New Adult-Only Experiences Aboard the Disney Wish Revealed

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled new experiences for adults sailing aboard its newest ship, the Disney Wish, in summer 2022.

According to a press release, in addition to a previously announced Star Wars-themed lounge and fine dining experiences inspired by “Beauty and the Beast,” the 2,500-passenger ship will debut a variety of new venues for adults, including the fleet’s first outdoor spa retreat, salon and barbershop experiences, and a collection of bars and lounges.

“With the Disney Wish, we wanted to design an experience that allows our grown-up guests to relax, recharge and reconnect in unique ways that only Disney Cruise Line can create,” said Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “(W)e added more variety and made them more accessible than ever before. This ship has truly been designed with adults’ vacation needs in mind, and I know our guests are going to return home feeling refreshed after their Disney Wish vacation.”

Senses Spa

A new addition to Disney, Senses Spa, will feature a dedicated outdoor relaxation space with whirlpool spas, plush loungers and yoga sessions. This open-air space is a new extension to Disney Cruise Line’s Rainforest experience, which has been reimagined for the Disney Wish. The Rainforest will introduce the fleet’s first ice lounge, allowing guests to combine thermal therapies. It will also include heated ergonomic loungers, sensory spa showers and sauna, steam and dry chambers.

Senses Spa will also feature private treatment rooms and spa villas for couples. In addition to a menu of massage, facial and acupuncture therapies, guests will be able to select from a menu of specialized treatments customized to their needs, such as pain management and sleep improvement.

Adjacent to the spa, the reimagined Senses Fitness will offer exercise and wellness facilities, including the main room with exercise equipment, a dedicated cycle studio and an aerobics room.

Salon and Barbery

The Disney Wish will premiere two brand-new salon experiences — the fleet’s first standalone venues for hairstyling and beauty services — where adults can treat themselves in inviting, social environments that have been uniquely designed with inspiration from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films.

Untangled Salon

At Untangled Salon, adults can let their hair down and have it styled any way they want, Disney said in a press release. Inspired by Disney’s animated princess Rapunzel, this salon will be adorned in shades of purple and gold, decorated with floating lantern light fixtures and outfitted with privacy screens depicting Rapunzel’s own paintings.

In addition to haircuts and styling, Untangled Salon will also offer manicures, pedicures, teeth whitening and skin treatments.

Hook’s Barbery

Hook’s Barbery will be a unique twist on a traditional European men’s salon, offering cuts, shaves, and nail and skincare. Decked out in dark woods, leather chairs and golden mirrors, space will brim with narrative details inspired by another Disney character, Captain Hook: an inlaid wooden map of Never Land, a hidden pocket watch and a hook, among others.

Hook’s Barbery will also feature a hidden bar serving bourbons, vintage whisky and port, aged rum and premium spirits.

Nightlife

The Disney Wish will also offer a collection of relaxed and refined bars and lounges reserved exclusively for adults each evening. For the first time, Disney said, these venues will be spread out among the ship’s other core gathering places for a more flexible experience that will allow adult guests more opportunities to enjoy “me time” throughout their cruise.

Keg & Compass

Keg & Compass is a pub that, according to the press release, celebrates the adventure and romance of the sea, designed in the style of a late 1800s Norwegian sailor’s map room. Drawing inspiration from the rich folklore of Norse seafaring, period-style oil paintings will depict tales of the deep and intricate carvings of tentacles, barnacles, compasses and more.

Spanning the entire ceiling will be an old maritime-style map that features a homage to Disney characters and stories related to the sea. In addition to such characters as Ursula and Moana, the map will call out important locales related to The Walt Disney Company and the design and construction of the Disney Wish.

Guests will be able to watch live sports, news and major broadcast events while sampling a specialized selection of beers, including three custom craft brews available exclusively aboard the Disney Wish, along with an assortment of liquors, wines and cocktails.

Nightingale’s

According to Disney, Nightingale’s is a refined piano bar inspired by Cinderella’s lyrical rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale” in the 1950 film. It offers fine wines, bubblies and hand-crafted cocktails.

Classically modern with a soft metallic palette, the predominant design feature will be a glittering chandelier above the piano. This lounge will be a thematic extension of the fairytale-inspired Grand Hall from which it stems.

