Disney Cruise From Los Angeles

Disney Cruises Set Sail Out Of San Diego

Christening voyage for newest Disney cruise ship

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Disney Cruise Line, in a first for San Diego, is originating a dozen voyages from here over the next year and a half, a hopeful harbinger of better times to come for a local industry that has been in steep decline for the last several years.

While its not clear what Disneys plans are for the long term, San Diego port officials are buoyed by the cruise lines decision to bypass other California ports to launch a variety of short sailings as well as repositioning cruises heading to Vancouver and the Panama Canal.

The first of those trips was Saturday, when the 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder docked in San Diego for a quick two-day getaway at sea. A second Disney sailing departing today, this one a five-night trip to Vancouver, wrapped up the current season, which will resume in September. On Monday, Disney announced it was adding six more cruises to Baja California beginning in October 2015.

This is very significant, said Adam Deaton, the ports cruise marketing representative. Disney has a very high standard when it comes to its passengers. They want that complete vacation experience, and they feel San Diego has that capability with the airport being within a couple miles from the cruise terminal.

For the last few years, a coalition of local officials has been trying to woo Disney to come to San Diego, Deaton said.

Cruise activity

2008: 921,360 passengers, 255 calls

2009: 842,353 passengers, 223 calls

2010: 505,427 passengers, 150 calls

Disney Cruise Tips: Basic Information

Disney Cruise Line currently operates five ships, with several more on the way: the Disney Magic, which launched in 1998 the Disney Wonder, which launched in 1999 the Disney Dream, which launched January 2011 the Disney Fantasy, which launched March 2012 and the Disney Wish, which launched July 2022. Two more ships, as yet unnamed, have been ordered from the shipyard and will debut in coming years.

The Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are very similar to each other, except for the interior design and a few differently-themed bars. Both are 83,000-ton vessels with 875 staterooms .

The Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy are also very similar to each other, except for the interior design , plus some additional water features, differently-themed bars and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Fantasy. Both are 122,000 tons and two decks taller than the older ships, with 1,250 staterooms .

The Disney Wish is somewhat similar in size to the Disney Dream and Fantasy, but has a storybook castle interior design and a somewhat different layout of lounges, pools and kids clubs. It has three all-new restaurants for main dining: an Arendelle-themed one with a live musical show starring Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff from Frozen an Art Deco Hollywood themed restaurant called 1923 and a Marvel-themed restaurant. It is 144,000 tons, with 1,254 staterooms .

Disney Cruise Tips & Information

If you are looking for lots of Disney Cruise tips, including about how to save money on a Disney Cruise, you are in the right place!

The pages in this section will provide you with all kinds of helpful hints on how to plan a Disney Cruise and find the best discount for your cruise.

There is also useful information on where to stay before or after your cruise, and how to get to and from Disneys cruise terminals at Port Canaveral and Los Angeles most efficiently and inexpensively.

Plus youll find specific details about special itineraries and themed Disney cruises.

Use the links below or in the left panel to read more Disney Cruise tips and tricks that will help you become a true MouseSaver!

Disney Cruises Things To Do

A Disney Cruise Line cruise is designed primarily for families and makes planning a family vacation super easy. Therefore, Disney Cruise Line vacations are directed to multigenerational families, particularly families with young children. However, that does not mean the cruise line forgets the adults, as it features adult-only specialty restaurants, nightclubs, and quiet pools on all its four ships. While the large staterooms attract families, they also invite interest from a small number of honeymooners, couples, and singles. Anyone who wants a more peaceful cruise vacation should choose sailing outside the summer months, as cruise-goers begin to subside and the pace is therefore slower. The people on a Disney cruise enjoy its youthful vibe, as is evidenced by the cruise line’s sail-away dance parties each of which connect some of Disney’s most lovable characters with Disney cruise guests. Pools are also designed for kid-friendly activities and adults who want to relive their childhood once again. If you love activities, such as miniature golf, ping-pong, or similar kid-friendly pastimes, you will feel right at home on a Disney cruise ship. In fact, anyone who loves Disney will also love a Disney cruise ship vacation.

