Disney characters delight and inspire children around the globe, and the line is counting on the power of the mouse—Minnie Mouse—to spread the message of exploring new horizons, by land and by sea.
In her captain's uniform Minnie Mouse will make the rounds on all Disney ships starting in April.
Maritime scholarships
In 2019, Disney Cruise Line will sponsor four scholarships at the LJM Maritime Academy in The Bahamas for female cadets who aspire to be ship captains and shipboard leaders. The scholarships, one for each of the ships in the Disney fleet, will include tuition to the three-year program. They provide two years of study at the academy and one year of service aboard a Disney ship.
'Our Disney characters have a unique ability to inspire and connect with children, and we know Captain Minnie will encourage young girls around the world to consider a career in the maritime industry,' said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Cruise Line. 'We are excited to work with LJM Maritime Academy to offer scholarships for young women who are pursuing their passions and following their dreams in our industry.'
Nautical fun and learning
Aboard all Disney ships later this year, Capt. Minnie Mouse will appear in an all-new youth activity where young captain hopefuls practice science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills in a fun maritime-themed activity. Children will hone their STEM and problem-solving abilities—skills that play an important role in the maritime industry—in a series of engaging, hands-on activities.
The interactive experience will be offered in Oceaneer Lab aboard all ships.
Community visits
As part of a commitment to encourage future generations to pursue careers in the maritime industry, Capt. Minnie Mouse will visit children in some of Disney's homeports and ports of call. She will be accompanied by a female Disney officer or crew member to showcase their roles in the maritime industry and raise awareness about careers for women aboard a cruise ship.
Merchandise
A special line of merchandise exclusive to the Disney fleet will feature a nautical-themed collection of apparel and gifts with the tagline 'You Can Call Me Captain.' A new Capt. Minnie Mouse plush figure will be introduced this summer, and a new Pandora jewelry charm will be available for purchase exclusively on board.
In the future, girls will get to dress the part with a Capt. Minnie Mouse makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
See the latest issue of Seatrade Cruise Review, whose cover story, 'Women wear the stripes,' features one of Disney Cruise Line's senior officers, Chief Officer Mary Dailey. Dailey is among the women seafarers profiled, from captains to cadets, in an accompanying online feature that can be downloaded here.
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