A New Disney Hero: Four Lives Saved Before Maiden Voyage

Before even entering official service, Disney Cruise Line’s new ship Disney Treasure has completed her first heroic mission. Deviating from her original route, the Disney cruise ship saved four recreational sailors on a sinking catamaran.

Distress at Sea

Following delivery from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg (Germany), the Disney Treasure embarked on her repositioning journey to her homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida. Along the way, the 341-meter cruise ship made a stop in Eemshaven before she departed from the Dutch port on October 29th. After a technical stop in Funchal (Portugal), the ship continued the final leg of her journey with only crew aboard.

‍The U.S. Coast Guard reported getting a distress call on Sunday, November 10th, at 08:30 from a 50-foot catamaran. The catamaran – carrying four people – was located approximately 230 nautical miles southwest of Bermuda. The crew reported that the boat had started taking on water due to a failed gasket, and that they were preparing to abandon ship.

The Rescue Mission

While they responded, the Coast Guard’s Air Station in Elizabeth City (North Carolina) identified the Disney Treasure as the closest vessel to the distressed catamaran. The Disney crew responded coordinating the rescue mission with the people on board the catamaran.

Upon reaching the scene, they launched one of the cruise ship’s lifeboats to retrieve the four individuals – making them the very first passengers on the Disney Treasure.

“We are pleased that Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril. Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety,” Captain Marco Nogara of Disney Treasure said in a statement to CBS News.

Maiden Voyage in December

The Disney Treasure arrived at her homeport in Port Canaveral on November 12th. The Disney cruise ship – powered by LNG – is the second ship in the Disney Wish class. She will complete her final adjustments and crew training before welcoming her first paying passengers in December. When fully staffed, the Disney Treasure will have a crew of 1,555 members.

On December 21st, the ship embarks on her maiden voyage — a seven-night cruise in the Eastern Caribbean.

Stay updated on Disney Treasure's maiden voyage by tracking her journey in real-time with ShipAtlas or ShipIntel!