Disney Wonder renovations

Jason · October 19, 2004

Disney Cruise Line Gives the Disney Wonder a Magical Makeover

Monday October 18, 4:54 pm ET

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Disney Cruise Line completed significant renovations to the Disney Wonder cruise ship, adding three new age-specific venues that appeal to the varied interests of adults and teenagers and refurbishing interior and exterior areas of the ship. The enhancements to the Disney Wonder conclude a series of investments made by Disney Cruise Line to its fleet. Its sister ship, the Disney Magic, underwent similar renovations twelve months ago.

The work took place during a two-week period commonly referred to in the maritime industry as "dry dock." On Oct. 3, 2004, the Disney Wonder set sail for the Norshipco ship yard in Norfolk, Va. with a team of nearly 1,000 crew members and 600 contractors ready to tackle the ship's makeover.

Three areas on the ship underwent substantial renovations, making room for brand new venues that cater to teen and adult passengers -- Aloft, Cove Cafe and Diversions.

"At Disney Cruise Line, we are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "When we asked guests for their feedback, we found that they had great suggestions about how we could further enhance our already-popular age-specific areas, and we took their ideas to heart."

Aloft is a teen haven perfect for relaxing or socializing with newfound friends. With a cozy decor that is a cross between a college dormitory and a trendy coffee shop, the space is loaded with comfy couches and overstuffed chairs. The venue features the latest video games, a collection of magazines, MP3 listening stations, a variety of board games, computers with internet access and a bar that dispenses both soft drinks and smoothies. Aloft hosts a variety of activities, some specifically for younger teens, others for older teens and some designed for the entire group. The Disney Wonder is the first ship in the Disney fleet to feature this new teen area.

Cove Cafe and Diversions are two new areas just for adults. Located next to the Quiet Cove pool is Cove Cafe; inside guests can relax with a popular magazine, watch television, access their email or socialize with other adults. Day or night, guests can enjoy gourmet coffees, specialty drinks and lighter fare cuisine.

Diversions adds a new dimension to the ship's nighttime entertainment district. Themed as a traditional sports pub and filled with flat-screen plasma TVs, guests can join together here to cheer for their favorite sports teams or gather to watch their favorite TV shows. This venue features a diverse range of adult activities, from trivia-based game shows to board games to sing-along karaoke.

During dry dock, the team worked around the clock, replacing the decorative tile, swapping out the elaborate carpeting, refurbishing the ship's signature wood decking and reupholstering the furniture aboard the Disney Wonder. At Norshipco, the 83,000-ton ship was lifted out of the water, giving the team a chance to inspect the underside of the ship, clean the ship's hull and add a fresh coat of paint.

Dry dock is a regulatory requirement by Lloyds Register. All ships must be taken out of the water completely twice every five years to allow for inspection of underwater parts and related engine room systems.

A leader in the family cruise business, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort are also available.

During the summer of 2005, Disney Cruise Line will offer its first-ever seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera departing from the Port of Los Angeles. With a pre- or post-stay at the Disneyland Resort, guests can combine the fun and excitement of the Disneyland Resort with the enchantment of a Disney cruise. The repositioning of the Disney Magic to southern California also includes two 14-night Panama Canal cruises, nicely blending exotic ports of call with leisurely days at sea.