The 964-foot Disney Wonder today become the first Disney Cruise Line vessel to visit San Diego.
The 2,700-passenger luxury liner arrived from Los Angeles for the first of four visits over the next month during themed voyages based on Disney-Pixar movies.
San Diego State University's marching band greeted the passengers, many of whom disembarked to go shopping or visit area theme parks, and Mayor Jerry Sanders exchanged plaques with Fabian Dib, the ship's captain.
The vessel is one of four operated by Disney.
San Diego's cruise business has slipped in recent years because of the faltering economy and fear of crime in Mexico, even though the global industry is expanding. Port of San Diego officials expect more cruise ships to call on the city by 2015.
Port officials say there will be 85 calls by cruise ships carrying a total of 270,000 passengers this year.
