For almost 70 years, its Parks have proudly been creating some of the happiest memories that families cherish for years to come. In 1998, Disney took that special brand of magic to the seas. This year, for the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will be coming to Australia and New Zealand with Disney Magic at Sea and now, due to popular demand, a special new season will be coming from October 2024.

This is truly an epic ocean adventure for the whole family – there is something for kids, teens, parents and even the grandparents. Here’s all you need to know and why you need to book your spot today.

Experience the Disney Difference

The Disney Wonder will be the first ship from Disney Cruise Line to sail from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. The 11-deck ship underwent a complete refurbishment in 2019 and has three swimming pools, including a kids water splash and play area, plus a double looping waterslide.

Additionally, there’s an outdoor basketball court and ping pong tables for sporty days in the sun, while the luxe Senses Spa & Salon is the perfect escape for some adult R&R.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a little extra indulgence, the exclusive Concierge-level staterooms and suites offer next-level luxury and a host of benefits.

Then there are the special touches that you won’t find on any other ship. Get a hug from Mickey Mouse, have tea with Cinderella and save the day with Spider-Man. Moreover, sing along with some of your favourite Disney tunes in blockbuster live musicals and dance the night away at rollicking, themed deck parties. Furthermore, the crew work hard to sprinkle pixie dust on every aspect of your cruise. With Disney’s signature service, it makes for a voyage like no other.

Five reasons to cruise with Disney Cruise Line in Australia

There are so many reasons why you need to be on a Disney cruise, however, here are our top five:

1. Enjoy showstopping Broadway-style entertainment.
2. Have unforgettable encounters with beloved Disney characters from Mickey and Minnie to Star Wars legends.
3. Experience dining that combines delicious food with signature Disney storytelling, live music and interactive entertainment.
4. There is fun for everyone with areas for family get-togethers, dedicated kids’ clubs and secluded adults-only retreats.
5. Spread out in spacious staterooms and suites to suit the whole family, including multigenerational groups.

Enjoy spectacular entertainment

A whole new world of entertainment awaits on board Disney Magic at Sea. From musicals to deck parties and the chance to share stories (or cross swords) with some of your favourite Characters, you’ll find yourself in a Disney fantasy.

Moreover, step into the Walt Disney Theatre on the Disney Wonder and you’ll feel as though you’ve arrived on Broadway. The whole family will enjoy Frozen, A Musical Spectacular where Frozen is brought to the stage with state-of-the-art technology for performances that will captivate. in addition, you’ll also be able to enjoy Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic where you’ll be moved and inspired by the power of dreams. And revel in Golden Mickeys that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to Disney Magic at Sea on cruises of three or more nights, where you’re encouraged to dress up for the red-carpet arrivals. Furthermore, the best part is that this is all included in your cruise fare!

Throughout you’re Disney cruise you can enjoy various Deck Parties made for everyone. On select itineraries you can celebrate the start of your Disney adventure with Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party! where you won’t be able to resist the dancefloor. On cruises of four or more nights, you can enjoy Pirate Night featuring swashbuckling fun and a boisterous deck parties.

Disney’s ships are the only ones where you may see Belle, Woody, Spider-Man, or Chewbacca (and of course Mickey and Minnie) wandering the decks. Interacting with famous Disney Characters is just a part of every day on board and it has the power to create magic in unexpected moments. Kids and adults alike will get a thrill when they recognise a childhood favourite.

Food made for everyone

There are delicious moments waiting for you on board Disney Magic at Sea, from the unique Rotational Dining system in the main restaurants to all the Mickey-shaped ice cream you can eat. The majority of your dining options (including all three main restaurants and most casual dining spots and room-service items) are included in the fare.

Tiana’s Place is a raucous celebration of Southern American cuisine where you can tuck into hearty plates of bouillabaisse and buttermilk beignets while tapping your toes to the swinging sounds of a New Orleans live jazz band. The state-of-the-art technology in Animator’s Palate brings Disney Characters to life before your eyes, with Sorcerer Mickey transforming the black and white interior into a riot of colour. The menu here is a fresh fusion of Pacific Island, Asian and Californian cuisine. Triton’s, named after Ariel’s father in The Little Mermaid, offers fine dining with a Franco-American twist, plating up duck confit and three-cheese lobster macaroni.

