Showing posts with label Disney Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney Fantasy. Show all posts

Friday, August 3, 2012

Tropical Storm Ernesto Forms in Atlantic


(Graphic) Tropical Storm Ernesto
Click (here) for Interactive Map
Tropical Storm Ernesto
  5th Named Storm for Atlantic 2012 Season
700 PM CDT WED AUG 08 2012

...ERNESTO MOVING SLOWLY WESTWARD ALONG THE GULF COAST OF THE
MEXICAN STATE OF CAMPECHE...SQUALLS WITH HEAVY RAINFALL LASHING 
THE STATE OF CAMPECHE...
 
The fifth Atlantic Ocean tropical depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Ernesto on Thursday, August 2 at 5 p.m. EDT and tracked over St. Lucia early on August 3. Tropical storm warnings were posted for much of the area, but have now been discontinued. Ernesto continued its march towards the Western Caribbean Sea and dumped heavy rains on the region.   It grew to Hurricane strength just before making landfall in Mexico.  It currently has weakened but may regenerate into a hurricane again.

CRUISE SHIP ITINERARY IMPACT
----------------------------
Carnival Triumph, which departed Galveston today, has been impacted by Ernesto.
It had been scheduled to visit Progreso on Monday and Cozumel on Tuesday.
The ports have been swapped. 

Unconfirmed reports say that Disney Fantasy, is now sailing an Eastern
instead of Western Caribbean route to avoid the storm.

Carnival Itinerary Changes (click on this link for updates & more details)
-- Carnival Freedom (Aug. 5th) will swap ports
-- Carnival Legend (Aug. 5th) will replace Belize & Honduras with Montego Bay
-- Carnival Magic (Aug. 5th) won't sail original itinerary - two options listed
-- Carnival Dream (Aug. 5th) called on Cozumel, then switched to Eastern itinerary

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking
SUMMARY OF 700 PM CDT...0000 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...18.7N 91.5W
ABOUT 20 MI...35 KM ENE OF CIUDAD DEL CARMEN MEXICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 265 DEGREES AT 7 MPH...11 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...994 MB...29.35 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* BARRA DE NAUTLA TO COATZACOALCOS

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* CELESTUN TO BARRA DE NAUTLA ALONG THE GULF COAST OF MEXICO

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE MONITOR
PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA...IN THIS CASE WITHIN 24
TO 36 HOURS.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE
WITHIN THE WATCH AREA. A WATCH IS TYPICALLY ISSUED 48 HOURS
BEFORE THE ANTICIPATED FIRST OCCURRENCE OF TROPICAL STORM FORCE
WINDS...CONDITIONS THAT MAKE OUTSIDE PREPARATIONS DIFFICULT OR
DANGEROUS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 50 MPH...85 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  SOME STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST TONIGHT AND EARLY THURSDAY.
WEAKENING IS EXPECTED AFTER THE CENTER MOVES OVER LAND LATER ON
THURSDAY.
 
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD WESTWARD
ACROSS THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING AREA TONIGHT AND THURSDAY.
HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE IN THE HURRICANE WATCH AREA ON
THURSDAY.

RAINFALL...ERNESTO IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL
ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM OF 12 INCHES
OVER THE MEXICAN STATES OF TABASCO AND VERACRUZ.  ERNESTO IS
EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES
OVER NORTHERN BELIZE...NORTHERN GUATEMALA...THE SOUTHERN YUCATAN
PENINSULA.  THESE RAINS MAY PRODUCE LIFE THREATENING FLASH FLOODS
AND MUD SLIDES OVER HIGHER TERRAIN AREAS.

STORM SURGE...A STORM SURGE OF 1 TO 3 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS
IS LIKELY IN AREAS OF ONSHORE WINDS IN THE WARNING AREA ALONG THE
GULF COAST OF MEXICO.  NEAR THE COAST...THE SURGE WILL BE
ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND DANGEROUS WAVES.
 
Historical Data:  Graphics   Storm Archive  

500 PM AST WED AUG 01 2012
 
...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE TROPICAL ATLANTIC EAST OF THE
WINDWARD ISLANDS... 
 
500 PM AST THU AUG 02 2012
 
...DEPRESSION STRENGTHENS INTO FIFTH TROPICAL STORM OF THE
SEASON...TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF THE LESSER
ANTILLES...
  
200 AM AST FRI AUG 03 2012
 
...CENTER OF ERNESTO PASSING NORTH OF BARBADOS...EXPECTED TO MOVE
ACROSS THE NORTHERN WINDWARD ISLANDS DURING THE NEXT FEW HOURS...
 
