Disney Cruise Line Begins First Summer Cruise Season in Alaska



Disney Wonder arrives in America’s ‘last frontier’ and celebrates first-call events with community leaders in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan

CELEBRATION, Fla., (May 6, 2011) – 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

First-Call Ceremony Events
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*
*Denotes ceremony time is 2:00 p.m., rather than 11:00 a.m.

Alaska Port Adventures
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.

Itinerary Details
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.

Seven-Night Alaska Cruise
5/3 to 9/6
Vancouver, Canada
At Sea
Tracy Arm
Skagway
Juneau
Ketchikan
At Sea
Vancouver, Canada

Six-night Reposition to Vancouver – April 27
Five-night Reposition to
Los Angeles – Sept. 20
Los Angeles
Vancouver, Canada
At Sea
Victoria, Canada
San Francisco
At Sea
San Francisco
At Sea
At Sea
Ensenada, Mexico
Victoria, Canada
Los Angeles
Vancouver, Canada

Disney Cruise Line recently announced its 2012 itineraries, which includes a return to Alaska during the summer aboard the Disney Wonder, homeporting from Seattle. The ship will also sail the Mexican Riviera, while sister ship Disney Magic embarks on several new itineraries from New York City and Galveston, Texas.


Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its blueprint for family cruising, focusing on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create. Guests can learn more about Disney Cruise Line or book a vacation by contacting their travel agent, visiting www.disneycruise.com or calling Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-2500 or visit www.disneytravelagents.com.