DISNEY CRUISE LINE

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Disney Cruise Line has shifted its focus to the next addition to its fleet, which just welcomed the new Disney Wish this summer. Read: Divers search for missing child after lightning strike near Orlando rowing clubThe Walt Disney Co.’s Orlando-area cruise operator announced the Disney Treasure as the next mega ship to join its fleet of five ships -- the Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney, Wonder, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. The Disney Treasure will be designed with a new motif and an adventure theme inspired by Walt Disney’s affinity for exploration. Video: New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral Officials said it will be a trip unlike any other cruise passengers have experienced before.

Just a couple of months following the debut of the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line has officially unveiled the name of its sixth ship.

Disney updated its vaccination requirements for guests traveling on its cruise line.

Disney Cruise Line launches ‘Wishes Set Sail’ initiative for local youth Disney Cruise Line launches the‘ Wishes Set Sail’ initiative for local youth in Brevard County. (Disney Cruise Line/Disney Cruise Line)BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Disney Cruise Line launched its youth empowerment “Wishes Set Sail” campaign Friday. Read: Disney Cruise Line releases fall 2023 cruise scheduleCaptain Minnie Mouse and Disney Ambassador Ali Manion visited the Cocoa Branch of the BGCCF to celebrate the launch of the campaign. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Disney Cruise Line launches ‘Wishes Set Sail’ initiative for local youth Disney Cruise Line launches the‘ Wishes Set Sail’ initiative for local youth in Brevard County. In total, the Disney Cruise Line will distribute $400,000 to local youth initiatives in port cities.

Disney Cruise Line released its cruises for fall 2023. Next year, Disney Cruises will continue to offer magical experiences. Disney Cruise Line announced its fall 2023 itineraries Thursday. Halloween on the High Seas will be from September to October next year while Very Merrytime will set sail from early November to December 2023. Disney Cruise Line will also introduce new destinations aboard the Disney Dream and set sail from New York City for the first time next year.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, is preparing to set sail on her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral.

Disney Cruise Line is preparing to welcome guests onboard its newest ship, the Disney Wish.

Onboard the Disney Wish: A ship filled with fun for kids

When the Disney Wish sets sail on its maiden voyage in July, guests will take part in a number of magical new experiences from the worlds of Star Wars, Frozen, Marvel and so much more.

Disney Cruise Line is pulling back the curtain on its all-new cruise ship, the Disney Wish.

If you’re planning to sail on a Disney Cruise out of Port Canaveral, you’re more than likely making a stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Disney Cruise Line is preparing for the maiden voyage of its all-new ship, the Disney Wish.

The countdown is on till the Disney Wish sets sail on her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral.

Disney Cruise Line officially debuted its newest ship, the Disney Wish, at its Port Canaveral terminal Tuesday.

Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney Wish Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney Wish (Disney Cruise Line)PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, will embark on its christening cruise on Wednesday. Last week, the ship made its way home to Port Canaveral for the first time. READ: Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Wish, arrives at Port CanaveralOn Wednesday, the ship will make its first trip back out to sea, with only crew members and members of the media on board for a three-day trip. Disney Wish is the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet and offers new experiences you won’t find on other ships. PHOTOS: New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral on MondayThe christening will happen at 11 a.m.

Disney Wish prepares for special christening this week

Disney Cruise Line announced Friday that all Make-A-Wish children, including past, present and future wish recipients, will be honored as godchildren of the Disney Wish.

After months of anticipation, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship has arrived in Port Canaveral.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — A piece of Disney magic pulled into Port Canaveral on Monday morning. The cruise line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, arrived just after 5 a.m. READ: New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral on MondayThere has been a ton of anticipation for the ship’s arrival. Disney Wish arrives at Port Canaveral (WFTV.com News Staff)WATCH: Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney WishThe ship is packed full of one-of-a-kind entertainment and industry firsts, including the AquaMouse — the very first Disney attraction at sea. PHOTOS: New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral on MondayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral on MondayClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Video: New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral on Monday Officials said it will be a trip unlike any other cruise passengers have experienced before. (WFTV)PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — After months of anticipation and delay, Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Wish, will be arriving Monday morning for the first time to Port Canaveral. Photos: New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral on MondayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 New Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wish to celebrate homecoming in Port Canaveral on MondayOfficials said it will be a trip unlike any other cruise passengers have experienced before. WATCH: Disney Cruise Line unveils new dinner adventure ‘Avengers: Quantum Encounter’Guests can also see what it takes to be an “imagineer” and create a roller coaster. WATCH: ‘We made it’: Passengers return to Port Canaveral after cruise ship catches fireSee more in the video above.