The Bayou

The Bayou is an informal New Orleans-inspired lounge themed to “The Princess and the Frog.” Its design includes magnolia blossoms, lily pads and a canopy of twinkling fireflies overhead, as well as a bronze statue of each character and two gazebos inspired by the city’s iconic wrought iron metalwork structures.

This venue will offer cocktails, coffees and beignets in a “lively, social atmosphere complete with live entertainment and musical performances,” Disney said.

More for Adults

The Disney Wish will also feature a new lounge, a trio of premium culinary experiences and a dedicated pool district on the upper decks exclusively for guests ages 18 and older.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge

For the first time on a Disney ship, guests will embark on a tour of the Star Wars galaxy at Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, a bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship. This immersive experience will be reserved for adults every evening, offering interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by the films.

Speciality Dining

For food and drinks, adults will be able to enjoy Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement and The Rose.

• Palo Steakhouse is an evolution of the Palo restaurant familiar to Disney cruisers. It now combines Italian dining with the classic refinement of a modern steakhouse in a setting inspired by Cogsworth, the majordomo-turned-enchanted clock from Beauty and the Beast.

• Enchanté will feature a gourmet menu crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement in a venue inspired by Beauty and the Beast’s candelabra maitre d', Lumiere.

• Inspired by the fateful flower at the heart of the story, The Rose is a lounge at the entrance of Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté, most suitable for a pre-dinner aperitif or after-dinner cocktail.

Quiet Cove Pool District

A Quiet Cove, guests aged 18 and older will find an adults-only area dedicated to lounging, sipping and soaking. The place will offer an infinity pool with panoramic views of the ocean, a whirlpool spa, an open-air bar and a poolside cafe.

Maiden Voyage and Inaugural Season

The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Star Wars and Marvel Return to Disney Cruises in 2019

PHOTO: The “Summon the Force” deck party, part of Star Wars Day at Sea. (photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/Amy Smith)

Sailing with Star Wars and Marvel characters promise to be an unforgettable experience for young cruisers.—Mia Taylor, TravelPulse Senior Writer.

In 2019, epic adventures at sea will return to Disney Cruise Line with special engagements of two popular itineraries.

Spanning two Disney cruise ships sailing across the Caribbean and Bahamas, Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea cruises will bring Disney and fan-favourite fun for families and guests of all ages.

Star Wars Day at Sea

From January to early March 2019, special seven-night Disney Fantasy sailings will transport guests to the Caribbean and a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Day at Sea is an experience unlike any other where guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga with Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers, and others during the special day-long celebration.

The cruise features a full day of Star Wars activities including a deck party spectacular with an extraordinary fireworks display, encounters with the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings and special merchandise.

Star Wars Day at Sea will only be offered on nine Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Departing January 5, 19, February 2,16 and March 2, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing January 12, 26, February 9 and 23, 2019, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.

Marvel Day at Sea

From January to early March 2019, special five-night Disney Magic sailings will take guests to the Caribbean and Bahamas, along with an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe.

Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series, with the excitement of a Disney Cruise to summon everyone’s inner superhero for adventures that lie ahead during this unforgettable day at sea.

Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the select Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports guests to a new realm of possibilities when the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains assemble on a cruise ship.

The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck show spectacular, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.

Marvel Day at Sea will only be offered on 10 Disney Magic Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami, Florida.

Departing January 6 and 20, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes George Town, Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing January 11, 25, February 8, 22 and March 8, 2019, the Bahamian itinerary includes Key West, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay.

Departing February 3, 17 and March 3, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Castaway Cay.

Star Wars makeovers coming to Disney Fantasy cruises

Guests on the Disney Fantasy can be made over into their favourite Star Wars characters at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique during Star Wars Day at Sea sailings.

Kids (and adults, too) can get costumes, makeup and hairstyling in a 30-minute makeover to re-create them as Poe Dameron, Princess Leia, Rey and Kylo Ren, among others.

Children ages 3-12 can sign up for a $99.95 package that includes exclusive Star Wars Day at Sea merchandise, such as a personalized name tag, lanyard with medallion and magnet set. They also receive a cinch bag to take home.

Adults get a Star Wars-themed tee and face painting--along with accessories including a name tag, lanyard, medallion and stateroom magnet, for $54.95.

Star Wars Day at Sea returns to the Disney Fantasy from January to April 2018.

Disney Cruise Line’s Super Plans

PHOTO: Spider-Man, Captain America and Thor posing in front of the Disney Cruise Line logo. (photo courtesy of DIsney Cruise Line)

Several famous superheroes are currently sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic from New York City, but that’s only a fraction of the excitement on its way.

