Disney embarks on its first Australia/New Zealand cruise season (updated)

Cruises range from two to six nights and will depart from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, as well as Auckland, New Zealand, through February.

There was magic in the air when media and travel partners gathered for welcome drinks in White Bay Cruise Terminal on Friday.

The 2,400-passenger ship arrived that morning from a repositioning trans-Pacific voyage from Vancouver, BC. 

Special performance

A ship tour followed before a special performance of ‘Disney Dreams — An Enchanted Classic.’ 

Disney Wonder then pulled up anchor and set sail for the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, with guests standing on deck as she went under Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Then it was dinner in Animator’s Palate, a family dining restaurant, before ‘A Fond Farewell’ with Disney characters, including Captain Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Pluto.

Disney Wonder makes her maiden voyage from Sydney on Saturday — a four-night round trip to Hobart.

Second season starts in late 2024

In late 2024, Disney Wonder will return to Australia and New Zealand for a second season, stretching into early 2025.

The ship will reposition to the region with Hawaii and South Pacific voyages.

Disney Wonder is scheduled sail from Vancouver, BC to Honolulu, in late September 2024 with stops at Kauai, Maui and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu. From Hawaii, a trans-Pacific voyage to Sydney will call at destinations including Fiji, American Samoa and New Caledonia.

Then the ship will again operate varied short cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.

Return via Hawaii and Vancouver

Disney Wonder will conclude its second Australia/New Zealand season in early 2025 with a 15-night South Pacific cruise from Sydney to Honolulu. The ship will then operate a nine-night Hawaii cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver in late February, followed by a five-night cruise from Vancouver to San Diego in early March.

Update adds information about the arrival festivities with reporting by Seatrade Australasia correspondent Helen Hutcheon