Disney Cruise Line Offering Lasseter Family Winery Excursion
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Those sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder west coast cruises with stops in San Francisco now have a rare opportunity to visit the Sonoma Valley winery owned by John and Nancy Lasseter.
While taking the 75 minute ride from port to the winery, the guide will present a brief history on Sonoma Valley’s wine region and surrounding areas. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by Nancy Lasseter directly. Guests will be granted exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the heart of the winery to observe different stages of the harvest process.
Nancy will take guests into the vineyards to taste different grape varietals right from the vines and to learn how ripeness is determined. Celebrated winemaker, Julia Iantosca, will provide insight into the craft of artisan winemaking. If the timing is right, guests might even get to witness the crushing of ripe wine grapes, the first step in the age-old process of winemaking.
At the conclusion of the harvest activities tour, guests will take a short walk along the vineyards and insectaries’ to beautiful Lake Serendipity, a rarely-seen jewel of the estate.
Nancy Lasseter has enlisted the help of renowned chef, Sondra Bernstein, to design food that pairs perfectly with the 5 Lasseter Family wines. Nancy will talk about each wine and the delectable flavors that guests will experience. After the meal and wine tasting, guests will have approximately 45 minutes for leisure activities by the pond. Guests may participate in a friendly game of sand volleyball, petanque (French bocce ball) or just relax in the tranquil setting. Guests will also have time to browse (and purchase) the Lasseter Family wines for sale and Sondra’s gourmet pantry items.
The excursion is not for the feint of wallet, however. The 21+ only crowd will be shelling out $475 per person for the opportunity. In addition to the tour and meal, each guest will also receive a souvenir bottle of Lasseter Family wine, signed by Nancy and John Lasseter and winemaker Julia Iantosca.
For more information on the excursion, visit its official page.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: Cruises, DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wonder, Excursions, John Lasseter, Pixar, San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Wines
Photo: Disney Cruise Line Arrives in Honolulu, Hawaii for First Time
Today the Disney Wonder called on Honolulu, Hawaii for the first-time, sailing past iconic Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. The Disney Wonder is in the middle of a special 15-night Hawaiian cruise with stops in Hilo, Hawaii; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico. Disney Cruise Line is offering a second 14-night Hawaiian voyage that will depart from the Port Of Los Angeles on October 14, 2012.
Photo courtesy Disney Cruise Line
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Wonder, Hawaii, HI
Disney Cruise Line Announces 2013 Itineraries and Ports; Disney Wonder to Depart from Miami
In 2013, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded portfolio of European cruises with new destinations such as Venice, Italy, and the Greek Isles. In addition, Disney Cruise Line will utilize a second homeport in Florida, with Caribbean sailings departing from the Port of Miami for the first time.
With the addition of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy to the fleet of cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line is able to take more families to more destinations around the world. Disney Cruise Line has always catered to the unique vacation needs of families, and next year will be enhancing the cruise options for guests — whether it’s sun and sand in the Caribbean, outdoor adventures in Alaska or experiencing the wonders of Europe.
Highlights of the Disney Cruise Line 2013 schedule (which can be booked beginning Jan. 26, 2012) include…
Mediterranean from Barcelona
Beginning June 1, 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe with plenty of new twists to the Mediterranean itineraries, including a four-night option and special 12-night sailings in addition to seven-night itineraries that treat guests to the best of Europe during the three-month season.
The new 12-night sailings visit destinations such as Venice, Italy, and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on one itinerary and Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles including Athens, on another. Each itinerary will offer a sailing departing in June and another departing in July.
All itineraries depart from Barcelona, Spain, as the Disney Magic takes guests on an exciting journey of richly diverse cities, cultures and people. With romantic boulevards, bustling bazaars, iconic locations, mild climates, sun-drenched islands and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea, guests will enjoy a world-class family vacation with legendary Disney guest service.
Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,244 for 12-night cruises departing from Barcelona for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Four-night Mediterranean Getaway
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Departure dates: July 9, Aug. 6
Seven-night Mediterranean Cruise
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy
Departure dates: June 1, 8, Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31
12-night Mediterranean with Greece
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Valetta, Malta
Departure dates: June 15, July 13
12-night Mediterranean with Venice
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Valetta, Malta
Departure dates: June 27, July 25
Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Miami
Disney Cruise Line will sail from Miami for the first time on Dec. 23, 2012. One six- and one seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Wonder will set the stage for a schedule of four- and five-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean between Jan. 5, 2013, and May 2, 2013. The four- and five-night cruises have a variety of itineraries. Ports of call may include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
The itineraries offer families magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Wonder and days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, to swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to their heart’s content in exotic marketplaces.
