south pacific disney cruises

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South Pacific Cruises

15-night south pacific cruise from honolulu ending in sydney.

Embark on an unforgettable high seas adventure from Honolulu to Sydney. Spend wondrous days at sea delighting in fun-filled Character encounters, imaginative dining, Broadway-style entertainment and more aboard the Disney Wonder. Along the way, explore the beauty of the South Pacific with stops in stunning ports of call from Kahului to Nouméa.

15-Night South Pacific Cruise from Sydney ending in Honolulu

Casting off from Sydney and sailing to Honolulu, this 15-night voyage—with 14 sunsets—sails across the international dateline, where Guests will experience the same calendar day twice. Stops include Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia and the Hawaiian Islands. While at sea, delight in award-winning entertainment, exciting deck parties, imaginative dining, Character encounters and more.

New Hawaiian and South Pacific Itineraries Released by Disney Cruise Line

During Sunday’s Disney Parks, Experiences and Products panel at D23 Expo 2022, we learned that the Disney Wonder would soon be sailing out of Australia and New Zealand . Today, Disney Cruise Line revealed their new Hawaiian and South Pacific itineraries.

• Disney Cruise Line has unveiled their first-ever cruises through the South Pacific, plus new Hawai'i sailings in 2023 and 2024.
• Guests will voyage from Vancouver, British Columbia, to the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.
• From Honolulu, guests will cruise the South Pacific across the international date line to Sydney, Australia.
• Along the way, they will dock in the exotic island nations of Fiji, American Samoa and New Caledonia, where guests will have time to appreciate Polynesian culture, explore enchanting rainforests and hike to tropical waterfalls.

Booking Begins:

• October 3, 2022: Platinum Castaway Club Members & Golden Oak Members
• October 4, 2022: Gold Castaway Club Members
• October 5, 2022: Silver Castaway Club Members, eligible Disney Vacation Club Members and Adventure Insiders
• October 6, 2022: All Guests

The Itineraries:

• Embark on a one-of-a-kind vacation at sea to Sydney, Australia on a 13-night cruise—with 14 sunsets—departing from Honolulu, Hawai'i. Experience the best of Oʻahu before sailing over the international date line (where you’ll “lose” a day but not a sunset) to the exotic isles of American Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia. While sailing the Pacific blue, enjoy award-winning entertainment, exciting deck parties, imaginative dining, Character encounters and more. In Australia, spend time exploring a host of fascinating destinations, including the Sydney Opera House, botanical gardens, golden-sand beaches and a vibrant dining scene.
• Cast off on the journey of a lifetime with this 15-night cruise sailing through the South Pacific and over the international date line, where you’ll experience the same calendar day twice amid 14 sunsets. Explore Sydney’s stunning botanical gardens, golden-sand beaches and cosmopolitan city center—home to a beautiful harbor and the iconic Opera House—before setting sail through the mighty Pacific Ocean. Along the way, dock at American Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia and the Hawaiian island of Maui. While at sea, delight in award-winning entertainment, exciting deck parties, imaginative dining, Character encounters and more.
• Say “Aloha!” to an enchanting 10-night Hawaiian cruise departing from Vancouver, British Columbia. Drop anchor at Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwili and Kahului, where carefree leisure, recreation and adventure await. Trek to lush jungles, discover secret waterfalls, kick back on a gorgeous beach or explore the colorful marine life under the waves. Plus, enjoy the exceptional hospitality you’ve come to expect from Disney—award-winning entertainment, festive deck parties, imaginative dining, freshwater pools and waterslides, kids clubs, Character encounters, exciting Port Adventures and so much more.
• Drop anchor at Kahului, Hilo and Nawiliwili during a 10-night sailing from Honolulu to Vancouver, where the best of the Aloha spirit awaits—from lush jungles and secret waterfalls to stunning beaches and a laid-back island vibe. Then voyage through the Pacific in style while enjoying magical amenities and activities only Disney can create—including award-winning entertainment, festive deck parties, themed dining, sparkling pools, kids clubs, Character encounters and so much more. After your cruise, enjoy time to explore the parks, gardens and big-city charm of beautiful Vancouver.

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Itineraries and Booking Available for South Pacific and Hawaii cruises

After a delay of one week booking opened for the 2023 and 2024 Hawaii and inaugural South Pacific cruises on the Disney Wonder. The cruises were announced on September 11, 2022 at D23.

The Disney Wonder will be sailing from Vancouver to Hawaii on October 3, 2023.

On March 1, 2024 it will sail from Hawaii to Vancouver.

South Pacific

The marque cruises are the South Pacific (transpacific cruises). They are are billed as 13-night and 15-night cruises, but the length of both is 14 -nights or as DCL says 14-sunsets because the ship crosses over the international date line.

The first sails from Hawaii on October 13, 2023 arriving in Sydney Australia on October 28, 2023.

The return cruise departs on February 16, 2024 returning to Hawaii on March 1, 2024

Booking for the cruise begins with platinum on October 10.

• October 10, 2022 : Platinum  Castaway Club Members  & Golden Oak Members
• October 11, 2022 : Gold  Castaway Club  Members
• October 12, 2022 : Silver  Castaway Club  Members, eligible Disney Vacation Club Members and Adventure Insiders
• October 13, 2022 : All Guests

*Note* online booking opened around 7;00am EST phone booking began at 8:00am EST.

*Update The February 16 cruise appears to be sold out at 8:30 am EST.

*Update rooms On the February 16 cruise have opened up again so it may have been a glitch. It would have been the fastest I have ever seen a cruise sell out LOL!

Opening Day Prices

Keep up to date with the latest Disney Cruise news by signing up for our newsletter. I will post pricing and itineraries for the Hawaii and South Pacific cruises soon. Learn all about the  Disney Wish  Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship and the  latest Disney vaccination policies . Are you new to the Disney Cruise line? See our  tips and tricks  to get the most out of your cruise.

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, that if you make a purchase through my links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this site.

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Current Disney Cruise Discounts April 28, 2024

Current disney cruise discounts april 8, 2024.

South Pacific Cruises Relax into island time as you voyage across the South Pacific on a wondrous Polynesian adventure.

Experience the vibrant cultures and wild natural beauty of Hawaiʻi, Fiji, American Samoa and more—complete with swaying palms, endless stretches of white-sand beaches and thriving reefs teeming with colorful marine life. And while sailing the high seas, delight in the world-famous entertainment, fun-filled recreation and spectacular themed dining experiences only Disney can create.

ONBOARD FUN

Ready to book your trip? Start planning today!

Disney Cruise Hawaii and South Pacific – Where Do They Sail and How Much Do They Cost?

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New and exciting itineraries are on the horizon for Disney Cruise Line.

In late 2023 and early 2024, she will be sailing fabulous Australia and New Zealand cruises.

In October 2023 the Disney Wonder will be sailing from Vancouver on repositioning cruises to Hawaii and the South Pacific to start her new adventure. She will sail back to Hawaii in March 2024.

Here we will look at the Disney Cruise Hawaii and South Pacific sailings and discover what the opening prices were on the first day these cruises were released.

These cruises are going to be very popular and most likely will sell out very quickly.

Availability will change – keep trying even if it looks as though the cruise is sold out.

Disney Cruise Hawaii and South Pacific Sailings

There are four sailings that have been released.

• Vancouver to Honolulu
• Honolulu to Sydney
• Sydney to Honolulu
• Honolulu to Vancouver

It isn’t yet known where the Disney Wonder will sail after the March 2024 Hawaii cruise as these sailings have not been released yet.

How much does a Disney Hawaii or South Pacific Cruise Cost?

I am writing this guide on the opening day of bookings on October 10, 2023, so at this point, only Platinum Castaway Club Members and Golden Oak Members have access to booking.

The prices that were shown were correct at 9 am PST on October 10, 2023.

Availability and pricing most likely will be different when you check pricing.

