New York provided the perfect setting for the launch of Disney’s newest cruise-liner, “Fantasy.”
The fourth of the fleet made its official debut when actor Nick Cannon joined Minnie Mouse for the champagne smasher docked at Pier 88.
The signature moment transported guests to an atrium adorned by a bronzed figure of Mickey Mouse positioned adjacent to a huge champagne bottle.
From there, his wife and godmother to the vessel — Mariah Carey stood on steps to a spiral staircase facing a crowd of media and VIP guests who anxiously anticipated the historic moment. Joined by Robert A. Iger, president and CEO of the Walt Disney Company and Mickey Mouse, Carey reveled in the honor of the title.
The New York native boasted her home town roots, lauded the ship’s fantasies and introduced her husband who actually expedited the tradition by passing the champagne bottle to Disney’s best-known female Mouse, Minnie.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg cleared his schedule to board the 1,115 feet, 14-deck adventure-packed vessel that will carry up to 4,000 passengers from New York to numerous ports of call including the Caribbean.
The star-studded inaugural invited actor Neil Patrick-Harris to host. From the stage of the 1,340 seat Walt Disney Theater, he introduced funnyman Jerry Seinfeld and Broadway actress/singer Heather Headley as well as a 28-member, musical, production cast.
Travel agents, media and guests oohed and aahed each offering from three Disney musicals that will be performed daily throughout cruises – “Aladdin,” “Wishes” and “Believe.”
Guests were treated to dinner in the various restaurants aboard the ship.
An after party also lured revelers to Europa, a continental retreat boasting nightlife reminiscent in London, England, Paris, France, and cities of Ireland and Italy.
Beginning later this month, vacationers from New York and north eastern cities wanting to sail to the Caribbean will no longer have to board an airplane or fly to Florida in order to connect with a cruise liner.
Those seeking adventure, a Disney family vacation and fantasy will be able to board their newest cruise ship on the west side of Manhattan, just a few blocks from Times Square.
Slated for a March 31 launch, the ship will make its inaugural fantasy cruise which includes fun-filled theatrical presentations, innovative games, chic dining facilities, luxurious cabins and the world’s first shipboard water coaster.
A seven-night cruise to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Cozumel, Mexico is now being promoted to lure passengers seeking a fantasy getaway.
Beginning in May, another ship, the “Disney Magic” will make 20 cruises from NYC to Nassau, Bahamas while providing an opportunity for vacationers to stop at Walt Disney world Resort in Orlando, Florida.
While families are invited to join the high-water excursions, special provisions are built into sails to offer adult-only fantasy retreats aboard ship. Similarly, areas restricted to children will offer superlative age-appropriate fantasies to youths.
Other ports for departure include Galveston, Texas, Seattle, Washington and Miami, Florida. Some of the destinations from these ports include: Venice, Italy, the Greek Isles and Barcelona, Spain. The fleet of Disney Cruise line includes “Magic,” “Wonder” and “Dream.”
Each made maiden voyages in 1998, 1999 and last year.
