Disney Cruises’ cuts prices 30% as cost of living puts pressure on Aussie families

• Disney Cruise Line has cut its prices for sailings in Australia
• There are discounts of up to 30 per cent
• Disney Adventure in Singapore is getting interest from Australian cruisers

According to travel agents, Disney Cruises’ Disney Wonder recently sailed in Australia on a seven-night itinerary with 1100 passengers onboard the ship, just 40% of its 2700-person capacity.

Despite initial excitement, experts are worried that Disney is finding the Australian market a tough nut to crack even though it sold out on its first season. The cost of living and the high cost of Disney Cruises are, according to travel agents who spoke to Cruise Passenger, making it difficult even with the line’s famous Mystery Mouskatool.

Disney Cruise Line is already selling cruises for a third Australian season in 2025/2026 and is offering 30 per cent off many Australian cruises at the moment, a promotion not available in any other region, as they try to persuade families back onboard. 

When Cruise Passenger asked about the season, the line told us: “Earlier this year, we announced itineraries for Fall 2025-Spring 2026 (US), which includes Australia/New Zealand itineraries through February 2026. That information can be found on dclnews.com. Guests may also visit disneycruise.com to view available itineraries. At this time, we do not have new information to share.” 

Kelly Henderson a CLIA Cruise Ambassador and cruise agent, says while the Disney experience can be incredible, there are a few factors suppressing another successful season.

“Pricing is unachievable. A two-night cruise from Sydney starts at $750+ per person for an interior.  That’s $375 per person per night for the lowest category room.  You can sail on a balcony and some suites on other cruise lines from Sydney for the same price, if not less.  

“Furthermore, onboard prices are in USD. And while this is the same for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, it all adds up.”

As Aussie families struggle with the cost of living, they are counting the dollars and cents. A two-night getaway on Quantum of the Seas out of Sydney with Royal Caribbean starts from $429. However, a two-night Disney Magic at Sea sailing out of Sydney starts from $1504.

For another example, a Carnival Cruise Line’s eight-day cruise to Lifou, Mystery Island, and Noumea starts from $874 per passenger. A shorter seven-day Disney cruise out of Sydney to Eden and Hobart, starts from $4975, nearly six times the price for a shorter sailing with fewer ports.

While these cruise lines are occupying very different positions in the market, Disney’s pricing is causing agents concern.

“I think these things combined make it difficult for families to try this cruise line out, mine included!,” says Henderson.

“While I have heard the fun on board for kids and adults alike is incredible, I feel, overall, unless these things change a little Disney may not fill up for her seasons.”

She fears that, like Virgin Cruises last season, the line may seek easier sailings elsewhere.

Rebecca Mason, the owner of Mr Chocolate’s Travel, a travel agency that specialises in Disney-based trips, says that while Disney Cruises are incredible, she thinks a lack of marketing and scheduling problems could be leading to low numbers on sailings.

“Some people are only just realising that the Disney Cruise Line is sailing in Australian waters. Perhaps with more positive media coverage, awareness, and some scheduling changes to suit both the Australian, New Zealand and international markets, the Disney Cruise Line itineraries will be at full capacity as they were in the 2023/24 season.”

Mason says that the current half-empty sailing is likely due to poor timing.

“I believe this particular sailing would have been sold out if it had been scheduled during the school holidays.  Families would be keen to take up the longer sailings when the timing is right.  It is the perfect time for Seniors and younger families to take up this current seven-day cruise. However, as it is coming to the end of the school year, and Aussie kids are currently having final assessments, including VCE assessments, the seven-day sailing does not seem to be at a convenient time.”

Prices could definitely be a strong factor, with the cost of living already forcing 50 per cent of Australians to make lifestyle changes to pay for their holidays, according to Finder.

Richard Whitten, money expert at Finder says: “Aussies love to travel. But taking a trip is a luxury that many can’t afford in the current climate without changing their lifestyle.

“The reality is, after rent or your mortgage, electricity, phone, internet, fuel, and grocery bills there’s very little left over for jet setting.

“Millions of people are hustling and forgoing fun in order to afford a break.” 

Furthermore, compared to other cruise markets such as the USA, the UK, and Germany, Australia has a much smaller population, and a significant amount of people on ships are repeat cruisers. Disney Cruises are likely perceived as more of a one-off experience, which could explain why the first season sold better than the second.

If this is the case, it will persist as an issue for future seasons.

A Singapore shake-up?

Disney recently announced that it would be entering Asia for the first time, with Disney Adventure set to start sailing out of Singapore in 2025. 

The ship is far larger than other Disney Ships, fitting up to 6700 passengers, making it one of the world’s largest ships by capacity.

With Singapore being just a direct flight away from Australia, there are worries that Disney could focus more on the Asian market, with the belief that Aussies who want the Disney experience will be happy to fly to Singapore.

While pricing is yet to be announced for the Singapore Cruises, due to the larger sized ship it’s predicted that Singapore price points will be lower than the Australian equivalents, meaning a fly-cruise option could be of equal value to Australians.