The Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s fifth ship, has been christened at Port Canaveral in Florida ahead of its maiden voyage on 14 July.
The ceremony featured musical performances, special guests and characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar. The Princess and the Frog star Anika Noni Rose, known for voicing Tiana, performed the Disney parks song ‘Wishes’.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek and chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Josh D’Amaro thanked the cast and crew who worked on the Disney Wish.
The event ended with the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the vessel’s hull, followed by fireworks, special effects and music. Check out the christening in the video below:
Ship’s maiden voyage on 14 July
An immersive and magical experience, the ship is overflowing with themed attractions and environments. These range from fairytale worlds to heroic challenges and galactic encounters.
Highlights include the first Disney attraction at sea, Marvel and Frozen-themed dining experiences, original Broadway-style stage productions, cool clubs for kids, and a wealth of adults-only offerings.
“Our guiding principles in designing the Disney Wish, it had to be uniquely Disney,” said Pam Rawlins, executive producer for Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI).
“We had to pull from a rich storytelling. We had to be very family friendly and create experiences to immerse our guests into the worlds of Disney.”
Walt Disney Imagineers created an enchanted new look for the Disney Wish. Tangled’s Rapunzel and her sidekick Pascal adorn the stern. Captain Minnie Mouse is pictured on the bow for the first time on a Disney ship.
Most of the 1,254 staterooms on the Disney Wish boast an ocean view, and 70 percent of them feature a verandah.
Disney Cruise Line’s first new vessel in a decade sets sail on 14 July. Guests are heading to Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.
In more news, the Walt Disney Company’s board of directors has unanimously voted to extend Chapek’s contract as chief executive officer for three years.
Images: Disney