All prices shown are for 2 adults and include taxes and fees and are in $US.

HOW MUCH DOES A DISNEY WISH CRUISE COST?

10-Night Hawaiian Cruise from Vancouver ending in Honolulu

Sailing on October 3, 2023

• Vancouver, Canada
• Hilo, Hawaii
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Nawiliwili, Hawaii
• Kahului, Hawaii

Here are the prices of this Disney Vancouver to Hawaii cruise shown on October 10, 2023, on the morning that booking opened.

This shows the starting cost of the Concierge Staterooms for this cruise on the opening day morning.

The Concierge Royal Suite price shown is for the Walt Disney Suite and the Roy Disney Suite.

13-Night South Pacific Cruise from Honolulu ending in Sydney

This sails on October 13, 2023

• Pago Pago, American Samoa
• International Date Line
• Lautoka, Fiji
• Noumea, New Caledonia

Things That First-Time Disney Cruisers Do Not Expect!

15-Night South Pacific Cruise from Sydney ending in Honolulu

Sailing on February 16, 2024

• Sydney, Australia

Join 50,000+ Members of the Disney Cruise Group!

10-Night Hawaiian Cruise from Honolulu ending in Vancouver

Sailing on March 1, 2024

Booking a Disney Hawaii and South Pacific Cruise

Castaway Club Members will still get priority booking, but booking will open a week later than the originally stated start date of October 3, 2022.

Booking Begins:

• October 10, 2022: Platinum Castaway Club Members & Golden Oak Members
• October 11, 2022: Gold Castaway Club Members
• October 12, 2022: Silver Castaway Club Members, eligible Disney Vacation Club Members and Adventure Insiders
• October 13, 2022: All Guests

To book go to Disney Cruise Line

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

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Cruises Might Be a Surprisingly Affordable Way to Visit the South Pacific

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When Disney Cruise Line announced in September at its D23 Expo that it would launch its first-ever South Pacific cruise itinerary, Rachel Medlock was ecstatic. She describes her and her husband as “those Disney adults” — referencing people who, for better or for worse, love Disney like it’s a religion. 

Medlock, who works in Australia as a freelance copywriter, sought a spot on the cruise, which starts in Honolulu, then meanders through American Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia before arriving in Australia.

Disney’s South Pacific cruise has two scheduled sailings so far, one in October 2023 and a second in February 2024 (which follows a similar itinerary, albeit in the reverse direction). Bookings opened in October 2022, with the first few days limited to Disney’s most loyal customers, including Disney Vacation Club members and repeat cruisers with Castaway Club status.

But even Medlock’s fandom wasn’t enough for early access, and she says every cabin posted on Disney’s website was booked before sales even opened to the public.

Optimistic that someone’s deposit might fall through and she’d snatch a room, Medlock and her husband refreshed roughly every hour. Two days later, they finally snagged a coveted spot. 

A stateroom on the Disney Wonder, the ship used for Disney’s South Pacific itineraries. (Photo courtesy of Matt Stroshane/Disney Cruise Line)

South Pacific cruises are hot right now

The dash to book Disney’s South Pacific cruise is an anomaly, says Tracy Sannes, who runs The Disney Cruise Family Travel Blog. A spokesperson for Disney cruise line said the route is “very popular” and confirmed in an email to NerdWallet that bookings through its website are sold out. Though, there is availability through some online travel agencies, including Expedia .

“The last Disney cruise I remember selling out that quickly were cruises from Vancouver to Hawaii,” Sannes says. That cruise was set for spring 2020 but never departed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The route is back for 2023 and 2024, with cabins still available.

Disney isn't the only company cruising in the South Pacific for the first time this year. Others include Variety Cruises, which will launch its first-ever Tahitian cruises in January 2023.

Royal Caribbean operated South Pacific cruises pre-pandemic, and in October 2022 resumed sailings out of Sydney for the first time since 2019. And in November, Royal Caribbean launched its first-ever voyages out of Queensland for South Pacific trips that include stops at Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Why South Pacific cruises are so desirable

Planning an escape to the paradisiacal islands of the South Pacific is rarely cheap or easy. Flights are long and tough to come by. High-end luxury resorts dominate the lodging options at many tourist hotspots, where you’ll face high prices for rooms, food and excursions. And with so many islands, it can be tough to decide which to visit.

Cruises solve many of those problems.

No long-haul flight is needed (or perhaps just one way)

Flying between the U.S. and South Pacific is almost certain to induce jetlag. Flying from Los Angeles to Tahitian island Mo’orea takes just over eight hours, and it’s 11 hours to Fiji. And that’s if you can get a direct flight — which can be difficult.

“The biggest driver of cheap flights is not distance traveled or size of the cities, but rather competition between airlines,” says Scott Keyes, who runs deal-tracking website Scott’s Cheap Flights. “Right now, the number of scheduled flights across the Pacific is down 50% from 2019.”

For what it’s worth, flight availability is growing among some major airlines. As of mid-December, Delta Air Lines jets off three times a week on a never-before-operated, nonstop route from Los Angeles to Tahiti. Hawaiian Airlines is set to launch flights between Honolulu and the Cook Islands in May 2023, though that flight will run once a week only.

Keyes, who sends out alerts to readers whenever he spots extraordinary deals, says South Pacific airfares are higher now than pre-pandemic. He says the cost of South Pacific flight deals he emailed his followers in 2019 averaged $672. In 2022, it was $828 on average.

But when opting for an itinerary like the Crown Princess’s 28-night cruise through Hawaii, Tahiti, Mo’orea and Western Samoa — which starts and ends in Los Angeles — West Coasters might not need to fly at all.

Transpacific cruises at least eliminate jet lag and airfare one way. And typically, that one-way flight is from a major city, thus there's more availability. Los Angeles, San Diego or Honolulu are common docking points on one end, with Sydney or Brisbane, Australia, or Auckland, New Zealand, on the other.

The National Geographic Orion has 53 cabins and is used for itineraries in the South Pacific. (Photo courtesy of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic)

You’ll conveniently see multiple islands

Deciding which of the South Pacific’s many islands to visit can be tough, but spending a chunk of your trip in airports to island-hop could be tougher. 

Plus, cruises efficiently ferry you to your next destination while you sleep — and you’ll only have to unpack once.

Prices can sometimes be cheaper than other cruise itineraries

Disney’s 13-night South Pacific itinerary starts at about $2,400 per person, assuming two people per room.

While Disney cruises are notoriously pricey compared with most other cruise lines , the South Pacific itinerary is actually cheaper than many other Disney cruises of similar length. Disney’s nine-night Alaska cruise in summer 2023 starts at about $2,800 per person. Its 10-night Caribbean cruise in summer 2023 starts at just over $4,000 per person.

It’s not even much more than some cruises that never leave Australia — yet more than twice the duration. For example, a December 2023 Disney cruise from Brisbane to Sydney starts at about $1,800 per person (that’s about 25% less), but it's only six nights long.

“With flights to Hawaii, a week there and then jumping on the Disney Wonder back to Australia, it’s not costing that much more than they’re charging for a week in Australia itself,” Medlock says.

The cost savings is due in part because the cruise is called a “repositioning cruise.” 

In October 2023, Disney will send its ship, the Disney Wonder, from the U.S. West Coast to Australia for the winter (as it’s summer down under). The Wonder will return to the U.S. by March 2024 for spring and summer itineraries around San Diego and Mexico. The South Pacific itinerary is a way for Disney to keep the ship at capacity while it makes a voyage it would need to make anyway.

“Repositioning cruises are notoriously better value, regardless of cruise line,” Medlock says.

Budgeting can be easier

Because cruises typically have most costs included , you generally won’t open your wallet once onboard.

Disney’s $2,400 cruise includes 13 nights of meals plus 24-hour room service, shows, pools, character meetings, kids clubs and nightclubs. Expenses like alcohol, spa services, port excursions and tips are extra. 

