Disney Dream Floats Out

Disney Dream floats out from the Meyer Werft shipyard

in Papenburg, Germany.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream is another step closer to cruising reality.

The 1,115-foot long vessel was eased out of the construction shed at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg on Saturday, marking the completion of a major milestone in the ship's history.

Now that the overall structure of Disney Dream is complete, work on her interiors can continue.  She will tie up at the yard's fitting out pier for the next two weeks while machinery, including stabilizers and propulsion systems are tested, and interior work continues.  

On the second weekend of November, the ship will begin the long journey down the River Ems to the North Sea for her first sea trials at nearby Emshaven, Netherlands. 

The 1,115-foot long Disney Dream emerges

from the construction shed.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

In just two and a half short months, on January 26, 2011, Disney Dream will set sail on her first revenue cruise from her homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida, near Orlando.  The line's first new vessels in almost twelve years, the excitement surrounding the Disney Dream and sister ship Disney Fantasy is palpable: it is entirely possible the maiden voyage of Disney Dream may be the most anticipated ship launch of 2011.

Rather than building a ship that resembles a Las Vegas resort gone to sea, Disney Cruise Line has chosen to build upon the success of its earlier vessels.  Disney Magic and Disney Wonder were renowned for blend of modern features with old-world styling that recalls the grace and elegance of the former transatlantic liners of yesteryear. 

These newbuilds offer the same mix of style and elegance, combining sleek, nautical lines with all the major amenities today's cruisers have come to not only expect, but demand.  Which is what makes these ships so unique: Mickey Mouse may be hanging from the stern, but these are vessels which seek to appeal to young and old alike, to Disney fans and ocean liner buffs.

 Mickey Mouse, in the famous scene from Fantasia, 

adorns the fantail of the new Disney Dream.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line 

In short, they are some of the most attractive, well designed ships out there.  The true test will come in less than 90 days, when Disney Dream sets sail on her maiden voyage.

For more information on Disney Dream, check out the Disney Cruise Line webpage and be sure to get in on the action of her inaugural season of Bahamian voyages.