This week, The Walt Disney World Company has announced the postponement of it’s newest cruise ship, Disney’s Wish. The ship will now be setting sail on July 14, 2022. That’s a 6-week delay from its scheduled maiden voyage, June 9th, 2022.
Earlier in the week, Disney tweeted that new cruise reservations would be paused until the week of February 8, and that its team’s call center would be temporarily closed for “cast training.”
Since reservations result in sales, that was a huge move to make for the company and the Disney internet world quickly took to speculation and frustration over all social forms. The reason for the maiden voyage day delay is not shocking at all; it has to do with Omicron.
Due to the spread of the new variant, production could not keep up with its original schedule. The WDW Company is one of many companies that has had production delays and staffing shortages due to Covid-19 and although it is disappointing, there really was nothing Disney could do to prevent this. Disney contracted the shipbuilding company, Meyer Werft for Disney’s Wish, it was their team that could not make the timelines originally projected.
This news roughly affects forty-five thousand Disney fans and twelve cruises BUT, Disney has sprinkled in their Mickey white glove service to all those affected.
If you had a reservation for THE maiden voyage sail date, Disney has options for you.
- You have the option to go on the new sail date, July 14th and be one of the first guests to experience all the magic. Disney is emailing all maiden voyage passengers that they have automatically been placed on the second maiden voyage date, with no action required of the guest.
- You have the option of a full refund.
- You can re-book for fifty percent off your whole package for sail dates between July 2022 to December 2023- if July 14th does not work for you.
If you are scheduled on any of the other voyages before July 14th, your options are the same.
*reschedule for fifty percent off your cruise package for sail dates between July 2022 to December 2023.
*Receive full refund.
If you choose to rebook for half off of the cruise, you will receive a credit from your first reservation which is non-transferrable.
If you booked the special DVC cruise which was set to sail on June 14th, it has been RESCHEDULED for July 19th. Disney should have reached out to you already if you have booked this cruise. If you have not heard from them- contact Members Services as soon as possible.
Thomas Mazloum, the president of Disney Cruise line emailed guests:
“We know how much our guests are looking forward to sailing on the Disney Wish, and we understand the disappointment and inconvenience this will cause. We treasure the relationship we have with those who sail and make memories with us, and we will work closely with those affected to welcome them aboard in the future,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Cruise Line. “Despite this unavoidable adjustment to our plans, our team at Disney Cruise Line has never been more optimistic about the future and cannot wait to welcome families aboard the magnificent Disney Wish.”
