Dry-dock question

[Brenda28]

Just curious, how often does each ship dry-dock? Once a year? And how do you find out when a particular ship is going to? I am wondering about the Navigator. Thanks.:)

[coxswain]

I would think once every 2 years would be enough. I like to know the schedule myself too.

 

 

 

jj......

[springtxbill]

I believe it is required every 3 years.

[cmason]

Typically, the insurance or lease contract determines the dry dock schedule, for inspection of below the waterline components of the ship and engine. I have read that many require it twice every 5 years, but assume it varies. Most cruise companies use this time to also refurbish the interior.

[jrm9999]

Below is a copy of a Disney press release about the Disney Wonder drydock you might find interesting. They discuss the requirement of twice every five years near the end of the article.

 

 

Disney Cruise Line Gives the Disney Wonder a Magical Makeover

 

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla., Oct. 18

Disney Cruise Line completed significant renovations to the Disney

Wonder cruise ship, adding three new age-specific venues that appeal

to the varied interests of adults and teenagers and refurbishing

interior and exterior areas of the ship. The enhancements to the

Disney Wonder conclude a series of investments made by Disney Cruise

Line to its fleet. Its sister ship, the Disney Magic, underwent

similar renovations twelve months ago.

 

The work took place during a two-week period commonly referred to in

the maritime industry as "dry dock." On Oct. 3, 2004, the Disney

Wonder set sail for the Norshipco ship yard in Norfolk, Va. with a

team of nearly 1,000 crew members and 600 contractors ready to tackle

the ship's makeover.

 

Three areas on the ship underwent substantial renovations, making room

for brand new venues that cater to teen and adult passengers -- Aloft,

Cove Cafe and Diversions.

 

"At Disney Cruise Line, we are always looking for ways to enhance the

guest experience," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin.

"When we asked guests for their feedback, we found that they had great

suggestions about how we could further enhance our already-popular

age-specific areas, and we took their ideas to heart."

 

Aloft is a teen haven perfect for relaxing or socializing with

newfound friends. With a cozy decor that is a cross between a college

dormitory and a trendy coffee shop, the space is loaded with comfy

couches and overstuffed chairs. The venue features the latest video

games, a collection of magazines, MP3 listening stations, a variety of

board games, computers with internet access and a bar that dispenses

both soft drinks and smoothies. Aloft hosts a variety of activities,

some specifically for younger teens, others for older teens and some

designed for the entire group. The Disney Wonder is the first ship in

the Disney fleet to feature this new teen area.

 

Cove Cafe and Diversions are two new areas just for adults. Located

next to the Quiet Cove pool is Cove Cafe; inside guests can relax with

a popular magazine, watch television, access their email or socialize

with other adults. Day or night, guests can enjoy gourmet coffees,

specialty drinks and lighter fare cuisine.

 

Diversions adds a new dimension to the ship's nighttime entertainment

district. Themed as a traditional sports pub and filled with

flat-screen plasma TVs, guests can join together here to cheer for

their favorite sports teams or gather to watch their favorite TV

shows. This venue features a diverse range of adult activities, from

trivia-based game shows to board games to sing-along karaoke.

 

During dry dock, the team worked around the clock, replacing the

decorative tile, swapping out the elaborate carpeting, refurbishing

the ship's signature wood decking and reupholstering the furniture

aboard the Disney Wonder. At Norshipco, the 83,000-ton ship was lifted

out of the water, giving the team a chance to inspect the underside of

the ship, clean the ship's hull and add a fresh coat of paint.

 

Dry dock is a regulatory requirement by Lloyds Register. All ships

must be taken out of the water completely twice every five years to

allow for inspection of underwater parts and related engine room

systems.

 

A leader in the family cruise business, Disney Cruise Line offers

three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the

Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at the Walt

Disney World Resort are also available.

 

During the summer of 2005, Disney Cruise Line will offer its

first-ever seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera departing from

the Port of Los Angeles. With a pre- or post-stay at the Disneyland

Resort, guests can combine the fun and excitement of the Disneyland

Resort with the enchantment of a Disney cruise. The repositioning of

the Disney Magic to southern California also includes two 14-night

Panama Canal cruises, nicely blending exotic ports of call with

leisurely days at sea.

 

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a Disney Cruise Line

vacation, guests can contact their travel agent.