Disney Cruise Line to move ship to Europe in 2010
Disney Cruise Line, a unit of Walt Disney Co., said Monday that it will move one of its ships to Europe in 2010 and lengthen some of its Caribbean trips.
Some cruise companies have started to build up their European presence this year as Americans pull back on their vacation plans due to U.S. economic conditions. Some Europeans have been taking more cruises as they look to capitalize on the weak dollar.
For Americans still interested in taking cruises, Caribbean itineraries have been a popular choice, as they are among the cheaper options offered.
Disney Cruise Line will send the Disney Magic to Europe for five months in 2010, hitting locations such as Germany, Russia and Sweden. It will sail four 12-night cruises to Northern European capitals in June and July of that year, with rates starting at $3,649 per person.
The ship will also run 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises, which were first sailed last year. The trips will take place in April, May, August and September of 2010 for a starting rate of $2,529 per person.
Another vessel, the Disney Wonder, will add four- and five-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, Key West, Fla. and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The company said the longer cruises are geared toward families that want to take their children on a longer vacations during their summer break from school. Many cruise operators traditionally offer three-night Caribbean cruises.
The four-night trips start at $849 per person, while the five-night trips to Key West or two stops at Castaway Cay begin at $899 per person.
Individuals can start booking vacations for 2010 on Oct. 14.
Shares of Walt Disney fell $1.28, or 4.3 percent, to $28.26 as the broader markets sagged under concern that the credit crisis would have a global impact.