1100 AM AST FRI AUG 03 2012
 
...ERNESTO MOVING AWAY FROM THE WINDWARD ISLANDS...TROPICAL STORM
WARNINGS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED... 
 
800 AM ADT SAT AUG 04 2012
 
AT 8 AM ADT...1200 UTC...THE GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA HAS ISSUED A
TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR JAMAICA. 
 
800 AM EDT MON AUG 06 2012
 
...ERNESTO EXPECTED TO PASS NEAR OR JUST NORTH OF THE COAST OF
HONDURAS TONIGHT... 
 
500 PM EDT SAT AUG 04 2012
 
...ERNESTO RACING WESTWARD TOWARD THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA... 
 
200 PM EDT TUE AUG 07 2012
 
...AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTERS FIND THAT ERNESTO HAS BECOME A
HURRICANE... 
 
1015 PM CDT TUE AUG 07 2012
 
...BELIZE RADAR INDICATES ERNESTO HAS MADE LANDFALL ALONG THE
SOUTHERN YUCATAN COAST... 
 
 

Friday, March 2, 2012

Disney Fantasy Christened by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey Christens Disney Fantasy View Gallery
Disney Fantasy
Becomes a Reality
Christened in New York

The Disney Fantasy, the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, was christened March 1st during a star-studded christening celebration at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Stars Shine Bright Aboard Disney Fantasy

Godmother: Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, took center stage for the christening moment and led the audience in a countdown that triggered a 6-foot tall bottle of champagne in the Atrium Lobby to erupt and shower onlookers with confetti and streamers as a traditional bottle of champagne broke against the ship’s hull.

"I christen thee Disney Fantasy," the native New Yorker intoned. "May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” 

 Just over a year ago, we watched as the Disney Fantasy keel was laid in a ceremony that took place at the  Meyer Werft shipyard in  Papenburg, Germany. The laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event. 

Shipbuilding is filled with tradition.  Wine poured upon the deck before a long voyage represents a libation to the gods which will bring good luck. "Christening" a ship by breaking a bottle of champagne across her bow at the time of launching arose from this practice.  Read more about Nautical Superstitions & Legends.

When the Disney Fantasy begins sailing on March 31, 2012, it will continue the innovative approach Disney Cruise line brought to family cruise vacations with a collection of new guest experiences specifically developed for the ship’s seven-night itinerary.
  • Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room with a new show called “Animation Magic.” 
  • The Muppets are coming to the Disney Fantasy!
  • Soaring above the upper decks of the Disney Fantasy, guests will find the AquaDuck a 765-foot long, twisting-and-turning water coaster  
  • AquaLab — a water play area on the upper deck filled with a variety of water “experiments,” created by Donald Duck’s nephews, designed to drench, soak and saturate guests.
  • Satellite Falls is a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain that provides cool comfort and is surrounded by ample deck space where adult guests can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.
  • “Wishes” is a 45-minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child. 
  • “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” is a fast-paced musical comedy where Aladdin, the “street rat” of Agrabah, meets a Genie who grants him three wishes, battles the evil Jafar and falls in love with Princess Jasmine.
  • Nightlife takes a European twist with Europa – an entertainment district of high-energy, sophisticated clubs and lounges inspired by the night spots of Italy, France, Ireland and London. 

The Disney Fantasy will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. on seven-night Caribbean itineraries that alternate eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). All itineraries will include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.



Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year 2012

10 ... 9... 8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...


 Happy New Year 2012!!


A warm greeting to all my faithful readers and to those of you joining for the first time. I wish you many happy, healthy and prosperous days in this brand new year. May the year be filled with many sunny days, warm ocean breezes, visits to cruise ports, and relaxing sea days aboard a cruise ship.

Introducing New Ships in 2012

Carnival Breeze - spring, 2012
Celebrity Reflection - fall, 2012
Disney Fantasy - April, 2012
MSC Fantastica - May, 2012

In the upcoming months, several cruise lines will be introducing new ships.  Carnival Corporation is completing the 2 ship Carnival Magic class when Carnival Breeze sets sail in springtime.   Celebrity Cruises completes the popular Solstice-Class with the introduction of Celebrity Reflection in the fall.  Disney Dream gets a sister this year in April when Fantasy joins the fleet.  MSC Cruises will introduce a new ‘Fantasia’ class cruise ship (technically called U32), and the 12th in the MSC Cruises fleet this year.  