Though sometimes even those extras can be paid for in advance — and at a discount.

“Cruises offer package deals that cover transportation, lodging and meals, in addition to activities and entertainment,” says Mirela Letailleur, who runs a travel blog called The Travel Bunny. “Travelers won't stress about reserving several hotels and flights, which may rapidly mount up and increase vacation costs.”

Meals are included at most of Wonder’s restaurants, including Animator’s Palate, which is a dinner-show-type restaurant. (Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

Cruising can be one of the cheapest ways to see the South Pacific

Expedia found that the average two-week vacation package from Seattle to Sydney in October 2023 costs between $2,400 and $3,400. That’s just flight and hotel — it doesn't include meals and activities. An Expedia spokesperson said that if you opt out of a package and instead book a la carte, costs can balloon to $4,200 (because Expedia offers discounts for booking trip elements together).

Disney’s cruise starts at $2,400, yet other companies are cheaper. Royal Caribbean’s 17-night cruise in April 2024 from Australia to Hawaii starts at about $1,300 per person — just over half the cost of Disney’s. 

Letailleur also says that cruises tend to offer promotions like discounted fares for kids or groups, which can make cruising an especially good option for families.

If cruising on floating cities isn’t appealing, other options include Variety Cruises’ 10-night round-trip Tahitian cruise, which puts you aboard a small vessel with just 48 other passengers. The cruise starts at about $3,100 per person.

Variety uses its Panorama II to sail through Tahiti. (Photo courtesy of Variety Cruises)

The downfalls of cruising the South Pacific

For all the benefits of cruising, there are trade-offs. Avichai Ben Tzur, who has written several South Pacific travel guides for his website X Days In Y, has done multiple South Pacific cruises. But, he says he usually wouldn’t recommend it.

“It’s impossible to get a sense of these magical islands during a quick port call when hundreds of passengers quickly flock to the main tourist sites,” he says. “The magic of the South Pacific islands is only felt when you overnight on the islands and interact with locals.”

And even if you do opt for a transpacific cruise, there are trade-offs compared with other cruise routes. Expect to spend multiple days at sea before setting foot on land. For example, the Royal Caribbean’s 18-day cruise from Sydney to Oahu leaves French Polynesia on day 12, but you don’t dock again until day 18 upon arrival in Hawaii. That leaves passengers with the final full five days of their cruise at sea. 

Ben Tzur said he recognizes that sometimes cruising can be the only way to see islands that are otherwise hard to reach and expensive, particularly if there are no airports or hotels. But for itineraries that just stop in large ports anyway, Ben Tzur steers clear. Instead, he advises people to choose one area to hone in on and explore, rather than trying to see everything.

“Focus on a specific region, and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime trip,” he says. “That’s key to avoiding disappointment.”

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Disney Cruises to the South Pacific

We found you 2 cruise s

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A Snob's Guide to Cruising the Islands

From Indonesia to the Caribbean to the South Pacific.

There are few travel sensations quite as stirring and elemental as approaching an unknown island by sea—and knowing you’ll get to do it again tomorrow. Here’s how to channel your inner mariner.

No boat of your own? No problem. The French-owned three-mast Le Ponant , recently completely refurbished, has the feel of a swish private yacht, with just 16 suites, one crew member for every guest, and a new tie-up with Relais & Châteaux (the first sailing yacht to get the imprimatur). You’ll sail from Martinique to such yachtie spots as St. Lucia’s Pigeon Island, St. Vincent, the Tobago Cays, and tiny Bequia, where the most beautiful sweep of sand is named after the late Princess Margaret, who swam here off the royal yacht Britannia.

South Pacific

A 14-night trip around the Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Society Islands on the Paul Gauguin , which has the insider knowledge 26 years of sailing here brings, is an excellent way to experience the region’s dramatic contrasts, from Bora Bora’s aquamarine shallows to the Marquesas’ waterfalls and green cliffs. You’ll have a Polynesian BBQ at Motu Mahana, a private islet. Diver alert: The ship has a fully equipped dive center. Silver Cloud ’s 14-night voyage from Fiji to Papeete, Tahiti, throws in Tonga and the dreamy Cook Islands. Snorkeling among technicolor shoals of fish is a given, but because this is an expedition ship (converted from Silversea’s “classic” fleet), there are also hiking, cultural visits, birdwatching, and 4X4 junkets in the rainforest.

The Australian-owned superyacht Emerald Azzurra (max. 100 passengers) heads to the Seychelles in late 2024, stopping at six Indian Ocean islands in one week. All are different: Curieuse has giant tortoises; Aride, birds; La Digue has Anse Source d’Argent, supposedly the most photographed beach in the world—a vision of giant granite boulders, white sand, and turquoise sea. The ship has its own water sports marina platform, with paddleboards, kayaks, and Seabobs—powerful underwater scooters that can dive or whizz you through the water like a dolphin.

It’s best to book a cruise through a specialist. Our go-tos: Mary Jean Tully ([email protected]) and Tom Baker ([email protected]) , who both specialize in luxury ships of all sizes, and Ashton Palmer , the guru of small ship expedition cruises ([email protected]) .

Sue Bryant is an award-winning writer and editor specializing in travel, in particular cruising and experiential travel. She is cruise editor of London's The Times and The Sunday Times and also contributes to  Cruise Critic , Sunday Times Travel Magazine , Cruise Passenger , Travel Weekly , National Geographic Traveller and Insight Guides .

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Disney Eats

Disney Eats: Mother’s Day Foodie Guide 2024  

by Nicole Cantore , Digital Integration Specialist, Global Food & Beverage

Happy Mother’s Day! This lovely occasion is coming up on May 12, and I’ve got your list of all the decadent delights coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort . Once you see these bites and sips, you’ll be counting down the days until you can try them yourself.  

Whether you’re enjoying your time with your mother, aunt, grandmother, caregiver, mother figure, or any special person in your life, Disney Parks has something for you to indulge in. Try a new dish that will brighten your day like the Sunflower Cake from The Mara or treat yourself to a sweet selection with the return of the Bouquet of Roses Cupcake from Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette . For those heading over to the Disneyland Resort on May 12, Storytellers Cafe has a special Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet filled with flavors, fun, and even some Disney Characters, and one at Plaza Inn within Disneyland park . To learn more and book, check out the official website for Storytellers Cafe and Plaza Inn . 

Grab your loved ones and your appetite because it’s time we get to all the Mother’s Day goodies coming in this year’s Foodie Guide!  

Walt Disney World Resort   

Disney’s animal kingdom lodge  .

The Mara (Available May 5 through 18; mobile order available)   

• Sunflower Cake: Marbled chocolate and vanilla cake, vanilla buttercream, and mini chocolate chips (New)   

Disney’s Beach Club Resort   

Beach Club Marketplace (Available May 5 through 18; mobile order available)   

• Mother’s Day Croissant filled with raspberry jam topped with raspberry crunchies (New)   

Disney’s BoardWalk   

BoardWalk Deli and Carousel Coffee (Available May 5 through 18; mobile order available at BoardWalk Deli only)   

• Mother’s Day Croissant: Croissant dough filled with raspberry jam topped with raspberry crunchies (New)   

Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa  

Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available May 5 through 18)   

• Bouquet of Roses Cupcake: Chocolate Cupcake, strawberry pastry cream, chocolate mousse, and buttercream 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort   

Pineapple Lanai (Available May 5 through 18)   

• Makuahine DOLE Whip Float: DOLE Whip with Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red topped with shimmering edible flowers  

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort   

The Market at Ale & Compass (Available May 5 through 18; mobile order available)   

Available at Various Table-Service Restaurants and Lounges at Disney Resort Hotels   

• Strawberry-Orange Mimosa: Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut, orange juice, and strawberry purée topped with a strawberry (New) (Available May 5 through 18)   

Disney Springs   

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available May 5 through 12; mobile order available)   

• Mother’s Day Éclair: Lemon and lavender éclair (New)   

The Ganachery (Available May 1 through 12)   

• Mother’s Day Chocolate Flower Box: Ganache with flavors of hibiscus-strawberry and jasmine tea (New)   

Disneyland Resort   

Disneyland park  .

