By the Caribbean Journal staff

Disney Cruise Line has reached a new 20-year agreement with Port Canaveral, part of a plan to expand operations and add new ships.

The new deal will keep annual calls at 150 until 2023, when Disney will increase operations to 180 calls, with 216 calls on track in 2024 going forward.

“For decades we have worked with Disney Cruise Line building a partnership based on our mutual commitment to excellence. We are tremendously proud of our joint success and looking ahead at growing an even more exciting future with Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral as the homeport for its newest class of vessels,” said Canaveral Port Authority Port Director and CEO Capt. John Murray.  

Disney will retain its exclusive operation at Cruise Terminal 8, with plans to add new ships in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Two of them will be homeporting at Port Canaveral for at least their first five years of operation.

“Port Canaveral was the inaugural homeport for our first ship and has served as a gateway for magical cruise vacations ever since,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Cruise Line. “We value our longstanding relationship with Port Canaveral and look forward to expanding our presence there as we introduce new ships and new family cruise experiences.” 

Disney’s two biggest cruise ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, are currently homeported at Port Canaveral.

— CJ