DAPs Magic Disney News – PRESS RELEASE
Disney Wonder sails historic trip to Honolulu
HONOLULU, O’ahu (May 6, 2012) – The Disney Wonder arrives in Honolulu today, marking the first time in Disney Cruise Line history that a ship has sailed to the Hawaiian Islands. This first of two special Hawaiian itineraries continues an exciting expansion period for Disney Cruise Line.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to combine the legendary guest service of Disney Cruise Line with the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “Hawai’i is one of the world’s most extraordinary vacation destinations, offering stunning scenery as well as rich cultural traditions and storytelling. Blending the enchantment of Hawai’i with the magic of Disney is a natural fit.”
In keeping with maritime tradition, a special plaque and key ceremony will be held onboard the ship, commemorating the inaugural call of the Disney Wonder on Honolulu. Captain Fabian Dib will be joined by port and community leaders, as well as Elliot Mills, vice president and general manager of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, at the ceremony.
Cast members from Aulani will also be present, as they greet guests and the crew with “e komo mai,” a Hawaiian phrase of welcome. The Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus will entertain guest and crew as they disembark with both Hawaiian and Disney songs, including some Disney tunes that have been translated into Hawaiian.
The Disney Wonder is currently sailing on a special 15-night cruise that departed Los Angeles, Calif. on April 29. The ship stopped at Hilo, Hawai’i on May 4 and Kahului, Maui on May 5. On May 7, the ship will stop at Nawiliwilil, Kaua’i, giving guests the opportunity to explore four islands during their sailing. In October, the ship will return to Hawai’i for a second time.
The ship will sail seven-night itineraries to Alaska from Seattle, Wash. this summer before heading back to Los Angeles, Calif. to sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera in the fall. At the end of the year, the Disney Wonder will reposition to Miami, marking the first time a Disney Cruise Line ship will sail out of Southern Florida.
Disney Heritage and Hawai’i
In August 2011, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts opened Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i. A first-of-its-kind resort, Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with the Hawaiian community to create a place that celebrates Hawaiian culture, history and traditions. From contemporary Hawaiian art to myriad recreational activities, culinary programs, excursions and more, guests are immersed in the legends of the islands. Recently, Aulani was named one of the world’s best new hotels on Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 16th annual “Hot List.”
Disney Cruise Line
Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line is focused on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create. Most recently, the company was recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the top “Cruise Ships of the World,” with the Disney Magic being voted No. 1 and the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder tying for No. 2. Travel + Leisuremagazine also ranked Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line for Families.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.
