Disney's Newest Ship Marks Milestone

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, which will call Florida home later this year, marked another milestone on Sunday.

For the first time, the Disney Fantasy floated out the enclosed dock building at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The "Float Out" marks one of the ship's final stages of construction, where exteriors become complete and interiors receive their finishing touches.

Of course, Captain Mickey Mouse was on hand for the celebration, which included a fireworks spectacular to mark the occasion.

"The 'Float Out' of the Disney Fantasy marks an important moment in the construction of our newest ship as we now focus on the finishing touches in preparation for the maiden voyage in less than 90 days," said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line.

The Disney Fantasy will remain in the Meyer Werft shipyard harbor for about two weeks before undergoing sea trials. The Disney Fantasy will then begin its crossing of the Atlantic on February 16th for its new home port in Port Canaveral. It's scheduled to make its maiden voyage on March 31st.

The Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.