Fall 2026 itineraries

[SomePixiedust]

Given the ‘leaks’, I’m putting a dime on this week being the week.

You do realize we've heard this before lol

Everyone chill out. I’m sure we will all know what cruises we can pick in under 24 hours

Every. Single. Day.

 

[Disneyworldlocal]

You do realize we've heard this before lol

Every. Single. Day.

Literally

 

[Agent 86]

I hate to say this but was the Australia crowd not impressed with the Wonder, should the Fantasy or Dream been used?

I'm not sure that would have solved their initial issues - very high cost (in AUD), unappealing itineraries (a lot of "Magic at Sea" cruises) and the perceived "value" of the cruise experience given the crowds and their unique demands (i.e. extremely long lines to meet characters, to see the shows, etc). I also vaguely recall some initial discussions about the Fantasy and Dream being too big for some ports - maybe just the Sydney Harbour / Circular Quay port?

I think the itineraries were their biggest issue. There's a big "cruising" market in Australia, but the cruises go to desirable destinations. They don't just sail around in open waters for a couple of days. I didn't follow it particularly closely, but the few interesting, longer itineraries that went to New Zealand definitely seemed to be the most popular.

I'm not sure what they could have done about the cost? I think every season has gotten some kind of discount around 30% off. Perhaps if they'd offered the "discounted" price up-front? But, then you have the fact that they should have bundled the tips into the default price, which would have "increased" the price again. I'm also not sure if it would have been possible to more clearly communicate that onboard prices (e.g. alcohol, popcorn, merchandise, etc) were in USD as opposed to AUD. That seemed to take many people by surprise.

They definitely should have realised that a majority of their guests would have never been to a Disney theme park and there would be a huge demand for the character meets, the live theatre shows, etc. To be fair, on the second season, they seemed to be offering more character meets than on the first, so they did adapt. And I'm not sure of the reasoning, but I think I saw that some cruises had the live theatre shows three times a day with an additional afternoon session.

There's also the simple fact that there's a limited number of Disney fans in Australia with the financial means to go on a cruise every year. And of those, you have to be a pretty dedicated fan to go on a near-identical cruise, with the same restaurants, same shows, etc year after year. There was no variety in terms of what was offered onboard or the ports.

 

[Kwami]

Cape Liberty would be awesome!

Disney has never used that as a departure port correct?

Isn't Cape Liberty operated by RCL, though?

 

[Donna3271]

Isn't Cape Liberty operated by RCL, though?

RCL has a lock on Port Liberty. I've only taken RCL from Bayonne and don't remember seeing any other cruise lines there.

 

[anjuan]

I would have loved to go to Australia for a cruise, but the time of year the cruises occur does not work for us. The one long enticing cruise they offered sets sail before schools are out for Christmas break. That one was a head scratcher for me.

That's too bad that it didn't work for you. We're on the 10 night New Zealand cruise because it worked for my daughter's college break. On the Facebook group there are quite a few families with college kids.

 

[lois00525]

You do realize we've heard this before lol

Every. Single. Day.

Tommorrow!!!!!!!

 

[yowcruiser]

I would have loved to go to Australia for a cruise, but the time of year the cruises occur does not work for us. The one long enticing cruise they offered sets sail before schools are out for Christmas break. That one was a head scratcher for me.

I am in the same "boat" as you are... I had eyes on that cruise but would need to travel a few days before school is out and while we have done it in the past (for Panama Canal), there comes a point where this is more problematic...

 

[OhThePain]

Cape Liberty would be awesome!

Disney has never used that as a departure port correct?

Isn't Cape Liberty operated by RCL, though?

RCL has a lock on Port Liberty. I've only taken RCL from Bayonne and don't remember seeing any other cruise lines there.

Cape Liberty is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. RCI (and Celebrity) operate out of there, but they don't own the port. The PA can allow anyone to use the port, unless it is specifically in their agreement with RCI that no other cruise line can use Cape Liberty, which I have no idea if that is included or not. The bigger issue really with Cape Liberty, would be the lack of parking to add any other cruise lines from there, unless they got rid of some of those warehouses.

 

[Donna3271]

Cape Liberty is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. RCI (and Celebrity) operate out of there, but they don't own the port. The PA can allow anyone to use the port, unless it is specifically in their agreement with RCI that no other cruise line can use Cape Liberty, which I have no idea if that is included or not. The bigger issue really with Cape Liberty, would be the lack of parking to add any other cruise lines from there, unless they got rid of some of those warehouses.

Awesome explanation. TY!

 

[DWillowBay]

I think we should all just keep saying "Tomorrow" until the day that it is true. Eventually....it will be. ....maybe even 'tomorrow'.

 

[Cfabar1]

It feels right to me... given the schedule currently ends in September 2026

Post this week and start allowing bookings in August...

Here's to hoping anyways...

