The burgeoning Asian cruise market has drawn the attention of Disney Cruise Line, which is now set for its Asia debut with the launch of Disney Adventure, from Singapore in 2025. In a recent interview with TTJ, Sarah Fox, Vice President and Regional General Manager for Asia, and Lloyd Machado, Director of Hotel, New Build, and Dry Dock Operations, at Disney Cruise Line, shared insights into the enchanting new ship that promises to captivate cruise lovers and family vacationers alike.
Cruising the Disney Way
It is almost impossible to imagine anyone not being smitten or enamoured with the Disney magic. Picture a world where fairy tales come alive—whether it is the timeless stories of Snow White or Cinderella, the thrilling escapades of Moana, Mowgli, or the thunderous might of Marvel’s Super Heroes, the majestic roars of The Lion King, or the delightful antics of Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. Tinker Bell’s pixie dust has touched generations, leaving them longing for endless doses of Disney wonder. The Disney Adventure is a vacation at sea that promises to transform Asian cruise lovers on a Disney Magic voyage.
Sarah Fox, a veteran in both Disney and the Asian market, has deep experience in the region, having previously worked with Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland before leading Disney Cruise Line’s operations in Singapore. “In 1998, Disney launched the concept of ‘Family Luxury Cruising,’ giving Disney enthusiasts the chance to enjoy the Disney vacation experience on the open seas,” Fox stated.
She further elaborated, “Our cruises embody the essence of our parks: attention to detail, quality, storytelling, and an immersive experience. Disney Cruise Line has its own hallmark of ‘Fun and Relaxation’ for everyone, featuring incredible entertainment, dining, beautiful and artful accommodations, and our amazing crew. Our crew is the key differentiator of the Disney experience.”
The Disney Adventure
Starting in 2025, the Disney Adventure will embark on its maiden voyage from Singapore, offering families three- and four-night journeys entirely at sea. The ship will be both a journey and a destination, providing endless opportunities for families to have an unforgettable vacation without ever needing to leave the vessel.
The 208,000-gross-ton Disney Adventure will house artful stateroom and concierge accommodations that will accommodate approximately 6,700 passengers and 2,500 crew members. Guest accommodations have been designed with family cruise vacations in mind. The ship will sail from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre as part of a collaboration between Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board.
The Essence of the Ship Build
Lloyd Machado, Director of Hotel for New Build & Dry Dock Operations, Disney Cruise Line, oversees the shipbuilding process for the Disney Adventure. A Disney veteran who joined the team in 1998, Machado has steadily climbed the ranks, always prioritising top-tier hospitality and operational excellence with a customer-focused approach.
“The Disney Adventure will be both a journey and a destination,” said Machado, emphasising that the ship will bring to life the core pillars of Disney storytelling. “Through the magic of imagination, discovery, fantasy, and — of course — adventure, guests will embark on voyages to seven uniquely themed areas, each teeming with incredible characters and unforgettable experiences, all without leaving the ship,” revealed Machado.
Aboard the Disney Adventure
Disney Imagination Garden: An enchanted valley, charming garden, and open-air performance venue all in one. Inspired by 100 years of heroic and heartwarming Disney adventures—from Moana on the high seas to Mowgli in the jungle to Rapunzel’s grand adventure beyond her tower.
Disney Discovery Reef: Families will play, shop, and dine in an ethereal and ever-changing retreat evoking favourite aquatic characters and nautical stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, including ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ ‘Finding Nemo,’ and ‘Luca.’
San Fransokyo Street: A family entertainment area pulsing with the energy and atmosphere of a vibrant street market, boasting an assortment of interactive games and activities, shops, cinemas, and more.
Wayfinder Bay: Where the sky meets the sea, an open-air oasis under the sun invites you to unwind and enjoy exclusive entertainment. The sophisticated yet casual poolside retreat will reflect the Pacific Islands-inspired artistry of Disney Animation’s ‘Moana,’ offering some of the most stunning views of the sea and sky aboard the Disney Adventure.
Town Square: This fantastical forest filled with shops, lounges, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues will exude the enchanting feeling of summer in full bloom with nods to ‘Tangled,’ ‘Cinderella,’ ‘Frozen,’ ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,’ ‘The Princess and the Frog,’ and more.
Marvel Landing: Heroes will unite in a destination for fans of all ages. As a celebration of Marvel’s larger-than-life personalities, this area will offer Avengers-level adventure, with all-new attractions and experiences that showcase imaginative representations of guests’ favourite superheroes.
Toy Story Place: An interactive playland with themed food venues and water play areas, where the world of Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ movies and shorts springs to life in surprising and inventive ways.
Accommodations Fit for Royalty
After a day filled with magical adventures and excitement onboard the Disney Adventure, families can look forward to unwinding in their thoughtfully designed staterooms. Each stateroom is meticulously appointed, featuring special Disney touches that delight children and adults alike. With a variety of room options available, guests can choose between serene ocean-view staterooms for breathtaking vistas or promenade-view rooms to enjoy the ship’s lively ambiance from the comfort of their own space.
For those seeking ultimate luxury, the Disney Adventure offers dedicated concierge accommodations, which elevate the cruise experience to an entirely new level. Concierge bookings come with a host of premium amenities, including access to private areas reserved solely for concierge guests. Among these exclusive areas is a private indoor lounge where guests can unwind in an elegant and serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of the ship.
Culinary Journey Across the Seas
“Disney Cruise Line understands that food is intrinsic to an Indian family’s cruise experience onboard,” Lloyd elaborated. “Our chefs have meticulously crafted menus that reflect the diverse tastes of Indian cuisine. We will be offering a wide range of Indian vegetarian dishes, as well as specially prepared Jain meals that exclude onion and garlic, catering to the dietary needs of our Jain guests.”
“Non-alcoholic beverage stations are placed throughout the ship, ensuring refreshing drinks are always within reach. These are all included as part of your package, so our guests can enjoy them at leisure,” he added.
The Countdown Begins
As 2025 approaches, the anticipation grows. The travel fraternity is eagerly awaiting the announcement of the exact launch date for the Disney Adventure, eager to offer their clients the opportunity to experience their Disney fantasy at sea aboard this magnificent ship.
