NEW YORK -- Underneath a giant champagne bottle formed by hundreds of drones buzzing over the Hudson River here, the Disney Treasure was officially christened Tuesday night.
The ship was feted at Chelsea Piers as it sat just offshore.
A Polynesian outrigger canoe, a nod to the film “Moana,” formed by drones above the Disney Treasure. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
"For more than 100 years, Disney stories have filled the world with joy and wonder, capturing the hearts and imaginations of generations across every continent," said Disney CEO Bob Iger shortly before the ship's christening. "And since the launch of the Disney Cruise Line in 1998, our ships have become brand ambassadors that bring our world-class storytelling and the immersive nature of our theme parks to new audiences, in new places, all over the world."
Iger highlighted some of the Treasure's features, including new experiences inspired by the theme park attraction the Haunted Mansion, the Pixar film "Coco," Marvel's Avengers, the animated film "Moana" and more.
Indeed, he said, the ship was designed to be "a shining example of everything our fans love about Disney."
The ship's godmothers and godfathers are the company's more than 200,000 employees around the world.
"This is our way of paying tribute to the dreamers and doers who continue to tell our stories in the most compelling and innovative ways," Iger said.
Disney CEO Bob Iger (left) and Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro at the Disney Treasure’s christening. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, thanked the Disney Cruise Line team and the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, which built the ship. He also thanked the ship's crew members.
"This is an unprecedented era of growth for Disney Experiences, including Disney Cruise Line, where we are more than doubling our fleet to 13 ships by 2031," D'Amaro said. "With the Disney Treasure, we continue to deliver an unparalleled family vacation at sea through the magic of Disney storytelling. The memories that our guests create onboard this stunning ship, they will last a lifetime."
Drone show creates Disney icons
After a musical performance by Jordin Sparks, a drone show was held directly over the Disney Treasure. Hundreds of drones formed figures and icons that nodded to the experiences onboard the ship, like Madame Leota from the Haunted Mansion, a guitar and music notes as "Remember Me" from "Coco" played and the Polynesian outrigger canoes from "Moana."
In a penultimate scene, a Champagne bottle formed above the ship. Its cork "popped" before the stylized name of the ship appeared.
A Champagne bottle made of drones forms above the Disney Treasure. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
To close the ceremony, the ship's horn played "When You Wish Upon a Star," "A Whole New World" from "Aladdin," and, in homage to the setting, "New York, New York."
The Treasure's maiden voyage is set for Dec. 21. Its Grand Hall includes characters from "Aladdin." Onboard, guests will find Plaza de Coco, a new dining experience based on the film "Coco;" the Worlds of Marvel dining experience; and bars themed to the attractions Haunted Mansion (Haunted Mansion Parlor), Jungle Cruise (Skipper Society) and the now-shuttered 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage (Periscope Pub).
The water coaster, Aqua Mouse, will feature a new storyline.
The Treasure will be home to three Broadway-style shows: the new show "Disney The Tale of Moana," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Disney Seas the Adventure."
It is the sixth ship in Disney Cruise Line's fleet.