In a significant move, Disney Cruise Line has announced that it will be ceasing its operations in the Australia and New Zealand market after the 2025-26 season. This marks the end of the Disney Wonder’s sailings in the region as Disney refocuses its efforts on expanding into new areas. The news comes as part of a broader strategy to introduce new itineraries and destinations for its fleet in the Asia-Pacific region.
A New Journey
“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,” the company confirmed. For now, Disney has not shared where the Disney Wonder will be deployed after leaving Australia and New Zealand, but it has revealed that the ship will sail in Alaska during the summer of 2026.
While Disney Wonder will not return for the 2026-27 season in the region, Disney reassured guests that future sailings from the area remain a strong consideration for future itineraries. “We want to reassure you that sailings from this region remain a strong consideration for future itineraries,” Disney noted, underlining the potential for a return to the market at some point in the future.
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
A New Era for Disney’s Fleet
This change is part of Disney’s larger plan to broaden its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. As Disney Adventure is set to launch from Singapore in December 2025, the company is looking to capitalize on the growing demand for cruises in the region. Disney framed this as the beginning of a “magical expansion” into Asia-Pacific, offering guests new experiences and destinations to explore.
Disney also acknowledged the positive feedback from guests during the company’s local seasons in Australia and New Zealand. “The response from guests during our local seasons has been overwhelmingly positive,” the company said, expressing its gratitude for the region’s support. To celebrate this success, Disney has promised an exciting final season in Australia and New Zealand, with sailings scheduled to begin on October 19, 2025.
This decision marks a shift in Disney Cruise Line’s focus, as the company looks to meet rising demand in other global regions. However, despite exiting Australia and New Zealand for now, Disney remains committed to worldwide expansion, hoping to bring its signature experiences to more markets.
For fans in Australia and New Zealand, the final season of Disney Wonder sailings will offer one last chance to experience the magic before the ship embarks on new journeys.
