia") and others find themselves in unconventionally hilarious situations.

"Sing a Silly Song" will be one of four shows available on AquaMouse aboard the Disney Destiny, all complete with music, lighting, special effects and splashtacular surprises.

Be Prepared for the Chance of a Lifetime

Both heroes and villains from across the Disney universe will take center stage aboard the Disney Destiny. Guests will encounter formidable foes — including Maleficent, Hades, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Oogie Boogie — through a variety of shows, meet-and-greets and special appearances throughout the ship, along with some of Disney's most mischievous and misunderstood personalities, like Captain Jack Sparrow, Bruno and Loki.

The Disney Destiny will also introduce exclusive ways for guests to interact with their favorite villains, rogues and mischief makers during all-new events and activities. This will complement a host of popular programs from across the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including a frighteningly fun dance party in Oogie Boogie's shipboard lair and an interactive Disney trivia event that often gets interrupted by a cast of Disney villains.

Happy Haunts Materialize

Foolish mortals will be welcomed to sip spirited craft cocktails among the 999 happy haunts of Disney Parks lore at the Haunted Mansion Parlor. Reminiscent of a first-class drawing room from the classic cruise liners of the golden age, this experience — which will first debut aboard the Disney Treasure in December 2024 — will invoke inspiration from the original theme park attraction with a nautical twist exclusive to Disney Cruise Line.

The venue will follow the nostalgic art style of the 1969 Disney Parks classic, blending humor with Disney's distinct brand of spooky storytelling. Legendary characters from Haunted Mansion attractions around the world will come out to socialize in mysterious ways throughout the experience, along with a few new seafaring arrivals and an original storyline focused on a ship captain. A custom musical arrangement inspired by the attraction's original score will set the stage for an ever-escalating anthology of illusions that immerses guests into the next chapter of Haunted Mansion lore.

At the Haunted Mansion Parlor, grim grinning guests will sample a selection of ghostly cocktails that capture the spirit of the story, and an exclusive array of haunted homewares and spooky souvenirs inspired by the bar will materialize in shopping venues aboard the ship.

A Ship Destined for Naughty-cal Notoriety

The Disney Destiny will be approximately 144,000 gross tons and powered by liquefied natural gas. Its delivery is part of a multi-year expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet that includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure; the Disney Adventure that will homeport in Singapore; the recently announced agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029; and a new island destination in The Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

SOURCE Disney Cruise Line

Monday, June 24, 2024

Disney Cruise Line Announces Itineraries For Fall 2025 Through Spring 2026

Disney Cruise Line has released two seasons of thrilling itineraries, spanning sailings from fall 2025 to spring 2026.

Four ships, the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Dream, will regularly sail to one or both of Disney Cruise Line's signature island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, offering voyages filled with even more Disney magic.

Tropical itineraries await with sailings from the Pacific Coast and Gulf of Mexico in late 2025 and early 2026, and a third season of voyages will embark across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific on the Disney Wonder from October 2025 to February 2026.

As part of Disney Cruise Line's collection of themed sailings, families will make memories on beloved holiday cruises with Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime sailings in September, October, November, and December 2025.

Bookings for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 seasons open to the public on June 28. For more details, guests can visit the itineraries page of disneycruise.com.

Friday, March 10, 2023

Travelore Cruise News: New Disney Cruise Line Island Destination At Lighthouse Point In The Bahamas To Welcome Guests In Summer 2024

In summer 2024, Disney Cruise Line will welcome guests to a one-of-a-kind island destination at Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, for the first time. Created in close collaboration with local artists and advisors, the vibrant island retreat will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.

"At Disney Cruise Line, we have a deep appreciation for the Bahamian community," said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. "We are connected in many ways, including our shared values of storytelling and hospitality. With the opening of Lighthouse Point, visitors from around the world will experience the magic of The Bahamas in a new way, one that truly celebrates its natural and cultural beauty."

New details about Lighthouse Point reveal a relaxing beach escape designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation at its core.

Uniquely Designed, Sustainably Developed

When guests arrive to Lighthouse Point, they'll be greeted by distinctive, sweeping architecture in bright, saturated hues — a bold style inspired by nature and created in partnership with local artists.

The curvilinear buildings will at first appear as Bahamian shells scattered along the shoreline. Upon closer inspection, guests will discover artistic expressions of the native flora and fauna of The Bahamas and the pageantry and history of Junkanoo parades. Throughout the destination, references to playful folklore characters will evoke the warmth and charm of the local culture.

