To wrap up a memorable 2025 Alaska cruise season, Disney Cruise Line crew members shared a little extra magic with the communities of Southeast Alaska as part of our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the places we sail around the world.
Cast members and crew members from the Disney Wonder visited the ports of Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan recently to connect with members of the local community and provide support in meaningful ways. Highlights included a visit from Captain Mickey Mouse at an assisted living facility, then a food pantry restocking effort, and the crew also hosted local Junior Achievement students for an exclusive ship tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at maritime careers.
“This is our strength at Disney Cruise Line: we can get closer to each local community we visit,” said Kana, Disney Wonder guest services crew member and Disney VoluntEAR. “The reason I volunteer is to get closer to the places that we go to and become friends with the people. It feels really good to be part of a company where I can do that.”
Captain Mickey Mouse Surprises Community Members
Residents of the Sitka Pioneer Home, along with children and families from a local school enjoyed a day of joy and togetherness as Disney VoluntEARS from the Disney Wonder hosted an end-of-summer celebration. Guests were surprised with a visit from Captain Mickey Mouse, who danced along and brought smiles to residents, many of whom were meeting Mickey for the very first time.
“At the heart of Disney Cruise Line is the happiness we create and we’re able to do that for our guests every day, but to go the extra mile and do it for the community is something really special,” said Joshua, Disney Wonder assistant cruise director and Disney VoluntEAR.
Crew Members Give Students Behind-the-Scenes Look of Jobs at Sea
While docked in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka, Junior Achievement students were given an exclusive look at the many maritime career roles during job shadowing tours, hosted by the Disney Wonder crew members themselves.
“We’re thrilled to play a part in helping develop, grow, and champion young adults to be the next voices of the maritime industry,” said Simpson, Disney Wonder learning and development manager. “We hope that giving the students a glimpse of our positions at Disney Cruise Line they now know all the steps they can take to start their career journey, and anything is possible.”
Students spent time with crew members whose roles span from environmental officers to crew engagement managers to housekeeping management, learning about their career pathways and how sustainability, an inclusive work environment, and exceptional service are interwoven at Disney Cruise Line.
Helping Local Small Businesses Grow & Giving Back to the Community
For the second year in a row, Disney Cruise Line worked with Southeast Alaska organization Spruce Root, contributing to their “Path to Prosperity” business development program for Alaska Native entrepreneurs and small businesses.
With support from Disney Cruise Line, Spruce Root provided training, mentorship and resources to small business owners to help build sustainable, community-focused businesses in the port communities the Disney Wonder calls home.
“Without support from businesses like Disney Cruise Line, Spruce Root wouldn’t be able to provide those services to businesses like mine,” said Nicole Goodman, owner of Klondike Electric Bikes in Skagway. “That’s such an amazing thing to know that Disney is giving back to our community by investing in programs and helping our local businesses because it’s the key to making us all successful.”
In the capital city of Juneau, Disney VoluntEARS also helped make a difference in the community by visiting the Southeast Alaksa Food Bank to sort, pack, and prepare food for distribution to local families in need.