Following her hugely successful debut Down Under, Disney Wonder is set to return for the upcoming summer. Disney Destinations International’s Andrea Robinson analyses the enduring appeal of the brand for Aussie and Kiwi guests – and explains why Disney Cruise Line is not just for kids.
The multi-billion-dollar Walt Disney Company added cruising to its Disney Experiences portfolio in 1998, but it was only in 2023 that Disney Cruise Line sent a ship to Australia.
Disney Magic at Sea sailings return to Australasia in October 2025 and Disney Destinations International Director for Travel & Business Development APAC (ANZ & India) Andrea Robinson played a major part in implementing Disney Wonder’s inaugural season in local waters.
“In partnership with our Disney Cruise Line team in the US, I was very proud to lead our local team in developing the strategy and implementation for the launch of Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural Australia and New Zealand cruise season,” Robinson said.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of such a milestone moment for the business and witness firsthand the excitement from our local guests once they step aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship and experience the Disney magic close to home.”
Universal appeal
Disney Wonder’s upcoming season, which kicks off in October, features three-to-10-night itineraries sailing from Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, including a new 10-night Trans-Tasman sailing over the festive season, which will visit five New Zealand destinations.
Demand is strong and Robinson advises booking soon for Disney Cruise Line’s 2025-26 local season as Australia and New Zealand sailings are incredibly popular with local guests.
“We have seen the strong affinity Australians and New Zealanders have for the Disney brand and it is so special to see our local guests creating magical Disney memories in their own backyard,” she said.
“We’re also welcoming many international guests aboard who are embracing the opportunity to experience a magical Australian or New Zealand holiday at sea.”
What is the Disney difference? “Guests sailing aboard a DCL ship are immersed in the magic of Disney storytelling and enjoy award-winning entertainment including Disney character encounters, first-run Disney films, Broadway-style shows, themed deck parties and fireworks at sea,” she said.
“Our signature rotational dining is also a highlight. Each night, guests rotate to a different themed restaurant while accompanied by a dedicated service team assigned to their family throughout the voyage.
“Aboard Disney Wonder, we have three main family dining restaurants: Tiana’s Place, where you can meet Princess Tiana and enjoy New Orleans inspired dining and entertainment; Triton’s, an upscale restaurant offering sophisticated dining; and Animator’s Palate, where animation magic truly takes place all around you.”
Not just for kids
“It’s not all about kids’ clubs and character encounters – some guests love the Disney brand so much that they cruise on the ships even if they don’t have children or grandchildren travelling with them. There are endless ways for adult cruisers to experience the Disney magic while aboard,” Robinson added.
“Like all Disney Cruise Line ships, Disney Wonder has spaces and entertainment exclusively for adults to enjoy and relax. These include an elegant specialty restaurant, Palo, the adults-only Quiet Cove pool area, Senses Spa & Salon and an entire district of bars and lounges.”
Robinson said Disney Cruise Line is also renowned for its youth clubs, which offer some of the longest operating hours at sea.
“Disney Wonder features dedicated, age-specific Youth Club areas and imaginative and interactive programs for children up to age 17. My personal favourite space is Disney’s Oceaneer Club, which is designed for guests ages three to 10 and features a multi-level replica of Andy’s Room from Toy Story!
“We’re also delighted to welcome Bluey and Bingo aboard again, providing guests with very special meet-and-greet opportunities.”
The joy of travel
Like many leading figures in the travel industry, Robinson said her passion for travel started early.
“I began my career at just 16, selling European ‘fly-and-flop’ package holidays at Lunn Poly in the UK. What started as a part-time job quickly became a lifelong career – I loved connecting people to the right holiday experiences and seeing the joy on their faces when their travel dreams became a reality,” she said.
“That joy – the sense of discovery, growth and connection that travel brings – continues to drive me today.
“Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working across almost every corner of the industry – from product and marketing to commercial leadership – and across an extraordinary range of travel sectors and brands.
“Career highlights include launching a full global suite of brochures, holding senior leadership roles with brands such as National Geographic, STA Travel and Disney Destinations and, most recently, leading the Australian Disney Destinations team to successfully launch Disney Cruise Line into the ANZ market – a project that combined strategy, creativity and deep cross-functional collaboration to bring one of the world’s most iconic travel brands to new countries and new audiences.
“But more than any title or milestone, I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had building high-performing teams and inspiring others to grow their own careers in travel,” she said.
Still more to explore
She said travelling has always been a big part of her life and that even after “all these years”, she still gets excited packing a suitcase.
“I’m fortunate that my role involves a fair amount of travel, both within Australia and internationally, particularly to the USA and India, as I also oversee the India market,” Robinson said.
“Having the opportunity to travel with work is a great privilege. Whether it’s visiting our Disney parks, sailing on a Disney Cruise Line ship or spending time with partners on the ground, I genuinely enjoy every trip. I’m constantly learning from the people I meet, and every journey brings fresh insight and perspective.
“I often get asked if I’ve visited all the Disney Parks – and the answer is, almost! The only one I haven’t made it to yet is Shanghai Disney Resort, so that’s definitely on the bucket list.
“I’m also excited to see Disney Wonder return Down Under in October – and I’ll be back on board, especially to meet Bluey and Bingo.”
New ships and Magic Ahoy!
Two new ships are joining the Disney Cruise Line fleet this year. Disney Destiny will begin sailing from Florida in November and will feature a first-of-its-kind design theme, ‘Heroes and Villains’.
Disney Adventure will set sail from Singapore in December and will be the first DCL ship to homeport in Asia.
Robinson emphasised the importance of their trade partners across Australia and New Zealand.
“Our local Trade & Business Development team coordinates regular industry training sessions, events and incentivised familiarisation opportunities to educate our local trade partners about Disney Cruise Line,” she said.
“Last year, we were thrilled to launch an immersive DCL training app called Magic Ahoy! The app was created exclusively for local travel agents to help them gain a deeper understanding of the onboard experience and the key Disney differences they can share with future guests.”
Find out more at disneytravelagents.com.au
