Magic leaves today for Spain

OceanAngel · May 13, 2007

BY DONNA BALANCIA

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Mediterranean cruises. The Disney Magic leaves Port Canaveral today for Barcelona, Spain, where it will cruise the Mediterranean. FLORIDA TODAY file

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A favorable exchange rate for Europeans and increased demand for European cruises have led to strong bookings aboard the Disney Magic for its upcoming three-month European itinerary.

The ship leaves its home at Port Canaveral today for a trans-Atlantic voyage to Barcelona, Spain, where it will take Disney cruisers on alternating 10- and 11-night cruises through the Mediterranean.

"We're excited the Magic sets sail for Europe. It's the first time the ship has sailed a European route since we took delivery of the Magic," Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin said. "We want to offer our guests what they've requested. We poll all of our guests, and ask them what they would like, and Europe has been at the top of the list. So we looked into it, and I actually went on a competitor's cruise, and looked at it for a potential for our guests, and we took it to the next step."

But when Disney Magic sets

off on its repositioning voyage to Europe, it leaves the Disney Wonder behind as the sole ship that represents Disney Cruise Line at Port Canaveral.

"Since, with Disney, we are dealing with dreams and wishes, it is my dream and wish that I am never without the two ships," Canaveral Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Stan Payne said. "I don't want to see the ship leave. But I understand how important it is for them to explore other markets. It brings into focus the importance of building two new ships. And, once they do that, it is my dream we'll never be without two again."

Disney Cruise Line has ordered two new ships that will launch voyages in 2011 and 2012. No home ports have yet been selected for the ships.

The Disney Magic will go back to California for a stint next year, and there are other destinations, like Alaska, that the company still is exploring, McAlpin said.

The European cruises are 10 and 11 nights in length to enable families to "catch their breath" and "relax during their trip," McAlpin said.

"Most of the European cruises we had seen were seven nights, and that's overwhelming, particularly for families," he said. "People are going all that distance, so we made the cruises 10 and 11 nights to give guests time to unwind. Kids get overwhelmed and burned out on the seven-night trips, and we didn't want that."

Oivind Mathisen, editor of Cruise Industry News, said Disney is capitalizing on its brand in bringing cruising to the world.

"I think it's a smart move," Mathisen said. "By going to Europe, they can offer passengers something new. The Disney ship will make a huge impact wherever port it goes, and everyone knows Disney. If they sailed out of the Port of New York, for example, that would make a splash."

"Going to Europe during the summer will benefit Disney's bottom line," Mathisen said. "People pay more for European cruises. People are spending more at their parks than they did last year. That's not true for cruise lines. They make more money through onboard spending."

While the Magic will have most procurements flown in from the United States during its stay in Europe -- the exchange rate is the reason -- the perishables will be provided by local companies in Europe, McAlpin said.

And while families will get to see some sophisticated sights in Europe, Disney still is largely about the kids, he said.

"We'll be taking care of the kids," McAlpin said. "We're giving them treasure maps that are really engaging, and that help teach them about Europe. Then, all the programs have been changed to have a European twist to them."

There will be some upgrades to stage shows, such as the Disney Dreams show, that will be enhanced with various production additions.

McAlpin said the bookings are very strong, but there is some availability on the return trans-Atlantic cruise.

The rest of the season is selling out -- with the latter part of the cruise offering selling better. But there is still some availability on all the dates.

The Disney Wonder continues to offer its three- and four-night Bahamas cruises while the Magic is gone.

The Magic's 14-night return cruise from Spain to Port Canaveral will be Aug. 18 to Sept. 1.

"People are asking for Europe," McAlpin said. "We're providing a new experience for the guests, and you've got to mix it up. But we also have to continue to generate first-time cruisers. These are people who have not been on a cruise, and they trust Disney. Then they'll come back and do a seven-night cruise with us. You have to appeal to all the guests."

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