NEW ORLEANS – For the first time ever, the Disney Cruise will sail from the Port of New Orleans starting in 2020.
Starting on Oct. 4, that’s next week for Disney fans, cruisers can begin booking trips for early 2020 in “a variety of the Caribbean and Bahamian destinations.”
New Orleans Port President & CEO Brandy Christian said the cruise ship Disney Wonder will go to the Bahamas, the western Caribbean and a special sailing through the Panama Canal.
"We are so thrilled to have a brand like Disney come to New Orleans," Christian said. "It really reflects the family-centric community that we have here, that this is a family destination."
Christian said it is a well-known tradition for local families to travel to Disney World during Mardi Gras vacation, but now the Port of New Orleans can bring Disney "in their backyard."
The cruises will begin on Feb. 7, 2020, Christian says. Fat Tuesday in 2020 is set for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020.
“The Magic of Disney is a perfect fit for the magic of our City, and I’m grateful for all the work the team at the Port of New Orleans has done to make this possible,” Mayor Latoya Cantrell said.
Disney also said that one of the cruises would have a heavy emphasis on New Orleans, featuring the character Tiana from the movie Princess and the Frog.
“The ship that’s going to be coming to New Orleans is the Disney Wonder. It’s one of our four magical ships. What’s really special about the wonder and you’ll appreciate this here in New Orleans, it’s also the home of Tiana’s Place Restaurant. It’s the only place where you can experience the spirit and the foods and the sights and the sounds of New Orleans right onboard one of our ships."
A spokesperson tells Eyewitness News that there will be six cruises coinciding around the time of Mardi Gras.
"We will be offering six cruises, approximately in the February/March time frame," said Marissa Mallory, a spokesperson.