NEW YORK -- In a room with a view of the Hudson River, not far from Manhattan's cruise terminal, Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz didn't so much announce that New York would become a Disney homeport as confirm reports and rumors to that effect.
With tongue firmly in cheek, he solemnly intoned "This has been kept top secret," and introduced "Captain Mickey" -- a Mickey Mouse character in nautical dress -- who presented Holz with an envelope. Holz opened it and read: "The Disney Magic is charting a new course for the Big Apple."
The idea that Disney Cruise Line would expand its homeport roster had been a topic of speculation. But now it's official. The line will be sailing from three new cities in 2012: New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas.
Disney will also be making its first call in Hawaii next year. The Wonder will operate one 15-day voyage to Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles.
"In 2012, we're making it easier than ever for families to enjoy a Disney Cruise Line vacation by offering cruises from a variety of regional homeports," Holz said.
Disney, long a two-ship line, has traditionally based its ships in the homeport nearest Walt Disney World: Port Canaveral, Fla., but has repositioned ships for seasons on the West Coast, Europe and, this summer, Alaska via Vancouver.
Now that the line is expanding its capacity with two new vessels -- the Disney Dream arrived this year, the Disney Fantasy begins service in April 2012 -- the line can further broaden its horizons.
Beginning May 25, 2012, the Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York, including eight-day cruises to the Bahamas and five-day Canada/New England cruises.
The Bahamas cruises will include a call at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, and a call at Port Canaveral. As part of this itinerary, each guest will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation between the Magic and the parks.
In the fall, the Magic will reposition to Galveston and sail 12 seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean.
The Wonder, now based on the West Coast, will use Seattle for seven-day Alaska cruises in 2012.
Until it is repositioned to New York, the Disney Magic will sail from Port Canaveral. The Fantasy and the Disney Dream will also be based in Port Canaveral next year.
Ginny Caragol, director of leisure development for Valerie Wilson Travel, New York, said Disney's presence in the Big Apple would be "absolutely great." All of the cruises, she said, are certain to appeal to families from across the metropolitan area.
"Disney has a fabulous product and does an amazing job," she said. "A lot of clients think Disney cruises are totally geared for kids, but there are many parts of the ships that are for adults."
"It's really exciting for us," said Claire Johnson, co-owner of GalvestonCruises.com, an Internet and storefront agency. "There are a lot of people who can't afford to get their families to California or Florida, but they will be willing to drive here."