Fireworks at Sea DCL

[tampabrad]

Given that DCL is the only cruise line allowed to have fireworks on the ship, do other ships sail close to DCL when they have a fireworks show?

 

[Figment82]

Every time we cruise on DCL I notice other ships in the area off in the distance.

A few weeks ago while on the Magic during a Western itinerary we had some bad weather in Cozumel, which just so happens to be the Pirate's in the Caribbean night when they do the fireworks display. I believe we had something like 42knt winds across the deck. The captain changed of the ship almost reversing course and basically slowed to almost a stop so that the fireworks could go off...the whole time we were changing direction I watched a ship out in the distance go from one side of our ship to the other. So considering that I was able to see that ship out in the distance I would imagine that they had a pretty good view of the fireworks.

You must have been on the same cruise we were on (November 27th)! We ate at Palo that night and were so stuffed, we went back to the room to take a nap before the party. When we woke up, the waves and wind were so bad we decided we didn't feel like attending the party. We were so surprised to see the ship path that next morning and see the change in direction.

But yes, to answer your question, other cruise ships in the area will try to "leech off" DCL's fireworks by coming as close as possible. It's funny how the other ships almost appear like they're being sneaky about it, but it happens so frequently.

 

[Phonedave]

Can someone explain to me WHY Disney is the only ship that is allowed to do this.

I understand why they are the only to show first run movies, but you would figure that if Disney can get whatever permissions are required to shoot off fireworks, others would be able to do the same.


-dave

 

[tampabrad]

Thanks! I kind of figured other ships would be in the area.

Can someone explain to me WHY Disney is the only ship that is allowed to do this.

I think DCL is the only line allowed to launch fireworks because they use the air launch instead of an explosive launch. I believe Disney has a patent on this technology so it is not available to anyone else.

 

[WDW Monorail]

Thanks! I kind of figured other ships would be in the area.



I think DCL is the only line allowed to launch fireworks because they use the air launch instead of an explosive launch. I believe Disney has a patent on this technology so it is not available to anyone else.

That's not true as far as I know. It doesn't seem feasible or necessary to put an air launch system on the boat.
Also, while the technology was patented by Disney, it can be used by anyone.

 

[Phonedave]

That's not true as far as I know. It doesn't seem feasible or necessary to put an air launch system on the boat.
Also, while the technology was patented by Disney, it can be used by anyone.

Putting an air launch on a ship would not be hard. When you come down to it, it's a glorified potato cannon.

But as you said, they have made the air launch tech avaialble for use. So if another ship wanted to use it, they could.

I have always surmised it has something to do with Coast Guard permissions, so that the fireworks are not misconstrued as a distress signaling device. But then if Disney can work around that, why not other lines.

-dave

 

[WDWRLD]

In reality there are almost always other cruise ships around no matter what cruise line you are on. Ships try to sail with others around for safety reasons. If there is a disaster at sea and you go to lifeboats or far worse you go into the water there is another ship there to help. No with this being said most ships are far enough away to be over the horizon so you dont see their lights at night but are close enough that it wouldnt take long for then to change course and meet with the other ship. Now when we sailed on the Wonder the first night I didnt see a single other ship but the night of the Pirate Party we could see a few ships and have heard others that were on other cruises say they were told of the Disney fireworks so they could go watch them. I guess the fireworks are like the lifeboats. Disneys are yellow and the international standard is orange, they worked out a deal with the International Maratime Association. I think I remember reading that there are strict rules they have to follow about the fireworks too. They have to be in a certain location, notify surrounding ships, and they have to be noticibly different from distress flares. No single red, white, or green ones.

 

[twilight mitsuk]

In reality there are almost always other cruise ships around no matter what cruise line you are on. Ships try to sail with others around for safety reasons. If there is a disaster at sea and you go to lifeboats or far worse you go into the water there is another ship there to help. No with this being said most ships are far enough away to be over the horizon so you dont see their lights at night but are close enough that it wouldnt take long for then to change course and meet with the other ship. Now when we sailed on the Wonder the first night I didnt see a single other ship but the night of the Pirate Party we could see a few ships and have heard others that were on other cruises say they were told of the Disney fireworks so they could go watch them. I guess the fireworks are like the lifeboats. Disneys are yellow and the international standard is orange, they worked out a deal with the International Maratime Association. I think I remember reading that there are strict rules they have to follow about the fireworks too. They have to be in a certain location, notify surrounding ships, and they have to be noticibly different from distress flares. No single red, white, or green ones.

royal caribbean uses yellow lifeboats too

 

[Goofygirl07]

I told my fiance about how we would see fireworks on our honeymoon cruise and he thought it was cool but didn't see how it was safe. I know it is or they wouldn't even consider doing it, but how exacly do they launch the fireworks?