Disney adds second 2012 cruise from L.A. to Hawaii

Disney characters apparently enjoy the seafaring life. Disney Cruise Lines announced last Friday the addition of a second Hawaii cruise from Los Angeles to its 2012 schedule.

The company says in a statement that the cruise was added because “our guests wanted more options to visit Hawaii.”

The second cruise leaves Oct. 14 and will feature eight days at sea during the 14-night itinerary. The cruise aboard the Disney Wonder will stop at four islands: Maui (Kahului), Kauai (Nawiliwili), Oahu (Honolulu) and the Big Island (Hilo) and make a port of call in Ensenada, Mexico, toward the end of the trip.

Disney had already offered a cruise leaving L.A. on April 29, which spends nine days at sea during the 15-night trip. Prices for Hawaii cruises start at $1,800 per person for an inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Also last week, the new Aulani resort on the coast of Oahu celebrated a grand opening. The plush hotel-resort had opened to guests in August, but the official ceremony at Ko Olina didn’t take place until last Thursday. Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks & Resorts chairman Tom Staggs attended the “ceremonial mixing of sand with pixie dust” at the 21-acre site, a statement says.