Disney Wish Debut Delayed, Now Set for Mid-July Inaugural

Disney Cruise Line’s highly anticipated new ship, Disney Wish, will now debut about a month later than expected because of issues at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Disney made the announcement on Thursday, writing to travel partners that the “shipyard notified Disney Cruise Line that despite their very best efforts, they will need more time to finish the ship.” The delay is due, in part, to the arrival of the Omicron variant, which impacted staffing at the shipyard.

Disney Wish will now debut on July 14 instead of the original scheduled June 9 date.

All guests on the maiden voyage have automatically been shifted to the July 14 date at a 50% discount. Those who are unable to sail can instead opt for a 50% discount on a future cruise departing by the end of 2023, with the difference paid in a FCC, or a full refund.

Other impacted guests can opt for the same—either a 50% discount on a future sailing departing by the end of 2023, with the difference paid in an FCC, or a full refund.

The ship is still slated to make a huge splash despite the month delay. It will be Disney’s fifth ship in the fleet, following Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy. It is the first, of three, in a new class of ships for Disney called the Triton class.

Wish will have 1,254 staterooms of which 70% will have a balcony and 451 will offer a connecting door. It will debut with a new cabin category of seven oceanview rooms located directly above the bridge. Each will feature floor-to-ceiling windows for a panoramic view. The ship will also have a new Royal Suites category with a Sleeping Beauty theme.

It will also offer AquaMouse, a water coaster ride that combines animated shorts, lighting, and special effects; six pools, including a Toy Story-themed space for younger kids; the first “Frozen”-themed dining venue will feature characters from the movie; and much more.