Respect for the environment is at the heart of the design. At least 90 percent of the destination's electricity needs will be met by an onsite solar array, the pier was designed to avoid the need for dredging and elevated walkways will help limit impact on the landscape.

"Lighthouse Point is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, so our goal has always been to create designs that accentuate its qualities in an organic way," said Kevin Thomas, creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. "We're focused on low-density, sustainable development that protects and preserves the environment, allowing the site's biodiversity to shine."

Fun and Relaxation for Everyone

At Lighthouse Point, families will enjoy a day of fun in the sun as they relax on pristine beaches, embark on active adventures and discover the magic of Bahamian storytelling alongside favorite Disney characters. Much like Disney's cruise ships and private island of Castaway Cay, Lighthouse Point will offer activities and areas for every age group.

Families can relax and play along white sandy beaches and turquoise waters at the expansive family beach on the east side of the island, which will be centrally located near market-style dining, recreation and other amenities.

A Bahamian art and culture pavilion featuring special programs and local artists will provide visitors to Lighthouse Point opportunities to learn and celebrate the traditions and natural beauty of The Bahamas.

A brightly-colored, interactive family water play area will include two slides, water drums, fountains and more, along with a dedicated space for toddlers. Additional recreational activities will be available for kids and kids-at-heart, including a covered gaming pavilion; a volleyball court and gaga ball pit; watercraft and bicycle rentals; nature trails for hiking and biking; and more.

North of the family area will be an adult-exclusive beach — a glorious stretch of sun-drenched serenity complete with a dedicated dining area for convenient access to food and drinks throughout the day, plus six private cabanas available by reservation.

Children ages 3 to 12 will splash and play at a themed kids' club under the care of highly-trained Disney Cruise Line counselors. It will include a splash pad inspired by favorite undersea creatures from
Walt Disney Animation Studios' "The Little Mermaid," plenty of shade and a dedicated dining area. Set away from the activity of the main family area, a peaceful beach along the south-western shore will be lined with 20 premium family cabanas available to rent, including four double cabanas that accommodate larger groups and offer massage services.

Visitors to Lighthouse Point will have the opportunity to be surrounded by the wonders of nature and get a glimpse into the efforts taking place to conserve wildlife and their unique island habitats. A collection of new Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators will take guests beyond Lighthouse Point to explore the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Eleuthera.

Disney's new island destination is being thoughtfully designed to provide a hassle-free experience for families, including complimentary beach essentials (towels, chairs and umbrellas and lunch) and convenient tram transportation.

Lighthouse Point will open for guests on select sailings in summer 2024. Details on inaugural itineraries and additional information about signature entertainment, dining, retail and excursions will be released at a later date.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.

Saturday, November 19, 2022

World's Largest Cruise Ship Saved From Scrap Yard By Disney

DISNEY has bought a massive 208,000 ton cruise liner that was destined for the scrap yard for a knocked-down price.
The sale price for the Global Dream cruise ship was reportedly $1.3 billion, but Disney got it at a reduced price as the cruiser was headed to the junk yard.

The ship, currently docked in Wismar shipyard in Germany, was owned by the now-bankrupt Genting Cruise Lines - which based operations out of Hong Kong.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a northern state in Germany where the ship is docked, is reported to have lost $270 million on the deal after backing up the now-bankrupt Genting Cruise Lines.

Disney said they plan to work with Meyer Werft shipbuilding company to transform the enormous cruise liner.

Meyer Werft is a Papenburg-based company that has previously worked with Disney - building the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish cruise ships.

The cruise ship is expected to be renamed and relaunched in 2025 in the United States, where it will base its operations.

Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products said: "Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before.”

The new ship is expected to mirror other Disney cruise ships, featuring ''innovative Disney experiences'', ''dazzling entertainment'' and ''world-class dining'' that Disney Cruise Lines set as their standard.

"The exterior will be adorned in the iconic, Mickey Mouse-inspired colours of the fleet, complete with signature red funnels,'' Disney said.

The 208,000-gross-ton ship will be one of the first in the cruise industry to run entirely on green methanol - one of the lowest-emission fuels available.

The ship will boast 2,300 crew members and have space for 6,000 passengers in addition to its many amenities.

Despite the local German government losing money on the sale to Disney, refurbishment of the cruise liner will secure employment for former MV Werften employees and provide opportunities for other maritime industry suppliers, Disney said.

No itinerary has been released for the future luxury cruise liner, but other Disney Cruise lines sail to locations including Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the South Pacific.

