NEW ORLEANS – For the first time ever, the Disney Cruise will sail from the Port of New Orleans starting in 2020.

Starting on Oct. 4, that’s next week for Disney fans, cruisers can begin booking trips for early 2020 in “a variety of the Caribbean and Bahamian destinations.”

New Orleans Port President & CEO Brandy Christian said the cruise ship Disney Wonder will go to the Bahamas, the western Caribbean and a special sailing through the Panama Canal.

“We are so thrilled to have a brand like Disney come to New Orleans,” Christian said. “It really reflects the family-centric communit

Christian said it is a well-known tradition for local families to travel to Disney World during Mardi Gras vacation, but now the Port of New Orleans can bring Disney “in their backyard.”

The cruises will begin on Feb. 7, 2020, Christian says. Fat Tuesday in 2020 is set for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020.

Disney also said that one of the cruises would have a heavy emphasis on New Orleans, featuring the character Tiana from the movie Princess and the Frog and a cafe similar to Tiana’s New Orleans cafe in the movie.

A spokesperson said that there will be six cruises coinciding around the time of Mardi Gras.

“We will be offering six cruises, approximately in the February/March time frame,” said Marissa Mallory, a spokesperson.