Plaza Inn (Available May 12 only)   

• Mother’s Day Brunch: Join in the celebration and drop “Inn” for brunch hosted by Minnie Mouse and her friends. Start with a memorable moment with Minnie Mouse and a special flower, picked just for mom. 

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa   

Grand Californian Great Hall Cart (Available May 3 through 13)   

• Mickey-shaped Mother’s Day Cookie  
• Box of Assorted Cookies  

Storytellers Cafe (Available May 12 only from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.)  

• Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet: Indulge your mom with a glorious dinner buffet – and encounter some beloved Disney Characters!  

Available at Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort Including Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Trolley Treats (Available May 5 through 12)   

• Tulip Cake Pop: Vanilla tulip-shaped cake pop dipped in purple-colored white chocolate, outlined in purple sanding sugar, and adorned with marshmallow leaves dipped in green-colored white chocolate (New)   
• Pink Minnie Caramel Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel, enrobed in milk chocolate, adorned with marshmallow ears, and dressed with pink sanding sugar and white M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies 

I hope you all have a very Happy Mother’s Day however and whoever you celebrate!  

Want to stay up to date on all the tasty tidbits? Check out our Disney Eats topics page and be sure to follow us @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook.  

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)   

Topics: Disney Eats

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by Nicole Cantore , Digital Integration Specialist, Global Food & Beverage

Disney Eats: Disney Lookout Cay Foodie Guide for Disney Cruise Line

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Protect Your Trip »

Cruise packing list: 56 essentials chosen by experts.

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Ensure you have these cruise essentials for your vacation at sea.

Packing for any trip takes some planning, but cruise vacations present a unique challenge – particularly due to limited stateroom storage space and sparse (or overpriced) options for purchasing accidentally forgotten items.

To help you decide what to pack for a cruise, we've curated a list of essentials recommended by cruise experts who regularly sail the high seas. Download the U.S. News Cruise Packing List pictured above to reference while you pack, and read on to learn more about the recommended items and where you can purchase them if needed.

• For packing and planning
• For travel and embarkation day
• For the cabin
• For the ship and shore excursions

Find your perfect cruise

Carry-on bag

Regardless of whether you bring checked luggage, you'll need some type of carry-on bag . Since checked bags need to go through security as they do at airports – and because you may need to wait for your stateroom to be ready, just like at a hotel – you'll want to be able to access any necessities pre-cruise. These might include a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the pools; medications; a bottle of water; and your smartphone, of course. You'll also want to keep your credit card, passport, and any other important documentation or valuables close by. A carry-on backpack works especially well since it can double as a day bag for shore excursions.

Checked bag

While you'll likely want to bring a checked bag, consider sharing one with your ship mate(s) to maximize stateroom storage space. Or, consider bringing medium-sized luggage, such as the The Medium by Away , for checking in.

Read: The Best Checked Luggage Options

Garment bag

Courtesy of Halfday

While many cruises are less formal these days, a garment bag can still be handy for keeping select garments wrinkle-free (since clothing irons are prohibited on cruise ships). Top-rated options include the The Garment Duffel by Halfday and the Briggs and Riley Baseline 22" Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag , both of which double as traditional luggage. If you pack your luggage right, you can make this your only suitcase, in addition to a carry-on bag.

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your belongings for travel – especially in a tight cruise ship cabin. Top-rated options include the Veken packing cubes on Amazon (usually priced around $20) and all of the Pack-It Sets by Eagle Creek. The Pack-It Starter Set is especially ideal for cruising since it includes a garment folder designed to minimize wrinkles in clothing. Some cruisers also swear by vacuum-sealed bags , even though they can be a bit more tedious to pack.

Carry-on caddy

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, recommends a carry-on caddy , particularly if you're flying to your embarkation point. "I have a fabric sleeve that slides down over the telescoping handle on my carry-on to provide pockets for my passport, phone, coffee – all the things I used to have to juggle during check-in."

Digital luggage scale

The compact Etekcity scale – approximately $10 on Amazon – can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and help you avoid overweight baggage fees.

Read: Carry-on Luggage Size and Weight Limits by Airline

Bungee cord

"Especially for travelling with the family, I use a bright-green bungee cord to strap multiple pieces of luggage together," says Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic. "It's a lifesaver when boarding trains or disembarking ships, particularly when you ' re maneuvering a stroller and a little one around, too."

Luggage tracker

Courtesy of Apple

A luggage tracker isn't just useful for air travel. Attach one to your checked cruise luggage to see when it has arrived in your stateroom (or if it's stalled at security). Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, doesn't go anywhere without her Apple AirTag after her luggage got stuck in Vancouver for over a week last June. "My AirTag use has expanded beyond my checked luggage, too. I also have AirTags in my handbag, my carry-on, my keychain and my wallet."

Cruise insurance

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, cruise insurance can be a wise purchase ahead of your voyage. Travel policies can cover unforeseen expenses such as trip interruptions and medical emergencies.

While a passport is often required for cruising, rules can vary depending where you're traveling. Determine whether you need a passport for your upcoming cruise ; if you do, triple-check that you have it packed the day of departure.

Credit cards and local currency

When cruising internationally, consider getting small amounts of each country's currency to have on hand in port. Depending where you go, some local markets may only accept their own country's currency, not U.S. dollars or credit cards. It's also nice to leave cash gratuities for cab drivers, tour guides or servers; in the European Union, 1- and 2-euro coins are convenient and appropriate tips. In ports with vendors that do accept credit cards, be sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard , as some shops and restaurants do not take American Express .

RFID wallet

It's important to protect your travel documents with an RFID wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder or the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet , the latter of which can hold multiple passports for a family. "Thieves and hackers can steal your credit card information just by using skimming devices," explains Jill Schildhouse, a cruise expert and U.S. News contributor who always travels with her RFID wallet. "And because your wallet wasn't even touched, you won't know it happened until you see your credit card statement."

Read: The Top Passport Holders and Wallets

Medications

Pack more than enough of your prescription medications as well as any over-the-counter medicines you'll need, just in case you encounter an itinerary change or travel delay. While some travelers find it easiest to bring personal medicines in their prescription bottles, others find travel pill boxes to be especially helpful for organization. The Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer is a well-rated option, with detachable boxes for each day as well as compartments for morning and evening medications.

Sheet masks

Since flying can be so drying for the skin, Faust likes to use sheet masks. "My first step the night before I board (because you should always fly in a day early) is to hydrate with a sheet mask (usually from a Korean brand like Ballon Blanc or FaceTory )," she says. "If I'm meeting up with a friend, I bring an extra sheet mask so our trip starts out feeling a bit like a spa day!"

Magnetic hooks

A surprising fact: Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can optimize your storage space by hanging some of your belongings on magnetic wall hooks. The hooks are perfect for holding bulky coats or boots if you're traveling to a colder climate. You can also use them for wet gear on expedition ships and adventure cruises, or for drying out bathing suits after days at the beach or pool. Purchase a set of magnetic hooks for less than $10 on Amazon .

Like hotels, cruise ships can only provide so many hangers. Bring a few extras from home or pick up a pack from your local dollar store. You might also try packable hangers .

Wrinkle release spray

Whether or not you bring a garment bag, a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray , is useful to have on board. If you combine a spritz or two with the steam from your shower, you should be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your clothing.

Laundry detergent

"If you don't want to pay for laundry service or spend precious time in the self-service laundry room, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent like Woolite to wash key items in the sink: underwear, bras, quick-dry hiking shorts, bathing suits, etc.," recommends Schildhouse. "Every cruise ship shower has a retractable clothesline you can extend to drape the clothes over while they dry. This can also help cut down on the number of items you need to pack."

