Latest news with #MeyerWerft
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Behind the scenes at the float-out of Disney's latest $900 million cruise ship
There's magic in the air as a festival atmosphere builds on a sunny Saturday morning in Papenburg, Germany, but the headline act isn't a musician or a major celebrity – people have come for the first glimpse of Disney's latest cruise ship. Hundreds of people have gathered in the car park of the Meyer Werft shipyard for the float-out of Disney Destiny. A float-out is important for the development of a cruise ship as it is the first time that a ship leaves dry dock and touches water, marking the start of the sea trials process before it is ready to welcome passengers. The milestone is usually attended by shipyard workers, cruise brand staff and local dignitaries for other lines, but there is an extra element of magic when it comes to Disney. The event is a big deal for the locals of the small town of Papenburg and for Disney superfans. Campervans have filled the car park since Thursday and vehicles line up on the carriageway alongside bikers with Nemo helmets as fans from across the world flocked to get a prime spot for their first glimpse of the ship. Around 2,000 people have worked on Disney Cruise Line's seventh ship and third in the Wish class under the cover of Hall 6 at the Meyer Werft shipyard since 2023. It cost $900 million (£670 million) to build. Similar to Disney Treasure, the LNG-powered ship is 144,000 tons, has 1,254 cabins and will welcome 4,000 guests when it first starts sailing from Miami in November 2025. Similar to other ships in the fleet, Disney Destiny has its own concept and this one is perfect for Marvel fans as the theme is heroes and villains. Fans got a first look at the design as the ship emerged on Saturday with a giant 17ft long Spider-Man compete with Spider Bots on the stern as the ship was pulled out to the backing of its own 'This is your Destiny' soundtrack. In true Disney style, there were of course fireworks and superhero Minnie Mouse, who features on the bow of ship, turned up to meet onlookers. As well as being tested on the water, the float-out was a chance for the ship to test its iconic horn which blasts the tune of 'When You Wish Upon A Star,' to the delight and cheers of the crowd. Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, described the event as 'a moment years in the making'. The ship will now be tested on the water over the coming weeks and work is continuing to put the finishing touches together to the interiors that will bring the heroes and villains theme to life. On an exclusive behind the scenes tour, I saw the Wakanda-themed armour motifs that fill the Grand Hall and the spot where a Black Panther statue will greet guests as they first walk in. The Sanctum Lounge, a new Doctor Strange -themed bar on the ship, is almost ready, with its own Window of the Worlds that fans will love and space for a Cloak of Levitation and spell books from the library of Kamar-Taj. In the Pirates of the Caribbean -themed Cask & Cannon pub, a map of the high seas fills the ceiling complete with tall ships, and super fans will even spot Disney's private island Castaway Cay. Villains are well catered for in De Vil's, a stylish lounge that features ink spots on the ceiling and a black and white-spotted piano dedicated to Cruella De Vil. It will be clear who's side of the ship you are on, with green staircase walls depicting villains and blue for heroes. One hero taking centre stage is Hercules in the ship's Walt Disney Theatre, where rehearsals are underway and props such as Roman Pillars fill the stage in a show that promises to thrill guests. Disney Destiny will also feature a new Lion King immersive dining experience at the spacious aft of the ship that is set to feel like an African savannah. Once its sea trials are complete, the ship will head to the US for its maiden voyage from Port Everglades, Florida, that departs on 20 November 2025. There is no time to rest for staff at Meyer Werft as work has already begun on the next Disney cruise ship as part of plans to increase the fleet to 13 by 2031. A steel cutting ceremony, which marks the start of the construction process, was held on Friday for the next so-far unnamed ship ahead of its launch in 2027. Start reserving your car park space now.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The story of the P&O flagship that will forever be part of Southampton's history
It's been thirty years since a magnificent new vessel, with a name steeped in P&O history, first graced the waters of Southampton. The cruise ship MV Oriana was not just another addition to the fleet, she was a symbol of P&O's ambitious future and a new standard for British cruising. As she now sails under a new, less familiar name, we look back at the time when her arrival caused a patriotic stir and a city's heart to swell with pride. On a crisp spring morning, April 3, 1995, a sense of anticipation hung in the air along Southampton's shores. Crowds of well-wishers gathered, binoculars in hand, for their first sight of the gleaming white hull of Oriana as she made her grand entrance. The new P&O liner, a true superliner of her day, was a sight to behold. Yet, for some, her origin was a point of nationalistic debate. P&O had initially hoped to have this flagship built on home soil. Read more: Forgotten name of Lordshill: The place in Southampton that was once Soapsuds Alley Forgotten pub was the heart and soul of a community Strike bought Southampton to a standstill and forced people to sail on Titanic However, Britain's shipbuilding industry, once a global leader, no longer possessed the capacity for such a monumental project. The contract was awarded to Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, making Oriana the largest passenger ship constructed in Germany in eighty years. This fact was a bittersweet pill for many, who felt a pang of sadness that such an iconic British vessel wasn't "built in old Blighty." Michael Cummins of Bitterne, a resident whose words were captured by the Daily Echo at the time, lamented, "It's so sad to think she's not British." Despite this initial hesitation, the sheer beauty and scale of Oriana quickly won over the public. Cummins himself admitted, "The exterior is pretty much as I expected. It makes me really proud to live in Southampton," acknowledging that Oriana was the undeniable flagship of the P&O fleet, sailing alongside the much-loved Canberra and Victoria. The city's pride was fully validated just three days later, on April 6, 1995, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arrived to officially name the vessel. The royal train, its high-pitched toot announcing the Queen's arrival at the eastern docks, was a moment of pomp and ceremony. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen was met with a red carpet and tight security, as the choir of Westminster Abbey serenaded the royal party. In her address, before ceremonially smashing a magnum of champagne against the ship's bow, the Queen offered a definitive statement on the ship's identity. "Though built in Germany, she is very much a British ship," she declared. "British owned, British registered and flying the Red Ensign. She has been largely fitted out by British craftsmanship and is almost entirely crewed by British and Commonwealth seafarers." Read more: The Southampton church which claims to be the oldest in the world When Elton John came to Broadlands for a truly unforgettable concert The self-made titan who built the foundations of Southampton Her words beautifully captured the spirit of the time, reminding the nation that its maritime heritage was a living, breathing force. "She is a reminder that, for all the changes of the modern world, we have never lost touch with our maritime heritage," the Queen concluded, adding her confidence that the new Oriana would "make her own history in the 21st century." Before the official naming, a lucky 1,600 P&O employees and their families were treated to a special two-day cruise to nowhere. This was more than just a celebratory jaunt - it was a crucial practice run to ensure every system on board was flawless. With complimentary food and entertainment, the passengers, including the Miller family from Hedge End, revelled in the experience. Ken Miller, P&O's then-Southampton-based assistant fleet safety manager, was captivated. "She is the most beautiful ship I've ever seen," he said, offering a heartfelt comparison to the modern cruise ships of the time. "Unlike other liners, she looks like a real ship and not a floating Hilton." Throughout her career with P&O, Oriana would become a cherished part of the fleet. Her itineraries were as diverse as the British public she served, from annual world cruises to voyages across the Mediterranean, the Canaries, Madeira, and the Baltic. In 2006, she underwent a re-registration to Bermuda, a legal change that allowed for couples to be wed on board, adding a new chapter to her story. Her role evolved further in 2011 when, during a major refit, she became an adults-only ship, with children's play areas converted into additional cabins. However, her long career was not without its challenges. The vessel faced a number of norovirus outbreaks between 2011 and 2014, with a particularly significant incident on a 2012 Baltic cruise affecting more than 400 passengers. Read more: Saints crushed Brighton 6-1 - can we see a repeat? The two names of locally-adored Southampton department store The rise and fall of Southampton's world-famous carpet factory In August 2019, after 24 years of service, P&O Cruises sold Oriana to a newly-formed Chinese cruise line, Astro Ocean. Her final departure from Southampton marked the end of an era. She was subsequently renamed Piano Land and, after a refit in China, she was planned to begin a new life for her new owners. While the Oriana is now a memory for P&O, she lives on through the modern fleet she helped inspire. Her departure paved the way for a new generation of ships. In 2020, P&O introduced the magnificent Iona, an 184,000-ton liner that, upon her launch, became the largest ship ever built for the British market. Iona was followed by her sister ship, Arvia, in 2022, further solidifying P&O's commitment to British cruising. These new vessels, with their advanced technology and amenities, represent the next chapter, but the spirit of the beloved Oriana—the ship that captured the hearts of a nation thirty years ago—will forever be part of Southampton's maritime history.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Truly pioneering Southampton cruise ship celebrates 10th anniversary