Rates for four- and five-night cruises departing from Miami start at $440 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Five-night Caribbean
Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Jan. 5, 19, Feb, 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 27
Five-night Caribbean
Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Departure dates: Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22
Four-night Bahamas
Ports: Miami, Key West, Nassau, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2
Western Caribbean from Galveston
The Disney Magic, which will begin sailing from Texas in 2012, will continue to sail from the Port of Galveston through May 2013, to the Western Caribbean.
Rates start at $750 per person for six-night cruises and $920 per person for eight-night cruises departing from Galveston for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Six-night Caribbean:
Ports: Galveston, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Departure dates: Dec. 15 and 29, 2012, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 6, 20. May 4
Eight-night Caribbean:
Ports: Galveston, Key West, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel
Departure dates: Dec. 21, 2012, Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26, May 10
Alaska from Vancouver
Beginning May 27, 2013, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.
These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Disney Cruise Line worked closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.
Rates for seven-night Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver start at $1,015 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Seven-night Alaska:
Ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan
Departure dates: May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept. 2
Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral
The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral.
The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings, January through April 2013, stop at San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Rates for seven-night Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy start at $1,085 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Adventures By Disney
Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney will offer families unique land and sea experiences in the Mediterranean. Available on select departures, guests can maximize the magic with three-night or four-night pre-cruise Adventures by Disney vacation itineraries in Barcelona and Madrid. These immersive add-ons allow families to envelop themselves in the culture of the region with VIP access in the most-sought-after tourist destinations – such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona and the El Prado museum in Madrid – as well as hands-on lessons in archeology, flamenco dancing, local cuisine and stained glass crafting. Each Adventures by Disney departure is led by knowledgeable Adventure Guides who handle all the planning logistics so parents can relax and enjoy quality time with their family.
Families can also enhance seven-night and 12-night Mediterranean sailings with Adventures by Disney Onboard Experience packages. Throughout the voyage, guests will have access to exclusive Adventures by Disney activities and concierge service from dedicated Adventure Guides. These guides will also lead travelers at each port, helping them unlock the wonders of each destination through exclusive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Specific itinerary and pricing information for the 2013 Adventures by Disney experiences will be available in March 2012.
All Disney Cruise Line pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. Bookings for the 2013 schedule open Jan. 26, 2012.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Miami
Disney Cruise Line Offers 25% Discount for Southern CA Residents
Southern California residents now have the opportunity to save 25% off prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com on most Mexican Riviera sailings on the Disney Wonder from October 23 to December 18, 2011.
Whether you wish to embark on an energizing adventure or simply relax amid spectacular seaside scenery, Southern California residents can expect an extraordinary vacation at a very special price on the Disney Wonder.
Book online, call (800) 951-3532 or contact your Travel Agent. Guests under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian call this number. Be sure to indicate booking code “SCR” at time of booking.
Note this offer is only available for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000 – 93599. Offer applies to stateroom categories 9A – 9D for most sail dates 10/23/11 – 12/18/11. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.
To receive the Southern California Resident Rate, Guests must fax proof of residency in zip codes 90000-93599 to 407-566-7739 within 48 hours of booking.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Discount, Disney Wonder
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
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: Alaska, DCL, Disney Wonder
Photo: Disney Wonder Sails Under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
The Disney Wonder cruise ship sails under the Golden Gate Bridge April 29, 2011 on the way to the Port of San Francisco. This is the first time Disney Cruise Line has visited San Francisco. The ship stopped here for two days as part of a repositioning itinerary heading north to begin Disney Cruise Line’s first Alaska season. During the seven-night Alaskan itinerary, the Disney Wonder visits Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Tracy Arm Fjord.
Photo by Jimmy DeFlippo, courtesy Disney Cruise Line
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Wonder, San Francisco
CONFIRMED: Disney to Set Sail from New York, Galveston and Seattle in 2012; Bookings Start April 8
Ahead of a scheduled announcement from Disney Cruise Line in New York City on April 6 in which Disney is expected to make its itinerary plans known for 2012, a purported press release has been leaked and already making waves by offering up all of the juicy details.
The news comes by way of Dynamic Travel and Cruises, a travel agency located in Texas, who claims to have obtained it from a reporter at the Houston Chronicle who claims it came off of an official Disney website, although the original source appears unclear at this time.
DISNEY MAGIC (NEW YORK, GALVESTON)
With the Disney Fantasy moving in at Port Canaveral, the displaced Disney Magic will be headed north to find a temporary home in New York City before moving south to Galveston. Meanwhile, the Disney Wonder, which will continue sailings out of the port of Los Angeles, will also be sailing out of Seattle.
