DISNEY Cruise Line’s (DCL) Australian deployment next year (CW yesterday) has been designed not only to showcase the brand to guests and the industry locally, but also to bring the company’s magic to a new market, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products Senior Vice President of Sales, Services & Events Javier...
DISNEY Cruise Line’s (DCL) Australian deployment next year (CW yesterday) has been designed not only to showcase the brand to guests and the industry locally, but also to bring the company’s magic to a new market, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products Senior Vice President of Sales, Services & Events Javier Moreno (pictured) has told Cruise Weekly.
DCL yesterday announced it will offer its “magical” sailings in Australia for the first time with its Disney Wonder from Oct 2023 to Mar 2024, in a limited season which Moreno said would give local families the opportunity to experience what the cruise line and Disney Destinations’ products are all about – particularly those who have never had the chance to experience it before.
The ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ sailings will bring all of the allure of Disney, with favourite characters from some of the company’s core brands, such as Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars.
“We know there’s a great connection in Australia with Disney brands, so this is the perfect destination to bring the Disney Magic at Sea,” he enthused.
“Really what it is all about is centring and focusing on the Disney experience, and the Disney Cruise Line experience, what is the Disney difference, and conveying all that not only to the guests and consumers, but to our trade partners.
“To share what the Disney difference is when you’re sailing on Disney Cruise Line, what does it mean, what is different versus other cruise lines, what we’re bringing to the table that other cruises don’t bring, what is special, what is different, what is unique, and convey all that in this Disney magical experience.”
The “once-in-a-lifetime” project for DCL and Disney Destinations will be propped up by webinars, supporting materials, resources, and more, so the trade can convey “the Disney difference.”
“We really encourage everybody in the travel industry, to check it out, to discover, to be curious about what Disney Cruise Line is, and most importantly, about having fun, because this is about an amazing, fun experience…delivering fun, and magic, and joy for everybody,” Moreno added.
With three departure ports announced around Australia, and one in New Zealand, the focus of Wonder’s deployment in the South Pacific will not be to offer a port-intensive itinerary, but to sell the ship herself as the destination.
“One of the key messages about this project, bringing the Disney magic to Australia on Disney Wonder is…really about getting on board for a three-night, four-night, five-night, six-night sailing, and getting the Disney Cruise Line experience,” Moreno reinforced.
For those keen for an even longer hit of Disney magic, there will also be repositioning cruises available between Hawaii and Australia at the start and end of the season.
The inaugural sailing of Wonder’s limited season in Australia departs on 28 Oct 2023 from Sydney.
Bookings open to the general public from 29 Sep – more from Disney on page 2.