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

It feels right to me... given the schedule currently ends in September 2026

Post this week and start allowing bookings in August...

Here's to hoping anyways...

Opening bookings next week is a disaster for me because I’ll actually be on a DCL sailing, but if that’s what it takes for them to finally release the schedule, it’s a price I’m willing to pay for the rest of you who also want to make plans for 2026.

 

[AussieNSW]

I'm not sure that would have solved their initial issues - very high cost (in AUD), unappealing itineraries (a lot of "Magic at Sea" cruises) and the perceived "value" of the cruise experience given the crowds and their unique demands (i.e. extremely long lines to meet characters, to see the shows, etc). I also vaguely recall some initial discussions about the Fantasy and Dream being too big for some ports - maybe just the Sydney Harbour / Circular Quay port?

I think the itineraries were their biggest issue. There's a big "cruising" market in Australia, but the cruises go to desirable destinations. They don't just sail around in open waters for a couple of days. I didn't follow it particularly closely, but the few interesting, longer itineraries that went to New Zealand definitely seemed to be the most popular.

I'm not sure what they could have done about the cost? I think every season has gotten some kind of discount around 30% off. Perhaps if they'd offered the "discounted" price up-front? But, then you have the fact that they should have bundled the tips into the default price, which would have "increased" the price again. I'm also not sure if it would have been possible to more clearly communicate that onboard prices (e.g. alcohol, popcorn, merchandise, etc) were in USD as opposed to AUD. That seemed to take many people by surprise.

They definitely should have realised that a majority of their guests would have never been to a Disney theme park and there would be a huge demand for the character meets, the live theatre shows, etc. To be fair, on the second season, they seemed to be offering more character meets than on the first, so they did adapt. And I'm not sure of the reasoning, but I think I saw that some cruises had the live theatre shows three times a day with an additional afternoon session.

There's also the simple fact that there's a limited number of Disney fans in Australia with the financial means to go on a cruise every year. And of those, you have to be a pretty dedicated fan to go on a near-identical cruise, with the same restaurants, same shows, etc year after year. There was no variety in terms of what was offered onboard or the ports.

Totally agree with the points you have made.
We have been cruising since 2012 with disney. Have travelled to the USA a number of times to cruise with them i think we are up to cruise number 12. We are once again cruising with them on the Wonder this Australian cruises season. We cruised with them twice during the first season, once the second season and will again during the 3rd season. Will we cruise with them during a 4th season i really don't know. Im sick of the same ports and they’re not even good ports. Who wants to spend a large some of money especially when you consider the exchange rate to sail in the middle of our summer to Hobart ( not a warm beach themed area that you expect from a summer cruise) and Eden. Been there done that will be doing it again in dec. I know that most Disney cruises go to the same mix of places such as Nassau and the private beaches but at least they are warm and get to go swimming there is also a variety of things to do at those places for all ages. I have a feeling that unless huge changes are made we wont see the Disney cruise line in Australia for very long. They will blame the market but the reel problem is that are not listening to what the Australian NewZealand market wants. The assumption is made that because the product works this way and is successful in the USA it will be in Australia. It is a different market with different needs and wants. Starbucks( failed when they first entered the market) and Taco bell and Carl jnr have found out . It will work for a few years with all the Disney faithful cruising ( I'm including us in that) but they will start to get frustrated. You then only have the casual cruiser who will cruise every 2 or 3 years or more.

 

[Royal Consort]

They will blame the market but the reel problem is that are not listening to what the Australian NewZealand market wants. The assumption is made that because the product works this way and is successful in the USA it will be in Australia. It is a different market with different needs and wants. Starbucks( failed when they first entered the market) and Taco bell and Carl jnr have found out . It will work for a few years with all the Disney faithful cruising ( I'm including us in that) but they will start to get frustrated. You then only have the casual cruiser who will cruise every 2 or 3 years or more.

As much as Disney like to make noises about being respectful to the cultures they operate in, the reality is their hubris can be breathtaking. They rarely ever pivot quickly as a business. Australian itineraries never needed to be this bad. I dont think they did solid market research.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Totally agree with the points you have made.
We have been cruising since 2012 with disney. Have travelled to the USA a number of times to cruise with them i think we are up to cruise number 12. We are once again cruising with them on the Wonder this Australian cruises season. We cruised with them twice during the first season, once the second season and will again during the 3rd season. Will we cruise with them during a 4th season i really don't know. Im sick of the same ports and they’re not even good ports. Who wants to spend a large some of money especially when you consider the exchange rate to sail in the middle of our summer to Hobart ( not a warm beach themed area that you expect from a summer cruise) and Eden. Been there done that will be doing it again in dec. I know that most Disney cruises go to the same mix of places such as Nassau and the private beaches but at least they are warm and get to go swimming there is also a variety of things to do at those places for all ages. I have a feeling that unless huge changes are made we wont see the Disney cruise line in Australia for very long. They will blame the market but the reel problem is that are not listening to what the Australian NewZealand market wants. The assumption is made that because the product works this way and is successful in the USA it will be in Australia. It is a different market with different needs and wants. Starbucks( failed when they first entered the market) and Taco bell and Carl jnr have found out . It will work for a few years with all the Disney faithful cruising ( I'm including us in that) but they will start to get frustrated. You then only have the casual cruiser who will cruise every 2 or 3 years or more.

