NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2001 -- Amid yellow taxis and gray sky scrapers, blustery winds and cold winter temperatures, Disney Cruise Line brought the warmth of its private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay, to Times Square today.

(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010115/FLM009)

Complete with bathing-suit clad beach lovers frolicking in some four tons of sand, 20-foot-tall palm trees, a massage cabana overlooking the sea of traffic, a lazy hammock and a playful dig site for kids, a 43rd Street traffic island between Broadway and Seventh Avenue became a tropical oasis.

"A Disney Cruise Line vacation is the perfect cure for the winter blues," said Disney Cruise Line president Matt Ouimet, "we're here to bring a taste of the tropics and a smile to the faces of every New Yorker."

The event celebrated Wave Month, how the cruise industry designates the month of January. When temperatures dip, people start dreaming about warmer climates and cruise bookings heat up.

According to Cruise Line International Association, a record-breaking 6.9 million passengers sailed in 2000. Nearly 50 percent of adults dream of cruising, and the next five years will see $85 billion generated from cruising.

Disney Cruise Line offers guests an exciting new way to vacation with Disney. The Disney Magic sails a seven-night eastern Caribbean cruise vacation that features magical entertainment, a clever programming series during sea days and unique dining experiences for all ages. The Disney Wonder offers one-of-a-kind land and sea vacations that combine the fun and excitement of the Walt Disney World Resort with the enchantment of a Disney Cruise Line voyage to The Bahamas.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit www.disneycruise.com, or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500 or (888) 325-2500.