Could Disney be eyeing these?

[GenieDana]

Olympic Voyager and Explorer sold at auction recently.

From the Cruise Industry News

The Olympic Voyager and Explorer were both sold at auctions last week to kFW, a German bank presenting the banks holding mortgages on the ships. The Explorer sold for $82.7 million, while the Voyager sold for $97.2 million. The ships were built in 2000 and 2001 for approximately $175 each. It is expected that kfW will resell the ships to a holding company, which in turn may charter or sell the ships.

http://www.tourcom.com/medcruise/crroyol/royolphotos/olvoy/olvoyager.html

It would make more sense to charter these for the West coast than move the Magic...

 

[MarkRG]

I will first give the typical male response that I didn't expect this subject matter considering the post title.

Now, I would say, they really have something in mindfor the Magic, as they are still as of today not selling any cruises for 2005 summer, and have already started bookings for 2005 fall.

 

[mrsltg]

I don't think they would take them. If I am thinking of the right ships, they are too different from the typical Disney product. They've hit on something spectacular with the Magic and Wonder - I can't see them changing their formula.

Erin

 

[ducklite]

I agree, if they add another ship they will build it from scratch.

Anne

 

[EmmasGrammy]

I agree with the other posters. Disney has a formula that works and they would have to do extensive "remodeling" to get these into "ship-shape" Disney style. I think it would be much more cost efficient to build new ships from the ground (or is that water) up.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I think that maybe Disney would try to test the market out here in the west before they spent a ton of money on a new ship - Maybe "rent" one for a couple of months -

 

[crisi]

I can't see Disney chartering someone else's ship for a short term.

The key to Disney is theming. They aren't going to redecorate the rooms with Mickey curtains and redo the swimming pool with a Goofy mosaic for a summer. And without those things Disney is just another cruise plus Mickey.

 

[GenieDana]

I don't think the last line of my post was read very carefully. Not to "buy" these ships, but for a thee-month, short-term charter. Chrisi may have said it best, but this would not be "out of character" for Disney (Big Red Boat?). Do you really think the next new ships in the fleet will just be regurgitated versions of the Magic and Wonder anyway? I suspect they will look very different.

The important thing is these ships are available and fast, and could reach below Mazaltlan on the Mexican Rivera (maybe even Acapulco) where the Magic just could not do with a seven day itinerary out of Los Angeles.

Likewise, they could also simultaneously experiment with a northern route (Alaska) while they were at it. The Magic has no chance of Alaska from L.A., even one-way, unless it sailed over speed with no stops - The distance is just too far.

These ships are available now (even for minor retrofit, if Disney wanted - most of the decor would be temporary anyway (paint, wall hangings, linens, etc ). These ships would be much less expensive to operate (overall), considering a short-tem gig like three months. You've got to consider the economics of DCL's decision making.

Sure, this is merely speculation, just like the other unfounded rumor DCL will sail the Magic on the West Coast for the 50th! Personnaly, I believe that DCL will be adding more ports of call in the Caribbean, with a few longer itineraries sprinkled in. Just wanted to see what others though about this "option."

 

[hydster]

Genie...I think it "could" be possible sure! I hope it is something that happens (the W. coast getting a DCL ship) because this flying to Florida is getting expensive! I agree with you on the Alaska and Mex Riviera thing although I dont know if Disney would consider it or not. If they dont I think they are leaving a huge market untouched "disney style" but then I live out west. If they got the right company to re-theme the ships they could probably do it in a matter of months and like you I really wonder if they would keep making the same kind of ship over and over if they do decide to build more. I don't know of many cruiselines (if any) that have stayed with their original ship design for every single ship. They have stayed with their overall cruise experience but the ships seem to change and grow with the times.

It will be interesting to see what happens though..thanks for the article it is something worth dreaming about.

Heidi