Selecting the Right Ship 

These new ships add capacity to these cruise lines and give you additional options.  Besides new ships, existing ships are getting face-lifts with new features being added, primarily based on passenger feedback and acceptance of the features on recent ship builds on the same or other cruise lines.

Just like picking a hotel room for a land-based trip, you can also apply your preferences to the cruise ship which will serve as your floating hotel.   Some people prefer small ships while others only sail on the newest and largest vessels.  With the increasing number of ship modifications and additions, we are confident that your want list can be satisfied.  We can help you narrow the field to those ships that meet your needs.


Completing Your Bucket List

What is on your bucket list of destinations or cruise ships?  

Is 2012 the year you plan to complete a trip from that list?  Whether it's a far away exotic destination like Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific or something close-by like Bahamas and the Caribbean, you'll find a cruise ship sailing to your ports of call of choice.
Land or Sea ...Choice is Yours

We still feel strongly that cruising is the best vacation value, but we realize there are times when you want  more time in the destination or some other reason compels you to select land-based travel.

 Resorts & Tours Overview

For those that aren't aware, we can assist you with all your travel needs, not just cruise vacations.  We have partnered with some of the premier travel providers to offer Resort Deals in addition to independent travel.


One thing you should also know is that the cruise lines have heard you and are offering overnight and longer stays in several ports of call, so you don't necessarily need to chose land to be immersed in a destination.  Azamara Club Cruises is one cruise line that can take you to lands that her big sister lines, can't and offer extended stays in the various ports of call.

New Year Resolutions

It's that time of year to make New Year resolutions.  Some of you will decide to make changes in your lifestyle which will improve your health - such as healthy eating or exercising.  For those that haven't been on a cruise before, that doesn't mean you have to forgo your trip.   There are full-service spas and fitness centers on most cruise ships and healthy menu choices available throughout the day.  Cruise lines will be happy to accommodate any special dietary requirements - just be sure to tell your cruise specialist at the time of booking so that notes can be put on your reservation.

We hope that you add a resolution to take some time for yourself to regenerate.   Plan some vacation time on a cruise ship or at one of the many resort destinations.   Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of special offers in the upcoming months.

Happy New Year 
The Sea is Calling ...



Thursday, May 19, 2011

Fantastic Features On Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy Details Released

Disney Cruise Line announced details of the latest ship, Disney Fantasy, which is currently under construction  by Meyer Werft shipyard.  It is the sister ship to Disney Dream which debuted this year.

Disney Fantasy will have some of the same features as the Disney Dream, such as the AquaDuck water coaster, Magical Portholes inside the staterooms and Enchanted Art throughout the ship.  There will be new design elements to give the new ship its own identity. 

Disney Fantasy Animators Palate
“Animation Magic” at Animator’s Palate

"Animation Magic" at Animator's Palate

For those of you who have sailed on a Disney ship before, Animator's Palate needs no introduction.  For those of you who have not, Disney Cruise Line takes dinner to a whole new dimension... with the scene changing as dinner progresses.

On Disney Fantasy, DCL takes things a step further.  "Animation Magic" will be a dinner show that celebrates the magic of Disney animation and allows families to participate in a unique new way.

Everyone will be a “guest animator,” as they will be invited to draw a character of their own using a simple template on their placemat. Later, these sketches will be revealed on several large screens along the walls to join in an animated sequence with beloved Disney characters. Check out this photo, courtesy of Disney Cruise Line, that illustrates some of the magic that will dazzle guests during their dining experience.

nighttime entertainment district called Europa

Europa - Night-time Entertainment District

Guests 18 and older can escape and enjoy a collection of sophisticated bars and trendy lounges inspired by European travel. La Piazza is themed after Italian cities and their decorative outdoor plazas. Skyline is a chic bar that provides birds-eye views of stunning European city skylines that transform from day to night. O’Gill’s Pub is a rollicking Irish bar with modern day twists. Ooh La La is inspired by an elegant French boudoir adorned with velvet tufted walls. And finally, The Tube transports guests to a vibrant metropolitan club via the London Underground. 

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Young cruisers haven't been left out.  At this very special salon, aspiring young princesses and pirates receive the full fairy tale treatment with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers. After making their royal entrance, young princesses-to-be are greeted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training, who will transform them with the most magical makeovers you can imagine.

And on pirate party nights aboard the Disney Fantasy, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique becomes a buccaneer’s dream – Pirate’s League, where we can help guests of all ages prepare for a swashbuckling evening with beards and bandanas, swords and scars, earrings and eye patches and more. If you like dressing up for the occasion, you arrrr going to love this place!

