End of an era as Disney Dream cruise ship departs Port Canaveral – Orlando Sentinel

The vanguard of Disney Cruise Line’s latest new era moves forward as Disney Dream, which debuted in Port Canaveral in 2011, left the only port it’s ever called home to make way for the first ship of a new era.

With the new Trident Disney Wish-class ship arriving later this month, Dream left Port Canaveral for the last time on Monday, at least for now.

“The Disney Dream has always called Port Canaveral home,” said Port Canaveral CEO Captain John Murray. “He’s heading to Miami and next year he’s going to Europe. So that ship probably won’t be back for a while. It’s been a long stay since she gave birth about 10 years ago.

Dream’s christening ceremony was held on January 19, 2011 amid fireworks and a performance by ship’s sponsor, singer and actress Jennifer Hudson, who began her performing career on a ship of the Disney Cruise Line.

The third ship in the DCL fleet, Dream was a huge step up from the original ships in the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder line.

The first of two ships in her class, Disney Dream was billed as a 4,000 passenger ship, reaching 130,000 gross tons and 1,115 feet in length with 1,250 cabins. The smaller Magic and Wonder come in at 84,000 gross tons and 984 feet long with 875 cabins.

The Disney Wish is a bit larger than Dream and her sister ship Disney Fantasy, reaching 144,000 gross tons, 1,119 feet and 1,254 cabins.

Dream, however, brought a new level of Disney’s signature adventurous touch with the introduction of the 765-foot-long AquaDuck, the famous water coaster that allows passengers to take a speedy, slippery boat ride through a transparent tube all around the upper deck.

It also introduced the gourmet restaurant Remy, one of the most expensive sailing options among major cruise lines. Scott Hunnell, then Executive Chef of Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa collaborated on the menu. And her adults-only Pink Lounge was a real effort to welcome parents on board.

Fantasy followed a year later and will remain in Port Canaveral continuing to sail primarily on seven-night Caribbean itineraries.

It’s seen a few changes over the year, including the arrival of a “Beauty and the Beast” stage show in 2017 spoofing “Villains Tonight!” It was also the first ship to get a dedicated Star Wars-themed area after a 2016 drydock overhaul included the Millennium Falcon play space in the Oceaneer Club.

Disney Dream had flown three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, including stops at the private island Castaway Cay. Those tasks will fall to Disney Wish, which will begin service with customers on July 14.

Meanwhile, Dream will be relocating to Miami through next summer, sailing on three-, four-, and five-night voyages. He will then travel to Europe for the first time, a task that has been left to Disney Magic.