Cruise News - Adventures by Disney Sets Programs with Disney Cruise Sailings

[CruiseNews]

Adventures by Disney has now officially unveiled a series of special pre-sailing experience add-ons in Vancouver before Alaska voyages on the Disney Wonder (except for the May 2 departure) and in Barcelona before Mediterranean cruises aboard the Disney Magic. Clients also can add immersive experience packages, which are privately guided by Adventures by Disney guides, during their port visits on Disney’s Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises.

The new 2011 Adventures by Disney pre-departure experience products, Vancouver Escape and Barcelona Escape, are commissionable to travel agents, as are the Adventures by Disney Alaskan Wonder and Mediterranean Magic sea and shore experiences. The new pre-sale packages must be purchased in advance and in conjunction with the clients’ Disney Cruise Line bookings (stand-alone bookings are not permitted).

Disney’s new sea and shore programs offer clients more options. Cruises can be combined with tours of the world’s top destinations accompanied by an Adventures by Disney guide. The programs include interaction with local experts and provide active, hands-on experiences. Considered two vacations in one, the escape packages are mini-Adventures by Disney trips available on select Disney Cruise Line departures that begin prior to the cruise, allowing clients to further explore the local culture and history of the specific destination.

The Vancouver Escape is a four-day/three-night vacation that takes place prior to the Disney Cruise Line itinerary to Alaska. Clients enjoy breakfast “Under the Sea” at Vancouver Aquarium as the Beluga Whales swim nearby, followed by a tour of the Marine Science Center. Starting from the aquarium, clients receive a guided tour of Stanley Park, including a visit to the famed Totem Poles to learn rich histories and cultures of the First Nations of British Columbia. Travelers hop on a gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain to visit the resident bears and wolves of the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife and take a ride on the Mountain Zipline -- all before boarding the Disney Wonder for the voyage to Alaska.

On the four-day/three-night Barcelona Escape, clients can explore the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and the landscape-architecture of Parque Guell. Junior Adventurers are treated to an exclusive archeological experience and mountain hike, as well as a visit to Pueblo Espanol followed by a flamenco farewell.

Passengers aboard the feven-night Alaskan Wonders cruise and the seven-, 10- and 11-night Mediterranean Magic cruises also can opt for Adventures by Disney’s shore experiences led by Disney Adventure Guides. Mediterranean Magic offers a privately-guided tour of Florence featuring top sites such as Michelangelo’s David, followed by visits to cultural and historical locations throughout Rome, an authentic pizza lesson and even a private boat tour of Capri, including a swim. At night, clients return to the Disney Magic.

Between scenic views of North America’s western shoreline aboard the seven-night Alaska cruise, guests can take a helicopter to a glacier, visit the Yukon Suspension Bridge in Canada, receive a private tour of the Jewell Gardens, attend a glassblowing demonstration or go dog sledding. Afterward, clients return to the Disney Wonder.

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia.

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