This is only a small sampling of what you can look forward to on the Disney Fantasy – Disney will be releasing more details and we'll bring you the information as that happens.   A special thank you to Disney Cruise Line for these artist renderings and for letting us take a sneak peak into the new ship.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Disney Cruise 2012 Deployment Includes NYC

Captain Mickey Meets the Statue of Liberty                                                           Credit: ©Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line
Sails Into Big Apple
& Other Destinations for 2012

New Itineraries and Ports for 2012

Great things are happening from coast to coast in 2012! Disney Cruise Line now offers cruises departing from exciting ports like New York, Seattle, Galveston and Los Angeles to a variety of fantastic new destinations. Disney is cruising to more of your favorite vacation destinations than ever before.

Sailing from New York City, Galveston, Seattle, Los Angeles

Fleet expansion is enabling Disney to sail out of ports other than Port Canaveral, Florida.  The Disney Dream entered service in January, and a fourth ship, the Disney Fantasy, is scheduled to launch next April.

Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York, including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada.  The Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruises from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, starting Sept. 22, 2012.

Disney is operating Alaska cruises for the first time starting next month. The Wonder will sail out of Vancouver this year and in 2012, it will sail 7-Night Alaska Cruises from Seattle, Washington.

Disney Wonder will sail 7-Night Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles for the majority of 2012 and four 7-Night Pacific Coast cruises from Los Angeles.  For the first time, the Wonder will operate one 15-night voyage to Hawaii from Los Angeles, visiting the Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

READ MORE: Disney Cruise Line Unveils New Itineraries and Ports for 2012 – Disney Ships Bound for New York, Galveston and Seattle (April 6, 2011)



Disney Magic
8-Night Bahamian Cruises 
from New York City
  • Port Canaveral, FL (the gateway to Walt Disney World Resort)
  • Nassau
  • Disney's own Castaway Cay
  • And 4 fun-filled days at sea
Disney Magic
5-Night Canada/New England Coast Cruises
from New York City
  • Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Saint John, New Brunswick
  • And 2 glorious days at sea
Disney Magic or Fantasy
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
from Galveston

  • Grand Cayman
  • Costa Maya, Mexico
  • Cozumel, Mexico
  • 3 relaxing days at sea
Disney Wonder
7-Night Alaska Cruise
from Seattle
  • Tracy Arm
  • Skagway
  • Juneau
  • Ketchikan
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Relaxing day at sea
Disney Wonder
15-night Hawaii Cruise
from Los Angeles

  • Hilo, Hawai`i
  • Kahului, Maui
  • Honolulu, O`ahu
  • Nawiliwili, Kauai
  • Ensenada, Mexico
  • 9 luxurious days at sea


Photos are courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Introducing Disney AquaDuck

Disney Dream AquaDuck           Credit: Cheri Severino Diekhaus
AquaDuck

Have you been to Walt Disney World in Florida and gone to one or more of the water parks there?   Perhaps you've been to River Country, Typhoon Lagoon, or Blizzard Beach?    If not, maybe you've been to a local water park in your area.   If you have, I suspect you have some pleasant memories of those times splashing in the water, going down water slides, or just relaxing on a lazy river ride.

Speaking of splashing, have you ever ridden on Splash Mountain in Disneyland or Walt Disney World? 

Did you ever think you could go on a water ride as much fun as those rides on a cruise ship?   Well, we have some good news for you.   On Disney Dream you can ...

Introducing the Cruise Industry's First Water Coaster Ride

AquaDuck is a thrilling "water coaster," whose entrance is on Deck 12, Aft aboard the Disney Dream. In a cruise industry first, Guests are propelled at high speeds from Deck 12, Aft through an acrylic tube on a breathtaking journey up, down, around and off the side of the ship, through the Forward Funnel and—following a mammoth drop—into a lazy river.

Developed by the Disney Imagineers, this elevated water coaster—the first of its kind at sea—travels 765 feet and features an exciting 4 deck drop. It was designed for Adults and Children at least 48" or taller.

AquaDuck affords breathtaking views of the ocean and ship below—that is, if you're brave enough to keep your eyes open during this exciting ride! It also offers a bird's-eye view of the exciting new pools available to family, kids and adults on the Disney Dream.

Fun Facts & Tips

The AquaDuck water coaster boasts a thrilling 4-deck drop and safely carries Guests over the side of the ship and back.

AquaDuck is the first water coaster on a Disney Cruise Line ship—or, for that matter, any cruise ship—setting the standard for height, length and excitement.

