Disney Cruise Line will return to Prince Edward Island after nearly a decade, when the Disney Wish is scheduled to make its first call at the Port of Charlottetown on Oct. 27, 2027, the port confirmed.
Big one‑day boost for a late season
The visit is part of a seven‑night Canada and New England itinerary sailing from New York City. Port of Charlottetown officials estimate the ship will bring about 4,000 passengers to the city in a single day — a sizeable surge at a time when the Island’s tourism season is normally winding down.
Mike Cochrane, CEO of Port Charlottetown, said the return reflects years of relationship building with Disney Cruise Line and underlines P.E.I.’s growing profile on the international tourism stage. He pointed to the province’s hospitality, coastline, red sand beaches and the enduring appeal of Anne of Green Gables as reasons the Island fits with Disney’s brand.
“We’ve been in discussions now with Disney Cruise Lines for the last number of years,” Cochrane said. “They said, ‘Yeah, we’re coming back 100 per cent, we would not miss Charlottetown.’”
What the visit could mean locally
Ports and tourism operators say late‑season calls can have outsized local benefits. A single cruise ship visit can deliver thousands of day visitors who spend on tours, restaurants, retail and cultural attractions — and an October call shifts some of that activity beyond the core summer months.
Local business owners and tourism operators will be watching how the timing aligns with their seasonality and staffing. A returning cruise line could prompt:
- extended operating days for attractions and restaurants;
- short‑term demand for guided tours and shuttle services;
- opportunities for seasonal staff to pick up additional shifts or return later in the year.
Port Charlottetown said discussion with Disney has been ongoing for several years. The last time Disney visited the Island was Oct. 25, 2017, when the Disney Magic made a call in Charlottetown Harbour.
Planning and preparation
While the port confirmed the visit, operational details — including tendering arrangements, shore excursions and the exact distribution of passengers ashore — will be worked out in the lead‑up to the 2027 call. Cruise visits typically require coordination among port authorities, local tour operators, municipal services and provincial tourism organisations.
For local businesses, the early notice gives time to plan special offerings or promotions aimed at cruise passengers, many of whom seek short, memorable experiences such as scenic drives, culinary tastings, lighthouse visits or guided historic tours.
Why Disney matters to P.E.I.
Disney Cruise Line carries an international audience and attracts strong media attention. Cochrane highlighted the way the Island’s identity — from its shoreline to cultural icons like Anne of Green Gables — dovetails with Disney’s family‑friendly image. That, he said, made Charlottetown a natural fit for a return.
Shipping nearly 4,000 visitors into Charlottetown on an October day is also a reminder that P.E.I. is increasingly part of itineraries that connect Canadian ports to U.S. departure points, opening the province to a wider market beyond the traditional summer season.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ship | Disney Wish |
| Date | Oct. 27, 2027 |
| Estimated passengers ashore | About 4,000 |
| Last Disney visit to P.E.I. | Oct. 25, 2017 (Disney Magic) |
Next steps for Islanders
Businesses and tourism operators that want to engage with cruise visitors should monitor communications from Port Charlottetown and provincial tourism authorities for information about approved shore excursions and permitted operators. Early coordination with the port and tourism marketing organisations will be important to ensure services meet safety, transportation and guest‑experience standards.
The announcement is a reminder that even as the summer season closes, October can bring meaningful visitor traffic and revenue opportunities for the Island’s tourism sector.
Reporting from Charlottetown.
