Disney Acquires Unfinished Cruise Ship Global Dream
Disney Cruise Line has announced plans to acquire and complete the unfinished cruise ship previously known as Global Dream. The 208,000-gross-ton ship, which was originally being built by the now bankrupt MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany for insolvent parent company Genting Hong Kong's Dream Cruises, has been sitting incomplete as the shipyard's liquidator sought a buyer. The Walt Disney Company's cruise subsidiary on Thursday confirmed plans to acquire the vessel and have it completed at the former MV Werften yard under the management of the Meyer Group…
New CEO at the Helm of Crystal Cruises
Genting Hong Kong appointed travel industry veteran Tom Wolber as President and CEO of Crystal Cruises, effective September 15. Wolber brings to the role over three decades of experience in general management, operations, newbuild construction and business development. He joins Crystal most recently from the Walt Disney Company where he served in various executive roles for 28 years, 10 of which were with Disney Cruise Line where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations. Wolber helped transform Disney Cruise Line into a global cruise line.
Fugitives Rescued by Disney Cruise Ship in Waters near Cuba
The Disney Fantasy, a cruise ship owned and operated by Disney Cruise Line, part of The Walt Disney Company, rescued three people clinging to a capsized boat near Cuba late last week who turned out to be fugitives. The three were rescued by the Disney cruise liner and turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard, who discovered upon fingerprint analysis that two of the individuals had outstanding arrest warrants in New Orleans, according to U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas Jr. of the Southern District of Florida. "Only 25 miles from their homeland, the three were later turned over to authorities in Florida after the Coast Guard discovered they were wanted fugitives," say local news and media.
Meyer Werft Delivers Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Line took possession of its newest ship – Disney Dream – from the Meyer Werft shipyard in a traditional maritime ceremony aboard the ship in Bremerhaven, Germany. The Meyer Werft flag was lowered, while the Disney Cruise Line flag was raised, transferring ownership from the shipbuilder to Disney. The milestone closes the book on the ship’s construction journey, which began nearly two years ago in Papenburg, Germany, and signals its readiness to welcome guests on its maiden voyage, set for Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Florida.
ISS - Rudolph Appointed VP/COO
Inchcape Shipping Services has appointed Noah Rudolph as Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Government Services, effective 10 November, 2008. A graduate of Princeton University, Rudolph holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School. Rudolph has held several positions in the US Government including service in the United States Marine Corps and the Department of Justice. Rudolph will serve as the Chief Operating Officer for the ISS Government Services business stream.
Disney Taps Meyer Werft for New Ships
The Walt Disney Company is expanding its cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger said. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.
