Disney Magic in Helsinki, 17 June 2015

Disney Magic

IMO 9126807
Built 1998, Fincantieri Venice, Italy
Tonnage 83 338 GT
Length 294,00 m
Width 32,25 m
Draft 7,90 m
3 325 passengers
5 Sulzer-Grandi Motori-Fincantieri diesels, combined 57 663 kW
2 propellers
3 bow thrusters
2 stern thrusters
Speed 21,5 knots

The Disney Magic has been featured in this blog before. There was very little to say about the ship's history back then, and the same trend continues today. She was built in 1998 as the very first ship of The Walt Disney Company's own cruise line (Disney had previously collaborated with other cruise lines), and continues in service for that company today. Comparisons between the photos of the ship in this entry and those from five years ago are interesting, however, as the ship underwent a major refit in 2013, including the addition of a large ducktail sponson.

The photos below show the Disney Magic departing from Helsinki Länsisatama on the afternoon of 17 June 2015, photographed from Vattuniemi. As per the usual, you can see the images in larger size by clicking on them.

The dark hull colour constrasts beautifully with the little sailing boats.

The black-sailed boat on the other hand was not quite as pictoresque. But I hope to see it again when white-hulled cruise ships visit.

I realise this is blasphemous, but I think the duck tail actually improves the ship's looks.

Trees and ships.

Next time: Viking Star

Disney Magic, 20 June 2010

Disney Magic

IMO 9126807
Built 1998, Fincantieri Venice, Italy
Tonnage 83 338 GT
Length 294,00 m
Width 32,25 m
Draft 7,90 m
3 325 passengers
5 Sulzer-Grandi Motori-Fincantieri diesels, combined 57 663 kW
2 propellers
3 bow thrusters
2 stern thrusters
Speed 21,5 knots

Disney Magic. After collaborating with pre-existing cruise lines, in the late 90's Disney decided to start their own cruise line with two ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. So this is a cruise line for families with children, a seagoing version of Disneyland (shudder the thought). That said, their ships are very attractive and uniquely designed. Apparently the exterior design of the ships is based on drawings of ships that children make, resulting in a stylish arc deco-esque two-funneled design (the forward funnel is of course a dummy). Similarly the interiors are in art deco style, while incorporating Disney's characters (as does the exterior: not only does the ship carry the same colours as Mickey Mouse, there's a statue of Goofy hanging over the stern with a paintbrush, looking like he's painting the yellow stripe on the ship's side). It's probably just a coincidence, but the two-lovel bridge structure recalls that of the Finnlines superferry Finnjet, one of my personal favourite ships of all time.

Photos below are of the Disney Magic departing Helsinki West Harbour on 20 June 2010, photographed from Vattuniemi. Click on the image(s) for full size.

Disney Magic shortly after departing the West Harbour. Don't tell me she doesn't look good compared other modern ships.

Heading out, with Pihlajasaari in the background.

And some panoramica of the ship.