New Carnival Celebration Ship Marks Line’s 50th Birthday
Carnival Cruise Line turns 50 in 2022, and the line is leaning into the festivities with its next Excel Class ship, Carnival Celebration. Set to debut with a 14-night transatlantic cruise departing Southampton on November 6, 2022, Carnival Celebration will homeport out of Miami when it arrives Stateside.
The Bolt roller coaster aboard sister-ship is one of the line’s biggest hits, and Carnival Celebration will also feature Bolt, the line’s popular roller coaster at sea. Carnival’s new neighborhood concept will also be continued aboard Carnival Celebration, although word is that it will be different from the French Quarter aboard Mardi Gras. As for what will replace it? Stay tuned.
Small Emerald Azzurra Yacht Will Sail Red Sea Med Croatia
With only 100 passengers, Emerald Azzurra promises an intimate yacht experience from a line that has already won accolades for its European river cruises. Emerald has always offered an inclusive type of sailing, and cruises on Emerald Azzurra include complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner onboard gratuities some shore excursions transfers to and from the airport port charges and taxes.
Weâre also excited by the itineraries that Emerald Azzurra will sail, which include its debut in the Red Sea in January 2022. The yacht will then move to the Mediterranean and sail into small Croatian and Greek ports, as well as itineraries that focus on Italy and France.
Renovated Ship Azamara Onward Will Be First Under Line’s New Ownership
While Azamara isnât a household name like some cruise lines, lovers of small ships have always been drawn the intimate size of their vessels — about 702 passengers — and the smaller ports they visit. The line left the Royal Caribbean Group in early 2021 to become an independent cruise company, and has started to introduce fun new programs while continuing the focus on great shoreside experiences.
Azamara Onward is not technically a new ship. Rather, the line has bought the former Pacific Princess — a direct sister-ship to the line’s existing fleet — and is completely renovating it to look more like the rest of the Azamara fleet. We are excited to see what happens when you combine Azamaraâs intimate service — the crew learn the names of every single passenger and youâre greeted by name when you board — with a fresh spin on its destinations.
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The Cruise Ship Rooms
The Wish Tower Suite serves as the ship’s penthouse room.
The ship has capacity for 4,000 passengers, with the higher-priced options to feature storybook-inspired themes. Staterooms will be decorated after fairy tale characters like Cinderella and Ariel, with custom artwork displayed. If you really want to splash out, you can reserve a two-story royal suite, which includes a spiral staircase and stained glass artwork.
The most exclusive room on board the ship is the 1,966-square-foot Wish Tower Suite, Disney unveiled on May 14. The room is set in the forward funnel of the Disney Wish and is Moana themed, with two main bedrooms, a children’s room, four and a half bathrooms, dining room, a wet bar and a library. The two-story suite is decorated with custom art, props and sculptures.
Every Space And Experience On The Ship Is Rooted In Disney Storytelling
Disney began telling enchanting animated stories nearly 100 years ago. And since Disneyland’s grand opening in 1955, they’ve been challenging themselves to find new and creative ways to take those classic stories from the big screen and bring them to life.
For the Disney Wish, Walt Disney Imagineers are doing just that in never-before-seen ways, while also keeping the ship’s theme of enchantment front of mind. “Enchantment is about unlocking the wonder in everything we do and experience,” Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a press release.
This theme of enchantment means classic Disney stories like “Cinderella” and “Beauty and the Beast” as well as newer additions to the Disney portfolio from Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars will be told on a more sophisticated level.
This extends from the Marvel and Frozen-themed dining experiences that blend upscale yet approachable menus with interactive storytelling, to the elegant, understated concierge staterooms and suites themed to “Moana,””Sleeping Beauty,” and, “Tangled,” and the magical moments you’ll experience during the cruise that will make you feel like a character in your favorite Disney stories.
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Senses Spa & Rainforest Room
Fitness center, private treatment rooms, and luxury spa treatments including facials, massages, and acupuncture.
Fitness center will offer state of the art exercise equipment, dedicate space for cycling, yoga & aerobics.
The Rainforest Room is a sauna, steam room, and aromatherapy showers. Guests are given body scrubs, soothing scents, in a relaxing environment. Exclusive to the Disney Wish, Rainforest will also include an ice lounge and an open-air oasis.
Image: Disney Cruise Line
Disney Wish Staterooms Include Some That Are Two Stories Or Above The Bridge
Unique artwork inspired by “Cinderella” and other Disney classics adorn the staterooms, and 900 of 1,254 staterooms will be connected adjoining, making this ship the most family-friendly of the Disney fleet.
The rooms are larger, and most have an ocean view.
And for the first time, a Disney ship features two-story suites with spiral staircases and custom stained-glass art.
And, in another first, the Disney Wish will feature rooms above the bridge of the ship.
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Viking Mississippi Will Bring Its Winning European
In one of the most anticipated domestic launches, Viking will expand its river cruising juggernaut into the U.S market for the first time with the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. The ship will be one of the largest constructed for the Mississippi River, and all cabins will have either French or full step-out balconies suites are also available.