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers with clear or mesh pockets allow you to find your feminine hygiene products, makeup, jewelry and other small items quickly – without having to hunt through multiple drawers or a tight stateroom closet. It's a good idea to purchase a two-pack like this option by Simple Houseware Store (available on Amazon), since you can also use one to store shoes and maximize floor space.

Courtesy of Poo-Pourri

It goes without saying, but to say it anyway: A toilet spray like Poo-Pourri is a must for your cruise packing list. Any smell – pleasant or not – will travel quickly in small staterooms with small bathrooms. Buy a small bottle to keep in your cabin.

Shampoo and conditioner

Cruise experts agree it's best to bring your own shampoo and conditioner in travel-size bottles, as most cruise ships don't provide separate shampoo and conditioner anymore; instead, they offer all-in-one dispensers. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, likes to pack her shampoo and conditioner in the popular Cadence Capsules , noting she also uses them for another essential: sunscreen. "These capsules are easy to fill, never leak and have clear labels, which you can customize," she says.

Wine or Champagne

Most major cruise lines allow each guest to bring one to two bottles of wine or Champagne on board, while some luxury cruise lines allow even more than that. Disney Cruise Line also gives guests the option to bring a six-pack of beer instead of wine or Champagne. Be sure to consult your cruise line's policies when packing for your trip.

Read: Cruise Line Drink Packages

If you plan to bring wine or Champagne, you'll likely need a corkscrew . While some cruise lines may prohibit corkscrews, others allow them onboard; check your cruise line's policy before sailing. Bringing wine with a twistable cap may be a good alternative.

Portable humidifier

Cruise ship cabins can feel dry – especially in the colder months. A portable humidifier like the GENIANI Erie (less than $25 on Amazon) can provide some relief. At about half a pound, this USB-powered device will fit neatly into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. The travel humidifier features two mist settings and has an automatic shut-off option, plus a night light to help you see around your cabin in the dark.

International travel adapter or converter

You'll likely need a travel adapter, since cruise lines homeported in international locales may have different electrical sockets and voltage strengths than you're used to in the U.S.

McDaniel recommends the OneWorld65 Travel Adapter . "I've used a lot of different travel adapters over the years, but this is my favorite. It charges up to six devices at once, has USB and mini-USB options, and works in over 200 countries," she says. "While many cruise ships have U.S. outlets, most usually also have European outlets. This adapter lets me take advantage of that outlet I'd otherwise ignore." She also notes that while cruise lines are getting better about having more outlets on their ships, it never feels like enough to keep your phone, camera battery, tablet, watch, headphones/earbuds and laptop charged (times two or more if you're traveling with others).

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Sound machine

Cruise experts agree a sound machine can be helpful for blocking out the sound of late-night partiers returning to their staterooms (or your snoring spouse). Schildhouse likes the LectroFan Micro 2 for cruising. "It plays non-looping white noise and doubles as a speaker to play tunes while you get ready for dinner."

Tech organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

A tech organizer like the BAGSMART electronics organizer case – available on Amazon for about $20 – can store all your cables, plugs, SD cards and earphones in one zippered, compact bag that will fit easily in your carry-on luggage. Despite its small size, it can also hold bulkier items like a small laptop charging cord.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a good thing to have on hand no matter where you go. You can make your own using supplies you already have at home, or buy a premade first-aid kit on Amazon for about $20. While all cruise ships have medical facilities, it's useful to have these items with you on shore excursions, especially those involving active adventures.

Hand sanitizer

Regularly washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer is essential to staying healthy while traveling, especially on a cruise ship. Stock up on a few travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer (less than $2 each at Walmart) ahead of your trip. If you're looking for something with less alcohol that's also less drying, check out Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer .

If you're a parent, you know that your infant or toddler needs a very specific size – and in some cases brand – of diapers, which may very well be unavailable to you on your cruise ship or in the ports of call. Bring more than enough diapers to play it safe at sea.

Most cruise lines also require that non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers wear swim diapers in the children's water play areas. For the sake of sanitation, kids must be toilet-trained to use the pools on cruise ships.

Read:  The Best Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Many cruisers like to personalize their cabin with stateroom door decor. Not only is it a fun tradition, but decorating the door can make it easier to locate your room, too. You can find lots of fun decor ideas on Pinterest as well as Amazon .

" Duct tape is a life-saver in many situations," says Kosciolek. "I primarily use it to attach my printed luggage tags, but it's also great for mending clothing issues on the fly and fixing broken luggage until you can get it back home."

"As a parent, I like to bring lanyards with sleeves so my kids can wear their keycards and not lose them," says Erica Silverstein, senior cruise editor at The Points Guy. "We hang them on the magnetic hooks I put on the wall, so they don't get lost in the cabin either."

Courtesy of Sea-Bands

If you're prone to (or think you may be prone to) motion sickness on cruise ships, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your cruise packing list. These soft wristbands use acupressure to prevent and minimize nausea and vomiting on board, and they are a reusable, drug-free alternative to traditional anti-nausea medications. You can purchase Sea-Bands on Amazon or at most drugstores.

If you need something a bit stronger than Sea-Bands (or to use in conjunction with them), Dramamine remains a tried-and-true solution for both preventing and treating sea sickness. Choose the Less Drowsy formula to avoid getting sleepy, and consider the chewable tablets (dye-free) if traveling with kids who are prone to queasiness. Many travelers like Bonine as a remedy for sea sickness as well.

Mix-and-match clothing

Pack a variety of mix-and-match items, also known as a capsule wardrobe, for your cruise. To do this, choose a base color – black or navy blue – for your wardrobe. Next, pack plain, neutral-colored items, then add a few patterned items to the mix. Remember to include a variety of styles (T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits) and also consider reversible clothing and outfits that can easily transition from day to night.

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise: Daytime, Formal Nights & More

Sports jacket or blazer

Adam Coulter, executive editor of Cruise Critic UK & Australia, recommends packing a sports jacket or blazer. "While cruise lines are getting more casual, what happens if you get that last-minute invite to meet the captain, or there's a meet and mingle where you want to look put together? A jacket will always elevate your elegance (even if you're wearing a T-shirt underneath)," he says. If you're in need of a travel blazer, Bluffworks has some well-rated options; the Gramercy , in particular, gets great reviews.

Themed party attire

Some cruise lines host themed voyages or parties on select nights where passengers can dress up to participate in the fun. You'll want to review your cruise itinerary before you go so you're prepared for the festivities. Bring your buccaneer gear if you're sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line; ships host fun events like Pirate Nights, pirate-themed dinners and a "Pirates in the Caribbean" show. On "The Love Boat"-themed cruises offered by Princess Cruises , pack your platform boots, glittery dresses, bell-bottom pants and halter tops for the line's 1970s-inspired disco party on the deck. No matter the theme, you can't go wrong with a couple of captain hats .

Read:  The Top Party Cruises

Travel wrap

A travel wrap is a versatile accessory that's useful for any trip – even more so on a cruise ship where it can get chilly when the sea breeze picks up. Available in nearly 10 different colors, J.Crew's Oversized Cashmere Wrap is a timeless staple, albeit a bit of an investment; for something less expensive but well rated, try this off-brand pashmina shawl on Amazon .

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

If you're cruising to a cold weather destination such as Alaska , you'll need something heavier than a travel wrap, but not so bulky that it requires additional luggage. Consider a packable jacket that folds easily and compactly; travel experts highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket .

Read: Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items

Packable hat

If you're headed to the Caribbean or another warm weather destination, you'll want a beach hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun. This packable straw hat by FURTALK (available on Amazon for about $25) is a stylish women's option that features a broader brim and offers UPF 50 sun protection. For more recommendations, browse the best beach hats in a variety of styles.