Be one of the first to enjoy this new attraction onboard Disney Dream or plan now to be one of the first to try the AquaDuck on her sister ship, Disney Fantasy, when she starts sailing in 2012.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Disney Fantasy Keel Laying

Disney Fantasy Keel Laying Courtesy DCL & Meyer Werft
 Disney Fantasy Construction
Has Officially Begun

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event.

Disney Fantasy Keel Laying Ceremony

Papenburg, Germany was the site of today's keel laying ceremony for the Disney Fantasy, sister ship to Disney Dream.   The new ship is being built by Meyer Werft shipyard.

Officials from Disney Cruise Line and Meyer Werft were onhand today for the lowering of the first section of the new Disney Fantasy into the building dock.  Placing the coin was Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line, assisted by Minnie Mouse. 


The Disney Fantasy will offer many of the innovations that her sister ship, Disney Dream, features and brought to the cruise industry for the very first time, including AquaDuck -- the world’s first shipboard water coaster.  However, the Disney Fantasy will feature a few new design elements and guest experiences that will give the ship a unique identity all her own.


The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012.

Disney Dream entered service this January and early voyages quickly sold out.   Anyone wishing to sail on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy should consider booking now so that they won't be disappointed.

We will continue to bring you news about the new Disney Fantasy and follow her construction.  Be sure to visit here and also our FB fan page to be kept up to date on progress.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Disney Dream Conveyance

Disney Dream Conveyance  (Photos Courtesy Disney Cruise Line)
Disney Dream
Lights up the Sky

Fireworks filled the sky in Papenburg, Germany, as Disney Dream departed the Meyer Werft shipyard November 12th on its conveyance down the River Ems.  The ship's horns played “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” thrilling the thousands that had lined the banks to witness the ship's conveyance.

The conveyance process is a unique maneuver for ships built by the Meyer Werft shipyard, the only place in the world where this process occurs. The journey involves moving the ship some 26 miles down the winding River Ems.  In some areas, railroad bridges have been dismantled with sections lifted out to allow the ship’s passage. 

“With the conveyance of the Disney Dream, we have reached yet another milestone for the third ship in our fleet,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “It won’t be long before our guests finally experience the inspired innovation and extraordinary creative content that makes this ship so magnificent and so unique. From an exhilarating ride on the AquaDuck to dazzling stage shows and exquisite French cuisine at Remy, the incredible offerings on the Disney Dream will delight everyone who steps aboard.”

“All of us at MEYER WERFT and throughout the community of Papenburg are very proud to see this ‘Dream’ ship through its historic conveyance,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT. “As the largest ship this yard has built, our entire community feels a tremendous sense of achievement and a deep connection to this exceptional vessel.”

What dreams do you have?  If you are dreaming of far away places, warm breezes blowing as you recline by the pool, being able to see your favorite Disney Characters up close while sailing on the oceans...  Disney Cruise Line has probably already thought of a way to fulfill your dreams.   Even this sailing from Meyer Werft's shipyard had an element of Disney flair with the fireworks and music sounding from the ship's horns.   

With the passing of this milestone, Disney Dream is one step closer to completion and delivery to Disney Cruise Line and fans across the world.   Here is a list of milestones before the delivery.

Construction Milestones
  • Float Out - Completed October 30th
  • Testing on the ship’s functional features - Completed last two weeks
  • Conveyance - November 12
  • Sea Trials (test and adjust phase) - following Conveyance
  • Short Final Dry Dock in Hamburg, Germany
  • Delivery Ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany  
Disney Dream will have several new notable innovations for guests to enjoy.
  • AquaDuck, a first-of-its-kind water coaster, is an exhilarating, high-speed thrill ride that combines all the ups and downs of a roller coaster with all the twists and turns of a water slide. 
  • Magical Portholes offer a “virtual window” to the world for inside staterooms, with a real-time view outside the ship where high-definition cameras feed live video to each stateroom.
  • Enchanted Art immerses guests in Disney storytelling and looks like other hanging art pieces around the ship, but is actually a framed LCD screen with technology that recognizes a guest is present.
  • Remy, an exquisite top-deck restaurant, only for adults, with incredible ocean views and French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs.
The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla., while sister ship Disney Fantasy, is set to sail seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral, beginning in 2012.

The Disney Magic will continue sailing seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, before returning to the Mediterranean for another summer of cruising in this region in 2011.

The Disney Wonder will begin 2011 by repositioning to the West Coast of the U.S., sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles, while spending the summer sailing first-ever Alaskan itineraries from Vancouver.

Watch for more news about Disney Dream as it is made ready for inaugural events.