Disney Dream Begins Journey to Completion During ‘Conveyance’ on River Ems

New Disney ship departs Meyer Werft shipyard for the North Sea, one step closer to its voyage to Florida

PAPENBURG, GERMANY, (Nov. 12, 2010) – The Disney Dream cruise ship departed the Meyer Werft shipyard today on its conveyance down the River Ems, traveling from the ship’s inland birthplace in Papenburg, Germany to the North Sea at the port of Eemshaven, The Netherlands. The journey began with a firework display as the ship passed through the first sea lock exiting the harbor, completing yet another milestone as the ship moves closer to its maiden voyage on Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Caption: Disney Dream begins its journey from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, for the ‘Conveyance’ along the River Ems. Thousands of local residents lined the shore to wave good-bye to the largest ship completed by Meyer Werft shipyard. A unique process for ships built by Meyer Werft, the journey involves moving the ship some 26 miles down the winding River Ems to Eemshaven, The Netherlands

The conveyance process is a unique maneuver for ships built by the Meyer Werft shipyard, the only place in the world where this process occurs. The journey involves moving the ship some 26 miles down the winding River Ems. In some areas, railroad bridges have been dismantled with sections lifted out to allow the ship’s passage.

“With the conveyance of the Disney Dream, we have reached yet another milestone for the third ship in our fleet,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “It won’t be long before our guests finally experience the inspired innovation and extraordinary creative content that makes this ship so magnificent and so unique. From an exhilarating ride on the AquaDuck to dazzling stage shows and exquisite French cuisine at Remy, the incredible offerings on the Disney Dream will delight everyone who steps aboard.”

Caption: The Disney Dream passes through Leer, Germany on its conveyance along the River Ems from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg to Eemshaven, The Netherlands. The journey began with a firework display and performance by soprano Rachael Russell, of Liverpool, England. The conveyance is unique to ships built by the Meyer Werft shipyard and involves moving the ship some 26 miles down the winding River Ems. In some areas, bridges have been dismantled with sections lifted out to allow the ship’s passage, such as this one in Le

Tens of thousands of local residents lined the shore to see the Disney Dream and some of its new and innovative features, like the AquaDuck water coaster, which winds around the ship’s iconic funnels.

“All of us at Meyer Werft and throughout the community of Papenburg are very proud to see this ‘Dream’ ship through its historic conveyance,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft. “As the largest ship this yard has built, our entire community feels a tremendous sense of achievement and a deep connection to this exceptional vessel.”

Caption: SAYING GOODBYE — The Disney Dream embarked on its conveyance down the River Ems, traveling from the ship’s inland birthplace in Papenburg, Germany to the North Sea at the port of Eemshaven, The Netherlands. The journey began with a firework display and performance by soprano Rachael Russell, of Liverpool, England, as the ship passed through the first sea lock exiting the harbor. Following the shipyard’s

Prior to the conveyance, the Disney Dream underwent its float out on Oct. 30. For the last two weeks, testing on the ship’s functional features has taken place in the Meyer Werft harbor, while work on the interior areas continued. As the ship concludes the conveyance, it will move into what is known as the test-and-adjust period, departing Eemshaven for sea trials. After sea trials, the ship will travel to Hamburg, Germany for a short final dry docking. The ship then returns to Bremerhaven, Germany, for the delivery ceremony in which Meyer Werft will officially deliver the Disney Dream to Disney Cruise Line. Here the ship will welcome its remaining crew members before departing for its home in Port Canaveral in Florida.

The Disney Dream is the first of two new Disney ships being built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The Disney Fantasy is also currently in production and is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage on April 7, 2012.