Catalina Island Navigates Cruise Line Returns and Infrastructure Challenges

Disney Cruise Line's return boosts tourism, but Cabrillo Mole rehab faces budget hurdles

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Catalina Island is experiencing a resurgence in cruise line interest, with Disney Cruise Line returning to Avalon and plans for continued visits. However, this influx of tourism is coinciding with significant hurdles in updating crucial infrastructure, specifically the Cabrillo Mole. The City Council recently rejected all bids for the next phase of the Cabrillo Mole rehabilitation project due to budget constraints, but the city is exploring ways to complete the project more economically.

Why it matters

Catalina Island's experience highlights a growing trend for destinations reliant on tourism: the need to proactively manage infrastructure alongside increasing visitor numbers. The challenge lies in balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the costs of maintaining and upgrading facilities to accommodate growth. Investing in resilient infrastructure is crucial for long-term sustainability.

The details

The Disney Wonder made its inaugural call to Catalina Island in March 2022, and Disney Cruise Line is set to continue bringing visitors to Avalon. This represents a positive economic impact for the island, with local businesses benefiting from increased foot traffic. However, the City Council recently rejected all bids for the next phase of the Cabrillo Mole rehabilitation project, as the sole bid received from Jordahl Construction, Inc. exceeded the project budget. City staff believe the project can be completed more economically by utilizing city forces and reducing the scope of the temporary facilities, potentially shaving $425,000 off the cost.

  • The Disney Wonder made its inaugural call to Catalina Island in March 2022.
  • Disney Cruise Line is set to continue bringing visitors to Avalon.

The players

Disney Cruise Line

An American cruise line and a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

Jordahl Construction, Inc.

A construction company that submitted a bid for the Cabrillo Mole rehabilitation project.

Anni Marshall

The mayor of Avalon, Catalina Island.

David Maistros

The city manager of Avalon, Catalina Island.

Avalon Freight Services

A freight service provider that is offering free shipping for the temporary restroom facilities.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The City Council has authorized City Manager David Maistros to negotiate a revised contract scope with Jordahl Construction, Inc., with a maximum project cost of $1.25 million. Jordahl Construction is reportedly amenable to negotiation and will continue to work on the Five Corners Improvement Project.

The takeaway

Catalina Island's experience highlights the need for destinations reliant on tourism to proactively manage infrastructure alongside increasing visitor numbers. Balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the costs of maintaining and upgrading facilities is crucial for long-term sustainability, and investing in resilient infrastructure is key to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.