Last Saturday marked the placing of the final component in the Fantasy’s construction; the 265-ton bow section was carefully set into place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
The new Disney Fantasy, sister ship to this year’s Disney Dream, will recreate many of the original features that guests love aboard the Disney Dream. Making a repeat performance will be the AquaDuck water coaster. The first of its kind on any cruise ship, guests are gently propelled through 765 feet of acrylic tube from Deck 12 to Deck 8 and will even overhang the side of the ship. Also included will be the Magic Portholes on the inside staterooms and Enchanted Art – sensor-activated animated artwork throughout the ship.
New to the Fantasy for adults 18 years and older is a nighttime entertainment district aptly named Europa. This sort of reminds me of a mini version of EPCOT’s pavilion of nations with a collection of chic bars and lounges with a European flair. Among the countries represented will be O’Gills, an Irish bar, Ooh La La inspired by a French boudoir and the aptly named Skyline bar decorated with scenic views of European cities that change from day into night.
Animator’s Palate is back but with even more Disney pizzazz. This is a dinner show that makes everyone a “guest animator” and diners are able to draw their own characters right on their placemats. Afterwards, these sketches will be displayed for all to see on several large screens in the dining room.
For all the little Cinderellas and Captain Hooks, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will give aspiring young princesses and pirates the full fairy tale treatment with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers.
“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” will take the stage on the Disney Fantasy. During this Broadway-style production, guests laugh along with the wise-cracking Genie and the cast from the classic animated Disney film, “Aladdin.”
“The Disney Fantasy continues our tradition of sailing beautifully-designed vessels that offer innovations, world-class guest service and memorable family vacation experiences like only Disney can do,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “We are delighted to expand our offerings to provide guests with more options and more flexibility to enjoy a Disney family cruise.”
The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy is scheduled to begin her maiden voyage from her new home in Port Canaveral on March 31 to the western Caribbean. Itineraries will be be alternating 7-night cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean, stopping at their private island, Castaway Cay.
Fourth in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Fantasy joins the Magic, the Wonder and the Dream.
Photo and video credit: Disney Cruise Line
I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.
