Cruise Ship Drydock Lloyd Werft Could Close Down

Lloyd Werft may be shutting down at the end the year, according to German news sources.

The shipyard, which is a key cruise ship drydock and has been involved in new buildings over the years, was acquired by Genting in 2015.

With the pandemic having a negative effect on the global cruise industry, the yard’s workforce was informed on Friday that the yard may close at the end of the year due to a significant downturn in business.

Workers were also asked to enter into negotiations to help keep the yard open. German news reports also said that there is a prospective buyer for the yard.

New Disney Wish Set to Debut in Summer 2022

Disneys Tangled Rapunzel painting the stern of the New Disney Wish cruise ship.

Disney Cruise Line has announced the Disney Wish will debut later than expected, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and confirming the ship will enter service in summer 2022.

“Originally planned to sail in early 2022, the Disney Wish is now scheduled for its maiden voyage in summer 2022 due to pandemic-related delays at the Meyer-Werft shipyard in Germany,” the company announced.

“As previously announced, the Disney Wish will be powered by liquified natural gas or LNG, one of the cleanest-burning fuels available. At approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, the ship will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.”

Saga To Get New Ship in October

Spirit of Adventure Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review ...
Spirit of Adventure inside the Meyer Weft Hanger.

Saga has announced it will take delivery of the new 1,000-guest Spirit of Adventure this October, pushed back from July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Group has been working with industry bodies and the Government to establish operational practices that would enable a return of operations in both Tour and Cruise businesses as the current restrictions are lifted,” Saga said, in a statement.  “The Group’s new mid-sized ships are ideally placed to offer ‘safe sailing’ and all these measures will be in place by the end of August.”

The new ships inaugural cruise will now depart from the UK for the Mediterranean in early November.