Following a transatlantic journey from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Eemshaven, Netherlands, Disney Cruise Line’s new ship the Disney Treasure arrived in its homeport of Port Canaveral for the first time on Nov. 12.
As the ship neared the U.S. on Nov. 10, its first voyage became an eventful one when crew members were called to put their safety training into practice to rescue four people from a sinking catamaran near Bermuda.
Related: New Disney Cruise Line ship makes rescue on way to US debut
After its dramatic rescue at sea, the Disney Treasure made a grand entrance in Port Canaveral just before sunrise on Nov. 12, greeting Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie and hundreds of Disney cast members and spectators by sounding Disney melodies on its horn.
Government and port officials were among the first to explore the new ship. They were welcomed on board for a plaque and key exchange, a global maritime tradition for all vessels on their first call to a new port.
Following the ship’s arrival in Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line announced the honorary role of “godparent” for the Disney Treasure will be held by The Walt Disney Company cast, crew, Imagineers and employees around the world. A time-honored maritime tradition, a ship godparent is chosen to symbolically bless a new vessel with good luck and protection during the ship’s christening ceremony.
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Image source: Disney Cruises
Disney Treasure christening ceremony will be streamed live
The Disney Treasure’s christening ceremony will be held in New York City on Nov. 19. Disney Cruise Line is inviting fans to watch the ceremony live on the Disney Parks Blog on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. ET. The event will include special appearances and a first official look at the new ship.
Sister ship to the Disney Wish that launched in 2022, the Disney Treasure is infused with a theme of adventure inspired by Walt Disney’s love of exploration. The ship features both new and signature Disney Cruise Line experiences that will immerse passengers in Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and Disney Parks stories.
Related: Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises add magical experiences
Highlights of the Disney Treasure include an original Broadway-style retelling of “Moana,” immersive dining experiences inspired by Pixar’s “Coco” and Marvel Super Heroes, a Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction, Disney Cruise Line’s signature fireworks at sea and magical kids’ clubs, and new lounges inspired by the beloved Disney Parks attractions Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
Following the christening, Disney Treasure crew members will ready the ship for its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that departs Dec. 21 from Port Canaveral. The ship’s inaugural season includes seven-night cruise itineraries to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
Disney Cruise Line celebrates Disney Treasure launch with new program for students
During the Disney Treasure’s inaugural season, Disney Cruise Line will expand its commitment to its port communities in Florida and throughout the Caribbean. A new program called Treasure Tomorrow will fund and support community-building efforts through career exploration programs for students in each port the Disney Treasure visits.
In Florida, Disney Cruise Line will partner with Brevard Schools Foundation to bring students aboard the new ship, meet Disney cast and crew members and learn about careers at sea. The cruise line will also sponsor career exploration programs for local students interested in the maritime industry as well as the tourism, hospitality and entertainment industries.
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Through the new program, Disney Cruise Line will also expand its support of youth programs in the Virgin Islands that empower and inspire the next generation of leaders.
The Treasure Tomorrow program is sure to make an impact for years to come as the family cruise line continues its multi-year expansion plan. The Disney Treasure is the sixth ship to enter the Disney Cruise Line fleet and seven more ships are on the way by 2031.
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