January 1, 1970
Disney Cruises announced that in 2011 the Disney Wonder will sail to Alaska. The seven-night cruises will be round trips out of Vancouver and will call in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
"We are excited and welcome the new entrant to Alaska, particularly one with such high visibility," said John Binkley, President, Alaska Cruise Association. "It will add new marketing strength to Alaska as a cruise destination."
The Alaska itinerary confirms much speculation over the last two years that Disney would send one of their two existing ships to Alaska. The completion of two newly built ships in 2011 and 2012 will double their existing fleet. Earlier it had been announced that the Disney Wonder would be deployed to the Pacific Coast in 2011, which fueled the discussion that Alaska would be on the summer itinerary.
"While we are excited about Disney's proposed 2011 deployment, we do not see any fundamental change in the market that indicates a turn around in demand for the Alaska cruise products," Binkley said.
"Alaska remains one of the highest cost destinations in the world and in today's economy; many consumers are still reluctant to pay the premiums that are required to cover those costs."