Construction Of Disney Magic Begins At Fincantiori

According to reports released by Disney Cruise Line (DCL) on July 17, construction of the company's first ship, Disney Magic, has begun at Fincantieri shipyards in Anconc and Maghera, Italy. More than 700 tons of steel have already been cut to form the ship's superstructure. DCL has aggressively approached the design and development of Disney Magic, and second ship Disney Wonder, with both ships being purpose-built with three distinct audiences in mind to maximize the use of spa<:e and offer exceptional accommodations.

"Disney's design work was done far in advance of our contract with Fincantieri. It was only after we considered our three audiences — children, families and adults — that our team of designers determined the size and feel of our ships. The ability to make thsse concepts a reality became a primai-y consideration in our shipyard review process," said DCL President Art Rodney Disney Magic, which sets sail in February 1998, will include 880 staterooms, organized in 12 categories, and reportedly designed to be 25 percent more spacious than the current cruise ship standard. Severity-three percent of the rooms will be outside staterooms, with almost half of these equipped with verandahs. The ship will have 15,000 sq. ft. dedicated to children, with 30-40 youth counselors on watch. There will also be adult-only areas designated on the ship, including one of the pools.