The Port of San Diego is kicking off its 2024-25 cruise season in partnership with longtime homeport collaborator, Holland America Line.

This season will feature 75 voyages and is anticipated to welcome 265,000 passengers to the region by the time it concludes in the spring. Read more...

Planning to cruise aboard the Disney Wish when the new ship sets sail in summer 2022? Might want to pack snow gear. The ship is headed to the Alps. In a Disney fantasy way, of course.

When the new Disney Wish cruise ship was announced, Disney fans were intrigued to learn about AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. The ride’s original show, Scuba Scramble, was inspired by “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts. Read more...

Imagine using an enchanted spyglass to magically set sail for the worlds of Moana, Tiana, Peter Pan, Nemo and more. That’s what Disney Wish guests can do with a first-of-its-kind interactive experience.

Combining imagination, technology and the magic of a wishing star, Disney Uncharted Adventure will take guests on a multi-dimensional voyage into the worlds of iconic Disney and Pixar characters. Read more...

Remember Jiminy Cricket’s words, “When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.”  Well, cruisers are now going to be able to have dreamy cruises on the new Disney Wish.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet has the most beautiful ships at sea and the Disney Wish, setting sail in early 2022, will be no exception. This rendering depicts the magnificent exterior of the fifth Disney ship that will elevate family cruise vacations to a whole new level. (Disney)

The first of three new Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Wish will debut in summer 2022. And the ship will have a distinctly Disney design concept unlike anything at sea. Read more...

My granddaughter Arianna just got half her Disney wish. When I told her that Disney Cruise line will be launching a new ship, I asked what she would suggest for a name.

“Wish,” she said without hesitation. “A Disney Wish, like ‘When you wish upon a star.’” Read more...

The brand-new musical production was inspired, of course, by Disney’s new live-action adaptation of the animated classic that is now thrilling theater audiences.

The enchanting fairytale spotlights the power of transformation through true love and courage. The new Dream production combines the magic of both the live-action 2017 film and the award-winning 1991 animated feature.

Songs from both films will be part of the Dream production. One of the most iconic songs will be completely re-imagined for the stage. “Be Our Guest” is becoming a multi-course French dinner for the stage.

Beloved characters like Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth will be brought to life through creative puppetry and elaborate costumes for the Dream presentation.

The 4,000- passenger Disney Dream was launched Jan. 26, 2011. One of the most popular features is the ship’s first-ever water roller coaster at sea – the Aqua Duck is 250 yards of transparent tubing that sends guests soaring over the top decks and at one point – over the ocean.

The Dream also has a bonus for passengers in inside staterooms – each inside stateroom has a “virtual” porthole showing rolling waves and Disney characters swimming by all in HD.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Youngsters can celebrate with their favorite Super Heroes and Super Villains from the Marvel Universe during special voyages on the Disney Magic this fall.

“Marvel Day at Sea” will combine the thrills of renowned Marvel comic figures and invite cruisers to summon their own Super Hero for an unforgettable day at sea.

Seven cruises departing from New York City will transport guests to a new realm of possibilities when the Marvel University assembles on the Disney Magic.  The event features all-day entertainment including exclusive interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes that oppose them.

A marvelous deck party will include a thrilling display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects and the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains ever assembled on a cruise ship.

Kids and families can test their Marvel knowledge and enjoy friendly competitions during trivia games about courageous heroes and fun facts from the Marvel University.

For young heroes-in-training, Marvel-themed games, activities and arts and crafts will be offered throughout the day in the Marvel’s Avengers Academy in the Oceaneer Club.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

The wind is howling. Leaves are skittering to the ground. It’s that bewitching time of year and Disney Cruise Line will be treating guests to a wickedly good time. Disney ships will be transformed into a ghoulish wonderland filled with frightfully fun events and activities, special decorations, unique menu items in the restaurants and themed parties on deck. Read more...

There are a number of outstanding sailings for families. The specialists at Crown Cruise Vacations offer these sailings as examples of cruises to choose from for a high-seas family holiday:

4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Caribbean International Brilliance of the Seas Read more...

I used to wonder why cruisers sometimes carried brand new white pillowcases, white T-shirts and packets of magic markets when they boarded a Disney cruise. Now I know.

The mystery was solved when I asked someone on our cruise.

Turns out that you can have those items autographed by Disney characters aboard the ship and not have to stand in line to get it done.

Just turn in the pillowcase or T-shirt to the guest services desk the first day of the cruise and it will be returned to you the last night with all the character signatures. Or you can request only special signatures like all the Disney princesses.

When youngsters get home after their cruise, they can rest their heads on their signed pillow cases and have sweet dreams about their magical Disney cruise.

Another popular item to have autographed by the characters is the white border of a Disney picture or poster — or the mat inside a frame for your own photo. Be sure to tape off the portion of the mat that is covered by the frame so complete autographs will show through. This is likely to be a more lasting souvenir since it doesn’t have to be laundered.

What a nice program. Just another way Disney has of making cruises more memorable.

By Jackie Sheckler Finch