Whatâs exciting about Viking Mississippi is that the ship will have many of the onboard features that people already love on other Viking vessels. There will be a two-story Explorersâ Lounge observation area the Aquavit Terrace outdoor dining venue an infinity pool and sun deck. Thereâs also a new outdoor seating area known as The Bow, which promises excellent views of the river. Plenty of inclusions are also on offer, such as beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner a complimentary shore excursion per day lectures Wi-Fi and free room service.
Shows And Entertainment On The Cruise Liner
Two brand new shows are being developed, with Disney remaining tight-lipped for now on what those will involve. Here’s what we do know:
- Fireworks at sea
- The Walt Disney Theater will showcase an Aladdin musical
- Luna: Described by Disney as day-to-night entertainment, this area will resemble an “enchanted fairytale village” with decor based on Pixar short La Luna
- Hero Zone: An active play area, it will be a fully enclosed and air conditioned sports arena.
Disney Wish: The grand hall
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Disney Cruise Lines Newest Ship Is A Technological Marvel
Walt Disney Imagineering working on the AquaMouse, debuting on the Disney Wish summer 2022.
The Walt Disney Company
Disney Cruise Lines newest ship, the Disney Wish, is getting ready to set sail summer 2022. From the moment the first guests book their cruise to the last guest debarking the ship to go back home, those who sail on the Disney Wish will have a host of new technology, most of which is all interactive and will continue to elevate the onboard experience. I got a behind-the-scenes look at some of the technology and secrets coming to the Disney Wish with Walt Disney Imagineering.
There Will Be A Hidden Layer Of Magic
Disney gave us a sneak peek at an all-new way that guests can become a part of the story of the ship and even control some of what happens on board via the Disney Uncharted Adventure interactive game.
This game continues the Disney tradition of using technology to unlock new ways to tell stories. The technology behind how this works may be complex, but what shines front and center is the story and the magic it creates.
Before you even leave home for your Disney Cruise, youll learn a bit about how your phone will transform into a spyglass from Captain Minnie herself. Then, once you are on your cruise, youll be able to actually join an interactive adventure to help recover pieces of the fractured wishing star that have landed in the worlds of Moana, Peter Pan, Princess Tiana and Nemo. You can do as little or as much of this adventure as you want.
While you do need a smartphone to participate, this isnt a game you play by yourself staring down at your device.
Instead, this adventure for the whole family takes you all around the ship as you complete parts of the quest. Using your spyglass, youll see menu boards transform into messages from Princess Tiana, youll find hidden constellations in the sky and perhaps even bring the glass slipper to life in the grand hall.
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Disney Wish Introduces Aquamouse Star Wars And Avengers
Disney Cruise Line’s first new ship in a decade will usher in a number of firsts when Disney Wish debuts in June 2022. The 4,000-passenger ship — designed primarily around the theme of “enchantment” — will offer new dining experiences, reimagined kids clubs , and the first-ever Disney attraction at sea: the 760-foot-long waterslide known as AquaMouse, which mixes storytelling and thrills. Disney Wish deck plans reveal a world of wonders for the young and young-at-heart.
But Disney has also mindfully designed Disney Wish for parents, too. The adults-only Quiet Cove will introduce the cruise line’s first infinity pool, while grown-ups will be the only ones allowed to dine at Enchante, the line’s new onboard restaurant designed by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement. Where will Disney Wish sail from? Like its earliest fleetmates, Disney Wish will debut in the Caribbean and Bahamas, sailing from the line’s flagship terminal in Port Canaveral — a view that will be best seen from the line’s massive suite inset into one of the ship’s funnels.
The Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge Takes You To Another Galaxy
Ill spare you the out of this world puns to describe the adult-focused Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge that will be on Disney Wish. However, having now seen the mock-up of the actual windows that will look out into space, I can confidently say that this will fulfill the dreams of those who have always wished to experience a galaxy far, far away.
Ships from all timelines of the Star Wars franchise will fly by the seven monitors that feature such insanely high resolutions that it really looks like the actual Star Destroyer, Millennium Falcon, Tie Fighters and more are right outside. The Imagineers worked closely with Lucasfilm to unlock the entire library of ships. Every ship that whizzes by has a name, a story and a place in the greater Star Wars universe. You can expect to take that jump through hyperspace to a different part of the galaxy every seven minutes or so.
And to keep things as comfortable and immersive as possible, the direction you fly on the screens is indeed the same direction the Wish is heading, giving it an even more realistic feel.
But this space isnt just about what is happening outside, theres a whole lot going on inside the high-end, sophisticated lounge as well.
While Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge will be open to families during the day, this yacht-styled lounge is exclusively a place for adults to kick back and enjoy galactic-themed cocktails at night.
And fine, Ill bring my kids here during the day, too.
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Disney Cruise Theme Sailings
Disney Cruise lines also offer a number of differently themed sailings.