Comfortable walking shoes

Courtesy of Allbirds

Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking to do between bow and stern. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps are safer than flimsy flip flops when boarding a slippery tender into port (if your ship can't dock directly). Check out our recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes , which include the popular Allbirds Wool Runners and the Birkenstock Mayari , a modern twist on the classic sandal.

Water shoes

Depending on your scheduled shore excursions, you might also need a pair of water shoes. For something that's both functional and fashionable, we like the Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer . While not totally waterproof, the Native Jefferson is a water-friendly, versatile option.

Versatile heels

"Over the years, I've learned that the key to avoiding overpacking is to bring one neutral pair of low heels that match every single eveningwear outfit I've packed – from flowy pants to dresses," says Schildhouse, who loves her Rockport Tabitha 2-Strap Heeled Sandals . "They have a cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing heel so you can dance the night away in the club, and a 3-inch block heel with traction to keep you steady on your feet even if the ship's rocking a bit."

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at water and beverage stations on your cruise ship; it's also a necessity for shore excursions.

Bathing suit

Pack a couple of swimsuits for the pools, hot tubs and any shore excursions.

Swim cover-up

Another must-have for your cruise packing list is a swimsuit cover-up or two. These are great for wearing over your bathing suit during days at sea, as well as on excursions – especially if you're going on a Caribbean cruise . Amazon sells a variety of stylish, affordable cover-ups, and you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt .

Dry bags are useful for shore excursions where you're likely to get wet but don't want the same to be true for your phone, camera and other precious items. "I use the Outdoor Research Unisex Dry Isolation Pack   and have never had so much as a drop of moisture enter it, which is important for me – it keeps my cameras, documents and important items from getting wet," says Saunders, adding that it functions as a great everyday backpack when it's not raining.

If you need more than one dry bag, cruise expert Brittany Chrusciel recommends the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set . "Having these dry bags, in a variety of sizes, means I can bring all my gear along during a Zodiac cruise or snorkeling excursion without having to worry about it getting wet."

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is also essential, especially if you plan to take photos. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches (available in a two-pack) come with a lanyard so you can both protect your phone and wear it around your neck. They are compatible with most smartphones.

"I like to bring collapsible pails, small shovels , inflatable beach toys, a floppy Frisbee or other things to entertain the kids on the beach if we're going to a private island or beach destination," says Silverstein. "If you can inflate your own inner tube, you don't need to rent a floating mat."

Beach towel

"Although cruise lines provide guests with towels to take off the ship on excursions, they are often bulky and sometimes small," explains Chrusciel. "The Surfer Towel folds up to nearly nothing, so it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and is super convenient to pack in a day bag. What's more, its quick-drying technology means that the lightweight fabric won't be soaking wet when you need to pack up for the day and head back to the ship."

Towel clips

"Even though giant plastic towel clips shaped like a flamingo are a bit cringey, they make it easy to find your spot in a sea of sun loungers," says Chrusciel. "They also solve a common cruise problem: keeping your towel securely fixed to your chair while reading or sunbathing."

Reef-safe sunscreen

Courtesy of Badger

When choosing a sunscreen, look for something that's reef-safe; not only are these sunscreens safer for the environment, but they're also better for you . The active ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both. Top-rated mineral sunscreen brands include Think , Badger and Raw Elements , all of which also sell lip balm with sunscreen (another essential at sea).

After-sun lotion

You'll want an extra dose of moisturizer if you've been basking in the sun. COOLA makes an after-sun body lotion that cools and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, agave and lavender oil. Previous buyers rave about this lotion, noting they appreciate that the scent isn't overpowering. If you prefer a spray, try this option by Pacifica .

A good book

Sea days are the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book you've been meaning to read. Find an oceanfront lounge chair in a shaded area on the pool deck, or grab a cup of tea and settle into a quiet nook indoors. There's no need to pack more than one book, however, as many cruise ships have libraries.

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

Many cruise lines do not permit power strips as they present a fire hazard, while others allow them as long as they are non-surge-protected. Instead of a power strip, purchase a portable charger such as this highly rated one by Anker , which can power up multiple devices at once. This can be especially useful for shore excursions. When packing for your cruise, also think about your luggage: If it has an included charging port, you may not even need to purchase an additional charging block.

Weapons and restraints

Firearms, handcuffs and the like are not permitted on cruise ships. This rule also includes toy guns on most cruise lines.

While most major cruise lines allow guests to pack a limited amount of wine or Champagne per person, they do not permit hard liquor. Of course, those of age can purchase cocktails at any of the bars on board.

Household appliances

Irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships, which is why the aforementioned garment bags, wrinkle release spray and packing cubes are recommended for keeping clothing tidy and neat. Coffee makers and mug warmers are also prohibited.

While you can technically bring you own, it's not necessary as hairdryers are available in every bathroom on most ships.

CBD and marijuana

CBD that's derived from hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less is legal at a federal level. However, each state interprets and enforces this law differently; for example, many states require a prescription for it. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines continue to ban CBD in any form.

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which means you cannot bring it on a cruise ship – even if you're legally able to purchase it in your home state for recreational or medical use.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For the U.S. News Cruise Packing List, travel writers Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross tapped leading industry experts for their cruise essentials. They regularly update this checklist with new and useful items to pack.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Cruise line worker arrested at Port Everglades for child sexual abuse material, feds say

Chris Gothner , Digital Journalist

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Celebrity Cruises crew member appeared in Fort Lauderdale federal court Tuesday after federal agents said they found child sexual abuse material on his phone after he disembarked at Port Everglades the day prior.

According to court documents released Wednesday, agents searched the phone of Dennis Ofrancia De Leon, 44, a Filipino national, after he got off the Celebrity Reflection Monday.

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Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Katherine Leonard wrote in a criminal complaint that a “cursory search” of the device revealed “multiple videos/photographs” depicting child sexual abuse material.

Authorities described videos showing boys and girls being raped or otherwise sexually abused by men or women.

Leonard wrote that De Leon admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material, saying he began receiving it about four years ago through Facebook Messenger and looked at it about “once per month.”

He admitted to viewing content showing victims under the age of 10, the complaint states.

De Leon said he “generally deletes the child pornography he downloads onto his cellphone prior to traveling internationally, but failed to do so on this occasion,” Leonard wrote.

He was taken into custody on federal charges of transportation and possession of child pornography and was being held in the Broward Main Jail on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service as of Wednesday, according to jail records.

Those records state he’s also being held on an immigration hold.

A spokesperson for Celebrity Cruises told Local 10 News that De Leon was fired following his arrest.

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Chris gothner.

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

RELATED STORIES

Disney cruise line worker accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, cruise ship dancer accused of distributing child sexual abuse material, man leaving cruise at portmiami caught with child sexual abuse videos, police say.

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Personal Navigators: Disney Wonder 15-Night South Pacific Cruise from Sydney to Honolulu – February 16, 2024

Personal Navigators, and other details from the   15-Night South Pacific Cruise from Sydney to Honolulu . The  Disney Wonder  set sail from  Sydney, Australia  on February 16, 2024. During this cruise, the ship was under the control of Captain Thord Haugen. The Cruise Director during the sailing was Trent Hitchcock. 

Please note: The Disney Wonder will cross the  International Date Line  while sailing eastbound from Australia to Hawaii. As a result, February 22nd will be repeated. On April 11, 2023,  Disney Cruise Line modified the itinerary changing ports  in Fiji from  Lautoka, Fiji  to  Suva, Fiji . On October 10, 2023,  Disney shared some information on the online booking process  for the repeated day when crossing the International Date Line.

