News Summary
San Diego is set to boost its cruise industry as Disney Cruise Line plans to bring two of its ships, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, to the city. This initiative is expected to generate over 280,000 passengers during the 2026-27 season, significantly enhancing local tourism. The cruise industry in the area shows positive recovery trends post-pandemic, with major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also establishing new home ports. Upcoming enhancements to local infrastructure will support this growth, marking a promising comeback for the region’s cruise operations.
San Diego Welcomes Disney Cruise Line Expansion for 2026-27 Season
San Diego is set to significantly enhance its cruise industry presence in the 2026-27 season with plans from Disney Cruise Line to bring two of its ships, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, to the city. The cruise season is scheduled to run from September 2026 through May 2027, and local officials anticipate a marked boost to tourism in the area.
During this period, Disney is expected to generate over 280,000 passengers through approximately 60 calls in San Diego. This influx is part of a broader projection by the Port of San Diego, which expects close to 800,000 passengers to sail in and out of the port by the end of the season. This figure is expected to approach the passenger numbers seen during the cruise industry’s peak years of 2008-2010.
Recovery of the Cruise Industry
The announcement marks a significant recovery for the cruise industry in San Diego, which had faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials at the Port of San Diego indicate that the industry is now on a promising trajectory, evidenced by increasing plans from major cruise lines. Alongside Disney, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are also establishing home ports in San Diego, suggesting a renewed vitality in local cruise operations.
During the upcoming season, Royal Caribbean is projected to make 44 calls, bringing in about 211,000 passengers. Holland America, which has historically been San Diego’s largest cruise operator, plans to operate 31 sailings anticipated to attract over 136,000 passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to make 21 cruise calls, potentially bringing around 100,000 passengers to the area.
Details of Disney’s Itineraries
The Disney Wonder will primarily focus on three- to seven-night itineraries to Mexico, with occasional stops at Catalina Island. Meanwhile, the Disney Magic will operate cruises mainly to Baja California and the Mexican Riviera. After its time in San Diego, the Disney Magic will move to Galveston, Texas, for a 14-night sailing that includes destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Cartagena, and Grand Cayman.
The Disney Magic is set to be docked in San Diego for two months during October and November 2026 before commencing its winter itineraries.
Infrastructure Improvements and Economic Impact
To accommodate the anticipated surge in cruise traffic, San Diego’s B Street terminal is undergoing significant upgrades. These upgrades include elevator replacements and other renovations aimed at enhancing capacity and functionality. The port also plans to use the less-frequently used Broadway terminal approximately 20 times to manage times when multiple ships are in port simultaneously.
Each cruise ship that embarks and disembarks in San Diego contributes around $2 million to the local economy, indicating a substantial economic benefit from the upcoming increase in passenger traffic. Furthermore, Disney Cruise Line’s fleet expansion plans are remarkable, with intentions to operate 13 ships by 2031, up from the current six vessels.
Booking Information
Bookings for the new cruises will open on August 25, 2025, for select members, and on September 2, 2025, for the general public, allowing travelers ample opportunity to plan their trips.
The recent expansions illustrate a promising future for San Diego’s cruise industry, highlighting a resurgence that could restore passenger volumes seen in earlier years and support the local economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Disney’s Financial Outlook for This Quarter
Additional Resources
- Travel Age West: Disney Cruise Line Expansion
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Disney Returns
- Travel Market Report: Disney Expands Sailings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cruise Ship
- Google Search: Disney Cruise Line Expansion 2026 2027
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