We had the opportunity to ask Ms. Jennifer Haile Tinn, Senior Manager of Marketing Strategy some questions about just what can be expected now and into the near future—including current Caribbean itinerary concerns—for the growing fleet.

TravelPulse: How would you say Marvel Day at Sea will compare to Star Wars Day at Sea? Being on the smaller Disney Magic versus the larger Disney Fantasy, will the scope be any different?

Jennifer Haile Tinn: The scope of Marvel Day at Sea is just as epic as Star Wars Day at Sea. From character experiences to deck show spectaculars, both Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea offer unique and epic experiences for our Guests. Marvel Day at Sea is home to the largest assembly of superheroes ever on a cruise ship with some of the most popular Marvel Super Heroes.

Guests can sign up for guaranteed meet and greets with Spider-Man, Iron Man and, for the first time, Black Panther during the sailing. In addition, guests have the chance for heroic encounters with Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Doctor Strange, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot and the sinister Loki. Even adults can get in on the action with the Guardians of the Galaxy, celebrating a galactic dance party in Ravagers Nightclub.

TP: With the fleet nearly doubling soon, what future itineraries are being considered? Might we see more frequency of departures on the West Coast, Hawaii and Asia, for instance? When can we expect to hear more in regard to the new ships’ onboard features?

JHT: While we are excited to nearly double our fleet by 2023, we aren’t ready to share details about the new ships’ features quite yet. We will be returning to the West Coast in early 2018. The sailings will depart from San Diego with seven Disney Wonder cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riviera—five-night sailings visit Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico and two- and three-night cruises call on Ensenada.

TP: How is Disney Cruise Line reacting to the Caribbean’s recent hurricane damage and port changes? Do you foresee them affecting the new itineraries from January through April at all? (For 2018, Disney will embark on eight Caribbean cruises from Miami during this time.)

JHT: We are continuing to monitor the condition of ports in the Eastern Caribbean and making modifications to our itineraries as needed. Please check our website for the latest updates to our itineraries: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/advisory/.

TP: So, what does it all mean? By the time Disney has seven ships, deployments are likely to greatly expand. Currently, the latest Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sail exclusively from Florida with only the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder heading elsewhere. That’s sure to change.

The brand will probably want to base its three newest sister-ships from Port Canaveral to pair up with Walt Disney World vacations, freeing up the other four to more regularly go elsewhere. The Disney Wonder already seasonally deploys on the West Coast up to Alaska.

However, the line may opt to send the larger Dream or Fantasy up North instead to offer greater capacity with jaunts to Hawaii in between. There’s definitely reason to reach the islands more often with Disney’s Aulani on Oahu, after all.

I then foresee the remaining larger sister-ship going to Europe and the Wonder to Asia, both potentially year-round. With so many Disney theme parks in these other destinations, there are plenty of international fans to cater to.

Remarkably, that still leaves the Magic open to doing additional itineraries. It could easily embark on exotics, becoming a more prominent ocean extension of Adventures by Disney, for instance.

Needless to say, with seven ships versus four, Disney’s options are considerable, and its guests will benefit substantially.

Disney bringing back Star Wars Day at Sea in 2018

Photo Credit: Matt Stroshane/Disney Enterprises

Disney Cruise Line will continue to put on its Star Wars Day at Sea in 2018, holding the event on 15 Disney Fantasy sailings to the Caribbean from January through April.

There will be 15 sailings with the Star Wars Day at Sea this year. Disney introduced the event in last year.

The event features a deck party with a fireworks display, character meet-and-greets, and Star Wars-themed family and youth activities.

Disneys said that Star Wars-themed beverages, snacks, dinner menu items and desserts "please the palates of everyone from Padawans to Rebel pilots to Tusken Raiders."

The western Caribbean cruises depart Port Canaveral on Jan. 6 and 20; Feb. 3 and 17; March 3, 17 and 31; and April 14. The itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, and Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

The eastern Caribbean cruises depart Jan. 13 and 27; Feb. 10 and 24; March 10 and 24; and April 7. The itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.

Norwegian's ship in China to feature many firsts at sea

The top deck of Norwegian Joy will be the home of Serenity Park.

SHANGHAI — David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' China operations, revealed some of the features that will debut on the Norwegian Joy, a ship being built for the Chinese market.

