Disney Wonder Celebrates 25 Years with Milestone Voyages

The Disney Wonder recently marked its 25th anniversary in service. Launched as Disney Cruise Line’s second ship, the 1,750-passenger vessel began operations on August 15, 1999.

A sister ship to the Disney Magic, which debuted in 1998, the Disney Wonder was constructed at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy.

After being delivered to Disney, the Wonder made a trans-Atlantic journey without passengers before arriving at its first homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida.

During its inaugural season, the ship offered three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, including stops in Nassau and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

On October 1, 1999, the Disney Wonder was christened in a ceremony at Port Canaveral, with Disney characters Tinkerbell and Mickey Mouse serving as its godparents.

From 1999 to 2011, the Wonder continued to operate short cruises to the Bahamas until the Disney Dream took over its route.

The vessel then made its West Coast debut, offering trips to the Mexican Riviera and Alaska. In late 2012, the Wonder began sailing out of Miami, offering Disney Cruise Line's first itineraries from the port.

After a major renovation in 2016, the Wonder resumed its summer voyages to Alaska and began seasonal programs along the West Coast and in the Caribbean, departing from various ports such as San Diego, Port Canaveral, San Juan, and Galveston.

In late 2023, the Disney Wonder made history once again by launching Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, with departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland.

Following the completion of its summer 2024 season in Alaska, the Wonder is scheduled to return to the South Pacific in late October.

Looking ahead to 2025, the vessel will continue its itineraries in Alaska, Australia, and New Zealand, while also offering new routes to Baja California, the Mexican Riviera, and Hawaii.