Disney Cruise Line announced a significant change to the August 1, 2016 itinerary for the Disney Magic Mediterranean Sailing. This 12 night cruise departing Barcelona was originally described as a Greek Isles cruise. World events and travel warnings for Turkey seem to have led Disney to re-evaluate some of these ports. The ship will no longer stop in Pireaus (Athens, Greece), Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos (Greece), or Valleta (Malta). Instead, additional ports in Italy including Olbia (Sardinia), Naples (with Pompeii), Palermo (Sicily), and Livorno (Florence & Pisa, replacing La Spezia) have been added. The ship will now visit Cannes, France in addition to the original port of Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice). Palma de Mallorca, Spain is the final new port on this sailing which will still visit Civitavecchia, Italy.

Cannes, France
Photo by Disney

While the ancient wonders of the Greek Isles will surely be missed, it is reassuring that Disney is proactively addressing possible security concerns in that region. The revised itinerary will provide in-depth travel to Spain, Italy and France. Passengers will benefit from one additional port day, yet will also have the opportunity to relax in beautiful settings. My family loved our beach day in Palma de Mallorca, home of the famous Mallorcan pearls. Extra time on the French Riviera will also be appreciated, as there is so much to see, savor and shop!

Passengers previously booked on this sailing should receive notice of the itinerary change and are being given $1000.00 in onboard credit per cabin compensation. Those Guests who are traveling on this cruise with the embedded Adventures by Disney package will receive information about their itinerary changes as well. Adventures by Disney will not change pricing for those Guests but will provide activities for the additional ports.