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B M & T ••• May/June 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 DISNEY CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES TWO NEW SHIPS The Leader in Family Cruising Will Grow its Award-Winning Fleet With Imaginative Innovations That are Uniquely Fun and Distinctly Disney T he Walt Disney Company announced plans recently to build two additional cruise ships, each of them showcasing the immersive family entertain- ment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service that only Disney can deliver. The company has entered into a memoran- dum of agreement with the Meyer Werft ship- yard in Germany. The schedule calls for the new ships to be completed in 2021 and 2023. "We pride ourselves on the unforgettable vacation experiences we deliver to our guests each and every day, and the expansion of our Disney fleet will allow us to create even more magical memories for families at sea and in incredible cruise destinations around the world," said Robert A. Iger, chairman and The Walt Disney Company. Each new ship will be approximately 135,000 gross tons – slightly larger than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – and each is currently planned to include about 1,250 guest staterooms. While design plans, ship names and itineraries are still in develop- ment, the Walt Disney Imagineering team is already dreaming up exciting new ways to create the world's most magical oceangoing adventures. Since first setting sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has provided a quintessential fam- ily cruise vacation experience that combines the magic of Disney with the thrill of exploring different parts of the world. Guests step aboard majestic and beautiful ocean liners to enjoy leg- endary Disney entertainment, exquisite dining, spacious and well-appointed staterooms and magnificent public spaces. The company also has been an industry leader in innovation and game-changing cre- ativity. With the launch of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in 2011 and 2012, the com- pany introduced several firsts for the industry, including a water coaster at sea (AquaDuck) and virtual portholes in interior staterooms (Magical Portholes) that provide real-time views of the sea as well as sightings of animated Disney characters. Plans for the expansion of Disney Cruise Line come during a period of momentous growth and innovation for Disney properties around the globe. "The expansion of Disney Cruise Line only adds to our excitement for the unprecedented growth taking place across our vacation desti- nations, from new Star Wars experiences com- ing to the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts to the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and the grand opening of our newest park, Shanghai Disney Resort," said Bob Chapek, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. More details about the Disney Cruise Line fleet expansion and onboard offerings will be announced at a later date. community and our incredible travel agent part- ners for their continued support which has enabled Carnival to become the Crescent City's number one cruise operator," he added. Carnival Triumph kicked off its New Orleans-based program with a four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. On this route, four-day "long weekend" cruises depart Thursdays and call at Cozumel while five-day sailings depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Progreso. Carnival Triumph has undergone an exten- sive enhancement program that added a num- ber of innovations, including Guy's Burger Joint, developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri, poolside watering holes BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar, the BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery, cock- tail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, and Cherry On Top, a "candy and more" store. Carnival Triumph also features more than 500 staterooms and suites with private balconies – highly desirable accommodation categories not generally available on other short cruises. For additional information and reservations for Carnival Triumph or any other of the line's "Fun Ships," contact any travel agent, call (800) CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com .