Disney Cruise Line does things a little differently. Rotational Dining ensures that all Guests get to dine at each of the main restaurants at least once during their cruise. Using the Navigator App, each Guest is assigned a restaurant schedule and table number for each day. Your wait staff move with you each night, so they’ll get to know you and your preferences.

Dress in your best for an evening at Palo, an adult-exclusive restaurant that’s a slice of Venetian elegance at sea serving northern Italian cuisine. While Palo isn’t included in your cruise fare, the opulent design, with gold inlays and paintings of Venice, accompanied by live piano music makes for a memorable night out and is well worth the extra charge.

There are plenty of casual dining and snack options throughout the ship such as Cabanas. Or feast with room service which is available 24 hours a day so you’ll never go hungry. The best part? Most of these items are included in your cruise fare.

Playtime!

You won’t be short of things to do on a Disney Magic at Sea voyage where there’s fun to be had for all the family.

There are dedicated spaces for water fun, kids’ clubs, sports on deck and much more.

As well as the everyday princess encounters and superhero high fives, there are imaginative kids’ clubs where every cruise is a fantasy playground for toddlers, teens and everyone in between. All of these areas are open late with full supervision, so parents (and grandparents) can take the day off. The best part, these too are included in your cruise fare.

Goofy’s Pool is the centre of family fun, an onboard oasis with a main pool and two whirlpools surrounded by plenty of deckchairs. It’s also the spot for poolside movies on the big screen and interactive games. Shoot some hoops on the basketball court or challenge your family to a ping pong tournament on the Sports Deck. If you’d prefer something more sedate, the Buena Vista Theatre screens new releases and classic Disney movies every day.

Sometimes the best part of holidaying together is spending time apart and there are plenty of adult-exclusive areas on board for just that purpose. The Quiet Cove Pool is a hidden retreat where you can sip cocktails in teak deckchairs, soak in the whirlpools or swim a few sedate laps.

Sweet dreams

Whether you’re cruising as a couple, travelling with the kids or bringing the grandparents, there’s a Disney stateroom to suit you.

On a Disney cruise, your stateroom becomes a home away from home, the perfect place to relax and recharge before another busy day at sea. All rooms feature a Premium Plush Euro-top mattress, 300-thread-count cotton sheets, 22” LCD TV, fridge and individual climate control. Custom artwork and linens bring a little Disney magic to your private retreat. There are a number of adjoining rooms, accessible staterooms across all categories and split bathrooms that allow for multiple people to get ready at once. They range from an Inside Stateroom and Oceanview Stateroom to your own little piece of oceanfront in a Verandah Stateroom, so there is something to suit every budget.

Splash out and book one of the luxurious Concierge Stateroom and Suites that feature multiple bathrooms and a whirlpool tub, a fully stocked wet bar, walk-in wardrobes and more. The indulgent Royal Suite is the ultimate in Disney decadence at sea, sleeping up to seven people. Concierge guests can book onboard activities and services up to 120 days prior to departure be it restaurant reservation, spa treatment, Port Adventure, spot in the nursery or special family event. Then there is the Concierge Lounge, an exclusive hideaway to relax, use the internet, have a snack, and sip on complimentary beer or wine during the daily happy hours.

Set sail sail on your Disney Magic at Sea cruise

A Disney Cruise Line holiday truly is the most magical experience coming to Australian and New Zealand shores this year where there is something for everyone. The Disney Wonder will sail from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland with a mix of short itineraries where you’ll get to spend the whole time on the ship, longer loops that take in one or two ports, one-way journeys, and 6-7 night itineraries.

There is still limited availability on the first ever sailings, and with a special new season from October 2024 to February 2025 now available to book, be sure to get in quick to secure your spot today! To book your Disney Magic at Sea holiday, click here.

To see the full mini-mag we produced with Disney Cruise Line, click here

Two-night sailings may have modified or limited entertainment and dining offerings. Additional costs may be required for some experiences and may need to be booked in advance. See the website and check closer to the sailing date for more.

Health and safety measures, ports of call and offerings may change at any time without notice. On board venues, experiences, services and offerings may be modified or limited in capacity or availability, and are subject to restrictions, cancellation or closure without notice. See disneycruise.com/updates

Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas  © 2023 Disney © 2023 Disney/Pixar © 2023 MARVEL