Disney Cruise Line – A Classic Tale of One-UpmanSHIP

Can you be at war with yourself? Well, if you are a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, the answer would appear to be ‘Yes.’ As you no doubt know, Disney is divided into many different segments, or businesses. You have the Movie Division. The Theme Parks Division. The Merchandising Division. The Cruise Line Division. And on and on it goes.

But what I find amusing is that, even within a Division, there can be a good-hearted rivalry. At least, that’s how I see things within the Disney Cruise Line.

Here’s what I mean:

The first two Disney ships to launch were the Disney Magic on July 30^th, 1998 and the Disney Wonder on August 15^th, 1999. Both had the same impressive credentials. Those being:

• 2,400 passenger capacity
• 83,000 Gross Register Tons
• 11 Decks
• Maximum cruising speed of 24 kn
• Crew of 945

But Disney didn’t want to make them identical on-board. So each had different restaurants, features, and shows. They sailed to different exotic locations, albeit both ending up eventually at Castaway Cay during each Cruise. Over the years, each ship has received upgrades, and the shows have changed out. Essentially, though, you would have the same magical experience aboard both ships.

But now sails the newest Disney ship, the Disney Dream, launched on January 26^th, 2011. And how does it compare to its earlier siblings? Let’s have a look:

• 4,000 passenger capacity
• 128,000 Gross Register Tons
• 16 Decks
• Maximum cruising speed of 24.7 kn
• Crew of 1,458

Let the One-Upmanship begin! But size and capacity aren’t the only things that have been upgraded on Disney’s newest Ship. Here are a few features that you can’t find anywhere else:

• Animated Artwork
• Virtual Portals for Inside Staterooms
• The AquaDuck Water Coaster
• More extensive Ship Horn repertoire

And I’m sure that those who are sailing on her inaugural Cruises will find many more features which could be added to the above list! The Guest reports are only now pouring in through various websites, blogs, as well as FaceBook and Twitter.

The Disney Fantasy will sail for the first time during March of 2012. And what will Disney’s latest Cruise Ship do to up the ante, as it were? Here is a quote from DCL Public Relations Director, Jason Lasecki, which partially answers that question:

“The Disney Fantasy will offer many of the innovations that the Disney Dream features and brought to the cruise industry for the very first time, including AquaDuck – the world’s first shipboard water coaster. However, the Disney Fantasy will include a few new design elements and guest experiences that will give the ship her own unique identity. (Italics added)”

What will these new design elements and Guest experiences be? Only time will tell.

But one thing is certain to continue as Disney adds ship after ship to its Fleet: There will always be a good-hearted rivalry and battles of One-Upmanship between the ships! This should guarantee that on every Cruise, there will always be something new and exciting to discover and explore.

All aboard!

Lee A. Beatens is a Writer/Artist. His writing side is showcased at the Blog called Disleelandia, and his love for all-things creative is showcased at the Blog called The CANADIAN Kingdom. His improbable third side is showcased here. You can follow him on both FB and Twitter.

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