The Wish is set to sail into Port Canaveral on June 20 with a debut and christening scheduled for June 29 at 11 a.m.

Disney Cruise Line Enter for your chance to win a dream vacation from Disney Cruise Line. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV Channel 9 wants to make your vacation wishes come true aboard the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. Photos: Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney WishSpectacular worlds and beloved characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar are brought to life like never before, with the service and care you would expect from a Disney vacation. Enter for your chance to discover where magic meets the sea. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 25 Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney Wish Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney Wish (Disney Cruise Line)©2022 Cox Media Group

In order to make room at Port Canaveral, the company is shuffling some of its cruise ships around, including the Disney Dream.

Disney Cruise Line has announced new spooktacular experiences that guests will see during their “Halloween on the High Seas” voyages.

For more than two years now, health officials have been warning people not to go on a cruise.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, is promising to be one of the company’s most magical ships ever built.

Disney Cruise Line to make face coverings optional on March 11

The ship is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral July 14.

The ship will now undergo finishing touches and the all-important sea trials before heading to Central Florida.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — People looking to sail aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship will have to wait a little bit longer to get on board. The cruise line announced Thursday that the inaugural sailing of the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral will be delayed by six weeks. READ: Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney WishCruise line officials said they are reaching out to affected guests to help them adjust their vacation plans. Among the options offered to impacted guests is a 50% discount on a future cruise departing by Dec. 31, 2023. READ: Bridge has to go temporarily to make way for Jeff Bezos’ super yachtExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 25 Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney Wish Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney Wish (Disney Cruise Line)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Disney Cruise Line says that beginning Thursday all vaccine-eligible guests ages 5 and older must be vaccinated to come on board its ships. >> Read more trending newsThe new requirement was first announced in November with Jan. 13 as the deadline for guests to be fully vaccinated. The cruise line follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of being fully vaccinated. “This is a requirement for all guests (US and international) ages 5 and older.”The requirement would apply to ships sailing a U.S. itinerary and those that take place abroad. Disney Cruise Line’s previous requirement mandated vaccinations for guests 12 and older.

A new COVID-19 vaccine requirement is now in effect on Disney cruises that requires all guests 5 years and older to be vaccinated in order to set sail.

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — A new gateway to Disney fun is coming to the state. On Tuesday, the Broward County Commission, alongside Disney Cruise Line President Thomas Mazloum and Captain Minnie Mouse announced a new agreement naming Port Everglades as Disney’s second year-round home port. READ: Disney Cruise Line to require children ages 5 and up to be vaccinated for COVID-19In addition, the agreement provides one ship to be docked at Port Everglades year-round beginning next fall and joined by a second seasonal ship in 2025. “Disney is a big name that will bring big business to Broward County,” said Broward County Mayor Michael Udine. “We welcome everyone under the sun, and Disney Cruise Line is an excellent fit for our inclusive, family friendly destination.”READ: Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney WishClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney Cruise Line has announced new details about two brand-new theatrical productions coming to the Disney Wish, which sets sail on June 9, 2022. The shows were first announced over the weekend at Destination D23. The shows are a Broadway-style take on Walt Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and an embarkation day celebration helmed by Captain Minnie, Goofy an an all-star cast of Disney and Pixar characters. The embarkation celebration “Disney Seas the Adventure” will follow Goofy after Captain Minnie hands over the helm to him, and his journey to discover his own inner captain, Disney said. READ: Disney addresses new legislation that would fine companies for enforcing vaccine mandatesThe two recently announced shows join the already announced reimagined version of “Disney’s Aladdin -- A Musical Spectacular” and the Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party.