As an American who is willing to travel to Asia and Australia for a cruise, and loves DCL enough to do the Adventure, I also agree with your statements about the itinerary. I actually had an incredible day in Hobart many years ago at a Tasmanian Devil rescue (?) but it’s really hard to justify the days at sea when Australia has so much to offer.

We’re actually going to be in Australia for the holidays (before doing the Adventure)— if the Wonder went to remote tropical islands that are hard to reach by plane or even the GBR, we would have done it instead of detouring to Singapore on the way home…but the itineraries were mostly “at sea” or big cities so we’d rather check out a brand new ship with tons to do out of Singapore than spend a few days at sea on the Wonder.

 

[Garyjames220]

Omg I can’t believe today is the day

 

[Flossbolna]

I'm not sure that would have solved their initial issues - very high cost (in AUD), unappealing itineraries (a lot of "Magic at Sea" cruises) and the perceived "value" of the cruise experience given the crowds and their unique demands (i.e. extremely long lines to meet characters, to see the shows, etc). I also vaguely recall some initial discussions about the Fantasy and Dream being too big for some ports - maybe just the Sydney Harbour / Circular Quay port?

I think the itineraries were their biggest issue. There's a big "cruising" market in Australia, but the cruises go to desirable destinations. They don't just sail around in open waters for a couple of days. I didn't follow it particularly closely, but the few interesting, longer itineraries that went to New Zealand definitely seemed to be the most popular.

I'm not sure what they could have done about the cost? I think every season has gotten some kind of discount around 30% off. Perhaps if they'd offered the "discounted" price up-front? But, then you have the fact that they should have bundled the tips into the default price, which would have "increased" the price again. I'm also not sure if it would have been possible to more clearly communicate that onboard prices (e.g. alcohol, popcorn, merchandise, etc) were in USD as opposed to AUD. That seemed to take many people by surprise.

They definitely should have realised that a majority of their guests would have never been to a Disney theme park and there would be a huge demand for the character meets, the live theatre shows, etc. To be fair, on the second season, they seemed to be offering more character meets than on the first, so they did adapt. And I'm not sure of the reasoning, but I think I saw that some cruises had the live theatre shows three times a day with an additional afternoon session.

There's also the simple fact that there's a limited number of Disney fans in Australia with the financial means to go on a cruise every year. And of those, you have to be a pretty dedicated fan to go on a near-identical cruise, with the same restaurants, same shows, etc year after year. There was no variety in terms of what was offered onboard or the ports.

I think their mistake was to think they could replicate what they did successfully with the UK staycation cruises of 2021 in Australia. These were short cruises to nowhere and very popular. That’s why DCL offers mainly short cruises out of Southampton now for a large part of the summer. These don’t go anywhere interesting either. They seem to sell still ok, but it’s a shorter season. But it’s a different country with different preconditions. The UK market is used to at least some tipping, they sell cruises in GBP (have for a long time). UK Disney fans are used to Disney being a premium, whether it’s WDW or DLP hotels.

 

[scroogie]

UK Disney fans are used to Disney being a premium, whether it’s WDW or DLP hotels.

Well said.

I've probably said it on these boards before, but one of my pet peeves with fellow Australians is their tendency to generalise everything and things can only exist within a certain scope. A perfect example is that "cartoons are for kids", thus "Disney makes cartoons, so anything Disney is for kids". There's very little understanding of the entire "Disney machine" that much of the rest of the world has - that understanding that the movies, parks, cruises, etc., cater for everyone. Nope, Disney is strictly a "kids thing". My partner and I have received our share of raised eyebrows from people we know for not only visiting the parks regularly, but by cruising DCL when we have the chance, and by buying into DVC. Because the "Australian way" is to take your kids to Disneyland on a once-off trip (maybe "Disneyland Florida" if they're lucky ). The shorter Australian itineraries initially appealed to those kinds of guests immediately because it lets them tick "taking the kids to Disney" off the list without the cost or hassle of flying them to the US. The negatives being the fact that it's a finite market and two seasons in the ones that would be one-and-done have, well, done it, while there's also no variety to entice back those that may want to.

 

[Kit21]

Given the ‘leaks’, I’m putting a dime on this week being the week.

What "leaks" would they be? (Genuinely curious, i haven't seen anything new)