Disney recently announced new vacations for guests available in Australia and New Zealand in late 2023.

There was no information about the more detailed itinerary and plans for the ship at this stage.

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Disney To Require COVID-19 Shots For Cruise Guests 5 And Up

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney Cruise Line will require all guests ages 5 and up to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before setting sail starting early next year, the company announced.

In a statement posted on its website on Wednesday, Disney announced the new rules will begin on Jan. 13, 2022. The vaccine was recently approved for children ages 5 to 12.

The cruise line currently requires anyone 12 and older who is vaccine-eligible to be vaccinated, while passengers who are not vaccine-eligible must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken between 3 days and 24 hours before the ship sails.

Younger children who are not eligible for the vaccine must complete testing requirements, which must be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test, or lab-based PCR test, the company said. Rapid antigen tests are not acceptable options, officials said.

Disney’s vaccine requirement runs against a Florida law that would fine companies for mandating vaccines. Norwegian Cruise Line’s parent company has sued over the law, and won an injunction against the state for enforcing it. The state has appealed the decision.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

The 20 Cleanest Cruise Ships In The World

Disney Cruise Lines Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Dream.
 Disney Cruise Lines


Most cruise ships are pretty clean, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which inspects ships to make sure they maintain proper sanitation.
Of the more than 200 active cruise ships the CDC has inspected, most received a passing grade: at least an 86 on a 100-point sanitation score. A handful received a 100 on their most recent inspection, indicating a level of cleanliness that would be difficult to top.
These are the 20 cruise ships that currently operate in the US market and received a perfect score during their most recent CDC inspection.

Brilliance of the Seas

Brilliance of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas.
 Royal Caribbean International
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Date of most recent inspection: April 6, 2019

Celebrity Summit

Celebrity Summit
Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Summit.
 Celebrity Cruises
Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: February 11, 2019

Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas.
 Royal Caribbean International
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Date of most recent inspection: February 9, 2019

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Gem.
 Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Date of most recent inspection: December 10, 2018

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder
Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Wonder.
 Disney Cruise Lines
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Lines
Date of most recent inspection: December 7, 2018

Seabourn Quest

Seabourn Quest
Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Quest.
 Seabourn Cruise Line
Cruise line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Date of most recent inspection: November 4, 2018

Viking Star

Viking Star
Viking Ocean Cruises' Viking Star.
 Viking Ocean Cruises
Cruise line: Viking Ocean Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: October 15, 2018

Aurora

Aurora
P&O Cruises' Aurora.
 P&O Cruises
Cruise line: P&O Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: September 24, 2018

Noordam

Noordam
Holland America Line's Noordam.
 Macklin Holloway/Shutterstock
Cruise line: Holland America Line
Date of most recent inspection: August 29, 2018

Sea Princess

Sea Princess
Princess Cruises' Sea Princess.
 Princess Cruises
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: August 19, 2018

Disney Dream

Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Dream.
 Disney Cruise Lines
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Lines
Date of most recent inspection: August 17, 2018

Aidavita

Aidavita
Aida Cruises' Aidavita.
 MikhailBerkut/Shutterstock
Cruise line: Aida Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: June 25, 2018

Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Eclipse.
 Celebrity Cruises
Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: November 26, 2017

Costa Luminosa

Costa Luminosa
Costa Crociere SpA's Costa Luminosa.
 Costa Crociere
Cruise line: Costa Crociere SpA
Date of most recent inspection: October 14, 2015

MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica
MSC Cruise Management (UK) Limited's MSC Lirica.
 MSC Cruise
Cruise line: MSC Cruise Management (UK) Limited
Date of most recent inspection: January 6, 2009

Navigator of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International's Navigator of the Seas.
 NAN728/Shutterstock
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Date of most recent inspection: December 3, 2017

Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Spirit.
 Norwegian Cruise Lines
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Date of most recent inspection: March 29, 2016

Star Princess

Star Princess
Princess Cruises' Star Princess.
 Princess Cruises
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: February 8, 2018

Regal Princess

Regal Princess
Princess Cruises' Regal Princess.
 Princess Cruises
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: March 25, 2018

Seabourn Odyssey

Seabourn Odyssey
Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Odyssey.
 Bulent Demir/Shutterstock
Cruise line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Date of most recent inspection: December 5, 2017


Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Cruise Lines Use Technology To Add The Personal Touch #Cruise

The companies are adding apps to speed boarding and wearable medallions that serve as passenger IDs, charge cards and location beacons.




