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So, you’d like to become a volunteer cruise ‘guinea pig’ and try out one of the “simulated voyages” that the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has mandated before the industry can start up again in a COVID-safe manner?
Since all of the U.S. theme parks and attractions first closed in March, the tourism and hospitality industry has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cruise ships were docked, parks were closed and hotels were shut down in an effort to stop the spread. Many still haven’t reopened, and those that have aren’t seeing the sort of attendance they’re used to. Today, for the first time in a long time, hope has been given to this struggling industry. Pfizer, a biopharmaceutical company, has announced their COVID-19 vaccine tests have proven to be 90% effective during trials.
Disney Cruise Line has shared its itineraries for early 2022, as well as an update on the newest ship in the magical fleet, the Disney Wish.
In a recent question and answer session, Christine McCarthy, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Walt Disney Company, shared an update regarding the status of Disney Cruise Line’s next ship, the “Disney Wish”.
In response to the question of when to expect the three new cruise ships scheduled for 2021 – 2023, McCarthy replied, “The shipyard we utilize for our cruise ships, Meyer Werft, was impacted [by COVID] and we encountered a delay. We’re in negotiations and discussions with the shipyard to finalize dates, but as soon as we have those, we’ll make an announcement for when the fifth ship will be delivered. But it is delayed from what we originally anticipated.”
Disney Cruise Line’s “Disney Wish” was orignally scheduled for delivery in late 2021 and expected to set sail beginning in January 2022. No new date was released for delivery of the “Disney Wish” at this time. During the D23 Expo 2019, Disney Cruise Line shared the first details of the newest ship including that Rapunzel would be the character adorning the stern.
McCarthy then addressed new rides and attractions scheduled for the Disney Parks. Confirming that attractions currently under construction remained a priority for The Walt Disney Company. Specific priorities mentioned by McCarthy for completion included the “Star Wars Hotel” at Walt Disney World, Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure as well as Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Disneyland.
While McCarthy included three projects as priorities for the Disney Parks, there was no mention as to their timeline for opening. Disney previously announced that reservations Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the “Star Wars Hotel”, would open later this year for a 2021 opening. The Marvel Avengers Campus was expected to open July 18, 2020, but the Disneyland Resort has yet to reopen since shutting down in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Disneyland’s version of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway has already been pushed back from 2022 to 2023. Finally, there was no mention of Tron Lightcycle / Run slated to open in 2021 at the Magic Kingdom, or the multiple ongoing projects at Epcot including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Space 220 restaurant, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, nor others.
Similar to the questions about ongoing Disney Parks projects, there are many unknowns about Disney Cruise Line. In addition to the delay of the “Disney Wish”, it is currently not known when Disney Cruise Line will resume sailing. In accordance with Cruise Lines International Association, Disney Cruise Line has extended the cancellation of sailings through at least Oct. 31, 2020. In addition, Disney Cruise Line has removed a number of December sailings from online booking.
Carnival Celebration will be the sister ship to Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras when it debuts in 2022. This second Excel class ship will sail from Port Miami in time for Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th Anniversary.
Carnival Cruise Line has released photos of the construction of their newest ship and the first roller coaster at sea progressing in Finland.
Royal Caribbean is introducing a new way for guests to complete the required ship safety drill without having to gather with other guests. It’s called Muster 2.0.
Aboard each Disney Cruise Line ship, the Italian-inspired Palo restaurant offers a dining experience exclusively for adults… but you can bring the flavors home for everyone to enjoy with this recipe for its Chocolate Soufflé!
Carnival Cruise Line has announced a plan to resume their North American service this summer in phases.
Disney Cruise Line has announced that a number of Disney Wonder sailings through this June have been canceled, due to complications related to the global health crisis.
