Now, Catalina Cruises Island Agreements: Avalon Nears Long-Term Deals with Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean: Here is Everything You Need to Know About it

Published on July 20, 2025

Long term catalina cruises ship contracts approved by Avalon city council bringing huge economic benefits to Catalina Island. The talks began in February and have come on fast this month.

Most recently, the city council ratified the desire to enter into agreements with three of the world’s leading cruise lines; Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International. This is part of a year-round schedule of cruise ship visits designed to support a strong visitor economy in Avalon.

Official Cruise Ship Policy for Avalon.

“At this time there is no specific written policy at Avalon that exists regarding requests to anchor cruise ships. Rather, the city council considers and adopts standards every six months to provide a basic outline for the cruise ships to follow. This does, however, restrict Avalon’s ability to provide consistent scheduling and predictable financial rewards.

Recognizing the void, Avalon’s city council empowered the City Manager to negotiate and enter into agreements with interested cruise lines. Formalized agreements will establish a better framework for how schedules are made, to the benefit of both city and cruise lines.

Detailed Contract Negotiations Underway

Preliminary talks suggest Avalon is looking at agreeing five-year deals with both Disney and Carnival, with the option to extend for extra five-year periods. These contracts are large commitments by both parties and show how much they believe in Catalina Island as a popular cruise port.

According to the agreement, Disney Cruise Line would have preferred anchorage twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Carnival would take up prime spots on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Such a structured system could enable Avalon to anticipate visitor inflows and more effectively license and manage local infrastructure and tourism resources.

Royal Caribbean is in talks on a three-year deal with two separate potential three-year options. The company seeks mooring priority for Mondays and Wednesdays. In a key point, Royal Caribbean has agreed to bring at least 100,000 passengers each year to Catalina Island, ensuring a banking of the boost to local tourism and businesses.

Minimum Visitor Commitments

Although exact numbers for Carnival have not been revealed, Disney Cruise Line will bring a minimum of 120,000 guests annually. It also would provide substantial economic stability to Avalon, and its reliance on tourism-based business.

Carnival representative Leon Sutcliffe came to this month’s Council Meeting to say the company was keen for Avalon to be a long-term home for the event. He stressed Carnival’s long history with the city, and the cruise line’s role as a trailblazer in making Catalina a major cruising port.

Economic Impact for Avalon

What sites and facilities seem to be provided? These cruise pacts offer a potential bounty of ‘good times’ business for Avalon, i.e., a predictably substantial tourist income. Itinerary based sailings from cruises mean that local businesses are able to plan, and realise the opportunity for increased revenues.

A steady flow of visitors provides jobs and incentivises investment in local services and facilities. Restaurants, shops and music venues all stand to gain something directly from the steady stream — or river — of tourists.

Local Community Responses

Avalon residents and merchants have welcomed news of the possible cruise agreements. Local entities underscore the need for organized tourism management that prevents overuse and maintains the charm of Avalon.

We are grateful for the city council’s progressive action in codifying cruise contracts.’ Statement from Juneau Economic Development Planning Director and Cruise Control Team Steering Committee Chair Brian Holst“If we want to stare at empty docks and dagger-carrying whalers/resident whores for 3 weeks before finally shoving off with everything we’ve got, that is what we are doing by pissing off the cruise ship folk..” ~ Resident of Juneau, Pissed off LOCAL Based on the answers above, there are two things you indicated you want to know more about. A lot of the locals are looking forward to better infrastructure as well as service that is cruise tourist specific.

Sustainability Considerations

While Avalon moves forward with these deals, Durall said there have been sustainability concerns. The protection of its environment of the greatest importance for the maintenance of the unique ecosystems on Catalina Island. Environmental protection conditions are likely to be included in future agreements.

The city council sees value in juxtaposing economic benefits against environmental obligations. There may be specific sustainability requirements in each final agreement.

Future Prospects

Such cruise contracts makes it a game changer for Avalon. It cements Catalina Island as a premier cruise port in Southern California. City officials are hopeful that the type of organized cruise tourism described below will play an important role in Avalon’s future economic prospects.

As discussions continue, Avalon and cruise companies are dedicated to resolving these agreements quickly. A successful result will help to preserve the lure of Catalina Island as a world class destination for all of us, residents and visitors alike.

Avalon is on the right track in partnering with major cruise giants like Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean. The town is working toward a successful future built on organized and sustainable tourism.

Source Credit: www.cruiseindustrynews.com