The Disney Wonder cruise ship made its inaugural British Columbia call in Victoria on Monday, May 2, as part of Disney’s first Alaska cruise season.
The stop is part of the ship’s repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, where it will sail 18 seven-night round-trip cruises to Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
“We are thrilled to begin this new itinerary and call on Victoria as part of our summer season of cruises in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska,” says Disney Cruise Line president Karl Holz. “Our guests have been asking us to sail to Alaska for some time now, so we are very excited to finally take them to this amazing region of the world. These cruises give our guests the opportunity to see the beauty and wonder of Alaska while enjoying a fun, family-friendly cruise.”
As part of Disney’s continued focus on providing a variety of 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 U.S. west coast in January to sail Mexican Riviera cruises during the fall, winter, and spring, and Alaskan itineraries during the summer.
The stop in Victoria is part of a special cruise that officially launches the first Alaska cruise season for Disney Cruise Line. Port adventures, offered by Disney Cruise Line, will also be available to guests, providing organized shore tours throughout Victoria from the dock at Ogden Point.
“We’re really excited to welcome the Disney Wonder to Ogden Point,” says Sonterra Ross, acting CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. “Victoria has a lot of history and connection with the Disney brand, particularly the gardens located at the Canadian Pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World, which were inspired by Victoria’s own Butchart Gardens. Victoria’s welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly attractions are sure to appeal to Disney’s guests.”
First-Call Ceremony Events
The inaugural call marks a milestone for Disney Cruise Line and Victoria with the traditional first-call ceremony that took place aboard the Disney Wonder. Disney Captain Thord Haugen and shipboard officers will host port officials and community leaders onboard the Wonder to exchange maritime plaques. Captain Mickey Mouse also welcomed local leaders and helped commemorate the milestone.
Itinerary Details
The Disney Wonder arrived in Victoria as part of a six-night repositioning cruise that departed from Los Angeles on April 27. The ship also made a stop in San Francisco on its way to Vancouver, which will serve as the ship’s home port for the summer’s Alaska season. From May 3 through Sept. 6, the Wonder will depart every Tuesday from Vancouver to sail seven-night Alaskan itineraries to Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Guests will enjoy Alaska’s breathtaking natural vistas, abundance of wildlife and the rich history, and customs of the native culture.
