Disney Cruise Line announced that its newest ship, Disney Wish, has been delayed given issues at Meyer Werft in Germany, which cited the pandemic and the surge of the Omicron variant in Germany. Voyages through mid-July have been canceled.
Here’s a portion of Disney's press statement, which discussed the delay and what’s being done for guests on canceled cruises: “While we are all eagerly awaiting the ship’s debut, today, we must share that our anticipation will, unfortunately, have to extend a bit longer than initially planned. The shipyard has notified Disney Cruise Line that despite their very best efforts, they will need more time to finish the ship due, in part, to the pandemic and particularly the arrival of the Omicron variant in Germany at a critical point in the process.
“As a result, Disney Cruise Line has no other choice than to delay the maiden voyage by a few weeks, which will regrettably affect sailings through mid-July. Disney Cruise Line will be sending an email to guests on these sailings to share this disappointing news and inform them of options available to make vacation memories with their families."
Guests on Canceled Cruises
Disney will automatically shift guests booked on the original maiden voyage to a new sail date of July 14, 2023 at a 50 percent discount. If they’re unable to sail on that date, they’ll have the option of either a 50 percent discount on a future cruise departing by December 31, 2023, with any originally paid funds converted to a future cruise credit (FCC), or a full refund.
For guests on all other affected sailings, Disney will give them either a 50 percent discount on a future cruise departing by December 31, 2023, with any originally paid funds converted to an FCC, or a full refund.
“We have temporarily paused the sale of all Disney Wish sailings while we process these changes,” the statement noted. “As a result, all affected sailings will no longer be visible online or in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
On February 8, Disney Wish sales will resume, and new sailings may be booked online. The Disney Cruise Line contact center will also be available to assist in booking new Disney Wish sailings beginning February 8. During this pause, unaffected Disney Wish itineraries will also not be viewable online.
More From Disney
The Disney Cruise Line statement continued: “While the adjusted timeline is disappointing, what remains unchanged is our dedication to creating all-new enchantment aboard the Disney Wish. The new ship will be a celebration of Disney’s rich legacy of storytelling, bringing to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars adventures like never before.
“Our teams at Disney have never been more optimistic about the future and cannot wait to welcome families aboard the beautiful Disney Wish.”
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