Officials from Disney Cruise Line, the state of Florida, and the local area were on board the Disney Dream on Friday to observe a long standing maritime tradition, and to bring the ship one step closer to her maiden voyage.
Captain Tom Forberg welcomed Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz, newly-elected Governor Rick Scott, and local officials aboard the ship for the presentation of a plaque and key exchange, commemorating the Dream’s inaugural call on Port Canaveral. The special ceremony took place in the ship’s grand atrium lobby.
Captain Mickey and a crew of his pals were also on hand to welcome the visitors.
To accommodate the Disney Dream, which is significantly larger than Disney’s other two existing ships, the Magic and the Wonder, the dock and terminal at Port Canaveral had to be updated and enlarged. Port Canaveral also constructed a new parking garage in anticipation of more guests. The larger ship is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region, adding nearly 450 new jobs, and providing more revenue to the city through increased numbers of cruise guests.
Photo copyright Disney.