Posts Tagged ‘Virtual Porthole’

During a recent luncheon hosted by Disney executives, one of them made a fascinating comment.  The discussion at the time was about the differences between the Disney Cruise Line and other cruise ship companies.  As we chatted about the current efforts of some to ramp up their shows and add character interactions to their onboard experience, he pointed out one factor that sets Disney apart from all the others:  they are cruise companies trying to move into the business of entertainment; Disney is an entertainment company which has moved into the cruise business.

This was underlined in a statement made by Bernard Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft, the shipbuilder for the new Disney Dream.  He said that Disney approached nearly every space onboard as a venue for entertainment; an opportunity to tell a story.

We have come to expect all manner of storytelling from a Disney cruise – spectacular shows; wonderful character appearances; first-run movies shown both in elegant cinemas and on deck via the magic of Ariel Vision; dining rooms and public areas that weave a tale.  The décor; the color choices; the hardware; the furnishings and accessories; each element is chosen to draw us into a subtle narrative.

On Disney Dream, and its sister ship Disney Fantasy which will set sail in 2012, the storyline is broadened to include such things as Enchanted Art, interactive framed animation; Virtual Portholes that allow those choosing interior accommodations to reconnect with the ocean; video-screen walls that transport guests to other places; even special food and beverage items.

In the Disney Cruise Line Brochures for 2011 and 2012, there are dozens of voyages to choose from, including 3-, 4-, and 5-night Bahamian itineraries; 7-night Caribbean sailings; and magical trips to Mexico, Panama, Alaska, and the Mediterranean.

Entertainment – it’s one the great strengths of a Disney Cruise experience; one that draws guests back again and again and sends them home with their own stories to tell!

If it’s true that dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s questions, then Disney Dream is certainly providing answers for future travelers with innovative elements throughout the ship.

One of the most exciting is the new AquaDuck, a water coaster offering guests a unique onboard experience. Riders glide through a transparent tube as it winds around the ship’s upper decks, over the side, even right through one of the funnels, twisting and turning, accelerating up hills and dropping down, before ending in a lazy river. It’s a thrilling ride for kids of all ages who are at least 48” tall!

Every stateroom will feel like an “outside” cabin thanks to the Virtual Portholes which offer live exterior views and special surprises.

In the Children’s Clubs, kids have the opportunity to chat with Crush and Stitch thanks to the technology, borrowed from EPCOT’s Turtle Talk with Crush, that brings them to life on the screen.

Passengers who stop to admire an example of Enchanted Art will be amazed when it comes magically to life, often in different ways for different guests.

Reservations open on November 9, 2009.  Contact Whimsical World Travel for more information and to book your dream cruise!

All images – Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

Admiral Donald commands the magnificent atrium lobby of the new Disney Dream, set to sail on January 26, 2011.  This third ship in the Disney fleet will accommodate 4,000 guests in its 1250 staterooms.  Disney has just released exciting details of this brand new ship, which we’ll be sharing over the next few days!

Several new categories of stateroom will debut on the Disney Dream.  Interior staterooms will feature an amazing Virtual Porthole which connects to an onboard camera for high-definition, real-time outside views and possible surprise visits from certain VIC’s (very important characters).

In response to the needs of guests, there will be 500 connecting doors on the ship, bringing together larger families and groups in adjoining staterooms.  The concierge level which previously included only a handful of one- and two-bedroom suites will see the addition of 20 family ocean-view suites with verandah and a total of 19 one-bedroom suites.  The two Royal Suites will have spectacular panoramic verandahs.

Bookings open on November 9, 2009 to the general public.  Passengers who have completed at least five previous Disney Cruise Line voyages, Gold and Platinum Castaway Club members, will be able to make their reservations beginning November 2, 2009.  Only one stateroom will be available to each member.

Special booking terms will apply to the maiden voyage:

• $400 deposit per person
• Deposit must be paid by 11:59 p.m. on the day of booking
• Deposit is non-refundable
• Final payment is due 105 days prior to sailing

All images – Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art