Disney Cruise Line made waves earlier this week, announcing the first-ever Disney Magic at Sea limited cruise season in Australia and New Zealand on board Disney Wonder. Karryon exclusively caught up with Disney’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Services & Events Javier Moreno to discover what to expect when Disney Cruise Line debuts Down Under.
Beaming in from Miami, Javier Moreno revealed his first Disney Cruise was actually aboard the 2,400-passenger Disney Wonder on an Alaska itinerary.
“This is a very dear ship to me because it represents when I discovered Disney Cruise Line in my career. There is something special about Disney Wonder – it’s a beautiful ship,” he said.
World of Wonder
The Disney Magic at Sea season in Australia and New Zealand will introduce Disney Cruise Line to the local market for the first time, allowing Aussie fans to immerse themselves in all things Mouse on a close-to-home cruise.
“We have the opportunity to go places that a couple of years ago we could never imagine, so we’re super excited to bring the magic of Disney home to Australia and New Zealand and allow people to discover the amazing experiences in their own backyard,” Mr Moreno said.
He remarked on the distinct affinity and affection Australians have for Disney that drove the decision to bring the Disney Magic at Sea experience to the local market after months of planning.
“We know from Australian visitation to American Disney Parks there is an eagerness and appetite to experience Disney in an immersive environment, whether that is at a park or now on a cruise ship,” he said.
“There is a great emotional connection between Australian audiences and the brands of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, and we welcome many Australian guests and families every year to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World.
“We want it to be possible to experience that connection right here, and what better place than a Disney Cruise.”
Enchanting experiences at sea
Mr Moreno said Disney Cruise Line differentiates itself by providing the best family experience in cruise, elevated by its Cast Members (as Disney employees are called) who deliver exceptional onboard service.
On Disney Magic at Sea cruises, the ship is the destination, and the two-to-six-night sailings from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland will highlight the one-of-a-kind onboard experiences available aboard Disney Wonder.
The second ship in the five-vessel fleet offers a spacious layout with 875 generous staterooms, blockbuster entertainment and imaginative dining for the whole family.
Onboard experiences include Broadway-style musicals, such as Frozen, A Musical Spectacular; extensive kids clubs and activities; a raft of dining options from fine dining to themed eateries and adults-only retreats like a spa and pool.
“Australians can expect that magic that only Disney can deliver onboard Disney Wonder. For starters, we are the only cruise line to have four captains on board: Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie, Captain Hook and Captain America,” Mr Moreno said.
“You can experience incredible connections through Character Encounters, amazing dining experiences and world-class entertainment.
“We have the largest and best spaces for young kids through to teenagers at sea, including the Marvel Superhero Academy inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club.
“And you can experience ‘me’ time and ‘us’ time, gathering together as a family for dinners or entertainment.
“Nowhere else in the cruise industry can connect emotionally with family as we do,” he added.
Staying afloat in the travel industry
As the arrival revival continues, Mr Moreno reflected on his hopes for the Disney Cruise Line launch in Australia and New Zealand and the wider industry.
“I usually say we are in the life-changing business. For every single family on board, we’re going to create lifetime memories and change their life,” he said.
“Who we are and what we deliver is just amazing. We’re pretty confident about the quality of what we deliver, so we’re convinced we can create exceptional experiences with Disney Cruise Line.
“This is a great milestone, and if anybody had told us two years ago that we would be announcing this new, amazing opportunity, we have come a long way, and we are so happy to have all our ships sailing again.
“This is a strong statement about the recovery of these amazing businesses we all work in and the belief that we are coming back stronger.
“With Disney Magic at Sea, we are tremendously innovative in the way the cruise industry operates and also how we create new products for new audiences like Australia.”
Disney Magic at Sea training webinars
Advisors can register to learn more:
- Australia Disney Magic at Sea on Thursday 15 September at 8:30 am AEST here
- New Zealand Disney Magic at Sea on Thursday 15 September at 8:30 am NZST here
- Disney Magic at Sea Q&A Session on Friday 16 September at 11 am AEST here
For more info, head to DisneyCruiseLine.com/AUNZ
