Disney Cruises begins inaugural season out New Orleans aboard Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line has begun cruising from New Orleans for the first time, aboard its 83,000-gross ton, 2,400-passenger ship Disney Wonder.

Not only is Disney Wonder the first Disney cruise ship to sail from New Orleans, she is also the cruise line’s first ship to homeport in the city.

The cruise line has confirmed that it will return for another season in early 2021, with both seasons featuring cruises that visit the Bahamas and Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay.

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Disney Wonder’s first departure from New Orleans was on February 7^th, 2020, the ship received a celebratory bon voyage from Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and members of the traditional New Orleans Treme Brass Band.

Onboard Disney Wonder, Disney Cruise Line is offering passengers a range of New Orleans-inspired experiences, with dining and entertainment at Tiana’s Place restaurant and a menu that draws inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the Louisiana bayou.

At the brand new French Quarter Lounge, guests are transported deeper into the story to enjoy live jazz music, sip a New Orleans-themed specialty drink and dance the night away.

Throughout the days, family activities, trivia, workshops, crafts and music bring the bayou spirit of family gatherings and fun to life.

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Throughout the lounge, other inspired details include a full-sized streetcar on the St. Charles line – the same trolley that Tiana rides in the film. Authentic wooden bench seating creates a cozy place to sit, listen to music and experience the ambiance. The handsome streetcar also provides the picture-perfect spot for family memories.

The bar is a focal point of the lounge with New Orleans-style wrought-iron adornments and shutters. In addition to offering specialty cocktails, nonalcoholic beverages and coffees, the bar also displays elements inspired by the popular character, Dr. Facilier.

A mural on the wall is painted with Dr. Facilier’s shadow and his business card from the film. A door in the area is based on the entrance to Dr. Facilier’s shop, with signage and three flickering “candles” overhead.

“Those in the area can experience the magic of having a Disney ship in their own backyard. For guests joining Disney Cruise Line from farther away, they can savor the excitement and flair of the Big Easy both onboard and ashore,” Disney Cruise Line said in a prepared statement.

“In New Orleans, there’s magic around every corner as visitors recognize the iconic sights and sounds that inspired the Disney animated film The Princess and the Frog,” it added.

Disney Wonder begins her New Orleans cruises fresh from a refit and refurbishment in 2019 that included stem-to-stern enhancements for guests of all ages, including a sleek new place for teens and a redesigned café for adults.