The birth of a new cruise ship is an important milestone for each cruise line. It is a prime recognition showing the success in a business model with a growing number of satisfied guests rising each year. Here we like to share with you the important dates and facts marking the birthdays of cruise ships, christening dates, godmothers/godfathers, and captains at the helm during their maiden voyages.
Disney Magic Birthday - July 30
Godmother: Patricia Disney
Christening Date: September 16, 1998
Port: Port Canaveral
Maiden voyage: July 30, 1998
Captain: Commodore Tom Forberg
On July 30, Disney Cruise Line and fans around the world celebrate the anniversary of the Disney Magic’s Maiden Voyage from Port Canaveral. Back in 1998 Disney launched its very first cruise ship designed to replicate the classic ocean liners of the 1930s, something Walt and Lillian Disney would have cruised on.
The honor to christen Disney Magic was presented to Patricia Disney, former wife of Walt Disney's nephew, Roy E. Disney. The inaugural baptizing ceremony itself was done the way Disney does things best, spectacular and magical in true Disney style! The Magic pulled up to the Port Canaveral dock, and Disney cast members, dressed with hats and costumes performed and danced before the invited guests. It looked as though the complete Navy was there in their whites, standing next to Captain Tom. Live music, vintage cars, kites, doves, power boats and fireworks in the sky entertained the guests. The ship’s horn sounded the Pinocchio tune “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
Disney Magic
Disney Wonder Birthday - August 15
Godmother: Tinkerbell and Mickey Mouse
Christening Date: October 1, 1999
Port: Port Canaveral
Maiden voyage: August 15, 1999
Captain: Commodore Tom Forberg
Disney Wonder, the second ship to join Disney fleet was christened on October 1, 1999, however the ship started sailing from Port Canaveral three months before its official baptizing ceremony.
The christening event was attended by senior Disney executives, celebrities and more than 1,000 journalists at Port Canaveral to celebrate the inauguration of the Disney Wonder. The spectacular ceremony featured performances by celebrities, including Paige O'Hara, the voice of Belle in the Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Mickey Mouse voiced by Wayne Allwine. Afterward, invited guests watched a laser projected of the godmother Tinkerbell who only spoke with bell sounds, dancing aboard the ship and breaking a champagne bottle.
Disney Wonder
Disney Dream Birthday - January 19
Godmother: Jennifer Hudson
Christening Date: January 19, 2011
Port: Port Canaveral
Maiden voyage: January 26, 2011
Captain: Commodore Tom Forberg
After crossing the Atlantic Ocean Disney Dream arrived on the morning of Jan. 19, 2011, under sunny skies and warm climate in Port Canaveral, just in time for its christening. With all the pomp and festivities befitting the majestic ocean liner was greeted by thousands of people.
The over-the-top official ceremonies for the Dream were held on the pier adjacent to Disney Cruise Line’s terminal in Port Canaveral, with a large barge in the water which contained an over-sized “bottle” of champagne.
For this special moment Disney’s organizers and designers spared no detail and no expense in making this Dream become a reality, and match the ship’s opulent aura.
A production show featuring dozens of cast members dressed as pirates highlighted the Disney Magic adventurous side, followed by a host of singers, dancers and costumed princesses, which spoke the tale of the ship’s friendship, fantasy and romance.
Finally, the momentous parade of Disney well-known characters arrived in front of the stage and the ship was ready to be baptized in less than traditional maritime fashion. A helicopter swooped down and a rope dangling from it was attached to the giant champagne bottle.
Then following a wave of a magic wand by the godmother award-winning entertainer Jennifer Hudson, and a small burst of pyrotechnics signified the bottle breaking over the bow.
The selection of Jennifer Hudson as the ship’s godmother has special meaning for Disney Cruise Line because her career in 2003 as a singer on the Disney Wonder, was a stepping stone that led to her dream achievements in “American Idol,” and a Grammy Awards.
Disney Dream
Disney Fantasy Birthday March 2
Godmother: Mariah Carey
Christening Date: March 2, 2012
Port: New York City
Maiden voyage: March 31, 2012
Captain: Commodore Tom Forberg
Disney Fantasy triumphantly sailed into New York Harbor passing the Statue of Liberty on the morning of Feb. 26 2012 before docking at Pier 88 in the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. The magnificent ship was open to tours by media and travel agents for a couple of days before the christening ceremony. Thursday night’s event was the culmination of the visit and, in typical fashion, Disney’s creative team somehow managed to top itself yet again.
Multi-talented performer Neil Patrick Harris served as the master of ceremonies during the brilliant entertainment event.
The official christening ceremonies took place in the ship's spacious grand atrium theater. The stunning godmother Mariah Carey made her spectacular entrance accompanied by Mickey Mouse – by walking down the winding stairs. Meanwhile, her husband Nick Cannon, with Minnie Mouse were outside the ship with a huge bottle of champagne waiting for the signal. After Mariah completed a countdown from 10 to zero, Nick and Minnie did the honors outdoors, breaking the bottle on the ship’s hull.
