PortMiami kicks off the new cruise season with the arrival of the Disney Magic

(MIAMI, October 25, 2013) – PortMiami, the Cruise Capital of the World, is poised for continued growth as it adds an impressive roster of new cruise options to its 2013-2014 line-up in what is expected to be its biggest and best cruise season ever.
 
PortMiami kicked off its new cruise season today aboard the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic at a plaque exchange ceremony symbolizing the partnership between the ship and the destination in honor of her first call at Miami. Beginning today, the Disney Magic will sail five-night Western Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from PortMiami.

“Disney Cruise Line has created a blueprint for family cruising – their customer service is world renowned – and we are happy they are part of the PortMiami family,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.

Thanks to the work of more than 3,000 Imagineers, crew members and construction workers the Magic has been artfully refashioned, adding new features and experiences to surprise and delight the ship’s guests. The re-work marked the most extensive dry dock in Disney Cruise Line history and includes the addition of the thrill slide, AquaDunk, a completely redesigned spa experience and the Marvel Avengers Academy. 

PortMiami Director Bill Johnson said the Port has built a strong relationship with Disney, which began sailing from the Port last year, making Miami its second home port. “We are very proud of the relationship our Port has developed with the entire Disney team over the last year. PortMiami and Disney – it’s a true partnership,” Johnson said.
 
Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa said, “It is such a pleasure to welcome the Disney Magic to the PortMiami family and the entire Miami-Dade County community.”

Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Lynda Bell presented the plaque to the Disney Magic’s captain today saying that South Florida could not be happier to welcome the new ship.
 
“The addition of the Disney Magic to PortMiami’s fleet brings new travel opportunities to children young and old in South Florida and beyond,” Vice Chair Bell said.
 
In addition to the family-oriented Disney Magic, PortMiami’s 2013-2014 cruise season features four new ships and one new build:

• MSC Divina – Arrives November 2013
• Carnival Conquest – Arrives November 2013
• Costa Luminosa – Arrives November 2013
• Carnival Ecstasy – Arrives January 2014
• Norwegian Getaway – Newbuild, arrives February 2014

“The 2013-2014 cruise season marks the continuation of our largest expansion ever, bringing more new cruise vessels and cruise passengers in a single cruise season than ever before,” said PortMiami Director Johnson. 

About PortMiami
PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than $27 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide direct and indirect employment for more than 207,000. For more information please visit www.miamidade.gov/portmiami.