Day 1 – February 16, 2024 –  Sydney, Australia

Guests Onboard : 4:00 pm Personal Navigator – Day 1

Attire : Cruise Casual

Drink of the Day :  Stingray  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Coco Bali

Dinner Menus :

• Triton’s :  Let the Magic Begin
• Animator’s Palate :  Let the Magic Begin
• Tiana’s Place :  Let the Magic Begin

Day 2 – February 17, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 2

Attire : Formal

Drink of the Day :  Bahama Mama  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Passion Cream Freeze

• Triton’s :  Triton’s
• Animator’s Palate :  Animator’s Palate
• Tiana’s Place :  Tiana’s Place – Princess

Evening Entertainment :

• Walt Disney Theatre Production –  The Golden Mickeys

Day 3 – February 18, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 3

Drink of the Day :  Yellow Bird  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Lava Smoothie

• Featured Act –  Brad Blaze Speed Painter

Day 4 – February 19, 2024 –  Nouméa, New Caledonia

Guests Ashore : 7:00 am  Guests Onboard : 2:30 pm Personal Navigator – Day 4 Time Change : Forward 1 hour before bed.

Drink of the Day : Bay Breeze •  Non-Alcoholic : Bora Shake

• Featured Act –  The Fantastic Jeremy Penguin – Juggler

Day 5 – February 20, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 5

Drink of the Day :  Mai Tai  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Cranberry No-Jito

• Triton’s :  Freezing The Night Away (Frozen)
• Animator’s Palate :  Freezing The Night Away (Frozen)
• Tiana’s Place :  Freezing The Night Away (Frozen)
• Featured Act –  Dean Atkinson: Ventriloquist

Day 6 – February 21, 2024 –  Suva, Fiji

Guests Ashore : 12:00 pm  Guests Onboard : 7:00 pm Personal Navigator – Day 6

Drink of the Day : Blue Hawaiian •  Non-Alcoholic :  Crazy Shake

• Triton’s :  Flavours of the Mediterranean
• Animator’s Palate :  Flavours of the Mediterranean
• Tiana’s Place :  Flavours of the Mediterranean
• Movie –  Wish

Day 7 – February 22, 2024 –  International Date Line

Personal Navigator – Day 7 Time Change : Back 23 hour before bed.

Attire : Pirate or Cruise Casual

Drink of the Day : Captain’s Mai Tai •  Non-Alcoholic :  Princess Delight

• Triton’s :  Pirates in the Caribbean
• Animator’s Palate :  Pirates in the Caribbean
• Tiana’s Place :  Pirates in the Caribbean
• Walt Disney Theatre Production – Songs for Everafter

PLEASE CHANGE TO AMERICAN SAMOA TIME ZONE. ON ACCOUNT OF INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE CROSSING THIS DAY WILL BE REPEATED

Day 8 Repeated – February 22, 2024 –  International Date Line (Repeat Day)

Personal Navigator – Day 8 Time Change : Back 23 hour before bed.

• Triton’s :  Pacific
• Animator’s Palate :  Pacific
• Tiana’s Place :  Pacific

THIS IS THE REPEATED DAY

Day 9 – February 23, 2024 –  Pago Pago, American Samoa

Guests Ashore : 9:00 am  Guests Onboard : 5:00 pm Personal Navigator – Day 9 Time Change : Forward 1 hour before bed.

Drink of the Day : Hawaiian Breeze •  Non-Alcoholic :  Lava Smoothie

• Triton’s :  Land & Sea
• Animator’s Palate :  World of Flavour
• Tiana’s Place :  Vista
• Featured Act –  Barrie Kealoha – Island Girl

Day 10 – February 24, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 10

Attire : Semi-Formal

Drink of the Day :  Sunken Treasure  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Parrot Song

• Walt Disney Theatre Production –  Frozen, A Musical Spectacular

Day 11 – February 25, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 11

• Triton’s :  Crossing
• Animator’s Palate :  Crossing
• Tiana’s Place :  Crossing
• Featured Act –  Dale Burridge: Vocalist

Day 12 – February 26, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 12

Drink of the Day :  High Tide  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Passion Cream Freeze

• Triton’s :  Aloha Hawaii
• Animator’s Palate :  Aloha Hawaii
• Tiana’s Place :  Aloha Hawaii
• Walt Disney Theatre Production – Mainstage Caberet

Day 13 – February 27, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 13

Drink of the Day : Pacific Rim •  Non-Alcoholic : Purple Basil Lemonade

• Triton’s :  Captain’s Gala Dinner
• Animator’s Palate :  Animator’s Palate – Animation Magic
• Tiana’s Place :  Tiana’s Place – Mardi Gras
• Featured Act –  James Bustar: Juggler

Day 14 – February 28, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 14

Drink of the Day : Paradise •  Non-Alcoholic : Bora Shake

• Walt Disney Theatre Production – Crew Talent Show

Day 15 – February 29, 2024 –  Kahului (Maui), Hawai’i

Guests Ashore : 8:30 am  Guests Onboard : 5:15 pm Personal Navigator – Day 15

Drink of the Day : Pina Colava •  Non-Alcoholic : Virgin Mojito

• Walt Disney Theatre Production –  Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic

Buena Vista Theatre Movies

• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
• Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
• Lady and the Tramp
• Next Goal Wins
• Saving Mr. Banks
• Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
• The Greatest Showman
• The Marvels
• Turning Red

Thank you  Anthony Onofreo  for sharing. If you have any navigators you would be willing to share, please send me an email. If you would rather upload the files you can use our  upload form .

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2 Replies to “Personal Navigators: Disney Wonder 15-Night South Pacific Cruise from Sydney to Honolulu – February 16, 2024”

There are two days that can’t be viewed (error 404): Day 4 and Day 7. Every other day works perfectly. Thanks!

Paula, Thank you. I fixed both links.

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A New Pacific Arsenal to Counter China

With missiles, submarines and alliances, the Biden administration has built a presence in the region to rein in Beijing’s expansionist goals.

By John Ismay ,  Edward Wong and Pablo Robles April 26, 2024

U.S. officials have long seen their country as a Pacific power, with troops and arsenals at a handful of bases in the region since just after World War II.

U.S. military or partner bases

But the Biden administration says that is no longer good enough to foil what it sees as the greatest threat to the democratic island of Taiwan — a Chinese invasion that could succeed within days.

The United States is sending the most advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles to Japan and has established a new kind of Marine Corps regiment on Okinawa that is designed to fight from small islands and destroy ships at sea.

The Pentagon has gained access to multiple airfields and naval bases in the Philippines , lessening the need for aircraft carriers that could be targeted by China’s long-range missiles and submarines in a time of war.

The Australian government hosts U.S. Marines in the north of the country, and one of three sites in the east will soon be the new home for advanced American-made attack submarines. The United States also has a new security agreement with Papua New Guinea.

Potential submarine bases

Xi Jinping, China’s leader, and other officials in Beijing have watched the U.S. moves with alarm. They call it an encirclement of their nation and say the United States is trying to constrain its main economic and military rival.

Since the start of his administration, President Biden has undertaken a strategy to expand American military access to bases in allied nations across the Asia-Pacific region and to deploy a range of new weapons systems there. He has also said the U.S. military would defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion.

On Wednesday, Mr. Biden signed a $95 billion supplemental military aid and spending bill that Congress had just passed and that includes $8.1 billion to counter China in the region. And Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Shanghai and Beijing this week for meetings with Mr. Xi and other officials in which he raised China’s military activity in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, calling it “destabilizing.”

Mr. Xi told Mr. Blinken on Friday that the United States should not play a “zero-sum game” or “create small blocs.” He said that “while each side can have its friends and partners, it should not target, oppose or harm the other,” according to an official Chinese summary of the meeting.

Earlier in April, the leaders of the Philippines and Japan met with Mr. Biden at the White House for the first such summit among the three countries. They announced enhanced defense cooperation, including naval training and exercises, planned jointly and with other partners. Last year, the Biden administration forged a new three-way defense pact with Japan and South Korea.

