Is Disney Cruise Line moving the Disney Wonder to Miami?

[Wendy]

The Port of Miami appears poised to land the Disney Wonder, which would bring a new element of competition to South Florida.

According to the Miami Herald report, the Port of Miami may soon be ‘sprouting mouse ears.’ Disney Cruise Line has scheduled a press conference on Wednesday 18th January at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami, where an official announcement is expected and when they will also talk about fleet expansion and new itineraries.

Disney's Florida ships have historically been based at Port Canaveral, which is relatively close to Walt Disney World in Central Florida, but the Wonder has dropped four sailings from Los Angeles to Mexico later this year.

Speculated reasons for moving the Wonder to Miami is that Disney could tap into the 90,000 annual international visitors to the Miami International Airport and avoid having a glut of ships at Port Canaveral.

It is speculated that several ports in the Caribbean have already been approached about booking an unnamed Disney ship, starting in December.

Cruises from Southern California to the Mexican Riviera have suffered amid publicity about drug cartel violence in Mexico.

So watch this space and I will let you know more on Wednesday when the news is announced.

Do you think it's a good idea moving the Wonder to Miami or would you prefer it to stay at Port Canaveral?

[Tink]

Yep, heard about this through a CM friend. Said DIsney was extremely disappointed with the response for the cruises to Mexico so she's 'coming home' to Miami.

Not sure there will be that much of an improvement as Disney is so much more expensive and Miami is a very busy port (with much more reasonably priced lines, and some more elegant).

[catrancher]

Not sure there will be that much of an improvement as Disney is so much more expensive and Miami is a very busy port (with much more reasonably priced lines, and some more elegant).

You're right about that Tink. They are more expensive. But Disney is still Disney and the experience counts for something. But I do think that long haul, they're going to have to revisit their pricing strategy. At least once the shiny wears off the Dream and the Fantasy a bit.

Tom (... I still like 'em!)

[Tink]

Oh, the majority of folks do like DCL, that's what keeps them going!

I'm always amazed at how Disney does command and get the highest price for anything they put their name to.