Herrera made the announcement here during a keynote address at Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld China.
Although Joy is a sister ship to the Escape, it will offer several “first-at-sea” features related to activities, hotel, service and gaming.
Some attractions — a formal tea room and an upper-deck Serenity Park — are what one might expect on a ship built for Chinese guests.

Guests can ride hover craft bumper cars at the Galaxy Pavilion.

But other features would seem to fit ships sailing the Caribbean equally well.  The Joy’s highest-profile attraction, literally, will be a two-level race track on the top decks in which 10 guests in electric carts will compete in a 5-6 minute race. (NCL is in discussion with possible partners whose logos would adorn the cars, Herrera said.)
Autos are also front-and-center in a Formula 1 attraction. Race cars have been converted into individual three-screen simulators displaying famous race tracks from around the world.

Deck 16 activities will include Oculus virtual reality technology in several variations, including walking a plank between buildings, hang gliding and a design-your-own roller coaster module.

Oculus technology will be installed on additional new ships going forward, Herrera said.
Motion simulation will be the attraction in a colorful fleet of Star Wars Battle Pods.

The Haven's observation deck will have views "as good as the captain's."

Laser tag, a giant touch screen for young children, hovercraft bumper cars, wider-than-ever waterslides with transparent panels that go over the side of the ship and several karaoke rooms complete the new activities offerings.

On the hotel side, a new level called Concierge will be built above the Haven. It will not be as luxurious as the Haven but will have unique features, including a new suite class with two bedrooms and a simulated balcony.

Both the Haven and Concierge will have observation decks whose views, Herrera said, are “as good as the captain's.”

The ship will feature many more family friendly suites and rooms with connecting doors than on any previous NCL ship, Herrera said. He added that the new room configurations reflect the  Chinese tendency to travel with multiple generations.

Studio cabins for singles, a feature of every NCL ship since the Epic, will not be on the Joy.

A bathroom in a Concierge suite.

The ship will, however, feature the highest crew-to-passenger ratio of any contemporary-class ship, in part because it will carry 250 fewer passengers than the Escape. (Herrera said that additional staff was also hired.) The space occupied by some cabins that had been on the Escape has been given to the casino and shopping areas.

The 29 restaurants onboard will include one for Korean barbecue as well as a Japanese shabu-shabu restaurant. Herrera declined to say how many of the restaurants will be specialty dining requiring a surcharge.

“It’s about bringing best of east and west together,” Herrera said, summing up all the changes.
More details will be announced in the coming months, he added, including the names of luxury store brands.

A Concierge suite bedroom.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ executive vice president for international development, Harry Sommer, said that the Chinese operation has renamed itself from “Norway Cruise Line,” as it was known in China, to three characters which phonetically sound like “Norwegian” but which translate to “promising, exclusive and authentic.”

The characters for the word “Joy” represent “Inner Joy,” Sommer said.

The Norwegian Joy is due to enter service in summer 2017.

Disney Cruise Line's Star Wars sequel will be bigger

Disney add Extra Star Wars Days.

Disney Cruise Line said it will nearly double the number of Star Wars Days at Sea when it expands the event in early 2017.

This year there were eight Star Wars Days scheduled on the Disney Fantasy on eastern Caribbean itineraries. The days feature appearances of Star Wars characters; a deck party and fireworks; Star Wars-themed family and youth activities; at-sea screenings of Star Wars films; and themed food, drink and merchandise. 

Next year, the concept will be expanded to western Caribbean itineraries and there will be 15 Star Wars Days. Departure dates for cruises are: Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; and April 1, 8 and 15.

Disney Dream getting new spaces, including Star Wars play area

When the Disney Dream emerges from a 20-day drydock in late October, the cruise ship will have new spaces, including a Star Wars play area in the Oceaneer Club and a sweet shop.

Star Wars: Millennium Falcon, a play area open to kids ages 3 to 12, is inspired by Han Solo’s spacecraft from the first three Star Wars films.

Upon entering the area, kids can “pilot the spaceship through hyperspace and trigger light-speed jumps to different locations around the galaxy,” Disney said.

Children also can do Star Wars-themed crafts, games and activities; watch episodes from the Disney XD animated series “Star Wars Rebels” on a large screen; and play video games.

The Disney Dream also will feature a shipboard version of the Jedi Training Academy, a popular activity at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Florida.