President Biden held a trilateral meeting earlier this month with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines at the White House.

Yuri Gripas for The New York Times

“In 2023, we drove the most transformative year for U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific region in a generation,” Ely S. Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said in a statement following an interview.

The main change, he said, is having American forces distributed in smaller, more mobile units across a wide arc of the region rather than being concentrated at large bases in northeast Asia. That is largely intended to counter China’s efforts to build up forces that can target aircraft carriers or U.S. military outposts on Okinawa or Guam.

These land forces, including a retrained and refitted U.S. Marine littoral regiment in Okinawa, will now have the ability to attack warships at sea.

For the first time, Japan’s military will receive up to 400 of their own Tomahawk cruise missiles — the newest versions of which can attack ships at sea as well as targets on land from over 1,150 miles away.

The Pentagon has also gained access rights for its troops at four additional bases in the Philippines that could eventually host U.S. warplanes and advanced mobile missile launchers, if Washington and Manila agree that offensive weaponry can be placed there.

The United States has bilateral mutual defense agreements with several allied nations in the region so that an attack on the assets of one nation could trigger a response from the other. Bolstering the U.S. troop presence on the soil of allied countries strengthens that notion of mutual defense.

In addition, the United States continues to send weapons and Green Beret trainers to Taiwan, a de facto independent island and the biggest flashpoint between the United States and China. Mr. Xi has said his nation must eventually take control of Taiwan, by force if necessary.

“We’ve deepened our alliances and partnerships abroad in ways that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago,” Kurt Campbell, the new deputy secretary of state, told reporters last year, when he was the top Asia policy official in the White House.

What Deters China?

Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, said in an interview in Taipei that the strengthened alliances and evolving military force postures were critical to deterring China.

“We are very happy to see that many countries in this region are coming to the realization that they also have to be prepared for further expansions of the P.R.C.,” he said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

To some Chinese military strategists, the U.S. efforts are aimed at keeping China’s naval forces behind the “first island chain” — islands close to mainland Asia that run from Okinawa in Japan to Taiwan to the Philippines.

U.S. military assets along these islands could prevent Chinese warships from getting into the open Pacific waters farther east if conflict were to break out.

Leaders in China’s People’s Liberation Army also talk of establishing military dominance of the “second island chain” — which is farther out in the Pacific and includes Guam, Palau and West Papua.

First Island Chain

Second Island Chain

philippines

But several conservative critics of the administration’s policies argue that the United States should be keeping major arms for its own use and that it is not producing new ships and weapons systems quickly enough to deter China, which is rapidly growing its military .

Some American commanders acknowledge the United States needs to speed up ship production but say the Pentagon’s warfighting abilities in the region still outmatch China’s — and can improve quickly with the right political and budget commitments in Washington.

“We have actually grown our combat capability here in the Pacific over the last years,” Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr., the incoming commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said in an interview. “But our trajectory is still not a trajectory that matches our adversary. Our adversaries are building more capability and they’re building more warships — per year — than we are.”

Mr. Paparo said new American warships were still more capable than the ones China is building, and the U.S. military’s “total weight of fires” continued to outmatch that of the People’s Liberation Army, for now.

Warplanes on the flight deck of U.S.S. Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier, during a joint U.S. and Japanese military exercise in the Philippine Sea in January.

Richard A. Brooks/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , a Cold War-era arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow, prohibited land-based cruise or ballistic missiles with ranges between 311 miles and 3,420 miles. But after the Trump administration withdrew from the pact, the United States was able to develop and field a large number of small, mobile launchers for previously banned missiles around Asia.

Even with the deployment of new systems, the United States would still rely on its legacy assets in the region in the event of war: its bases in Guam, Japan and South Korea, and the troops and arms there.

All of the senior U.S. officials interviewed for this story say war with China is neither desirable nor inevitable — a view expressed publicly by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. But they also insist that a military buildup and bolstering alliances, along with diplomatic talks with China, are important elements of deterring potential future aggression by Beijing.

Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, told Mr. Blinken on Friday in Beijing that “the negative factors in the relationship are still increasing and building, and the relationship is facing all kinds of disruptions.” He warned the United States “not to interfere in China’s internal affairs, not to hold China’s development back, and not to step on China’s red lines and on China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.”

U.S. military or

partner bases

The new deterrent effort is twofold for American forces: increasing patrolling activities at sea and the capabilities of its troop levels ashore.

To the former, the Pentagon has announced that U.S. Navy warships will participate in more drills with their Japanese counterparts in the western Ryukyu Islands near Taiwan and with Filipino ships in the South China Sea, where the Chinese coast guard has harassed ships and installations controlled by the Philippines .

A swarm of Chinese militia and Coast Guard vessels chased a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the South China Sea last year.

Jes Aznar for The New York Times

To the latter, Marine Corps and Army units already in the Pacific have recently fielded medium- and long-range missiles mated to small, mobile trucks that would have been prohibited under the former treaty.

These trucks can be quickly lifted by Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft or larger cargo planes to new locations, or they can simply drive away to evade a Chinese counterattack. A new flotilla of U.S. Army watercraft being sent to the region could also be used to reposition troops and launchers from island to island.

In an interview last year with The New York Times, Gen. David H. Berger, then the Marine Corps’ top general, said the service had begun analyzing strategic choke points between islands where Chinese forces were likely to transit throughout the Pacific. He said the service had identified sites where Marine assault forces like the new Okinawa-based littoral regiment could launch attacks on Beijing’s warships using these new weapons.

Philippines

Partner bases

The Pentagon announced in February last year a new military base-sharing agreement with Manila, giving U.S. forces access to four sites in the Philippines for use in humanitarian missions, adding to the five sites previously opened to the Pentagon in 2014. Most of them are air bases with runways long enough to host heavy cargo planes.

Plotting their locations on a map shows the sites’ strategic value should the United States be called upon to defend their oldest treaty ally in the region , if the Philippines eventually agrees to allow the U.S. military to put combat troops and mobile missile systems there.

One, on the northern tip of Luzon Island, would give missile-launching trucks the ability to attack Chinese ships across the strait separating Philippines from Taiwan, while another site about 700 miles to the southwest would allow the U.S. to strike bases that China has built in the Spratly Islands nearby.

In 2023, the United States committed $100 million for “infrastructure investments” at the nine bases, with more funds expected this year.

The Pentagon has forged closer military ties with Australia and Papua New Guinea , extending America’s bulwark against potential attempts by the Chinese military at establishing dominance along the “second island chain.”

The Obama administration moved a number of littoral combat ships to Singapore and deployed a rotating force of Marines to Darwin, on Australia’s north coast, giving the Pentagon more assets that could respond as needed in the region.

Last year, the Biden administration greatly elevated its commitment to Australia, which is one of America’s most important non-NATO allies.

The U.S.S. North Carolina, a Virginia-class submarine, docking in Perth, Australia last year.

Tony Mcdonough/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A new multibillion dollar agreement called AUKUS — for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States — will permanently transfer some of the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack subs to Canberra . The location of the new bases for those subs has not been announced, but the first group of Australian sailors who will crew them graduated from nuclear power training in America in January.

These stealthy submarines, which can fire torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, will potentially add to the number of threats Beijing faces in case of a regional war.

Just north of Australia, an agreement in August gave U.S. forces more access to Papua New Guinea for humanitarian missions and committed American tax dollars to update military facilities there.

To Admiral Paparo, this growing network of partnerships and security agreements across thousands of miles of the Pacific is a direct result of what he calls China’s “revanchist, revisionist and expansionist agenda” in the region that has directly threatened its neighbors.

“I do believe that the U.S. and our allies and partners are playing a stronger hand and that we would prevail in any fight that arose in the Western Pacific,” the admiral said.

“It’s a hand that I would not trade with our would-be adversaries, and yet we’re also never satisfied with the strength of that hand and always looking to improve it.”

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