VIRSEC’s Disney Cruise Ship ‘Dream’ Day Out in Liverpool

On Wednesday, the 11^th of September 2024, the team from VIRSEC visited Disney Cruise Ship ‘Dream’ that was currently berthed in Liverpool, from where she would sail that evening to visit Cork and Southampton as part of a short cruise prior to dry dock for some refurbishment.

The visit had been arranged by the Head of Security for Disney Cruises, and we met with the Head of Security and Deputy Head of Security on board the ship. Hailing from UK Law Enforcement backgrounds, and transferring their skills into the Maritime Security Sector, it was interesting to see how they had adapted to their environment in such a positive and relaxed manner. It was also interesting to note how busy their day could become.

Aside from being tasked to act as our formal ‘tour guides’, a task which they performed with enthusiasm and good humour, they were ready to answer any question posed by VIRSEC. During the tour, the team also had to contend with work-related calls from various areas of the ship, which seemed endless.

It was fascinating, and somewhat humorous to hear that besides dealing with the serious side of security of the ship, they were also tasked with dealing with minor, non-security-related issues such as a ‘stubbed toe’ by a careless guest, or two guests arguing over who sat on which sun lounger first.

Regardless of the various futile attempts by both guests and crew to ‘interfere’ with our tour, the team continued to showcase the various facilities, including the numerous themed restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatre, adult-only areas and other entertainment capabilities of the ship.

We concluded the tour with coffee in one of the various dining areas, and by being introduced to the Head of Security’s young family, who had boarded that day to spend some much-needed personal time together.

We’d like to thank Disney for arranging this visit, and the Security Team continued calm seas and safe travels for conducting the tour in a professional and courteous manner, and they are both a credit to Disney Cruises.

Article by Steve R. | Director | VIRSEC Ltd