Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wish
Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s 5th Ship
The ship’s atrium will be a bright, airy and elegant space inspired by the beauty of an enchanted fairytale. A beloved hallmark of Disney Cruise Line, it has been a tradition to adorn the back of our ships with an iconic character that reflects the theme of each vessel. For the Disney Wish, the ship’s stern will feature Rapunzel. Our favorite artsy princess, paintbrush in hand, uses her enchanted hair to suspend herself as she decorates the stern of the ship with the help of her feisty sidekick, Pascal. Spirited, smart, curious and above all, adventurous, Rapunzel embodies the wish and desire to see and experience the world.
Disney Wish
Disney also shared details on its second tropical destination in The Bahamas, which will be located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point. The new destination will celebrate both the stories of The Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself.
Disney’s Lighthouse Point
Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.
Disney Dream Secrets You Probably Didn't Know
The Disney Dream dwarfs the nearby buildings when in port.
If you've been on the Disney Dream you know just how big this ship really is. On my last voyage my son and I were playing the Midship Detective Agency game and there were a few times where I honestly couldn't tell which side of the ship I was on nor which direction I was headed. And let me just say I'm very good with navigating, I never have pull the car over and ask anyone for directions. My wife will attest to that.
So here are a few tips I learned to help you navigate the Disney Dream while onboard. Plus, I thought it would be fun to include a few fun facts and secrets.
If the room plaques have a fish on them you're on the port side of the ship. If you see a starfish, you're on the starboard side of the ship.
These maps in the carpet help you determine which direction you are walking. If you're facing north, you are walking to the front. See those nautical flags? They spell out the name of the ship in signal flags.
Even More Secrets
Disney first got into cruising by partnering with Premier Cruise Line and the Big Red Boat. But there were too many guest complaints about customer service. But Disney was able to establish that there was indeed a market for cruising and in 1994, Disney Cruise Line was born.
The Disney Dream can accommodate 4,000 guests.
Head up to Deck 13 and 14 midship, you'll find an overlook deck.
The Disney Dream isn't black, it's actually blue - Monica Blue to be exact. The color was inspired by a pair of pants worn by a Cast Member at a meeting. Yes, her name was Monica!
The Disney Dream is actually blue, not black.
If you look at the Disney Dream, you won't many many straight lines. Curved lines help give the ship a beautiful design. The design team did everything they could to avoid making it look like a floating milk carton.
The Disney Dream cost more to build than the Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship.
Pub 687 is named for the Disney Dream's working title while it was being built. It's bad luck to call a ship by it's name until it is completed. The Disney Dream is the 687th ship to be built at Meyer-Werft Shipyard in German to is was known as "Project 687" respectively.
The AquaDuck was originally supposed to be a lazy river attraction but engineers studied the design and thought it would make the ship top heavy.
Why did Disney register their fleet in the Bahamas and not the United States? American maritime law requires that 70% of the crew be American. The cruise line industry prefers non-American crew members to save money on salaries. But don't let that fool you, the crew members on the Disney Dream are absolutely amazing.
With the ships being registered in the Bahamas, Disney is required to have its fleet stop in the Bahamas at least once a year.
When a Disney ship goes to drydock for refurbishment, the crew is put to work supervising vendors, hauling trash, running keys, and standing by on fire watch.
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Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
PRICE INCREASES AT THIS FAVORITE DISNEY RESTAURANT
Effective Nov. 4, 2016 on the Disney Dream and Nov. 5 on the Disney Fantasy, the price of Remy will increase from $85 per person to $95 per person for dinner, from $55 per person to $60 per person for brunch and from $50 per person to $55 per person for dessert offering.
Must-See Disney Cruise Line Voyages in 2017
Summer 2017 itineraries have been released with ports of call across Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. Booking begins on April 14, 2016.
Alaska
Coast through hypnotic landscapes during your 5- , 7- or 9-night journey to charming towns, including Skagway and Ketchikan—select cruises include a peek at Hubbard Glacier and a stop at Icy Strait Point.
Northern Europe
Drift across crystal blue waters and explore scenic cities like St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm. Plus, stroll through the storybook-like streets of Amsterdam during a new 10-night sailing from Copenhagen to Dover.
Norwegian Fjords
Glide past mystical fjords and colorful coastal homes on a 7-night adventure from Copenhagen to 4 Norwegian towns. Or take a 10-night roundtrip from Dover, England, which whisks you to Iceland, Scotland and a pair of captivating Norwegian port cities.
British Isles
Traverse the spectacular Inner and Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland on a 12-night roundtrip adventure out of Dover that travels to ports of call throughout England, France, Germany and Ireland.
Mediterranean
Spice up your summer with a roundtrip cruise from Barcelona. Itineraries ranging from 5 to 10 nights invite you to roam the bustling streets of picturesque cities in Spain, Italy and France. And you can reflect on each one's distinct character as you recharge at sea.
Transatlantic
Delve into the rich history of several port cities—including the newly added Portland, England (Stonehenge) and Amsterdam, Netherlands. There's a bounty of sights for you to discover over the course of your 15-night sailing.
Southern Caribbean
Take rest and relaxation to the next level when you choose a brand new 10- or 11-night itinerary from Port Canaveral that transports you to idyllic islands like Aruba, Barbados and Curacao—each boasting a diverse array of land and sea activities.
Eastern Caribbean
Surround yourself with crystal blue waters, powder-soft beaches and nonstop family fun on a 6- to 7-night cruise leading you to treasured islands like Tortola, St. John's and Castaway Cay.
Western Caribbean
Soak up the natural beauty and vibrant cultures of 3 tropical ports of call—Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica—during a 7-night roundtrip cruise from Port Canaveral that includes a fun stop at Castaway Cay.
Bahamas
Navigate your way to the tropical shores of Nassau and Castaway Cay. Plus, enjoy an extra dose of Disney's private island-a series of 4- and 5-night "double dip" cruises grants you 2 fun-filled stops at this beloved retreat.
Baja
Celebrate something special with a weekend jaunt from San Diego to Ensenada—a captivating city known for its stellar surfing conditions, innovative cuisine and legendary hot springs.
Panama Canal
Savor top-notch amenities aboard a 14-night coast-to-coast cruise that takes you through the world-famous Panama Canal and calls upon 4 blissful port cities in Mexico and Columbia, before you land in San Diego.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.
Star Wars Day at Sea
Returning in early 2017, Disney Cruise Line Guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during Star Wars Day at Sea.
New Star Wars Experience Coming to Disney Cruise Line in 2017
Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike can enjoy the immersive and intergalactic entertainment, including a deck party and fireworks display, exclusive event merchandise, and specialty Star Wars-themed food and beverage items.
Characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will also be onboard for interactions, photos and also may be seen patrolling the decks. And, in “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skill in a final face off with Darth Vader.
Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy seven-night cruises sailing from Port Canaveral on Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8 and 15, 2017.
Departing Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1 and 15, 2017, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Departing Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25; March 11, 25; and April 8, 2017, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.