The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board announced Disney Cruise Line will once again be stopping in Tortola starting in January 2016. The Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. to the Eastern Caribbean, with Tortola as a port-of-call on 11 sailings.

Tortola is the largest island of the BVI chain and with its white sand beaches, ancient ruins and delectable local cuisine, guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line will have no trouble finding the perfect spot on one of the many beaches to kick back and relax. Furthermore, there are numerous exciting activities on offer including boating, diving, sailing, hiking and shopping.

Earlier this year, the BVI Ports Authority broke ground on a cruise pier expansion project, also in Tortola. The pier is being lengthened, widened and strengthened to accommodate larger cruise ships currently on stream. The expansion also includes a land-based development which will feature commercial, entertainment and green spaces. Patrons should expect a top-of-the-line shopping and dining experience, as the new facility will have over 50 stores and four restaurants. The project will create a unique and modern facility that delivers a memorable, world-class and environmentally sustainable development.

“We are excited to begin this partnership with Disney Cruise Line, and welcome their passengers to experience our beautiful BVI when they begin stopping in Tortola in early 2016,” said Sharon Flax-Mars, Director of Tourism. “With our new cruise pier expansion project underway, visitors will have even more shopping and dining experiences on-hand when they arrive in Tortola.”

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is working to strengthen the customer service offering across the board, having recently commenced a Taxi Academy in conjunction with the Taxi and Livery Commission, BVI Ports Authority and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The academy is designed to improve the level of service excellence offered by taxi professionals across the Territory, providing an enhanced experience for future cruise line passengers and other visitors.

Below are the scheduled ports of call for Disney Cruise Line in 2016 and departure dates with stops in the BVI:

· Ports: Port Canaveral, Fla.; Tortola, BVI; St. Thomas, USVI; Castaway Cay, Bahamas
· Departure dates (2016): January 2, 16, 30; February 13, 27; March 12, 26; April 3, 9, 17, 23

The British Virgin Islands, www.bvitourism.com