Aotearoa's Disney fans will be thrilled to hear that the company is sending one of its themed cruise ships to New Zealand and Australia for the first time ever.
The Disney Magic at Sea sailings are scheduled to depart Auckland on five nights in November and December 2023, after the first Australian sailing departs Sydney on October 28.
The special sailings will range from two to six nights and are said to include "favourite characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars on board, plus imaginative dining and spectacular entertainment".
"Broadway-quality" shows are promised among the entertainment offerings, along with Frozen adventures in Disney's Oceaneer Club, a multi-level replica of Andy's Room from Toy Story and a Marvel SuperHero Academy.
Themed dining spots on the ship include Tiana's Place, which offers New Orleans cuisine and Princess Tiana herself, along with Animator's Palate, which is described as an interactive Disney dining experience.
The cruise also features adults-only areas including a pool, spa and salon, and restaurant.
"We are so excited to bring the magic of a Disney cruise vacation close to home for guests in Australia and New Zealand," said Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
"On these limited-time sailings, the ship is the destination, and our amazing Disney Cruise Line crew can't wait to welcome guests on board as they are immersed in their favourite stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars."
Disney announced the cruise at its D23 Expo over the weekend.
The New Zealand sailings start at US$760 per person on the DisneyCruiseLine website, which is the equivalent of around NZ$1245 at the time of publishing.
Bookings open to the general public on September 29.
