The Disney Dream embarks on test voyage, paving the way for cruise industry return

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Saturday was a big day for Disney and the entire cruise industry as The Disney Dream made its first test-run voyage since cruises were halted due to the pandemic.

The Disney Dream is embarking on a two-day test voyage from Port Canaveral. The ship has a capacity for about 4,000 people, although only about 300 will be aboard this time.

Every passenger is a volunteer Disney cast member.

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The hope is that the company can get the go-ahead to open things up to paying customers, and which could soon mean a return to a busy cruise industry here in Port Canaveral.

“This is great for my community. We’ve been hurting, businesses have suffered, hotels have suffered, the port has suffered. But this is time to rejoice. This is a time to celebrate,” said longshoreman Paul Kellem.

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“It’s important for our Port Authority because we’ve got people who have to get back to work. It’s important for our community and all the jobs it’s affected in the community. It’s important for our region. It’s important for our state,” said Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Wayne Justice.

Port CEO Captain Murray calls Saturday, “An important milestone for the safe restart of cruising. We continue to work closely with our cruise partners and are proud of our collective efforts to get this business up and running once again at our port.”

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Royal Caribbean is planning their test voyage for July 27.

Carnival will set sail July 31.

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