By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Canaveral Port Authority and Disney Cruise Line have extended their partnership with a new 20-year agreement that will expand operations and make Port Canaveral the homeport two of Disney’s new ships.
The new agreement will be enforced from 1 June 2019, providing a 20-year primary term with two additional five-year renewals. Disney will continue making 150 calls a year until 2023 when it will increase to 180 calls and then to 216 calls in 2024 for the remainder of the term.
“For decades we have worked with Disney Cruise Line building a partnership based on our mutual commitment to excellence,” said John Murray, director and CEO of Canaveral Port Authority. “We are tremendously proud of our joint success and looking ahead at growing an even more exciting future with Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral as the homeport for its newest class of vessels.”
As per the new agreement, Disney will continue to operate Cruise Terminal 8 exclusively, as well as having preferential use of Cruise Terminal 10. The planned improvements to these terminals will accommodate Disney’s growing fleet. The line’s three new yet-to-be-named ships are expected to be delivered in 2021, 2022 and 2023, with two homeporting in Port Canaveral for their first five years in operation.
“Port Canaveral was the inaugural homeport for our first ship and has served as a gateway for magical cruise vacations ever since,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Cruise Line. “We value our longstanding relationship with Port Canaveral and look forward to expanding our presence there as we introduce new ships and new family cruise experiences.”