In the Disney Infinity Toy Box area, the complete set of Disney Infinity character figures will be on display and available for gameplay. Kids visiting the room will be able to unlock Disney Cruise Line content that they can continue to enjoy when playing Disney Infinity at home.

On a life-sized Disney Infinity Base, children take the place of character figures for a group gaming experience. An interactive floor will light up in response to gameplay on a large screen.

On the pool deck, Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats will resemble the whimsical candy land of the Sugar Rush race car game in the film “Wreck-It Ralph.” The sweet shop’s decor will feature nods to the film, including a race track and checkerboard patterned floor, gas pump-style gumball dispensers, Vanellope’s race car and King Candy’s throne.

Vanellope’s will serve gelato and ice cream and an assortment of candy and novelty treats for purchase.

Photo of Paige having her Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Experience.

Also, there will be a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at sea. The salon for kids, located on land in the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney, is known for pixie-dust makeovers.

Adults will have their own splash pool on the Dream, called Satellite Falls. It will have benches and a gently falling rain curtain.

The Dream sails three- and four-day cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship will make its debut with the new spaces on four-day voyage departing Oct. 26.

Disney Dream getting new spaces, including Star Wars play area

When the Disney Dream emerges from a 20-day drydock in late October, the cruise ship will have new spaces, including a Star Wars play area in the Oceaneer Club and a sweet shop.

Star Wars: Millennium Falcon, a play area open to kids ages 3 to 12, is inspired by Han Solo’s spacecraft from the first three Star Wars films.

Upon entering the area, kids can “pilot the spaceship through hyperspace and trigger light-speed jumps to different locations around the galaxy,” Disney said.

Disney Dream's young guests can pretend they're on the Millennium Falcon. Photo Credit: Disney Enterprises

Children also can do Star Wars-themed crafts, games and activities; watch episodes from the Disney XD animated series “Star Wars Rebels” on a large screen; and play video games.

The Disney Dream also will feature a shipboard version of the Jedi Training Academy, a popular activity at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Florida.

In the Disney Infinity Toy Box area, the complete set of Disney Infinity character figures will be on display and available for gameplay. Kids visiting the room will be able to unlock Disney Cruise Line content that they can continue to enjoy when playing Disney Infinity at home.

On a life-sized Disney Infinity Base, children take the place of character figures for a group gaming experience. An interactive floor will light up in response to gameplay on a large screen.

On the pool deck, Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats will resemble the whimsical candy land of the Sugar Rush race car game in the film “Wreck-It Ralph.” The sweet shop’s decor will feature nods to the film, including a race track and checkerboard patterned floor, gas pump-style gumball dispensers, Vanellope’s race car and King Candy’s throne.

Vanellope’s will serve gelato and ice cream and an assortment of candy and novelty treats for purchase.

Also, there will be a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at sea. The salon for kids, located on land in the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney, is known for pixie-dust makeovers.

Adults will have their own splash pool on the Dream, called Satellite Falls. It will have benches and a gently falling rain curtain.

The Dream sails three- and four-day cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship will make its debut with the new spaces on four-day voyage departing Oct. 26.

The Force Is With Disney Cruise Line, Star Wars Is Coming!

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Disney Cruise Line has announced that Star Wars is coming in 2016. The Force is with Disney Cruise Lines!

A new celebration of Star Wars and its iconic characters will come to the cruise line in 2016 but only on one cruise ship and for a limited time. Cruise Hive has long been hoping that some day there would be a Stars Wars feature at sea and now it;s actually going to happen.

The celebration will be held aboard the Disney Fantasy and will be known as a “Star Wars Day At Sea”. The new experience will be held on eight special sailings and will be an all day event. Expect to see all the popular hero’s and villains from the well-known brand that is owned by Disney after being purchased from Lucas Arts.

There will be plenty of fun and entertainment including a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters,Star Wars-themed youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise. The animated series called Star Wars Rebels will also be available for people to watch.

The youth onboard will play a major role as they can become young “Padawans” or “Younglings” and enjoy Jedi Academy training from an elite Jedi Night. Theres will be fun competitions and activities all types of cruisers as the ship will be overrun by Star Wars.

The deck party will have a fireworks display along with competitions and special stage show featuring all the characters. Special effects will light the deck up and make passengers feel like they are apart of the Star Wars Universe.

Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 5, 19; April 2and 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Check out CruiseHive @ http://www.cruisehive.com/