Disney Wonder Resumes Sailings From New Orleans: Heres A Look Aboard The Ship
Disney Cruise Line: See aboard the Disney Wonder
NEW ORLEANS – Disney Cruises are back! And we got a sneak peek into all the fun as the Disney Wonder set sail from New Orleans.
Were extremely excited to be back here in New Orleans, assistant cruise director Lee Hawkins said.
Disney Cruises are back! We got a sneak peek into all the fun as the Disney Wonder set sail from New Orleans.
After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, Disney cruise officials say theyre finally ready to return to sea.
I know that our guests are excited, but our crew are just as excited as well…and of course bringing the Disney Wonder and all the enhanced entertainment here that match the French Quarter and the shoreside of New Orleans, Hawkins said.
Disney Cruises are back! We got a sneak peek into all the fun as the Disney Wonder set sail from New Orleans.
On board, theres a splash of Crescent City charm. Inspired by Disneys animated film, Princess and the Frog, Tianas Place gives a taste of local flavor.
Well, in Tianas you will for sure taste the beautiful flavors of New Orleans, hotel director Alberto Besco said.
Disney Cruise Line officials give us a look inside two imaginative restaurants onboard the Disney Wonder: Animators Palate and Tianas Place.
The restaurant is just one of three family dining options on the ship.
Of course, we want to offer great food for our guests from all ages, but we also want to immerse them in the story that Disney only can tell, Besco said.
Adventures By Disney Cruise Packages
2022 Adventures by Disney Cruise Packages have not yet been announced.
The Adventures by Disney Cruise Packages include 2 Adventures by Disney guides available onboard and in port special VIP privileges private onboard receptions unique onshore activities early debarkation at each port all meals, snacks and water while in port a photo CD with all ship photographer pictures, all Adventures by Disney guide photos and an Adventures by Disney slideshow.
- If you are interested in booking an Adventures by Disney Cruise Package, we recommend filling out a quote form with Small World Vacations. They give you full service, including a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number and we recommend them wholeheartedly! Best of all, it costs you nothing to use them, PLUS they give you FREE onboard credit for any Disney Cruise Line booking of over $1000 total fare, good toward most onboard activities and extras such as spa treatments, shore excursions or even your bar tab.
Disney Cruise Line Resumes Sailings From New Orleans
Disney Cruise Line is officially back in New Orleans. The lines ship Disney Wonder set sail from the Port of New Orleans for the first time in nearly two years on Wednesday, February 2.
Disney Wonder
In 2019, Disney Cruise Line announced that Disney Wonder was scheduled for a limited-time return to New Orleans in 2021. That plan was pushed back to this year due to continued COVID-19-related cancellations across the cruise industry.
A Ship on the Go
Wonder is now on a six-night western Caribbean voyage. The vessel will also operate four-night cruises from New Orleans.
Disney Wonder is scheduled to remain in New Orleans for a short time through February before repositioning to San Diego to operate Baja Mexico cruises through the end of April.
MORE: Disney Updates Website With Policy For Those Whove Recently Recovered From COVID-19
From that point, she will head north to Vancouver, British Columbia to operate seven-night Alaska cruises through mid-September before returning to San Diego for the winter and into spring.
Disney Wonder originally resumed sailings on October 1, 2021 from San Diego, operating three-night cruises to Ensenada, Mexico, as well as four-night voyages to Cabo San Lucas.
On embarkation day, all guests regardless of their age or vaccination status are required to take a test at the terminal prior to boarding the ship. The line also offers post-cruise testing for guests requiring it to travel home. The guests is responsible for testing costs.
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Holiday Cruises Themed Cruises & Other Special Cruises
Jump to:
Independence Day
On sailings that include July 4th, there is usually a special celebration with characters dressed in red, white and blue outfits. There has not been a special fireworks show in the past, but sometimes on sailings in the Caribbean or Bahamas they move pirate night to July 4th so they will have fireworks on Independence Day.
The following sailings include Independence Day :
- Disney Dream: 5-night Western Caribbean on July 4
- Disney Fantasy: 7-night Western Caribbean on July 2
- Disney Magic: 9-night Mediterranean on June 27
- Disney Wonder: 7-night Alaskan on July 4
Halloween on the High Seas
During this period there will be special Halloween events onboard, including Halloween-themed parties, storytellings, movies and elaborate décor, including The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise. You will also find characters dressed in Halloween costumes, as well as a costume party for families and, just for adults, a costume contest and a Villainous Takeover on the dance floor in the nighttime entertainment district.
In the past there has not been any special menu for Halloween night itself, over and above what they do on all the Halloween themed cruises during the whole period, but there will be some special Halloween-themed treats.
Halloween on the High Seas takes place on the following sail dates:
Thanksgiving
The following sailings include Thanksgiving Day .
Very Merrytime Cruises
New Years Eve
Adventures By Disney Pre
Adventure by Disney Pre- and Post-Cruise Escape Packages take place before and after select Disney Cruise Line sailings. These 2- to 3-night Escapes include 2 Adventure by Disney guides hotel accommodations multiple, daily excursions special VIP privileges all transportation during the trip and a photo CD with all the Adventure by Disney guide photos.
- If you are interested in booking an Adventures by Disney Pre- or Post-Cruise Escape Package, we recommend filling out a quote form with Small World Vacations. They give you full service, including a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number and we recommend them wholeheartedly! Best of all, it costs you nothing to use them, PLUS you could save up to $1,000! Read more about the Small World Vacations savings offer here.
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The Theme Nights And Shows Are Worth The Hype
Our house is not necessarily into costumes. You wont find us in elaborate coordinated Mardi Gras get ups or with crazy face painting at Halloween. That said, we had heard that pirate night was fun and thus brought some low key costumes to enjoy. As it turns out, pretty much EVERYONE gets into the theme and its kinda fun to play along. I wouldnt rush out and spend a ton of money, but if you have some gear that matches the theme, this non-costume gal would recommend you try to enjoy the fun. Disney does it right, and between the gold coin chocolates on the bed that night and pirate night deck party, we truly had a memorable and festive evening.
Last and certainly not least, the evening shows knocked our socks off. We enjoyed The Golden Mickeys, Frozen and Disney DreamsFrozen and all of the productions were absolutely 100% Broadway caliber. The shows are another way to sneak in some Disney characters without standing in absurdly long lines all day. Much of the music is familiar, and the special effects will blow you away. While all of the shows were solid and held our familys attention, truly took the cake as a musical wed gladly see again. The unique take on a household classic was mesmerizing, so its a not to miss if you have the chance to enjoy it.
Disney Cruises From New Orleans
Disney Cruise Line offers cruises from New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico and the Western Caribbean. See the list of departures below.
Cruises from this port are on the Disney Magic. It is one of the acclaimed original ships in the line. Features include deck parties, live shows, character greetings, first-run movies, youth clubs, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, AquaLab, Quiet Cove Pool for adults, and Senses Spa. Dining options include Animator’s Palate, Triton’s, Tiana’s Place, Cabanas, Daisy’s De-Lites, Pinocchio’s Pizza, and Palo .
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Disney Vacation Club Cruises
The Disney Vacation Club member cruises for 2022 will be the 3-night Bahamian cruise on June 14 on the Disney Wish, and the 7-night Alaskan cruise on August 29 on the Disney Wonder. Both cruises are sold out, but a waitlist is available.
DVC member cruises are only open to Disney Vacation Club members who have purchased at least some of their vacation points directly from Disney . Members can use their vacation points to book the cruise or can pay cash rates. Typically DVC cruises are significantly more expensive than similar cruises for the general public, but guests will be given a wide variety of DVC special gifts and will get to experience some exclusive member events including talks by special guests including artists, imagineers and/or actors from classic Disney movies.
Whether the DVC member cruise is worth booking is a personal judgment call. The extra events are difficult or impossible to experience any other way. The various DVC gifts are usually a mix of the usual kinds of tote bags, pens, and so forth you can get by attending a DVC meeting or buying a new DVC contract, plus at least a few special and unique items. Some people love the DVC member cruises and try to go on each one. Others go once and feel its not worth the extra money.
Get On The Early Booking List
Interested in booking a cruise for a date or itinerary that hasnt been announced yet? You can submit a booking request for a Disney cruise, even before Disney Cruise Line releases the schedule. Save yourself some stress and fill out the Small World Vacations Wait List form in advance and theyll book your preferred cruise the first day you are eligible, at no cost to you! Plus, you can get up to $1000 in FREE onboard credit courtesy of Small World Vacations!
Disney Cruise Line announces their cruise dates and itineraries for only a few months at a time: January through April, then May through September and finally, September through December. Once the new itineraries come out, booking begins just a day or two later, first to Castaway Club members and then to the general public.
The people who book earliest almost always get the lowest possible price. Sometimes there will be last-minute deals via the restricted guarantee fares or Florida Resident fares, but only a small percentage of cruises ever have those fares, and those fares arent always cheaper than opening day fares. In addition, early bookers get first dibs on staterooms, making it the best way to land one of the hardest-to-get staterooms like the Secret Porthole and Secret Verandah rooms. Lots of people know about these advantages, so on the days the new itineraries become available for booking, both the phone lines and website get slammed.
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Disney Wonder To Resume Sailings From New Orleans In 2022
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The Disney Wonder is returning to New Orleans early next year! On February 2, 2022, the Disney Wonder will return to New Orleans, LA with a variety of Western Caribbean cruises.
Related Disney Wonder to Resume Sailings from Galveston starting in November
The Disney Wonder recently resumed sailing from San Diego on October 1, 2021, and starting in November it will sail from Galveston, Texas. The sailings from New Orleans will offer an array of Western Caribbean cruises, including 4, 5 and 6-night itineraries:
- 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico
- Departures from February 14 through February 28, 2022, and February 23 through March 23, 2023
Related Disney Wonder to Resume Sailing from California starting in October
However, one sailing will have a modified itinerary. The 6-night sailing on February 18, 2022, will now visit Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico instead of Key West, Florida and Disney Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Line is offering a $400 non-refundable onboard credit as a thank you to guests sailing on the modified sailing.
Disney Cruise Line To Require Guests Age 5 And Up To Be Fully Vaccinated
Passengers watch from the deck as the Disney Wonder cruise ship departs the port of New Orleans in New Orleans, La. Friday, March 6, 2020.
- STAFF PHOTO BY MAX BECHERER
Passengers watch from the deck as the Disney Wonder cruise ship departs the port of New Orleans in New Orleans, La. Friday, March 6, 2020.
Disney Cruise Line will require all guests age 5 and up to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 beginning Jan. 13.
Guests who are too young to be eligible for a vaccine must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, Disney said on its website Wednesday.
The test, which should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test, or lab-based PCR test, must be taken between three days and 24 hours before their sail date.
Children ages 5 to 11 can still board a ship before Jan. 13 with proof of a negative test.
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Meet All The Characters Or None At All
I think one possibly common concern about Disney Cruise Line is, will it just be filled to the max with Disney things everywhere?! Yes and no. After all, the colors of the ships even match Mickey Mouse himself, and theres no doubt that youre on board a Disney vessel. That being said, we found it all extremely tasteful and dare we say more subtle than the theme parks. All of the character meet and greets are communicated on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, so if youd like to plan your day around meeting Stitch or Captain Hook, you can! If your kids are indifferent or have met characters before, theres absolutely no pressure to do so. We also really enjoyed the fact that the characters are seamlessly integrated to other activities. For example, our entire family loved the Sail Away Party as we cruised out of San Diego, and the kids could watch Mickey and Minnie dance for a few minutes. On another evening, we loved the surprise visit from Louis during dinner at Tianas Place. The point is this: if you want to meet characters, you can 100% do that on board Disney Wonder . If its not important to your family, youll still get a healthy dose of Disney without it being in your face all day, every day.
The Oceaneer Club Is As Good As People Say
I am sure all of you have at least one friend who has said my kids didnt want to leave the kids club on our Disney cruise, and folks, I am here to tell you thats 100% accurate. I was lucky enough to receive a behind-the-scenes media tour during our cruise, and between that and the fact that my children literally begged to go, consider me way impressed.
As it relates to safety, all kids are checked in and out of the youth area by using their Oceaneer bands, as well as a secret passcode that the parents set up for them . During our cruise there were always multiple cast members standing at the entrance, and we always felt very confident in leaving our children to their care. All kids wash their hands upon entering, and the childrens area always felt exceptionally clean. Within the club, our children enjoyed crafts, some character meet and greets, video games, science experiments, physically active games and more. Lunch and dinner are indeed offered .
My own children were 4, 6 and 8 at the time of sailing, so they primarily enjoyed the Oceaneer Club and Lab. However, I do want to mention the availability of the Its A Small World Nursery for children 6 months to 3 years that is offered at $9/hour . It also appeared that the older kids very much enjoyed their come and go access to the Vibe and Edge areas. We often saw kids hanging out together, wandering the ship in groups and even enjoyed a flash mob during one of the evening dance parties.
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Disney Cruises Things To Do
- A Disney Cruise Line cruise is designed primarily for families and makes planning a family vacation super easy. Therefore, Disney Cruise Line vacations are directed to multigenerational families, particularly families with young children. However, that does not mean the cruise line forgets the adults, as it features adult-only specialty restaurants, nightclubs, and quiet pools on all its four ships. While the large staterooms attract families, they also invite interest from a small number of honeymooners, couples, and singles. Anyone who wants a more peaceful cruise vacation should choose sailing outside the summer months, as cruise-goers begin to subside and the pace is therefore slower. The people on a Disney cruise enjoy its youthful vibe, as is evidenced by the cruise line’s sail-away dance parties each of which connect some of Disney’s most lovable characters with Disney cruise guests. Pools are also designed for kid-friendly activities and adults who want to relive their childhood once again. If you love activities, such as miniature golf, ping-pong, or similar kid-friendly pastimes, you will feel right at home on a Disney cruise ship. In fact, anyone who loves Disney will also love a Disney cruise ship vacation.
