(3:34 p.m. EDT) — Disney Cruise Line says high winds and heavy rain are to blame for the delay in returning Disney Magic to service after an extensive five-week makeover in Cadiz, Spain.
Weather challenges, both in dry dock in Cadiz, and at sea have made it impossible for workers to finish transforming the ship in time for a five-night sailing out of Miami on October 20, a Disney spokesperson told Cruise Critic. Instead, the ship’s return to service will begin October 25.
Work continues on the ship as it sails across the Atlantic and will be completed once it arrives in Miami.
Passengers on the canceled sailing will receive a full refund, as well as reimbursement for any airline change fees. Additionally, Disney is offering a free sailing on any five-night Bahamas or Caribbean Disney Magic cruise departing between October 25 and May 16, 2014. For passengers who can’t sail before May 16, the cruise line is offering a 35 percent discount on a future Bahamas or Caribbean cruise taken on any Disney ship within two years, excluding holiday sailings.
The overhaul of the Disney Magic included sweeping changes to restaurants, bars, the spa, atrium, cabins and kids’ spaces.
See some before and after photos of the re-imagined Disney Magic.
-by Dori Saltzman, News Editor