At the D23 Expo
2019 today, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek announced the
highly anticipated name of the fifth Disney Cruise Line ship, gave us a first glance
of the ship’s elegant atrium and revealed the iconic Disney character that will
adorn the ship’s stern. Bob was joined by Imagineer Joe Rohde to share a first look
at the plans for our second island destination in The Bahamas. I’m thrilled to
share all these details with you!
Disney Wish was revealed as the name of our fifth ship. It’s very
fitting because making wishes come true is at the heart of so many Disney
stories.
The ship’s atrium will be a bright, airy and
elegant space inspired by the beauty of an enchanted fairytale. A beloved
hallmark of Disney Cruise Line, it has been a tradition to adorn the back of
our ships with an iconic character that reflects the theme of each vessel. For
the Disney Wish, the ship’s stern will feature Rapunzel. Our favorite artsy
princess, paintbrush in hand, uses her enchanted hair to suspend herself as
she decorates the stern of the ship with the help of her feisty sidekick, Pascal. Spirited, smart,
curious and above all, adventurous, Rapunzel embodies the wish and desire to
see and experience the world.
The Disney Wish is scheduled for delivery in late 2021 and will set sail in January 2022. The vessel will join Disney Cruise Line’s award-winning fleet where guests experience the magic of Disney entertainment combined with the relaxation of tropical, sun-drenched beaches and the adventure of ocean cruising. All three new ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas and, at approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
I also want to
share details on our second tropical destination in The Bahamas, which will be
located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point.
The new destination will celebrate
both the stories of The Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point
itself.
Joe Rohde, whose
work includes the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Aulani, a Disney Resort
& Spa in Hawaii, has embarked on an in-depth cultural tour of The Bahamas.
With local artists and cultural experts, he has explored cultural sites across
New Providence and Eleuthera, from Junkanoo shacks to noted art
galleries.
Joe
points out that Disney will be directly involved in conservation efforts to
preserve and protect the environment and will be working with local
artists to create a unique destination that is rooted in Bahamian culture and filled
with Disney magic.
Construction at
Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and
Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of
The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in
2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.
With three new
ships coming to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, there’s so much to look forward
to on the high seas and at the new Disney tropical destination experience in
The Bahamas. Stay tuned here to the Diz Planet as we look forward to
sharing more exciting details with you in the future!