It's hard to believe it's been a decade since Anthem of the Seas first graced the waters, a true titan of the seas that quickly became synonymous with groundbreaking innovation and unforgettable voyages. Calling Southampton her cherished home, this second jewel of Royal Caribbean International's esteemed Quantum Class has continually pushed the boundaries of what a cruise experience can be. Codenamed "Project Sunshine," Royal Caribbean's ambitious vision for a new class of ships started to take shape in February 2011 with an order placed with Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The excitement with the subsequent order for a second ship, and finally, in January 2013, the world learned the official names: Quantum of the Seas and her sister, Anthem of the Seas. The keel of Anthem was laid on a crisp November day in 2013, marking the physical commencement of what would become a truly extraordinary vessel. A momentous day arrived on April 10, 2015, when Anthem of the Seas was officially delivered to Royal Caribbean. Just five days later, she sailed into her first homeport of Southampton, ready to embark on her maiden European summer season. The city embraced her with open arms, and it was in Southampton that a truly unique christening ceremony unfolded on April 20, 2015. Read more: Photos show night club that later became a strip club and then Junk Robbers threatened to set pub landlord and wife alight in terrifying ordeal Forgotten Southampton star who shunned the club in search of fame Breaking from tradition, Royal Caribbean sought a godmother who embodied grace, beauty, social consciousness, and an adventurous spirit, ultimately selecting Emma Wilby, a British travel agent and military wife known for her singing prowess in the Military Wives Choir. The christening itself was a spectacle befitting a ship of Anthem's stature. Held in the vessel's Royal Theatre before 1,300 distinguished guests, the ceremony was a vibrant tapestry of tradition and modern flair. It began with a captivating procession, followed by stirring performances from the Reading Scottish Pipe Band and the enchanting Welsh boys' choir, Only Boys Aloud. The highlight, however, was Emma Wilby's powerful rendition of Katy Perry's "Firework," culminating in her pressing a button that sent a bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne soaring down a zipline from the ship's iconic North Star gondola, smashing against a wall bearing the ship's name. From her very inception, Anthem of the Seas was designed to be a pioneer. Boasting 16 passenger-accessible decks and an impressive 2090 passenger cabins, her facilities were, and still are, revolutionary. Her towering rock-climbing wall offered panoramic views, while the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator provided an exhilarating taste of flight. Read more: "Marry Her": Judge's verdict for labourer who reported himself over teen love Rare video shows large Southampton family - and it's MASSIVE! Huge crowds descended on Southampton park for major youth festival One of its most iconic features is the "North Star," a jewel-shaped glass capsule that rises over 300 feet above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views, which have provided unique perspectives of Southampton and the Solent many times. She also boasts a bar where robots mix cocktails. Passengers order their drinks via tablets, selecting from a menu of classic cocktails or getting creative with their own designs or concoctions from a wide selection of spirits and mixers. Robotic arms get to work. They can select ingredients from the inverted bottles above them, muddle, stir, shake, and strain drinks with impressive precision. Beyond these adrenaline-pumping attractions, Anthem offers an array of swimming pools, a tranquil solarium, a state-of-the-art Spa and Fitness Centre, a grand theatre for world-class entertainment, and a casino. Over her ten years of service, Anthem of the Seas has navigated both serene waters and challenging conditions. While the vast majority of her voyages have been seamless, she has encountered a few notable incidents that have only highlighted the robust design and safety protocols in place. In February 2016, she faced extreme wind and sea conditions off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Despite the severity of the storm, which caused damage and minor injuries, the ship and crew admirably managed the situation, prioritising passenger safety. Read more: Life 100 years ago on the outskirts of Southampton - it was TOTALLY different! The 'death' of Southampton: When the city was in deep decline Why this Southampton pub had TV cameras rolling and thousands in queue Similarly, in September 2016, she encountered stormy weather from Hurricane Hermine, again showcasing her ability to weather nature's challenges. More recently, in February 2020, Anthem of the Seas was part of a global conversation when a coronavirus-related quarantine was implemented as a precautionary measure. Swift action by Royal Caribbean, in collaboration with health authorities, ensured the safety and well-being of all onboard. The situation was quickly resolved, with guests testing negative and the ship cleared to sail. As Anthem of the Seas celebrates her tenth anniversary, her legacy as a trailblazer is firmly cemented. She continues to be a beloved home away from home for countless travellers, embarking on incredible journeys from Southampton among other places.
