There is a tremendous sense of pride of the Meyer Werft product in the region, and a conveyance is always cause for people to come down to the river to watch the giant ships pass.
The journey is always a slow, methodical trip through narrow locks and drawbridge, and down the shallow river. Because of the treacherous conditions, the timing is always subject to change due to the weather, wind and tide conditions. For that reason, today's conveyance was suddenly moved up almost twelve hours to take advantage of better conditions.
Disney Fantasy left Meyer Werft about 9:00am this morning (January 20, 2012).
While looking at the photos, it's easy to forget how things are actually happening.
Because the ship is traveling backwards down the river, this photo actually shows
Disney Fantasy traveling toward the camera as it passes Weener.
Mickey and Minnie made their first appearance on deck to wave to fans as the ship
passed Weener. The official story with the early departure from the yard was because
Mickey just couldn't wait to get the ship to the sea, but don't be fooled. Our money
is on Meyer taking advantage of the better weather conditions.
Disney Fantasy approaches Leer in the late afternoon.
As Disney Fantasy passes through this drawbridge, note how little clearance
there is on each side of the side of the ship.
The conveyance goes on through the night. Here Disney Fantasy is nearing Emden about
9pm, and still people come down to the river to watch the ship pass.
Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft and vidcaps from live video by NDR TV
