Disney Cruise Line Christens Newest Ship, Disney Wish, at Port Canaveral
by Daniel McCarthy /Disney Wish's naming ceremony featured a familiar cast of characters. Photo: Disney Cruise Line
An occasion six years in the making, Disney Cruise Line christened its newest ship, Disney Wish, at Port Canaveral on Wednesday morning.
“It is a historic morning,” Disney CEO Bob Chapek told attendees. “This really is a wish come true.”
The ship had been delayed because of issues at the Meyer Wert shipyard in Germany, but finally made its much-anticipated debut this week.
Instead of a traditional godmother, the ship was christened by “godchildren,” three Make-A-Wish children, who represented all past, present, and future Make-A-Wish kids. (Disney has a long-standing relationship with the charity and has granted more than 145,000 wishes to date.)
Chapek called the occasion “a significant milestone during an incredible time of growth for our company.”
The debut of Wish, Disney’s fifth cruise ship, officially kicks off the largest expansion in Disney Cruise Line history, with two more ships, and a second exclusive destination in the Bahamas, all planned for the future.
Disney Wish, the first new ship for the company in a decade, also kicks-off a brand new class for the cruise line, Triton-class, its third overall. Two more Triton-class ships are expected.
According to Chapek, the ship allows Disney to keep doing what it does best — telling stories through iconic characters and inviting guests to participate.
“The ship is purpose-built to inspire a sense of delight and wonder around everyone,” Chapek added.
Disney Wish has 1,254 staterooms, of which 70% have a balcony and 451 offer a connecting door. It debuts with a new cabin category for Disney Cruise Line, seven oceanview rooms located directly above the bridge. Each feature floor-to-ceiling windows for a panoramic view. The ship also has a new Royal Suites category with a Sleeping Beauty theme.
Among other highlights are the AquaMouse, a water coaster ride that combines animated shorts, lighting, and special effects that Chapek called “the first Disney attraction at sea”; six pools, including a Toy Story-themed space for younger kids; the first “Frozen”-themed dining venue featuring characters from the movie; and much more.
