Reasons to Cruise with Disney
The Disney Wonder is now doing cruises in Australia. See why you might like to book a stateroom, and set sail with Mickey, Elsa and the crew!
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
If you’re looking for a family holiday like no other, then Trent Hitchcock is here to help you navigate one great option!
Trent is Executive Cruise Director at Disney Cruise Line and he’s played a big part in bringing Disney Magic at Sea to our shores for the first time ever.
With Trent and his crew at the helm, the Disney Wonder has been sailing in Australia, and Trent couldn’t be happier to see the gleaming cruise-liner in our waters.
This is because Trent is an Australian-born, dad of two, who lives and breathes Disney!
He’s loved the brand since he first watched The Lion King in theatre as a kid, and when he saw how starved Australians were for Disney, Trent thought it would be wonderful to bring a ship here that immerses us in the Disney world.
The Disney Wonder was chosen for her classic charm and easy-to-navigate size, and after a few modifications to her masts (to fit under the Sydney Harbour Bridge), she’s made a dazzling entrance into the cruise market Down Under!
For Trent, it’s been a real thrill to see so many antipodeans on the Disney Wonder, and after experiencing the cruise with his own family, here are three reasons that Trent recommends this cruise for yours!
1. The Disney Wonder ship is the destination.
Usually, your holiday only starts when you disembark from that plane, train or automobile, with a tired tyke and loads of luggage, but things are different with a Disney cruise.
The Disney ship is your destination, so you’re on holiday as soon as you board, and this fully-catered world of wonder is a place where unique memories are made.
You’ll never forget meeting Mickey Mouse in person, or dining in Disney-themed restaurants, and because each Disney ship is specially designed to have its own feel and shows, the Disney Wonder offers a totally new, and action-packed, itinerary.
Trent says “In Australia, there’s a lot that we’ve done that we haven’t done on other ships altogether, at once,” and the team have created a unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else.
2. The Disney Wonder cruise is great value and amazing fun for families.
There are different cruise lengths and accommodation options to suit every family and budget, and once you’re aboard, there’s a ton of first-class fun and food included.
The dazzling shows and ever-changing menus are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone in your family, and although you can always splash, play and deck party together, you can also indulge in a bit of parent-time.
Your little one will have an amazing experience at Disney’s Oceaneer Club or the “It’s a Small World” Nursery!, safe in the care of experienced staff, and this leaves you free to have a swim or a bevy, in an adults only area!
All of this puts smiles on dials, and Trent says, “For family cruising, we’re in the upper echelon, for sure. It’s the service, the quality of the entertainment, it’s the way that we look after the children, and I think it all culminates in a really nice holiday.”
3. The crew on the Disney Wonder offer world-class service.
Whether they’re painting little fingernails, performing Frozen songs, looking out for people in the pool, or serving spectacular food, every crew member has a part to play and they do it well.
There’s a thorough induction program for new-starters, leadership training for ‘future stars,’ and a fabulous mix of nationalities and skills.
Trent says, “There are over 1,000 staff on board the Disney Wonder right now” (who learnt Aussie colloquialisms, like ‘togs’ and ‘cozzies,’ before the cruising season started), and Trent says, “Our service standards are the highest you can get, and we’re proud of that.”
The crew regularly remember guests they’ve met on other Disney Cruise Line journeys, and whether it’s your first time sailing with Disney, or your ninth, the Disney team is always open to feedback and actively looking for ways to make a brilliant experience, even better.
Trent says, “We will never stay in one place, we will always move forward and continue to grow and dream and imagine things.”
This approach has definitely paid off for Disney Cruise Line.
They’ve been sharing magical on-sea experiences with guests for 25 successful years, and are happy to say that Disney Wonder’s first season in Australia has been a hit!
The guests have told crew members that they absolutely love the characters and the shows, and if you’re keen to experience the Disney Wonder for yourself, then bookings are open for the 2024/2025 cruising season.
Cruises will depart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Auckland, and our Comprehensive Cruise Guide provides lots of inside info to make your trip ahhh-mazing!
