The Disney Cruise ship is hitting Australian waters. From October 2024 to February 2025, the Disney Cruise line will bring its ship to Australia, enabling Australian families to get a taste of the magical Disney adventure close to home. Disney Cruise Australia will depart from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Auckland. The trip can take 2 to 7 days; throughout the cruise, there will be stops at places like Eden, Hobart, and Noumea.
The water park at the Aqua Lab.
Passengers on the Disney Cruise Australia ship will experience a Disney adventure like never before. Activities range from meet-and-greets with Disney characters to Broadway-style shows, themed dining, water activities and more. For the adults and younger guests on board, there are deck parties, themed dining, live entertainment through Disney Storytelling, and more.
Disney Cruise Australia Cutting Prices
According to travel agents, there have been reports that out of the 2,700-passenger capacity in the Disney cruise ship, their seven-night itinerary only consisted of 1,100 passengers. The Disney Cruise line has brought much excitement to the Australian region; however, experts have brought up the company’s struggles in the Australian market. Besides, for the first season being sold out, the upcoming cruises have been more difficult to attract families, mainly due to the high ticket prices and economic pressure. The cost of living in Australia has also been a factor in this dilemma.
As a result, Disney has offered 30% off several of its Australian cruises. This promotion is rarely seen in other regions, but the company decided it was the best option due to the lack of client buys. The company has also opened bookings for the upcoming year, showing Australians that Disney is committed to growing in that region despite the difficulties they are experiencing.
Unachievable Price Point – Disney Cruise Ship
CLIA Cruise Ambassador Kelly Henderson mentioned the top-notch Disney experience. However, she also said, “Pricing is unachievable. A two-night cruise from Sydney starts at $750+ per person for an interior. That’s $375 per person per night for the lowest category room.” She continues, “Furthermore, onboard prices are in USD. And while this is the same for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, it all adds up.”
With the high cost of living in Australia, families have been struggling. A getaway on Quantum of the Seas out of Sydney through the Royal Caribbean begins at a low price of $429. A two-night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise out of Sydney starts at $1504.
Let’s look at the price point of Carnival Cruise’s eight-day cruise to Lifou, Mystery Land, and Noumea, which starts at $874 per person. A seven-day Disney cruise out of Sydney to Eden and Hobart is priced at $4975. The price difference speaks for itself.
The Concern of Agents – Disney Cruise Line
Although Disney Cruise Ships are a unique adventure, the pricing has caused havoc among agents. Henderson says, “I think these things combined make it difficult for families to try this cruise line out, mine included.” He continues, “While I have heard the fun on board for kids and adults alike is incredible, I feel, overall, unless these things change a little, Disney may not fill up for her seasons.”
Mr Chocolates Travel is a travel agency specialising in Disney trips. Rebecca Mason, the owner, says that while Disney Cruises is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the marketing and scheduling could be causing low sailing numbers.
Mason says, “Some people are only just realising that the Disney Cruise Line is sailing in Australian waters. Perhaps with more positive media coverage, awareness, and some scheduling changes to suit both the Australian, New Zealand and international markets, the Disney Cruise Line itineraries will be at full capacity as they were in the 2023/24 season.”
Mason mentions that sailings would have quickly sold out if scheduled according to school breaks. She emphasises that families would agree to longer sailing duration if the timing met up with their children’s holidays from school.
She believes the seven-day cruise can work with Seniors and families with younger children’s schedules. However, for families with children at school, this is the time of final assessments, so it is not convenient timing.
Money expert at Finder, Richard Whitten, says, “Aussies love to travel. However, a trip is a luxury many can’t afford in the current climate without changing their lifestyle. The reality is, after rent or your mortgage, electricity, phone, internet, fuel, and grocery bills there’s very little left over for jet setting.”
He continues by explaining that thousands of people are hustling in their daily lives and working to afford a break or holiday as the financial situation in Australia is not at its peak. Families have a harder time setting money aside to invest in vacations or getaways.
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