Which Disney Ships Depart From Los Angeles

The Disney Wonder, which used to offer cruises from the Port of Los Angeles, has moved its Southern California port of call to San Diego, so there are not currently any Disney Cruise offerings out of Los Angeles or Long Beach, but that can always change, so keep an eye on their cruise schedule.The art nouveau décor of the Disney Wonder incorporates iconic Disney characters along with nautical wave themes. A bronze statue of Ariel, from The Little Mermaid greets guests in the lobby of the ship.

Also Check: What Are The Best Cruise Lines For Alaska

San Juan Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport to the Port of San Juan are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 6:30 p.m.

For Guests departing from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 11:30 a.m.

Motor coach transfer cost, per person 3 years and older:

Cruise Only

A-P, P-A

$40

Private transportation arrangements can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

Los Angeles Cruise Guide

Due to its location along the Pacific Coast, many cruise itineraries to Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America, the Transpacific and Hawaii depart from the city of Los Angeles. This is the best port to find affordable getaways to the Mexican Riviera.

The port itself is actually located in Long Beach, which is a short drive away from the big-city L.A., but also has its fair share of attractions. You can stay overnight at the Queen Mary, a retired vintage luxury ocean liner that is rumored to be haunted and offers ghost tours. Take a dip in the calm waters at the beach, or take a whale watching tour along the Pacific Ocean. Once youve seen it all at the port, a short ride by car, Uber or the L.A. Metro brings you to the star-studded city of Los Angeles, where you can easily spend a week exploring all that it has to offer.

There are many ways to snap a picture of the infamous Hollywood sign, depending on the angle youd like. If you have a car you can make a pit stop along Deronda Drive, and take a quick walk over to the sign. If youre looking for more of a challenge, take the 6-mile hike along the Brush Canyon Trail, where youll eventually get that picture-perfect shot. You can also see the sign from outside of the Griffith Observatory, where for a small fee you can go up to the top of the observatory and take in the best panoramic views of the city of Los Angeles.

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Mexican Riviera Disney Cruise Line Vacations

6-Night Pacific Coast Cruise

Mexican Riviera Disney Cruises

Ending the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship will sail 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

6-Night Mexican Riviera Disney Cruise

Ship: Disney Wonder
2012 Sail Dates: January 2

Day Los Angeles

7-Night Mexican Riviera Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line is continuing to modify its 7-night Mexican Riviera itineraries through fall 2012 aboard the Disney Wonder by replacing calls to Mazatlan with an additional stop in Cabo San Lucas. A similar change was made for the Mexican Riviera itineraries scheduled from January – April 2012. Disney Cruise Line continually evaluates its itineraries and believes that this change will provide the best family vacation experience. If you are booked on one of the fall sailings, you’ll be contacted by Disney Cruise Line about the change.

Ship: Disney Wonder
2012 Sail Dates: January 8, January 15, January 22, January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22, October 28, November 4, November 11, November 18, November 25, December 2

Day

Disney Cruise Los Angeles To Mexico And Hawaii Review

New “Disney Wish” cruise ship sets sail in Florida!

Taking a Disney cruise from Los Angeles means that you not only have amazing itineraries to choose from but you have the opportunity to embark on your cruise aboard the Disney Wonder, a gorgeous family-friendly vessel that, in true Disney fashion will make all your dreams come true.

Aboard the Wonder on your Disney cruise to Hawaii you will depart Los Angeles and spend time at sea before heading to your first stop at Kahului. From there you will island hop to Nawiliwili, Honolulu and Hilo before embarking on your trip back home, but not before you head to the lovely Ensenada, Mexico. This cruise allows you to see all of the diverse islands of Hawaii on one convenient trip and lets you take in all that makes Hawaii a vibrant and popular cruise destination.

The Disney Wonder is a magnificent ship that has room for 2400 passengers. Her family oriented theme offers dining options that range from total family to intimate and adults only, her activities are geared for every age level and her live shows all have early start times that are perfect for the smallest of guests to enjoy.

Take the Wonder on a Disney cruise from Los Angeles and you can take in the beauty of the Mexican Riviera. A Disney cruise to the Mexican Riviera offers you the sun and the surf as well as the magic of Disney all rolled into one fantastic vacation experience. Their 7-night jaunts take you to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas where you get to stay and explore for almost 2 days before heading home.

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Los Angeles Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Los Angeles International Airport to the World Cruise Terminal are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 12:00 p.m.

Transfers to the cruise terminal from the three official hotels of the Disneyland® Resort or the Los Angeles Airport Marriott are available.

