Disney Cruise Line announced today two new eastern Caribbean itineraries for 2009 – giving guests more choices than ever before to explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean – and special offerings for 2008.

Beginning in 2009, St. Croix will be a featured stop on one new seven-night itinerary, and Tortola will be featured on another seven-night itinerary.  Both islands are new to Disney Cruise Line, increasing the seven-night Caribbean choices on the Disney Magic to four itineraries (Disney’s traditional eastern and western Caribbean itineraries will continue).

“The Caribbean continues to be an extremely popular destination for our guests,” said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line.  “Expanding our offerings in the eastern Caribbean provides our first-time cruisers an array of popular destinations to choose from, while also providing seasoned Disney cruisers new destinations to visit and explore with Disney.”

McAlpin noted that there are also special offerings during 2008 including a summer season of sailings to the Mexican Riviera, select cruises with multiple stops at Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay, and an enhanced seven-night Land and Sea package that combines the adventure of a Disney cruise with the fun and excitement of a stay at Walt Disney World Resort.

2009. . .New Eastern Caribbean Routes

Disney Cruise Line guests have always enjoyed the beautiful turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches of the eastern Caribbean and, on select voyages throughout the 2009 season, guests will be able to explore either St. Croix or Tortola.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a wonderful mix of colonial-style architecture, natural wonders, quaint shops and spectacular marine habitats.  Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands, features centuries-old ruins, botanical gardens, sugar mills, sensational bays and beaches.  The new eastern Caribbean itineraries will stop at St. Croix or Tortola, St. Thomas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Cruise Line will continue to offer its current version of the eastern Caribbean cruise with stops at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.  The traditional eastern Caribbean voyages will sail in-between the special sailings to St. Croix or Tortola.

Double the Castaway Cay in 2008

As a special treat during the summer of 2008, Disney Cruise Line has redesigned the four-night itinerary to offer two stops at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas. Castaway Cay continues to be one of the highlights of a Disney Cruise vacation, and with this new itinerary, guests will have twice as much time – two full days – to enjoy all the amenities and activities of the tropical oasis.  With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and beautiful tropical flowers, Castaway Cay provides the ultimate escape, whether a guest is seeking adventure, relaxation or quality time with the family.

Altering the traditional four-night itinerary, these 16 special sailings will bookend a day in Nassau with two visits to Castaway Cay.

 ***All four-night sailings from 5/11/08-8/24/08 will include two stops at Castaway Cay

Enhanced Land and Sea Package

Beginning in 2008, Disney Cruise Line guests will have the option to book an enhanced package for Disney’s seven-night Land and Sea Vacation.  The new vacation package, Disney’s seven-night Land and Sea Package Plus Dining, includes all the perks of the existing seven-night Land and Sea package along with the added benefits of the Disney Dining Plan, which provides guests one sit-down meal, one counter-service meal and one snack per person for each night of their Walt Disney World stay.

Disney’s seven-night Land and Sea vacation package combines a three- or four-night cruise on the Disney Wonder with three or four nights of accommodations and theme park tickets at Walt Disney World Resort.  The addition of the Disney Dining Plan creates a more inclusive vacation experience.  Combined with Onboard-Airline Check-in and Disney’s Magical Express, this enhanced package is yet another way that Disney helps provide a hassle-free vacation experience.