This week, the construction of the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Fantasy, was officially completed, as Disney Cruise Line took possession of the ship from the Meyer Werft shipyard. In a traditional maritime ceremony performed on the ship, the Meyer Werft flag was lowered and the Disney Cruise Line flag was raised, officially transferring ownership of the ship to Disney.
The transition signals that the Disney Fantasy is ready to welcome guests aboard and make its way to Port Canaveral, Florida, where it will depart for its maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. The ship will remain in Bremerhaven, Germany for the next week as crew members board the ship and supplies and provisions are loaded. The Disney Fantasy will then begin its transatlantic voyage to the U.S. on February 16, with its arrival in Port Canaveral set for March 6.
“Today we celebrate the culmination of a wonderful partnership, as we take possession of the Disney Fantasy and prepare for the journey home to Florida. This ship is the result of the superb craftsmanship from the master shipbuilders at Meyer Werft and the innovation, imagination and ingenuity of the Disney team, who have partnered together so beautifully to bring this ship to life,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “We are eagerly anticipating our guests, who will experience storytelling in enchanting new ways onboard the Disney Fantasy while making magical memories that will last a lifetime.”
The completion of the Disney Fantasy marks the end of a two-ship contract between Disney and Meyer Werft that was signed in April 2007. The first ship, the Disney Dream, began construction in March 2009 before its completion last year.
“The Disney Fantasy, along with her sister ship, the Disney Dream, are the largest ships that Meyer Werft has ever built,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft. “Over the last five years we have developed an outstanding partnership working with Disney, and together, we have seen two magnificent ships become reality. The collaboration among Disney Cruise Line, Meyer Werft and its suppliers has been exemplary.”
To book a cruise on the Disney Fantasy, visit www.disneycruiseline.com.
