Disney Cruise Line Begins First Summer Cruise Season in Alaska

Disney Cruise Line is embarking on a first-ever season of Alaskan itineraries, sailing 18, seven-night round-trip cruises this summer season from Vancouver to Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. As part of the inaugural voyage, the Disney Wonder marks a unique milestone sailing to the 49th state, and officially adding another itinerary option to Disney’s line-up, giving guests even more destinations to choose from for family cruise vacations.

“Our guests have been asking us to sail to Alaska for some time now, so we are thrilled to finally take them to this amazing region of the world,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “These cruises give our guests the opportunity to see the beauty and wonder of Alaska, while enjoying a fun, family-friendly cruise that only Disney can deliver.”

As part of Disney’s continued focus on expanded cruise itineraries, and with the arrival of new ships Disney Dream (January 2011) and Disney Fantasy (expected in early 2012), the Disney Wonder repositioned to the West Coast of the U.S. this past January to sail Mexican Riviera cruises during the fall, winter and spring, and Alaskan itineraries during the summer.

In Alaska, guests will enjoy a cruise experience that includes breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of the native culture

The inaugural call marks a milestone for both Disney Cruise Line and the state of Alaska. As is tradition within the cruise industry, Disney Captain Thord Haugen and shipboard officers will host port officials and community leaders onboard the Disney Wonder during the first call in each port to exchange maritime plaques. Events aboard the Disney Wonder’s first Alaskan itinerary are scheduled for 11:00am local time, for the following ports:

• Friday, May 6 – Skagway
• Saturday, May 7 – Juneau
• Sunday, May 8 – Ketchikan (Ceremony time is 2:00 pm)

Disney Cruise Line has worked closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska. In Juneau, guests will be able to take in the breathtaking views of the famous Mendenhall Glacier from land, sea or air. While in Ketchikan, they can fish for some of the largest salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests will have the opportunity to traverse panoramic landscapes by railway or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.

The Disney Wonder sailed a six-night repositioning cruise from Los Angeles on April 27, making stops in San Francisco and Victoria, Canada, before arriving in Vancouver on May 3. The ship began its Alaska season departing from Vancouver to sail seven-night Alaskan itineraries to Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan through Sept. 6. After a regularly scheduled two- week dry dock in Victoria, the ship will return to Los Angeles for Mexican Riviera cruises on a five-night repositioning cruise Sept. 20.

Photo courtesy Disney Cruise Line