On June 29, 2022 around 11:40 AM ET, the Disney Wish was christened at her homeport – Port Canaveral, Florida. The Disney Wish, the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, was christened during a celebration filled with musical performances, special guests and characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar stories.
Tony Award-winning entertainer Anika Noni Rose, the Disney Legend known for voicing Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, joined in the fun for a stirring performance of the beloved Disney Parks ballad Wishes.
Disney Cruise Line honored Make-A-Wish children past, present and future in the prestigious role of godchildren for the Disney Wish, redefining the longstanding maritime tradition of appointing a ship “godmother.”
Three Make-A-Wish ambassadors: Colby, 10; Megan, 16; and Jenna, 13 played a historic role reciting a time-honored blessing of the ship, which symbolically bestows good fortune on the vessel and all who sail aboard it.
The christening event culminated with the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle like only Disney can do, with a dash of pixie dust and a symphony of pyrotechnics, special effects, music and fanfare.
“We’re constantly innovating and creating big, bold experiences for our guests that connect them to our stories in amazing new ways,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “With the Disney Wish, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with awesome new entertainment and experiences and combining them with Disney Cruise Line fan-favorite offerings. This new ship is one more symbol of our incredibly bright future, and just the beginning of where we can go.”
“The Disney Wish embodies the incredible magic that only Disney can deliver,” said Bob Chapek, chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “It celebrates nearly 100 years of Disney storytelling excellence, bringing fantastic worlds and beloved characters to life like never before through innovative technology and new approaches. Every element of the Disney Wish reflects our relentless focus on our guests, and everything they love about Disney.”
Below is the full Disney Wish Christening Ceremony as seen from my seat in the audience.
Disney Wish Christening Ceremony Photo Gallery
The Disney Wish will spend the next couple weeks getting ready for her 5-night maiden voyage with some more preview sailings. Then, welcome her first paying guests on July 14th. Following the maiden voyage, the Disney Wish will officially take over the role the Disney Dream offering 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida.
We are home from the Christening Cruise which were were invited guests and will continue to share all that we learned over the last 3-nights onboard the Disney Wish leading up to the Maiden Voyage.
Is there going to be a trip report?
Not for this cruise. I am currently going through and sharing information that I collected. Trip report would basically read as me running around taking tours, attending panels. I will resume trip reports with the Maiden.
How do you get invited to the christening? Just curious, but I’m guessing it’s mostly press and Disney insiders?
I really have no idea how I was invited. It was a mix of folks including travel agents, media, tv, influencers, celebrities, a lot of shoreside cast member support staff.