Disney Cruise Line has announced a major itinerary change for the Disney Fantasy, rerouting the ship from the British Isles to Norway and Belgium. The decision, made just days before embarkation, comes after forecasts predicted strong winds and rough seas along the UK’s west coast. Safety is the cruise line’s top priority, and the reroute ensures a smoother and more enjoyable voyage for all guests.
The Disney Fantasy will continue sailing from Southampton, UK, but instead of visiting Ireland, Scotland, and England, the seven-night sailing beginning September 8, 2025, will head northeast to Scandinavia.
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Why the Itinerary Changed
Cruise lines constantly monitor weather patterns to avoid unsafe docking conditions and unpleasant sailing experiences. While rain alone typically doesn’t force cancellations, strong winds and heavy swells can make it dangerous for ships to dock or tender passengers ashore.
Disney Cruise Line explained, “The safety and well-being of our Guests and Crew Members is our highest priority. Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions, we must revise the itinerary.”
The New Itinerary for Disney Fantasy
Here is the revised schedule for the sailing:
- September 8: Depart Southampton
- September 9: Day at sea
- September 10: Haugesund, Norway (replacing Cobh, Ireland)
- September 11: Olden, Norway (replacing Liverpool, England)
- September 12: Stavanger, Norway (replacing Glasgow, Scotland)
- September 13: Day at sea
- September 14: Zeebrugge, Belgium (replacing Portland, England)
- September 15: Return to Southampton
While the route is dramatically different, the departure and return times remain unchanged, minimizing disruption to guests’ travel plans.
About the Disney Fantasy
The Disney Fantasy is a Dream-class ship measuring 129,750 gross tons. At double occupancy, she carries 2,500 passengers, but can accommodate up to 4,000 guests when fully booked. With more than 1,400 crew members, the ship is known for Disney’s signature entertainment, family-friendly activities, and themed dining.
This rerouted sailing is one of the ship’s final cruises from Southampton before she enters a scheduled dry dock in late September 2025. Following the refresh, she will reposition to Port Canaveral, Florida, offering short Bahamas cruises through at least September 2026.
Weather Reroutes: Common but Essential
It’s not unusual for cruise lines to change or cancel ports due to weather conditions. Even if seas are navigable, docking maneuvers can be dangerous in high winds. In addition, guest safety during tendering or while boarding via gangways must be considered.
Guests booked on this sailing may be disappointed to miss the British Isles, but the rerouted itinerary offers unique ports in Norway’s fjords and Belgium’s coast, ensuring travelers still enjoy a memorable cruise vacation.
Jim’s Take
As someone who’s tracked countless cruise itineraries over the years, I can tell you these last-minute changes are tough for guests, but they are always made with safety at the forefront. Norway’s fjords are breathtaking, and many cruisers would gladly trade a rainy day in the British Isles for sailing through Olden or Stavanger. If you were on this sailing, you’d still walk away with once-in-a-lifetime memories — just in a slightly different setting.