Disney Cruise Line officials shared details about two of the new shows that will debut aboard the all-new ship, the Disney Wish.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off on four bills Thursday to prohibit mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for Florida students and workers, calling HB 1B the “strongest piece of legislation” enacted against such mandates anywhere in the U.S.

The mandate takes effect in January and applies to sailings domestically and abroad, company says.

The Disney Cruise Line has announced all passengers over the age of five will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to board their ships in 2022.

Disney Cruise Line announced Wednesday they will be requiring all guests age 5 and up to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney Cruise Line announced Thursday it will debut a new float during the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The float will be modeled after the Disney Wish cruise ship and is called “Magic Meets the Sea.”WATCH: Disney World at 50, and the city that rose around itMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, described as the world’s largest parade, will be held on Nov. 25 in New York City. Officials said the Disney Wish is set to sail in summer 2022. Officials said the float will spotlight 15 Disney characters who represent the stories and experiences on board the Disney Wish, including Captain Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Princess Tiana, Aladdin and Jasmine. WATCH: Eyewitness News Celebrates 50 Years of MagicDisney Cruise Line officials said they will share more details about the new float before the Thanksgiving celebrations begin.

A Vermont family is suing Disney for $20 million, saying their child was sexually assaulted while in the care of a Disney Cruise Line daycare....

Disney Cruise Line has shared new details about some of the new experiences for children and teens onboard its all-new cruise ship, the Disney Wish.

Disney Fantasy File photo of the Disney Fantasy docked in Falmouth, Jamaica, on May 2, 2018. A Vermont couple has sued Disney Cruise Line, alleging that their 3-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by another child passenger aboard the Fantasy during a January 2020 cruise. (Marina113/Getty Images/iStockphoto)BURLINGTON, Vt. — A Vermont couple, who alleges that their 3-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by an older child, has sued Disney Cruise Line for $20 million. The 3-year-old was attending Disney’s Oceaneer Club day care facility when her parents allege that a “significantly older child, who was a passenger on the cruise, assaulted her, the TV station reported. The lawsuit itemizes a total of five counts of negligence against the cruise line, WCAX reported.

"I don't want to sit an office for eight hours a day with someone who is not vaccinated," one employee said.

"I don't want to sit an office for eight hours a day with someone who is not vaccinated," one employee said.

Mandate marks the first time the company is requiring shots for people boarding ships at a U.S. port.

Disney Cruise Line on Tuesday joined other lines that dock in Florida in planning to require COVID-19 vaccinations for most passengers ages 12 or older...

Now that Disney Cruise Line has joined Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian in planning to require COVID vaccines for passengers 12 and older, it’s time for Florida’s governor to drop his nonsensical court fight — using our money — to defend the state’s dangerous ban on vaccine passports.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — Disney Cruise Line will now require passengers to be fully vaccinated in order to board its ships that sail to the Bahamas. As Disney Cruise Line resumes sailing in a gradual, phased approach that emphasizes multiple layers of health and safety measures developed in consideration of guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical experts, it will now require some passengers to be fully vaccinated. For guests sailing to the Bahamas from Sept.3 through Nov. 1, new guidelines will be in place concerning vaccination requirements. In order to be allowed entry in any of its cruise ports, the Bahamas will require that all passengers ages 12 and older be fully vaccinated. To comply with this new requirement, all guests ages 12 and older must be fully vaccinated to board the Disney ship, according to a news release.

Disney Cruise Line announces that guests 12-plus sailing to the Bahamas must be vaccinated.

Confused about cruising? You're not alone.

The first Disney cruise ship to sail from Florida in over 500 days left Port Canaveral yesterday. The Disney Dream sailed out for The Bahamas,...

Despite last year’s unprecedented shutdown of the cruise industry, Disney is pushing forward with its plans to add three new ships in the coming years....

The first Disney cruises in the U.S. since the pandemic began will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Disney's private island in the Bahamas.

After more than a yearlong hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Disney Cruise Line is set to resume sailings out of Port Canaveral next month.

After a series of stutter-starts, Disney Cruise Line will return to sailing on August 9. The company shared an announcement to their official parks Twitter...

Disney Cruise Line is taking a big step in its cruising comeback.

