By
Rebecca Gibson |
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic made her inaugural call in Le Havre, France on 15 June.
The ship called in Le Havre as part of a 12-night British Isles Cruises from Dover, England. To commemorate Disney Magic’s maiden visit, Captain Andy McRonald and shipboard officials invited community leaders and local officials onboard, including Florence Thibaudeau Rainot, Deputy Mayor of Le Havre, and Nicolas Chervy, deputy port captain. The cruise line and the port exchanged traditional maritime plaques during the welcome ceremony.
“These inaugural calls are not only a milestone in our Disney Cruise Line history, they give our guests the opportunity to create even more magical memories when sailing with us,” said McRonald. “In one voyage alone, they’ll experience a mix of new cultures, explore city streets and be immersed in the grandeur of sweeping country sides.”
Disney Magic’s British Isles cruise has featured various inaugural visits to ports in England and Scotland. This included Port of Tyne in Newcastle, England; Invergordon and Greebicj in Scotland; and St. Peter Port in Guernsey.
Meanwhile, an estimated 100,000 people attended a celebration to mark Disney Magic’s second visit to Liverpool, England on 12 June. Attendees dressed up in Disney outfits and participated in themed activities, watched classic Disney films at a specially created outdoor cinema, and listened to live performances from the Royal Marines Band Scotland, opera singer Danielle Thomas and Liverpool’s Ukulele Orchestra. A fireworks display marked Disney Magic’s departure.
“As soon as we announced last year that Disney were calling to the city twice this summer, the buzz, anticipation and expectation was palpable so we just knew we had to throw an extra special welcome, something that both the passengers and spectators would love,” said Angie Redhead, head of Cruise Operations at Cruise Liverpool. “We sprinkled our own magic on Sunday and the waterfront just came alive with a free event for all the family to enjoy together. The feedback from passengers and crew has been overwhelming…they can’t believe how many people have turned out to welcome them!”
Disney Magic will return to Liverpool in 2017 and the city will host a similar welcome event.