Overview
For the "it's better down where it's wetter" crowd, Disney Cruise Line takes that The Little Mermaid sentiment to heart, albeit while remaining on top of the water. Mouse House darlings, if you like Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars-themed stints sailing the ocean, then you'll love holidaying on the huge entertainment company's ships. As announced in 2022, its 'Magic at Sea' cruises will initially launch Down Under this October — and, because Disney loves sequels, the cruises have already locked in their return visit.
Not only will sailing with the Mouse House from Australia and Aotearoa become a possibility for the first time between October 2023–February 2024, but it'll also be on the cards for getaways between October 2024–February 2025 as well. And, once again departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland, Disney Cruise Lines's second Down Under season will feature new itineraries, taking passengers to Eden in New South Wales, Hobart in Tasmania and Noumea in New Caledonia.
Todd Anderson
On offer for round two of this whole new cruising world (for Australians and New Zealanders wanting to depart close to home, that is) on the Disney Wonder: sailings for between two and seven nights — your pick — where you'll watch live musical shows, see Disney characters everywhere you look and eat in spaces decked out like Disney movies.
Those musicals include a Frozen show; another production dedicated to the company's old-school favourites like Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Cinderella and Aladdin; and a Golden Mickeys performance, which is obviously all about Mickey Mouse. Or, there's a Mickey party set to DJ beats and a pirate shindig on the vessel's deck.
While not every show and party is available on all cruises — especially the two-night option — the entertainment also includes Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Moana, Tiana, Cinderella, Woody, Jessie and more wandering around the ship. And, Chewbacca, Rey, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel and Thor as well, if you like hanging out around folks in costumes.
Also on the list of things to do and see onboard as you explore the Disney Wonder's 11 decks: fireworks, plus movies — Disney flicks, naturally — in the ship's own cinema.
The dining setup rotates, so each day of the cruise takes you to a different location with a different theme. One day, you'll hit up the Animator's Palate, which focuses on bringing Disney characters to life — including getting patrons to draw their own characters — and on the next, you'll get munching in a restaurant inspired by The Princess and the Frog, and serving up New Orleans-inspired dishes.
Or, there's also Triton's, which offers an under the sea theme given it's named after Ariel's father, and does four-course French and American suppers.
For folks travelling with young Disney devotees, there's also a whole range of activities just for kids — but adults without littlies in tow are definitely catered for, complete with a dedicated pool for travellers aged 18 and over, an adults-only cafe, the Crown & Fin pub, cocktail bar Signals, Italian eatery Palo, and a day spa and salon.
Dates for Disney Cruise Line's second round of trips from Australia and New Zealand vary per city of departure, as do prices, but you can expect to enter this whole new ocean-faring world from $1214 per person for two nights in a double-occupancy room from Brisbane, $1413 out of Auckland, $1477 from Melbourne and $1889 departing from Sydney.
And, room-wise, there's ten different types to choose from — some with private verandahs, and some with ocean views through portholes.
Matt Stroshane
Matt Stroshane
Disney Cruise Line's 'Magic at Sea' cruises will sail from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland for their first season between October 2023–February 2024, and for their just-announced second season between October 2024–February 2025. Bookings for season two open at 10pm AEST on Monday, June 26. For more information, head to the cruise line's website.
Images: Disney.