In accordance with maritime tradition, Disney Cruise Line Captain Robert Olmer and his shipboard officers hosted local port officials and community leaders aboard the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic for a plaque exchange ceremony. To salute its arrival to the Lone Star State, the Disney Magic donned a Texas-sized cowboy hat on the ship’s funnel as crew members and Disney characters waved from the upper decks of the vessel. Members of the Ghostriders equestrian drill team from Houston galloped nearby as the ship sailed into port.

“The city and the Port of Galveston have made the officers and crew members of the Disney Magic feel right at home, and we are so happy to be here,” said Disney Cruise Line Captain Olmer. “With these sailings, families from the central southern U.S. have the opportunity to sail from a port close to their own backyard.  While in Galveston, families can enjoy the historic district, beaches, museums and festivals and soak up that famous Southern hospitality.”

In 2012 and 2013, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Galveston on a variety of 4-, 6-, 7- and 8-night itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Some cruises will take guests to Walt Disney World Resort via Port Canaveral, Florida and visit Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

The Disney Magic will continue sailing from Galveston until May 2013, when the ship will reposition to Barcelona for a fourth summer in the Mediterranean. In September 2013, the Disney Wonder, sister ship to the Disney Magic, will arrive in Galveston and sail 7-night itineraries through the end of the year.

Disney Cruise Line
Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line is focused on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create. The company was most recently recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure as the No. 1 Cruise Line for Families for the fourth consecutive year. Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Disney Cruise Line the top “Cruise Ships of the World,” with the Disney Magic being voted No. 1 and the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder tying for No. 2.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

Chip (6717 Posts)

Chip is owner of and webmaster of Chip and Co - Your source for Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways, and More. When he is not writing about Disney News, or Planning Tips, you will find him counting down the days to his next Disney World Vacation. Watch for him at the 2013 D23 Expo or over on the Chip and Co Facebook Page.