Disney introduces new Caribbean itineraries

[% 13509 | | Disney Cruise Line %] has really begun to branch out. In the not-too-distant past, the line only offered Bahamas and basic Caribbean itineraries. But as Disney Cruise Line’s popularity increased and past guests grew bored with repeating the same itineraries, the cruise line has responded with new destinations and [% 2320908 | | new ships %] (launching in 2011).

This week, Disney announced two new eastern Caribbean itineraries for its 2009 season. The first seven-night itinerary will feature St. Croix, a new port for Disney. The Disney Magic will depart from Port Canaveral/Orlando and also visit St. Thomas and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. The second itinerary is identical to the first, except it swaps out St. Croix for another new port—Tortola.

You may want to think twice before taking your family on a cruise to St. Croix. According to Cruise Critic, cruise ships called regularly at the island until 2001, when thefts, muggings, and other crimes aimed at passengers and crew members caused the lines to remove the island from future sailings. Disney and the Virgin Islands’ tourism department claim St. Croix is once again safe for visitors, but you might want to do your own research before putting down a deposit.

(Editor’s Note: SmarterTravel.com is published by Smarter Travel Media LLC, a member of the TripAdvisor Media Network, which also owns Cruise Critic.)