A passenger uses an OceanMedallion to check in and board the Regal Princess in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in December.CreditCreditScott McIntyre for The New York Times

By Julie Weed

Global cruise lines are rolling out new technology to help servers deliver cocktails to passengers who have wandered off, address travelers by name on ships carrying thousands of passengers and shrink the boarding process to 10 minutes from one hour. The companies say they are using technology to reduce the most common passenger complaints and make these huge floating vacation cities feel more personal.
Many ships now offer a mobile app to help guests pay for purchases, learn about daily activities, make special requests and communicate with other members of their travel party. Some, like Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises and the Geneva-based cruise company MSC, are beginning to pair them with wearable devices that can better track the passenger’s exact location on the ship and offer additional conveniences. Andy Stuart, brand president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said it introduced a new version of its app for passengers fleetwide January, and will roll out its first wearable device next fall.
The technology trend coincides with a period of growth in the industry. About 27 million people took a cruise in 2018, up from 20.5 million in 2013, according to Monty Mathisen, managing editor of Cruise Industry News. “We will see some 40 million cruise passengers by 2028, easily,” he said. Carnival Corporation, which owns nine lines and represents about half of the global cruise industry in number of passengers, has ordered 20 ships to be delivered by the end of 2025.
Passengers see the technology first on the newest and biggest ships, said Mr. Mathisen, although “the cruise lines are busy rolling them back to the rest of their fleet.”

The surge is partly thanks to increased computing power on the vessels themselves. Ships now “have better data centers, satellite connectivity and IT staff on board,” said Manny Vellon, chief technology officer of the software and consulting company, Level 11, that worked with Carnival to create its wearable OceanMedallion.
Here are some of the ways companies hope to address the most common complaints:
It Takes Too Long to Check In
Customers have long complained about the check-in process, which can require standing in lines for passport presentation, photo-taking and excursion booking. This can stretch sometimes to an hour or more, according to Jay Schneider, senior vice president for digital at Royal Caribbean International, which owns Celebrity Cruises and other lines. The goal now is to get passengers “from car to bar in 10 minutes,” he said. Passengers on all 25 Royal Caribbean and 13 Celebrity Cruises ships can now use a mobile app to scan their passport, take a security selfie and receive a digital boarding pass before they even arrive at the ship.
I Want to Order a Drink, but Can’t Find a Waiter
A passenger with Carnival’s OceanMedallion can order a drink using a mobile app, and the medallion tells the server the person’s name and location, even if they have moved, said John Padgett, Carnival’s chief experience and innovation officer. The waterproof device acts as identification, charge card and location beacon. Two ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, which is owned by Carnival, offer the medallion and three more will offer it in 2019.
I Feel Anonymous on This Big Ship
Wearables can allow crew members using a mobile device to view the name of the person approaching them so they can greet the passenger by name. That’s a level of service expected on the most expensive cruises, “but we can make that available to all passengers,” Mr. Padgett said.

They Aren’t Playing Our Song
Passengers wearing an OceanMedallion carry the information they’ve chosen to share with the cruise line wherever they go. “When our guitarist sees that people from Colorado are in her audience and she plays John Denver music, it’s like magic happening,” Mr. Padgett said.

This Bar Is Too Crowded
Using a heat map to see where guests are congregating and how many crew members are there can help determine staffing levels, said David DeCurtis, chief executive of the DeCurtis Corporation, which creates customer-experience software for cruise ships, malls, airports and hospitals. If there’s a crowd at one bar and another is empty, staff can be shifted.
What Happens in an Emergency?
The ability to track passengers is critical during an emergency, Mr. DeCurtis said. During an evacuation, the crew can use location software to see who is heading to assembly stations; who are still in their rooms; which passengers have special needs and might need help; and whether children are with or without their parents.
I Just Want Everything to Be Easy
The newest onboard apps encompass the passenger experience from planning the trip through commemorating it. That could include booking dining and excursions, swiping through the day’s itinerary and dining menus, or receiving a personalized book of photos at the end of the voyage. Some cruise companies, like Holland America Line, offer kiosks on board with many of the same functions.
The new technologies also help the bottom line, Mr. Vellon said. When passengers plan their journey before leaving, they sign up to do more on the ship, he said, and because many future cruises are booked by passengers on current ones, improving service would also drive sales.
A version of this article appears in print on , on Page TR2 of the New York edition with the headline: Cruise Lines Use Technology to Add the Personal Touch. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe