We can finally put all the rumors to the side now that we finally have official statements from Disney themselves. Just as expected the Magic will sail Canada & New England and Bahamas during the summer, and head down to the gulf for the winter. The Wonder will sail out of Seattle for the summer to Alaska on industry standard 7-night roundtrippers. Disney will also add in 4 pacific coastal routes and a special one time only 15-night Hawaii trip.
It seems Disney is being just ad adventurous on the West Coast, as they are on the East Coast.

Speaking of the East Coast, here is how the Magic’s season will break down. She will stay on her current voyages out of Port Canaveral until the Fantasy is delivered and takes her place. Starting in May, the 25th to be exact, the magic will begin her NYC routes. No word on which terminal in they will use but my bet is the Manhattan piers. She will spend the summer sailing 5 night Canada & New England [NY-Sea-Halifax-St.John-Sea-Ny], and alternate it with 8 night Bahamas routes [NY-sea –sea-Nassau-Castaway Cay-Port Canaveral-sea-sea-NY]. There will also be 3, 2-night cruise to nowhere’s on June 15, July 13 and Aug. 10.

After the NYC season, she will sail down to the gulf, no word on repo cruises yet. She will sail 12, 7-nighters going to, just as rumored, [GAL-sea-sea-Grand Cayman-Costa Maya-Cozumel-sea-GAL].
That’s what we have so far.

Now on the other coast, the Wonder will continue sailing her Mexican Riviera cruises until April 29th when she sails on the Hawaii voyage, then repo’s to Seattle for 14, 7-night trips [SEA-at Sea-Tracy Arm-Skagway-Juneau-Ketchikan-Victoria-SEA]. Then in the fall she’ll sail 4, 7 night trips to The Pacific Coast out of LA to San Fransisco, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico.

Also the Dream will continue doing her 3&4-night Bahamas out of Port Canaveral, and the Fantasy will, also just as rumored sail the 7 night eastern and western Caribbean.

Additionally, the Disney Wonder will sail four seven-night Pacific Coast cruises from Los Angeles (on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7), calling on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.

Rates for the new seven-night Pacific Coast itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $770 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

For the first time, the Disney Wonder will offer a special 15-night voyage to Hawaii from Los Angeles, calling on Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico.

Rates for the 15-night Hawaiian itinerary (departing April 29, 2012) start at $1,800 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

2012 Port Canaveral Schedule
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 depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, and 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 in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 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. Five-night itineraries include two stops at Castaway Cay.

Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $471 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Until she is repositioned to New York, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries and four- and five-night Bahamian cruises.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. Bookings for the entire 2012 schedule open April 8, 2011.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

If all of this is confusing hit the full presser after the break:

CELEBRATION, Fla. (April 6, 2011) – For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to guests around the country. Additionally, the cruise line will offer more choices than ever before with several new itineraries planned.

“In 2012, we’re making it easier than ever for families to enjoy a Disney Cruise Line vacation by offering cruises from a variety of regional homeports,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “Guests can now enjoy a magical, one-of-a-kind Disney cruise experience with the convenience of departures from their own backyard.”

2012 New York Schedule
Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York – including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada plus two-night cruises that will give a sampling of the Disney Cruise Line experience over a weekend:

· The eight Bahamas cruises will include a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and a stop at Port Canaveral, Fla., giving guests an opportunity to visit the nearby Walt Disney World Resort. As part of this itinerary, each guest will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation between their Disney ship and the resort.
Rates for the new eight-night Bahamian cruise itinerary departing from New York 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 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 for the new five-night Canadian cruise itinerary departing from New York start at $715 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

· Three two-night cruises (June 15, July 13 and Aug. 10) out of New York are perfect for families looking for a quick getaway with a day at sea over a weekend. Rates for the new two-night cruises start at $370 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Magic 2012 – New York
Eight-Night Bahamas
5/25, 6/2, 6/22, 6/30,
7/20, 7/28, 8/17, 8/25 Five-Night Canada
6/10, 6/17, 7/8, 7/15,
8/5, 8/12, 9/2, 9/7, 9/12
New York New York
At Sea At Sea
At Sea Halifax
Nassau St. John
Castaway Cay At Sea
Port Canveral New York
At Sea
At Sea
New York
2012 Galveston Schedule
Beginning Sept. 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruises from the Port of Galveston to the Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Grand Cayman and Mexico’s Costa Maya and Cozumel.

A Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic offers families a tropical getaway with world-class entertainment and impeccable guest service found only on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Guests will enjoy three magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Magic and three 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 the seven-night Western Caribbean cruise itinerary departing from Galveston start at $840 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Magic 2012 – Galveston

2012 Seattle Schedule
Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 14 seven-night cruises from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

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 works 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.

On their Alaskan adventure, guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale. They can explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.

Rates for the seven-night Alaska cruise itinerary departing from Seattle start at $917 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Wonder 2012 – Seattle

Seven-Night Alaska
5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27
Seattle
At Sea
Tracy Arm
Skagway
Juneau
Ketchikan
Victoria
Seattle

2012 Los Angeles Schedule
The Disney Wonder is scheduled to continue sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles for the majority of the year – throughout winter, spring and fall.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $707 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Additionally, the Disney Wonder will sail four seven-night Pacific Coast cruises from Los Angeles (on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7), calling on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.

Rates for the new seven-night Pacific Coast itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $770 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

For the first time, the Disney Wonder will offer a special 15-night voyage to Hawaii from Los Angeles, calling on Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico.

Rates for the 15-night Hawaiian itinerary (departing April 29, 2012) start at $1,800 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

2012 Port Canaveral Schedule
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 depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, and 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 in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 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. Five-night itineraries include two stops at Castaway Cay.

Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $471 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Until she is repositioned to New York, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries and four- and five-night Bahamian cruises.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. Bookings for the entire 2012 schedule open April 8, 2011.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

BizJournals.com is reporting that the Magic will start her Texas voyagers starting Sept. 22, 2012. It also states that the Disney Fantasy, the 4,000 pax sister to the Dream, will start her life as a cruise ship sailing the 7-night eastern and western Caribbean trips out of Port Canaveral. The maiden voyager is slated for March 31, 2012.

source: bizjournals

Make sure to check back as more becomes available.

I should have noticed something was up today when I checked the Galveston cam and saw that the Ecstasy was in Galveston on a Friday. Being able to see the Ecstasy walking to class and around campus at my alma mater, every Saturday, Monday, or Thursday, you gets used to associating those days with that vessel.

The reason: Galveston pilots refused to board her. Hurricane now tropical storm Alex has been pounding this area with rain and some wind. The storm is well south but the north part is carrying quite the punch. It is even effecting the oil spill in LA.

Carnival is providing assistance to those onboard last night and those stranded on the Island. They also are giving those that were supposed to have boarded the option to cancel.

The first hurricane in the 2010 Atlantic season has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the location of the storm in the gulf, no ships will have issues with ports. Carnival’s vessels sailing in/out of Galveston and New Orleans may have a bumpy ride though.

Texas is starting to feel the effects of the storm. I woke up this morning in Houston and it was a dark and cloudy day with rain expected soon.

from StormPulse.com

The current Galveston based ships, Conquest and Ecstasy, will then reposition over to New Orleans, Louisiana, and resume their routes from there. NOLA is familiar waters for the Conquest, as this is where she was based out of prior to Katrina. Carnival moved the ship to Galveston when NOLA was out of commission following the storm. TX proved lucrative enough that she remained there ever since. The addition of these two ships, matches CCL’s pre-Katrina levels.

This comes hot on the heels of RCI bringing the Mariner of the Seas over from the west coast to replace the older Voyager of the Seas. Mariner will only be there seasonally (i.e. December-April) as opposed to CCL which will sail both of theirs yearround.

Carnival’s press release after the break.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, will operate seven-day Caribbean cruises from Galveston beginning Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the largest cruise ship based at the port year-round.  Additionally, the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph will reposition from New Orleans to Galveston to operate year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruises from that port beginning Oct. 6, 2011.

Homeporting the Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph in Galveston represents the largest-ever capacity commitment by a cruise line to Texas.  With these deployments, Carnival expects to carry more than 450,000 guests annually from Galveston – a 28 percent increase over the current year.

In turn, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest and 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy, both of which are currently based in Galveston, will reposition to New Orleans to operate year-round departures from that port, returning the line to pre-Katrina capacity levels there.  With Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy, the line is expected to carry nearly 340,000 passengers annually from New Orleans – the most of any cruise operator.

“Deploying the new Carnival Magic to Galveston and increasing capacity on our popular short cruise program with the Carnival Triumph is a clear indication of the tremendous appeal and growth of this key homeport, which consistently earns high marks from our guests,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “At the same time, we are very pleased to return to pre-Katrina capacity levels in New Orleans with the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy – a wonderfully positive indicator of the city’s continued growth and recovery,” he added.

Carnival Magic, Carnival Triumph from Galveston

Carnival Magic, which is slated to debut in Europe in May 2011 with a host of innovative facilities and features, will offer two different week-long itineraries from Galveston, including seven-day western Caribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

Carnival Magic will offer many exciting amenities including a spectacular water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides, and expansive spa and children’s facilities.  Also featured will be a variety of stateroom choices, including deluxe ocean view  accommodations with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families; cove balcony cabins located closer to the water line; and spa staterooms that provide special access and benefits.  A number of new innovations are scheduled to be announced in the near future.

Prior to launching year-round Caribbean service from Galveston, Carnival Magic will operate a series of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing Oct. 28, 2011.

Also being deployed to Galveston is the Carnival Triumph which will operate year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises beginning Oct. 6, 2011, becoming the newest and largest ship to operate a year-round short cruise program from that port.  Four-day cruises depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.  Carnival Triumph offers many guest-pleasing features and amenities, including nearly 500 balcony staterooms which are very popular among consumers and typically not available on short cruises. 

Expanded Capacity from New Orleans

Carnival Conquest will reposition to New Orleans for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning Nov. 13, 2011.  The ship will offer three different week-long Caribbean options from New Orleans: a new western Caribbean program featuring Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, an eastern Caribbean itinerary to Key West, Freeport and Nassau, and exotic western Caribbean cruises to Belize, Roatan and Cozumel.

Carnival Ecstasy will operate year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean voyages from New Orleans beginning Sept. 22, 2011. The ship underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation last year that added an expansive water park, tropical-style main pool area, adults-only retreat and 98 balconies to existing staterooms.  On the Carnival Ecstasy’s new itinerary, four-day cruises departing Thursdays visit Cozumel, while five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays call at Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.

CruiseGuy

Brownsville, Texas discusses #cruise port options. Save your money, don’t waste more fees. 0% chance 2 get ships 2 visit!

CruiseBuzz

RT @cruiseguy: Brownsville, TX discusses #cruise port options >> Not sure about this one. Is there a demand?

CruiseGuy

Cruise ships will never call @ Brownsville. Silly notion for ships on the ocean!

Brownsville is in the very far south of Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico(obviously!). On the map below, the yellow line is the Mexican boarder. You’ll also notice a long, narrow channel that leads one into the port facilities. There is nothing really down here. Brownsville is popular, though, as a ship breaking facility (where one disposes of ships). That’s pretty much it down there. 

That’s why this news is so surprising. The article states that they will begin feasibility studies to determine if they should build a cruise port there. As a cruise port, they will position themselves to get a ship home ported there.

This begs the question of; WHY? On the map above you’ll see barrier islands . The one north of the channel entrance is South Padre Island. Now I can see that they want to capitalize on that, but the bulk of tourists there are spring breakers (I added the wiki for our non-Americans readers). 

The big problem is lack of market. Houston/Galveston has access to (obviously) the Houston market and the DFW Metroplex market. Two HUGE markets. DFW is 5 hours away from the port. Easily drivable for a cruise.

Brownsville, on the other hand, has a tiny (think two gates) airport. Harlingen has a slightly larger but still like 5 gates. Its also 5 hours away from Houston and 10 from DFW. Pretty un-drivable for most if not all.

There is also a problem of destinations. The only place to go is Mexico. The 7-Night Bahamas is too far from here. Why would some one travel so close to Mexico and not decide just to go a little further to Mexico its self where the ship would go anyways.

I hope this doesn’t turn out to be another Bayport in Houston. That is getting ugly. $81 million price tag, and not a single line sails from it. It sits empty because they built it and then then decided that maybe they should start looking for lines.

Anyways, back to Brownsville. Then they say cruise port; I really hope they mean cruise as in sunset cruise or casino cruise. Not Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean cruise lines.

Source (The Brownsville Herald)