Building a Disney Dream

The newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream is set to sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on its highly anticipated maiden voyage on January 26, 2011.  This state of the art cruise ship is thought to take family cruising to new heights with many first-of-its-kind features including an above the deck and over the edge water coaster and virtual portholes.

From the first steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Pappenburg, Germany all eyes and Ears have been on the construction of this massive ship.  The initial cutting is actually part of the elaborate scroll work that will appear on the bow of the ship.

According to shipbuilding tradition, as the first block of the ship is lowered  into the building dock, a coin is placed under the keel for good luck.  The coin was placed by Captain Tom Forberg, Master of the Disney Dream, and one of Disney favorite sailors, Donald Duck.

The positioning of the unpainted flume marks one of the final stages in construction.  Once the flume is lowered into place it will be painted the iconic Disney Cruise Line red and black.

The final 80th block, the 290 ton bow, is added to the ship marking the end of exterior construction.   To gauge the enormity of the ship, look at the gentleman standing on the walkway, a mere speck!

Interior work and design will now begin on this gigantic vessel, including the interior cabins with an industry first virtual portholes.  Transmitting live feed from cameras placed on the deck of the ship, even these interior rooms will have a view of the ocean with an occasional visit from a Disney friend.

Photo Selections: Disney Cruise News