It is not often (read: never) that one gets to sail with Captain Mickey Mouse and his entourage of entertainers, all from the fantastical worlds of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel on the high seas. Imagine a navy blue hull, white top deck, and yellow lifeboats. Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessel, Disney Adventure, is set to embark on three and four-night voyages from Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre starting in 2025. This exciting development will continue for the next five years, making it Disney’s first vessel to homeport in Asia.
At a recent media event held in Singapore, surprise appearances by beloved characters like Buzz from Toy Story, Spiderman, and Elsa from Frozen added an element of magic and excitement. The cruise line provided a sneak peek into the ship, which is still under construction in Germany.
“At the center of this experience will be beloved Disney characters with stories of imagination, fantasy, and discovery. Captain Mickey will embody the spirit of Disney Adventure,” declared Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager, Asia at Disney Cruise Line. It’s a momentous year for the cruise line as it marks 25 years of existence since its first launch in 1998.
The passenger capacity of the 2,08,000-gross-ton Disney Adventure is estimated to be approximately 6,700, supported by around 2,500 crew members. In what seems to be a seamless marriage of design, entertainment, and technology, the ship will feature seven immersive experience zones. “The ship is laid out like a treasure map with experiences where magic meets the sea,” says Laura Cabo, portfolio executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering. Each of these seven areas is inspired by Disney storytelling.
The first zone is called Disney Imagination Garden, described as the ship’s emotional heart, featuring an enchanted valley strung through the vessel. “Here, you may see characters flying around behind you,” Laura adds. Wayfinder Bay is an open-air oasis under the sun where the sky meets the sea—a poolside retreat inspired by the Pacific Islands artistry of Moana.
Toy Story Place is a wonderland with themed-food venues and water play areas, where characters from Pixar’s Toy Story come alive.
. Another enticing zone, Disney Discovery Reef, is where families can shop and dine alongside their favorite aquatic characters set in nautical storylines. “Think, Luca, Lilo & Stitch, Finding Nemo…” adds Laura. Townsquare is home to Disney royals, featuring lounges, cafes, and restaurants evoking a “summer in full bloom” atmosphere, with appearances by Ariel, Rapunzel, and Jasmine.
San Fransokyo, inspired by Big Hero 6, is designed to exude the vibe of a bustling street market, hosting shops, cinemas, and more. Marvel aficionados will be thrilled by Marvel’s Landin, a zone where larger-than-life characters will unite for adventure-filled experiences aimed at all ages.
The Disney Adventure map reveals seven themed areas, each teeming with dozens of characters and unique experiences. “Our team has hidden Easter eggs throughout the ship that may interest Asian audiences,” adds Laura. Specific details about bookings and accommodation options will be available at a later date, concludes Sarah.
As the days count down to 2025, excitement is building for what promises to be a captivating and magical journey. Disney Adventure will offer guests an unparalleled sailing experience from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore. This first-of-its-kind venture to homeport in Asia signals Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to expanding its magical boundaries and offering new, geographically diversified vacation options.
For fans of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel, or anyone yearning for a cruise experience laden with fantasy and adventure, Disney Adventure seems poised to deliver a journey of a lifetime. Be it through shop-and-dine experiences, poolside retreats, or enchanted valleys, the vessel aims to capture the essence of Disney storytelling and bring it to life on the open seas.
While the exact details on ticketing and accommodation remain under wraps, the anticipation is palpable. This unique offering from Disney is bound to resonate with travelers from all corners of the world, particularly in Asia, where the magical worlds of Disney hold a special place in many hearts. All aboard the Disney Adventure, where every corner reveals a story and every moment promises magic.