Disney Cruise Line plans to have a “test sailing” out of Port Canaveral, departing Saturday afternoon, as a key step toward Disney resuming operations with paying passengers from U.S. ports, News 6 partner Florida Today reports.

In 2019, Port Canaveral began a massive upgrade to Cruise Terminal 8, the home of Disney Cruise Line. The project was slated to include nearly...

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — In March 2020, the Disney Dream was the last ship to sail from Port Canaveral before cruising was suspended. The cruise line was set to sail the first trial voyage from the port on Tuesday. READ: Man accused of shooting Daytona Beach police officer to be transferred back to Volusia CountyIn a statement to Eyewitness News, the Disney Cruise Line said:“We are delaying our simulation cruise due to a small number of inconsistent COVID-19 test results, which are considered positive by the CDC. The rigorous health and safety protocols we have in place helped us identify the situation, though the test results were ultimately negative.”It’s not known when the cruise will be rescheduled. READ: 1st post-pandemic cruise ship from US sails awayMany are hoping Port Canaveral won’t be far behind.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships will soon set sail from Florida ports once again after more than a yearlong hiatus due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given the green light for Disney Cruise Line to run test cruises out of Port Canaveral. The cruises will test the company’s newly developed health and safety protocols for the Disney Dream. “Our continuous efforts in close consultation with our cruise partners at Disney has led to this important milestone,” Capt. John Murray, Port CEO, said in a prepared statement. “We’re very excited and ready to welcome back the iconic Disney ships to their home at Port Canaveral.”READ: Disney Cruise Line unveils newest ship, the Disney WishThe announcement is a huge step in the process to resume full cruises from Brevard County.

Disney Cruise Line announced announced details regarding its upcoming fifth ship, the Disney Wish, in April, but waited until recent days to reveal what will...

Disney Cruise Line gives first look at new cruise ship, the Disney Wish

Disney to share exciting news about new Disney Wish cruise ship

Florida's governor said the state will sue the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, demanding cruise ships be allowed to resume sailing immediately.

Disney Cruise Line faces four lawsuits filed this past week by passengers from Arizona and Utah who claim they contracted COVID-19 during a cruise at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, News 6 partner Florida Today reports. The plaintiffs in the case allege that Disney would not allow them to cancel or reschedule their cruise on the Fantasy cruise ship scheduled from March 7-14 last year despite concerns about the coronavirus and the passengers’ autoimmune conditions and compromised health. AdThe plaintiffs said normal activities remained open during the cruise and that passengers were often crowded together in small areas, despite the known risks. “No guests or crew reported symptoms of COVID-19 while aboard the Disney Fantasy during the March 7, 2020, sailing. In the lawsuits, the plaintiffs’ argument outlines how a previous coronavirus outbreak on a Carnival cruise ship infected 700 passengers, causing the ship to anchor at a Japanese harbor for two weeks.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – Both Disney and Carnival cruise lines have extended their suspensions on sailings for at least another month, according to updated travel advisories from the companies. Disney Cruise Line issued its latest COVID-19 travel alert on Wednesday, saying all departures have been halted through May and Disney Magic sailings will remain on pause through Aug. 10. AdDisney Wonder’s scheduled season also remains up in the air due to restrictions from the Canadian government, according to the cruise line. Disney cruise line officials said affected guests and travel agents will receive an email outlining details and next steps. Anyone who booked a Disney cruise through a travel agent should contact the agent directly.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line has now suspended sailings through April, according to its latest coronavirus travel alert. It has also suspended some departures into the following month. The cruise line announced that sailings aboard the Disney Fantasy are canceled through April 24 and vacations onboard the Disney Dream are suspended through April 30. The Disney Wonder will not be departing from any port until at least May 12. Disney added that it is working to continue to refine its protocols as it awaits further guidance from the CDC.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line announced Friday that it has canceled its sailings through February due to the coronavirus pandemic. “As we continue to refine our protocols for our eventual return to service, we have decided to cancel all departures through February 28, 2021. Sailings are canceled onboard the Disney Magic through February 25; the Disney Wonder and Disney Dream through February 26; and the Disney Fantasy through February 27. Guests who have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid thus far. “Our team at Disney Cruise Line remains focused on the health and well-being of our guests and team members.

