On July 28th, 1998, Disney’s first cruise ship the Magic is christened by Patricia Disney, Roy E. Disney’s Wife. The ship was built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The Disney Magic can hold approximately 2,400 passengers. The ship boasts 10 expansive decks, a total length of 964 feet, a maximum width of 106 feet and an astonishing gross tonnage of 83,000.
Patricia Disney christens the ship by remote control, flicking a switch that sends a 3-foot-tall bottle of champagne crashing into the ship’s hull. Mrs. Disney is also the Godmother for the ship.
The Magic then sets sail with a star-studded manifest that includes Star Wars director George Lucas, San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson and country singer Travis Tritt, on a two-day trip to Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. The ship’s last test run, it will embark on its official maiden voyage two days later.
***Photos are not the property of The Main Street Mouse. They belong to ©1998 Alese & Morton Pechter All Rights Reserved.
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.