One of the most popular is the Star Wars Days at Sea. If you are a Star Wars fan you really should think about booking one of the Star Wars special cruises.
For more details about what to expect you can see our guide here.
The Disney Magic has Marvel Days at Sea on select dates.
If Star Wars or Marvel is not your thing then you may want to enjoy one of the seasonal cruises such as the Halloween on the High Seas Cruises or a Very Merrytime Cruise.
Msc World Europa Will Be A New
As if launching MSC Seascape in 2022 wasnât enough, MSC Cruises is dreaming even bigger with an all-new class of ship. MSC World Europa will carry 5,079 passengers and will boast 22 decks, immediately becoming the longest, tallest and largest ship in the entire fleet. The ship launches in December 2022 and is earmarked to sail in the Arabian Gulf.
On a ship this size, youâd expect a ton of fun. MSC World Europa will have several onboard âdistrictsâ divided into separate areas. An 11-deck dry slide called The Spiral will be the longest at sea, and new dining venues include Chefâs Garden Kitchen, focusing on microgreens, and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. The ship will also be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas technology.
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Wonder Of The Seas Will Be The World’s Largest Cruise Ship
At 6,988 passengers, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in early March 2022. While Wonder of the Seas is technically an Oasis-class ship and not first in its class, , the vessel does have some extras, including the new Suite neighborhood, where high-spenders will have access to an enhanced Suite Sun Deck, with its own plunge pool, bar and loungers.
Families will be excited by the ship’s new Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed area for kids that will include slides, climbing walls, views and an interactive mural. Finally, a new cantilevered pool bar, called The Vue, will offer fantastic sunning opportunities during the day and turn into a colorful outdoor venue after sunset.
Disney Cruise Ship Itinerary
This really is going to be a big deciding factor when you look at which Disney cruise ship is the best for your vacation.
All of the Disney cruise ships sail very distinct itineraries from different home cruise ports.
If you want to sail the Caribbean on a Disney cruise ship you will find that the most convenient itineraries are on the Disney Fantasy. She sails mostly 7 night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries all out of Port Canaveral Florida.
However, if you want a 3 or 4 night sailing on a Disney cruise then the Disney Dream is going to be your best choice. The Disney Dream sails mostly 3 and 4-night itineraries to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral Florida.
The Disney Dream can be an excellent first Disney cruise. The prices are obviously going to be lower than a full 7 night on the Disney Fantasy.
The Disney Dream also has a big advantage that all sailings will make a port stop a Disneys private island Castaway Cay. For many Disney cruisers, the day at Castaway Cay is the highlight of their vacation. Here you can get a complete guide to Disneys Castaway Cay.
Both the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic have more varied itineraries than the larger Disney ships. This might be the decider for you when you are thinking about which is the best Disney cruise ship. Itinerary may be the most important thing.
One of the most spectacular of the Disney Wonder itineraries are the cruises to Alaska. Here you can browse the Disney Cruises to Alaska.
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What To Expect From Disney Cruise Lines New Ship Disney Wish
When the Disney Wish debuts in summer 2022 it will be Disneys 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.
The ship will pull more Disney characters and movies into the guest experience than ever before, with a Frozen theme theatrical dining experience, a Marvel cinematic dining adventure, and a first-of-its kind Star Wars experience onboard.
The theming starts with a Wish Upon A Star motif built around the ship that will bring guests into the world of Disney stories, including storybook-inspired staterooms and the lines signature Walt Disney Theatre, and spreads through the ship, from staterooms to dining rooms.
Heres what guests can expect:
StateroomsWish will sail with 1,254 staterooms, most of which offer an ocean view, including 877 with a verandah. The ship will also offer 451 connecting doors that can create a shared accommodation for larger families.
Wish will also make Disney firsts in its stateroomsthe ship will include double the number of premium concierge staterooms and suites, along with the first-ever stateroom above the bridge for any Disney ship. That suite includes a sundeck, a dedicated concierge, and more.
For other premium options, Disney has also included four royal suites that can accommodate up to six guests along with a pair of two-story sites that feature a spiral staircase and a two-deck-high stained-glass frieze.
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Disney Uncharted Adventure is one of Disney Cruise Lines most flexible, replayable and customizable on-board games to date. Every time a guest opens their smartphone they are in charge of their own adventure, and can choose when and how to play. Players are not locked into playing every quest to achieve the end goal at the finale event on board. If players do choose to play over and over, they can uncover new surprises and rewards.
I got the chance to play one of the games coming to Disney Uncharted Adventure, which is themed after Disneys Princess and the Frog. During the game I partnered with Princess Tiana to make a pot of gumbo using simple motions like shaking my phone to add in just the right amount of hot sauce. One point that Feder made during the test game was Imagineering noticed other test players would shake their phone slightly instead of using a tipping motion to shake out the virtual hot sauce. Because of that the team needed to be sure that everything was programmed correctly to ensure when families play on board that both motions are accepted by the Play Disney Parks app.
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