[TRENDING: Another vaccine ‘highly effective’ | Man wrestles gator to save dog | Box installed at fire station for abandoned babies]“Our team at Disney Cruise Line remains focused on the health and well-being of our Guests and team members. Additional sailings are canceled for the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Dream through February 1 and the Disney Fantasy through February 6. All new: 🚢Disney Cruise Line extends suspension of all departures through Jan. 31, 2021 @DisneyCruise | Here are the dates impacted. Affected guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps. Those who booked directly with Disney Cruise Line and have questions after receiving their email should call 866-325-6685 or 407-566-7797.

Disney Cruise Line is extending its cancellations of sailings through mid-December. On its website, a statement titled “Disney Cruise Line Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Alert,” said, “As we continue to refine health and safety protocols for our future return to service and await direction from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Disney Cruise Line has decided to further extend its suspension of new sailings.”Disney officials said all cruises are canceled for the Disney Fantasy through at least Dec. 6. For other ships, like the Disney Dream and Wonder, cancellations are in effect through Dec. 11. [TRENDING: ‘God, forgive me:’ Mom arrested on murder charge | Trump pushes for $1,200 direct payments | Daylight Saving Time debate]Previously, the cruise line canceled its sailings through November, but as cases of COVID-19 continued to rise and the hunt for a vaccine continues, the cruise line decided to extend the cancellations to keep guests and employees safe. Anyone who booked a cruise before the cancellations will receive a full refund, Disney officials said.

All rights reserved)ORLANDO, Fla. Disney Cruise Line announced it was suspending additional sailings Monday due to the coronavirus pandemic. The cruise line suspended the following:Disney Magic sailings through Oct. 2. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailings through July 27. Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps. Below is a list of Disney Cruise Line departures that have been affected.

The Walt Disney Company is closing Walt Disney World in Orlando for the rest of March, along with its theme parks around the world, the company announced Thursday night.The coronavirus pandemic first led to the closures of Disney's Asian theme parks on Feb. 29, before the Thursday afternoon announcement that Disneyland and California Adventure in Anaheim will close on Saturday. Just hours later, the company announced the Orlando park and Disneyland Paris are now slated to close on Sunday. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Unlike many newspapers, ours is free and we'd like to keep it that way, because we believe, now more than ever, everyone deserves access to accurate, independent coverage of their community. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

Pedestrian nature trails will link to the opposite side of the peninsula, where a spa and wellness center, art and culture center, a conservation center, and more beach access can be found. In 2019, Disney sent a survey to select Vacation Club members, asking about their interest in potential future locations for a DVC resort. Included in the list were multiple ski lodge locations, three locations in Asia, Anaheim, numerous large cities including San Francisco and New York, and Lighthouse Point. According to Disney Cruise Line, the Lighthouse Point project should provide at least 120 construction jobs during its development, and then at least 150 "well-paying" permanent jobs once it opens. Priority will be given to Bahamian entertainers, artisans, and tour operators.Still, this is not enough for some who are concerned about the impact that the large cruise ships and thousands of tourists will have upon the fragile ecosystem.

PORT CANAVERAL, FL – A Florida jury has decided that a Disney Cruise Line worker deserves $4 million from the company based on her claim that she got inadequate medical care from ship doctors after she was hit by a car during a port of call. The Brevard County jury earlier this month ordered the cruise line to pay Maria Ana Reis Martins the judgment. The Miami Herald reports that it included $2 million for lost earnings, $1 million for pain and suffering and $1 million for punishment. It is the first time that Disney Cruise Line has a lost a personal injury case involving a ship worker in a jury trial, said Julio Ayala, Martins' attorney. A phone message seeking comment left with the cruise line on Tuesday wasn’t immediately returned.

