By
Alex Smith |
Disney Cruise Line has held a keel-laying ceremony for Disney Wish, the first of three new ships planned in an expansion for its fleet, at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
The traditional ceremony marks the beginning of construction for a ship, and involves the first block of a ship being lowered into the building dock and a newly minted coin being placed under the keel for good luck. The coin created for Disney Wish features the Captain Minnie Mouse character, which was introduced onboard Disney Cruise Line Ships as part of an initiative to inspire new female leaders in the cruise industry.
“In maritime tradition, keel laying is the ceremonial beginning of the ship’s life,” said Philip Gennotte, portfolio project management executive for Walt Disney Imagineering Germany, who placed the coin at the ceremony. “Today marked a momentous occasion for the Disney Wish, and I could not be more proud of our Imagineers, the cast and crew at Disney Cruise Line and the team at Meyer Werft, the shipyard in Germany, who are bringing this enchanting ship to life.”
Disney Cruise Line has also announced that Captain Minnie Mouse hull artwork will feature on the bow of Disney Wish.
“As we look to the future with anticipation and excitement for continuing our legacy of creating magical vacations for families across the globe, we are thrilled to reach this significant milestone in the ship building process and to unveil Captain Minnie as the beloved character on the bow of the Disney Wish,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Cruise Line.
At approximately 144,000 gross tons and with 1,250 guest staterooms, Disney Wish will be the largest ship in Disney’s fleet when she sails her maiden voyage in summer 2022.