For New York, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises, including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas, five-night cruises to Canada and two-night cruises at sea.
The eight eight-night Bahamas cruises (5/25, 6/2, 6/22, 6/30, 7/20, 7/28, 8/17, 8/25) will include a day at Castaway Cay, Nassau and a stop at Port Canaveral. Reportedly, as part of the Port Canaveral stop, each guest will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket with roundtrip transportation between their Disney ship and the resort. Rates start at $1,240 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
The nine five-night cruises up the New England coast (6/10, 6/17, 7/8, 7/15, 8/5, 8/12, 9/2, 9/7, 9/12) will call at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick. In these popular Canadian ports, guests can soak in splendid natural vistas, explore historic sites, visit quaint cafes and charming shops, and browse Canada’s oldest farmer’s market. Rates start at $715 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Galveston, New York City, Seattle
Environmental Group Applauds Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Crappy’ Attitude
In issuing its second report on the environmentality of several cruise lines, grassroots environmental watchdog group Friends of the Earth has distinguished Disney Cruise Lines as being ‘most improved’ for its improvements in sewage treatment over the past year. Continuing to use its odd letter-slash-pass/fail system to rate large cruise lines and their ships, Disney Cruise Line rose to a C- rating from a solid F in last year’s report.
With new advanced sewage treatment systems, it’s lack of shoreside power that keeps DCL from earning a top score (at least until its excursions into Alaska begin). The inability to power the ship directly from the ports means that the ship must burn off ‘dirty fuel’ while docked in order to provide electricity to the ship.
Disney Cruise Line has told the organization that the Disney Wonder will be upgraded to be able to operate on shoreside power when docked by the end of 2010 and that both the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will offer shoreside power as well as the advanced sewage treatment systems.
For more information on the Disney Cruise Line rating as well as those of other cruise lines, visit the report’s methodology page.
Categories: Conservation / Animal Programs, Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Environment, Environmentality
Win a Four Night Disney Cruise for Four from MyCokeRewards.com
From now through March 15, 2000, MyCokeRewards.com account holders can enter to win a four night cruise for four above the Disney Wonder in a category 9 room including airfare, ground transfers, taxes and gratuities. Items specifically not included in the package include: shore excursions; incidental expenses; laundry service; alcoholic beverages; spa treatments; Palo surcharge and gratuities; telephone charges; merchandise and souvenirs; airport charges; ship-to-shore communications including internet; travel insurance; additional tips and gratuities; income and other taxes; transportation between winner’s residence and departure airport; and all other costs and expenses not otherwise mentioned herein.
Each entry costs 3 points. To enter and for more additional information and the rules, visit Disney’s 4-Night Bahamian Cruise Vacation at MyCokeRewards.com
Categories: Contests, Disney Cruise Line Tags: Coca-Cola, Coke, Contest, DCL, Disney Wonder, MyCokeRewards.com, Sweepstakes
Disney Cruise Line Adds New Youth Activities; Eliminates Age Barriers (Video)
Disney Cruise Line, the leader in family cruising, is once again reinventing onboard children’s experiences. Through an entirely new approach to youth activities, kids can let their imaginations set sail by customizing their cruise vacation. More youth activities than ever before are available and children choose experiences based on interest, not age.
Exciting new youth activities and dedicated children’s spaces are available now on the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder and are coming to the Disney Dream beginning with the ship’s maiden voyage in January 2011.
“The changes within Disney Cruise Line youth activities will allow children freedom to create a customized experience onboard our ships,” said Disney Cruise Line Vice President of Entertainment Jim Urry. “Children can select their own adventures and immersive experiences for a truly personalized, memorable cruise vacation.”
Customized Experiences
On Disney Cruise Line, children can personalize their cruise vacation by selecting activities and events, regardless of age. Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are open to children age 3 to 12 on the Disney Wonder and age 3 to 10 on the Disney Magic.
While Disney Cruise Line will continue to recommend activities that appeal to specific maturity levels and ages, the entire menu of offerings is open to every child. With this evolutionary approach to shipboard youth activities, children and parents select programs based on the specific interests of each child to create a customized and very personalized experience. Best of all, children of different ages — siblings, extended family and friends — can participate in youth activities together throughout their cruise.
The majority of children’s events and free-time activities occur within dedicated youth spaces on the ship and on Castaway Cay. As always, Disney Cruise Line youth activities are supervised by specially trained, experienced counselors.
Specific program information is available to guests on the day of check-in at the Youth Activities registration desk located in the Disney cruise ship terminal building prior to boarding, or onboard in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Video
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