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Credit: Disney Cruise LineThe Disney Cruise Line is seemingly making a huge change to its operations from next year.
Since the Disney Magic first set sail in 1998, the Disney Cruise Line has entertained guests with the same immersive magic found at its theme parks, combined with the all-inclusive allure of a cruise.
Over the years, its offerings have expanded massively. What began with two ships has grown into a global fleet sailing to the likes of the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska, with private destinations like Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay enhancing the experience.
Each new ship has introduced cutting-edge attractions, themed dining, and elevated storytelling rooted in Disney’s most beloved characters.
One of the next ships to join this lineup is the Disney Adventure, which will embark on its maiden voyage from Singapore on December 15, 2025. Unique experiences aboard the vessel will include the Duffy and The Friend Ship Show, Captain Jack Sparrow and the Siren Queen Show, and the Marvel Style Studio (an MCU-inspired take on Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique).
While the Disney Adventure is a deeply-hyped addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, some fear that its introduction has led to the end of an era for the Disney Cruise Line as the company seemingly pulls all voyages to and from Australia.
According to Cruise Passenger, Disney Wonder sailings have abruptly disappeared from Melbourne’s 2026/27 cruise schedule. The ship had previously been listed to arrive in November and operate cruises out of the city through late December. Now, there are no Disney sailings listed for Melbourne at all.
It’s unclear whether this points to a scheduling change or a simple error, but it doesn’t look good for fans hoping Disney Cruise Line remains in Australia. The ship isn’t listed in Brisbane’s cruise schedule either, and adding months of new sailings from Sydney this late in the game would be difficult. For now, Disney Wonder still appears in Sydney and Eden’s port calendars.
Rumors have since emerged that sales were poor for Disney Cruise Line’s 25/26 season – a theory that certainly aligns with a recent sale on DCL voyages, and the lowering of deposit costs in June – with some theorizing that the debut of the Disney Adventure may be eating into demand on this corner of the globe.
“I think the 25/26 season was selling poorly, hence the recent 30% off sale,” said one Reddit user. “I also believe that the reason we haven’t seen the 26/27 itineraries released yet is because DCL is reconsidering another Aus/NZ season. Happy to be proven wrong on this.”
Others agreed, with one writing, “The fares on the Adventure are comparable to (if not cheaper than) the Aussie cruises, and Singapore is a direct flight from a lot of Aussie airports. My next cruise will probably be on the Adventure, and I’ll combine it with a few days holiday in Singapore beforehand. It will be more expensive than flying interstate to travel on the Wonder, but not prohibitively pricey.”
Some fans have also pinned the blame for a potential cancellation on the port itself. “Port Melbourne is having issues with cruise ships [if I recall],” said one user. “The fees they are charging are insane and making companies pull out.”
Meanwhile, one Reddit user claims to have received confirmation from Disney itself that the Australia voyages will not go ahead in the 26/27 season. “Called today to ask, was advised the 26/27 season is no longer going ahead and the ship had been repositioned,” they said. “They invited me to sail the Disney Adventure instead.”
Earlier this month, it was reported that one Disney Cruise Line ship (the Disney Magic) was struggling with bed bugs after multiple guests shared their experiences aboard the vessel. The same ship has also been plagued by reports of poor plumbing, with guests experiencing leaks in their rooms.
Do you plan on taking a Disney Cruise next year?