Telegraph
23-04-2025
- Telegraph
The future of retirement homes could be at sea
No one can accuse German shipbuilders Meyer Werft of a lack of vision. They are, in fact, currently looking far into the future. In 75 years, they tell us, the US will have the same number of over-80s as they do over-65s today. By 2100, then, there could just be a very interesting gap in the market. Instead of a conventional retirement home, octogenarians who still possess a spring in their step might opt instead for the Serenity, a ship designed just for them. 75 years, I hear you say – shall we put the baby's name down now? Fear not, the demographics are, of course, already changing and it may not be such a wait. In fact, if all goes according to plan, the Serenity could be afloat in 10 to 15 years. Meyer Werft presented their concept at the Seatrade Cruise Global trade fair: a ship that is climate neutral (courtesy of fuel cells, batteries, solar energy and a focus on low-speed itineraries) with dimensions of some 804ft (245m) top to tail and 148ft (45m) wide. For most cruise ships, this would indicate between 2,000 and 4,000 passengers (or even more) depending on the number of decks and the level of luxury. Living on a ship – as perpetual cruises like Villa Vie Odyssey have recently shown – is very different from a week-long cruise. You would surely need a bigger space of your own if you're to stave off inevitable cabin fever. Presumably then, the number of passengers, or in this case residents, would be lower. Having said that, the company doesn't see you spending too much time in your cabin. This is not, the shipbuilders say, a floating nursing home but 'a place at sea for dynamic and active people aged 80 and over, for whom travelling is part of life in old age'. And why not? Loneliness is currently regarded as one of the worst epidemics among the elderly, so how about an active, healthy lifestyle with plenty of social interaction and stimuli? You may not want to go scuba diving or water skiing in your 80s but, there again, you might want to do something other than sit in a corner and knit: Tai Chi, yoga or Pilates in a sunny studio, perhaps, or taking in lungfuls of ozone on a daily mile-long walk around the deck; how about a golf simulator, tennis, putting and – most obvious of all – swimming in a heated pool, maybe with a retractable roof so it's suitable for all climates. Deck games (shuffleboard, anyone?) are good for social interaction but I'd imagine, too, there'd be plenty of people wanting to sign up to arts and crafts, book clubs, bridge, quizzes, dancing, maybe a choir. For quieter moments, there could be a generous library and there are few more tranquil, meditative experiences than simply gazing out to sea. Of course, there are practical considerations, too – medical matters, for a start. The average GP in the UK has over 2,000 patients on their books. I would imagine the Serenity is going to offer something rather better than that (imagine having one doctor for every 10 people onboard – what luxury!), and they have also promised to fulfil other 'assisted living' requirements. But they could take the concept of health care on to a much more dynamic level. Their restaurants – they'll have to offer several for the sake of variety – could have menus pegged to individual health concerns (low cholesterol, heart health, diabetes control) but how about longevity diets featuring Mediterranean cuisine or a Japanese restaurant with the best of clean eating? The spa, meanwhile, could offer not just muscle-easing massages but the latest rejuvenation treatments. All this and you haven't even arrived in port. Being on the move all the time means continually discovering new places and there could be excursions to everything from a top Broadway show to a tour of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, from whale watching off the coast of New Zealand to seeing the Northern Lights in the far north of Norway. No lack of stimuli then. With everything still so hypothetical, there's no suggestion yet of what Serenity's itinerary might be – but hopefully she will be avoiding heavy seas (when it gets really rough, I have seen broken bones on board – even among the under-80s). Whatever her itinerary, she will, though, be constantly – if sedately – on the move to bucket list destinations. Could this be the ideal octogenarian lifestyle? Will Serenity's designers have this kind of vision? No one can say for certain – but one thing is sure: given the choice between staying home and watching daytime television, or shopping in the souk in Muscat, eating sushi in Okinawa or watching (and, OK, this one admittedly has odds that are a bit of a stretch) England reclaim the Ashes in Perth – I know which most of us would choose.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New German cruise ship headed downriver for North Sea
A new German-built cruise ship set off on its journey from a riverside shipyard to the North Sea on Sunday, with numerous people watching as it left the harbour. The "Asuka III" departed the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, near the north-western German border to the Netherlands. The approximately 40-kilometre journey over the River Ems to the Dutch port of Eemshaven began early on Sunday morning. Despite the early hour and heavy fog, many spectators gathered in the Papenburg harbour and along the riverbanks to watch the ship leave, according to a dpa photographer. The ship was towed backwards along the narrow Ems by tugs, a method that has proven effective for transfers to the sea. The "Asuka III" is the first ship Meyer Werft has built for the Japanese shipping company NYK Cruises. The vessel, which is 230 metres long and nearly 30 metres wide, has a spa area with a Japanese open-air bath and can accommodate around 740 passengers - a far smaller number than the ships built by US companies. To move the ship, the Ems flood barrier has been closed to dam the river and raise the water level, a move criticized by environmentalists who complain about the ensuing damage to nature. The ship is due to arrive in Eemshaven by Tuesday morning. After technical tests, it will proceed to the German port of Emden, where it will be handed over to the shipping company. Meyer Werft has recently faced financial difficulties due to the global tourism slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, despite having a full order book. Last year, the German government and the state of Lower Saxony each acquired a 40% stake in the company.
