Love Catalina, the official Catalina Island Tourism Authority, is excited to share that Disney Cruise Line is returning to Catalina Island, a premiere destination. The Port of Avalon welcomes Disney fans to the idyllic Catalina Island to experience the destination’s dining, adventures, traditions and more.
The Disney Wonder was the first Disney Cruise Line ship to sail to Catalina Island in the spring seasons of 2022 and 2023, followed by visits from the Disney Magic this past fall season. Disney Cruise Line guests will have even more opportunities to visit this beautiful island and enjoy its year-round warm temperatures and welcoming spirit, when the Disney Wonder returns to Catalina Island in spring 2024.
During the Disney Magic’s recent inaugural visit to the Port of Avalon, a plaque and key exchange ceremony took place aboard the ship. Disney Cruise Line’s shipboard team presented Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall and Jim Luttjohan, President and CEO of Love Catalina, with an honorary plaque and key signifying the important ongoing relationship between the cruise line and Catalina Island. A small group of dignitaries boarded the ship for the ceremony, and Captain Mickey joined the group to celebrate the special moment.
“We were honored to be chosen as an inaugural port of call for the Disney Magic this year and look forward to welcoming Disney Cruise Line to Catalina for many years to come,” said Jim Luttjohan, President and CEO of Love Catalina. “We welcome and value Disney guests. We find that many cruisers who first visit by sea,
often return for the island’s warm weather, sparkling blue waters, colorful structures and untouched green preserve that offers a truly unique Mediterranean vibe.”
“Disney Cruise Line is excited to return to Catalina Island,” said Jose Fernandez, vice president, port strategy, development and operations, Disney Cruise Line. “It’s a special destination that’s filled with charm, unique experiences, culture and history. We know our guests will enjoy exploring the island, whether they’re connecting with nature, sightseeing, shopping or dining.”
Disney Cruise Line will sail out of San Diego, California, with the Disney Wonder returning to Catalina Island in spring 2024 and 2025.
Catalina Island and the Port of Avalon welcome cruise ship visitors year-round, a tradition that goes back to the island’s earliest days as a travel and tourism destination. Dating back to one of the first cruise liners, the SS Catalina, affectionately known as the “Great White Steamer,” made more than 9,000 trips to the island carrying over 20 million passengers, solidifying and cementing Catalina Island early on as a must-visit cruise destination. With over 100 cruise ship visits a year, Catalina Island welcomes visitors from an impressive lineup of cruise lines including Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, National Geographic Expeditions and others.
For more information about Love Catalina Island, please visit www.lovecatalina.com.