Florida remained dominant in the cruise industry again this year, with the release of's annual Best Cruise Lines rankings Seventeen cruise lines and 176 ships were included in this years list, which is based on passenger rankings, sanitation-inspection scores, and expert ratings based on facilities, activities, cuisine, cabins and more. Disney Cruise Line also held the top spot for Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean for the seventh consecutive year.In the Best Cruise Line in the Mediterranean category, Seabourn Cruise Line remained in the top spot, but they were bumped to second place for Best Luxury Cruise Line, with Viking Ocean Cruises claiming first place. Viking kept their first-place ranking for Best Cruise Lines for Couples.One of the biggest moves across the six categories was Crystal Cruises in the Best Cruise Line in the Mediterranean category. His vision of Caribbean cruises was quickly modeled by other cruise lines, including Carnival, which launched in 1972. He remained in leadership at Royal Caribbean until his retirement in 2003 and was a regular in South Florida philanthropy circles.

The long contracts, typically in regions thousands of miles away from the South Asian nations many crew members come from, can be extremely taxing. "We recognize how important it is for our crew members to be able to stay in touch with their families and friends, and we're proud to provide this benefit," said Jeff Vahle , president of Disney Cruise Line. "Despite Disney Cruise Line claiming they were the first to offer complimentary text messaging to crew members, similar programs are found on other cruise lines. Royal Caribbean began offering tablets to its crew members in 2014 and many other cruise lines offer cell and internet plans for crew members at a discounted rate. Blocking crew members from disembarking in New York comes after a similar ban was rolled out for Norwegian Cruise Line in 2018.The New York area has become a common spot for crew members to desert their posts.

People walk on the beach at the Cocoa Beach Pier while a cruise ship leaves Port Canaveral ahead of the approaching Hurricane Dorian. Hurricane Dorian veered toward Georgia and the Carolinas early Saturday, likely sparing Florida the worst of the storm. Cumberland Island National Seashore, located on the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, closed to the public on Saturday. The National Park Service noted a high risk for dangerous rip currents along Cumberland Island National Seashore beaches. The island, located about 35 miles from Savannah, Georgia, is hosting about 30,000 visitors for Labor Day weekend, with hotel occupancy near 90%, Riley estimated.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images(CNN) - Vacationers headed to Florida for the Labor Day holiday and the unofficial close of summer are in for a nerve-racking weekend. Getting out of the storm's path will be tricky, as its path is still unpredictable with four days to meander over very warm water. FlightsAmerican Airlines has issued a comprehensive list of Florida destinations that may be affected by the storm. The carriers have posted those details on their web sites and will update with new destinations as the storm's path evolves. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, one of Central Florida's most popular tourist destinations, is monitoring the storm's path and may move its Mobile Launch Platform inside.

Cruise lines sailing from Port Canaveral have begun to modify their itineraries to avoid Tropical Storm Dorian. Royal Caribbean has modified the itineraries of three ships Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas from eastern to western Caribbean routes. The Harmony of the Seas is based at Port Canaveral. The ship is scheduled to return to Port Canaveral Sept. 1. Disney Cruise Line, meanwhile, changed the itinerary of its Port Canaveral-based Disney Fantasy from an eastern Caribbean to a western Caribbean route.

click to enlarge Image via Disney Parks Blogclick to enlarge Image via Disney Parks Blogclick to enlarge Image via Disney Parks BlogThe new Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Resort DVC resort that will be located where River Country was. The next five years will be one of the most significant investment periods in Disney parks and resorts in decades.Confirmed at the last D23 Expo in 2017, three new Disney Cruise Line ships will come online between 2021 and 2023. The $800-million, 841-room Aulani DVC resort in Oahu, Hawaii, is the largest stand-alone Disney resort in the world. Smaller stand-alone DVC resorts that opened ahead of Aulani can be found in Vero Beach and Hilton Head. The Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products panel takes place at 10:30 a.m. (PST) Sunday, Aug. 25.

CNN via Cruise CriticWe know it's about the journey -- not just the destination -- on a cruise ship. Avignon, in France's Provence region, was named most popular cruise destination of the year, according to Cruise Critic's fourth annual Cruisers' Choice destination awards, which published Wednesday. The Cruise Critic team bases its rankings on thousands of consumer ratings and reviews submitted on Cruise Critic.com, covering more than 500 ports of call worldwide. Cruise Critic also named the top cruise destinations in 18 regions around the world, as well as the best cruise lines to book to visit each region. Quebec City was named the top cruise destination in the United States/Canada region, while Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay was named the best cruise line private island.