Disney’s Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy gave a quick update on multiple topics during the online Bank of America Virtual 2020 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference. In addition to stating that Disney expects to have “a little over 50%” of their hotels and resorts open by the end of September, McCarthy offered a few insights on Disney Cruise Line.
McCarthy first reiterated a point that has already been discussed, confirming that Disney Cruise Line will likely be the last Disney component to resume normal operations. She also touched on the Disney Wish, the fifth ship scheduled to join Disney Cruise Line, and its status.
McCarthy:
“COVID has had an impact on lots and lots of businesses and lots and lots of supply chains. And the shipyard we utilize for our cruise ships, Meyer Werft, was impacted and we encountered a delay. We’re in negotiations and discussions with the shipyard to finalize dates, but as soon as we have those we will make an announcement when the fifth ship (Disney Wish), which is the first of the three to be delivered. But it is delayed from what we originally anticipated.”
The Disney Wish was originally expected to be delivered to Disney in late 2021 and start welcoming guests in January 2022. The additional two ships Disney Cruise Line ordered were supposed to be delivered in 2022 and 2023, respectively. It’s safe to assume the sixth and seventh ships to join the fleet will also be delayed now that the Disney Wish is officially delayed.
