Disney CEO Confident on Cruise; New Ships Could Be Delayed

Posted on 10 May, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

Speaking on the company’s second-quarter earnings call, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek was bullish on the future of Disney Cruise Line but admitted cruises may be among the company’s last businesses to come back online.

“And in terms of the cruise ship business, we agree that that will probably be the last of our travel-oriented businesses to come back online,” Chapek said.

“Interestingly enough long term all of our data and our research shows that our guests will be just as interested in cruising with us long term. Obviously not in the next few months but much more resilient than any of the competitive businesses because of that love for Disney and assurance that they feel, that they trust our business to act in a responsible way to help to the extent possible protect them against some of the woes that have plagued the industry since COVID has hit.”

Disney Cruise Line operates four ships: the Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.

The brand has three more ships on order for introductions in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The company is also anticipating delays to its newbuild schedule, according to an SEC filing.

“The company has credit facilities to finance three new cruise ships, which were to be delivered in 2021, 2022 and 2023 although delays are now expected as a result of the COVID-19 impact on the shipyard,” Disney stated.

Carnival brings back classic name for the new ship: Mardi Gras

Posted on 6 December, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival said its largest ship due in 2020 will be named the Mardi Gras, bringing back the name of the first Carnival Cruise Line ship that entered service in 1972.

The first Mardi Gras, originally the Empress of Canada, burned bunker fuel and had a water displacement of 27,000 tons. The new ship will burn liquefied natural gas (LNG) and displace 180,000 tons.

Carnival revealed the name to a nationwide television audience on the game show Wheel of Fortune on its signature Puzzleboard at the conclusion of the broadcast.

Currently, under construction in Finland, the ship will accommodate 5,200-plus passengers at double occupancy and offer a variety of new amenities and attractions.

Itineraries for Mardi Gras will be announced in January. Carnival fans who want to be the first to book Mardi Gras can register to get a “first to know” alert and promotional offer before itineraries are opened for sale later in the month.

“Our first ship Mardi Gras was a historic vessel, introducing a brand-new style of cruising to the vacationing public. What better way to pay tribute to our company’s nearly 50-year history of creating wonderful vacation memories than by naming this groundbreaking vessel after our original and beloved Fun Ship,” said Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy.

Silversea orders ship to be delivered in 2017

Posted on 2 July, 2015 by Spacejunkie2

Silversea said the new Silver Muse will become its flagship vessel.

Silversea Cruises has ordered a 596-passenger ship from Fincantieri that the luxury line is calling its new flagship vessel.

To be called Silver Muse, the 40,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be delivered in the spring of 2017. It will be Silversea’s largest ship and the ninth in its fleet.

“This ship contributes to our ambitious growth plans that will ensure our continued leadership in ultra-luxury cruising,” Silversea CEO Enzo Visone said in a statement.

Silversea’s most recent new ship is the 540-passenger Silver Spirit, delivered in December 2009. It has acquired several small expedition-style ships since then. Silversea said additional specifications and details of the new ship would be announced in the near future.

Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Crystal Cruises are among the luxury lines with new ships in the works.