Credit: DisneyIn a significant move for Disney Cruise Line, the company has confirmed it will be ending its operations in the Australia and New Zealand market after the 2025-26 season. This announcement comes as part of Disney’s strategic expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, with new itineraries and destinations being introduced for its fleet.
A Shocking Statement
Disney confirmed the shift in a statement, revealing plans to introduce the Disney Adventure with its maiden sailings from Singapore in December 2025. The company is positioning this as the beginning of a “magical expansion” into the Asia-Pacific region, an area it aims to serve more extensively in the years to come.
“As part of this growth, we will be repositioning the Disney Wonder to another part of the world following its 2025-26 season in Australia and New Zealand,” Disney said in its statement, noting that further details on the ship’s new deployment will be revealed in due time.
For the summer of 2026, however, the Disney Wonder is slated to sail in Alaska, a popular region for Disney’s cruise offerings.
Today, Disney Cruise Line posted to the line’s Australia and New Zealand Facebook and Instagram pages a “fond farewell for now”statement with the following caption:
It’s a fond farewell for now: Make unforgettable memories during this last season in Australian and New Zealand… pic.twitter.com/EdBnQsGbfx
— Scott Sanders (@TheDCLBlog) August 11, 2025
Although the Disney Wonder will not return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2026-27 season, Disney reassured fans and guests in the region that future sailings remain a possibility.
“While the Disney Wonder will not return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2026-27 season, we want to reassure you that sailings from this region remain a strong consideration for future itineraries,” the company said.
A New Chapter
Disney also acknowledged the success of its recent cruises in Australia and New Zealand, adding that the response from guests during the company’s local seasons has been “overwhelmingly positive.” The company looks forward to an exciting final season in the region, with sailings scheduled to begin on October 19, 2025.
The decision to exit the market marks a shift in Disney Cruise Line’s focus as it adjusts its operations to meet growing demand in other parts of the world. Despite this departure, Disney’s commitment to global expansion remains strong, with new offerings designed to introduce Disney magic to more guests across the globe.
As Disney prepares for this transition, fans in Australia and New Zealand can look forward to the final season of Disney Wonder sailings in the region, promising memorable voyages before the ship heads to its next destination.