Mariah launches new Disney ship Fantasy in New York
Mariah Carey helped christen the new Disney cruise ship Fantasy at a star-studded ceremony in New York last night and promised to bring back her twins to experience some Disney magic. The singer - who had a hit with a song of the same name as the ship in 1995 - joined a host of stars including Jerry Seinfeld, Neil Patrick Harris and, of course, Mickey Mouse for the launch at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
Carey, who brought her husband Nick Carey to the event with her, launched the vessel, declaring: "I christen thee Disney Fantasy. May God bless this ship and all who sail on it." The ceremony was held inside the ship's atrium with a larger-than-life bottle of Champagne that sprayed the room with shiny confetti while Cannon stood on deck with a real bottle in the company of Minnie Mouse. Disney's CEO Bob Iger and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs were also present.
"The Disney Fantasy is a spectacular addition to our fleet and builds on the creativity, innovation and artistry that are hallmarks of the Disney Cruise Line," said Iger. "Like her sister ship, the Dream, the Fantasy will connect guests to iconic Disney characters and storytelling, creating unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation experiences for the entire family."
Earlier, Carey received a cheer from the crowd as she sang the line "I'm a native New Yorker," adding, "I'm going to love bringing my new babies here." Her twins were born less than a year ago.
The 4,000-passenger, 14-deck ship arrived in New York on Tuesday after travelling nearly 3,800 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from Bremerhaven, Germany. The ship, which was built in Papenburg, will sail on seven-night Caribbean cruises starting on March 31 from Port Canaveral, Florida.
It is the fourth to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet, and with its distinctive mouse ears logo, is nearly identical to the Disney Dream, which launched a year ago. Both ships offer a water coaster ride called AquaDuck that consists of a flume wrapped around the vessel, virtual portholes that stream footage from exterior video cameras to inside staterooms, and pictures in hallways that become animated as guests walk by. There are also pools, water play areas, gigantic screens, sports and a theatre. The ship caters for everyone from young children to adults with age-specific areas.
The Fantasy pays homage to the Disney stories and passengers can eat in a French restaurant inspired by the movie "Ratatouille" or visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, named for the song from "Cinderella", where little girls can get princess makeovers. The ship's Europa area offers five adult nightspots themed on different European countries, including a Champagne bar, Ooh La La, and an Irish pub, O'Gills.
The launch of Fantasy is the first of a number of new developments. The first phase of an expanded Fantasyland opens at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park near Orlando this spring. Cars Land, based on the Disney-Pixar movie "Cars", opens at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, this summer. (Mail Online)
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