Note: At this time, pre- or post-nights at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort must be arranged independently and cannot be purchased through Disney Cruise Line. Guests are also responsible for arranging the transportation to/from their hotel and the Los Angeles Airport at their own expense.

For Guests departing from the Los Angeles International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 1:00 p.m.

Motor coach transfer cost per person 3 years and older:

Cruise Only

*Guests must make independent arrangements for their transportation from the airport to their Disneyland Resort Hotel. **Guests will take a courtesy shuttle between the hotel and the airport. Private transportation arrangements can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

Take To The Seas With Disney Cruise Line For A Magical Adventure

Venture forth with Disney Cruise Line to faraway lands. Visit the sunny Caribbean, home to the famous Jack Sparrow, or head off to the fairy tale lands of Europe to visit Elsa and Anna. Disney effortlessly blends family friendly with elegance for an extraordinary experience. Let the kids take full advantage of Disneys Oceaneer Club while the adults enjoy the tranquil spa. Try to see if you can spot all the hidden Mickeys onboard, and dont be surprised if some of your favorite characters show up to help. Plus receive a Costco Shop Card, courtesy of Costco Travel, with every sailing.

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Disney Cruise Line Is Sailing From California Again

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Disney Cruise Line has officially resumed sailing from San Diego. Today, Disney Wonder sets sail in southern California for its first cruise in over 18 months.

Sailing at reduced capacity, the Halloween on the High Seas voyage will call on Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The vessels three-night sailings will run just opposite, calling to Ensenada instead. On November 5, the 84,000-gross registered ton Wonder will reposition to Galveston, Texas on a 14-night sailing. The line is requiring that every guest, regardless of their age, be vaccinated on the two-week Panama Canal transit. This means that kids who are not eligible for the vaccine will not be allowed to sail.

Disney Wonder wont be the only ship sailing from San Diego in the coming months. As the cruise industry returns to service, the Port of San Diego is expected to have over 100 cruise calls from various lines, including Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity.

Like other cruise lines, Disney has used a phased-in approach to the resumption of cruising. During the shutdown, all four ships were docked in Brest, France for health enhancements and crew repatriation.

READ MORE: Disney Fantasy Trip Report, Day 1

Disneys current cruise protocols require that every guest 12 and older be fully vaccinated within 14 days of sailing, as well as be tested at the pier prior to embarkation. The pierside testing cost is taken care of by the cruise line.

Disney Cruises From Southern California

Taking a Disney Cruise from Southern California

If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland California and you want to extend your LA Disney experience beyond the Disneyland Resort boundaries, or if you’ve already done the theme parks and you’re looking for a new Disney experience, you can schedule in a Disney Cruise departing from San Diego. They used to depart from the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, but now only stop in San Diego as they reposition.

Recommended Reading: Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Florida

San Diego Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from San Diego International Airport to the Port of San Diego are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 2:00 p.m.

For Guests departing from San Diego International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 11:30 a.m.

Motor coach transfer cost, per person 3 years and older:

Cruise Only

A-P, P-A

$36

Private transportation arrangements can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

New Vacation Operation Unit

In February 2009, Tom McAlpin left the Disney Cruise Line presidency and was replaced by Karl Holz as president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. In early 2009, Disney and Canaveral Port Authority extended their agreement to 2022 with expansion to the terminal to handle the new class of ships. A re-posting of the Disney Magic to Europe in 2010 adding DCL’s first North European cruises with Mediterranean cruises.

With the arrival of Disney Dream in 2011, Disney Wonder was relocated to Los Angeles. With the arrival of Disney Fantasy in 2012, Disney Magic was relocated to New York City in May 2012 for only the Summer season, before relocating to Galveston, Texas.

In late 2012, Disney Wonder began sailing cruises out of Miami, Florida. In 2013, the Disney Magic relocated to Barcelona, Spain and the Disney Wonder relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia, for the summer season. In Autumn 2013, the Magic and the Wonder returned to the United States but switched home ports, with the Magic leaving out of Miami and the Wonder leaving out of Galveston. In January 2014, the Wonder took over for the Magic in Miami and the Magic joined the Dream and Fantasy in Port Canaveral, placing all four ships in the state of Florida for the first time. Since then, the Magic and the Wonder have once again switched places.