Disney Cruise Line reached a significant milestone in the construction of its next ship, the Disney Treasure, with the keel laying ceremony at Meyer Werft shipyard.
The ship is scheduled to enter service in 2024.
The ceremony, which follows maritime tradition and brings good fortune, was celebrated with the placement of a newly-minted coin under the keel of the ship, according to a statement.
The commemorative coin used in the ceremony featured an etching of Captain Minnie Mouse donning a new look that embodies the ship’s adventure motif. The theme of adventure, inspired by Walt Disney’s love of exploration, will pave the way for captivating onboard experiences that immerse guests in some of the company’s most legendary stories.
MSC Cruises’ first new build is completing 20 years in service in 2023 as the MSC Lirica was delivered to the company on March 24, 2003.
Built-in France by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, the 65,000-ton ship originally debuted in the Mediterranean.
Before kicking off its inaugural program in the region, the Lirica also became the first ship to be christened by Sophia Loren.
Later the godmother of all of the company’s newbuilds, the Italian actress named the vessel during a special ceremony in the Italian port of Naples.
In addition to the Mediterranean, the MSC Lirica also spent its first years in service sailing in the Caribbean – with U.S.-based cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale – and Northern Europe.
The vessel then debuted in South America in 2009 and in the Middle East, becoming the first MSC ship to sail a complete season in 2010.
In 2016, in another first for MSC Cruises, the MSC Lirica was repositioned to Asia for a series of year-round cruises out of China.
Upon returning to Europe in 2018, the 2,160-guest ship resumed its operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and sailed additional seasons in the Middle East.
After being cut in half at a drydock in Italy, the ship received a new 24-meter-long mid-section that allowed the addition of 194 extra cabins, a new lounge, a kid’s water park and more.
In addition to its new features, the MSC Lirica offers a two-deck theatre, a casino, a complete spa, four different restaurants, two swimming pools and more.
P&O Cruises has announced a multi-million-pound investment for its adult-only ships, Arcadia and Aurora.
The changes, which are due to be completed by May 2023, will include new balcony furniture, new chairs in cabins, as well as new furniture in the open deck areas.
On Arcadia, the Neptune Pool will also see changes with new lounge chairs, sofas, tables and armchairs.
A wider refit for Arcadia will take place in November 2024, while Aurora’s is scheduled for April 2025.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Arcadia and Aurora are two of our most beloved ships in the fleet, offering guests a more intimate experience in stylish surroundings.
“After a busy season hosting guests on longer duration itineraries and world cruises, we will be making sure that both ships look their absolute finest ahead of the summer season.”
P&O Cruises recently named its latest ship Arvia during a beachside ceremony in Barbados.
The event – hosted by broadcasters and DJs Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson – featured performances from Olly Murs and the ship’s godmother Nicole Scherzinger.
The 5,200-passenger Arviais the line’s second Excel-class ship, following on from Iona.
It is P&O’s second vessel to be powered by liquefied natural gas and has an optimised hull design to minimise drag and the “latest energy-efficient technology”, according to P&O Cruises.
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