Disney Cruise Line has provided extensive community support to families, students, and community organizations throughout Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, Alaska.
From September 24–26, Disney Wonder Crew Members joined community organizations for three events: a career conversation with Junior Achievement of Alaska students in Skagway, a Coast Guard Families Appreciation Event in Juneau, and a ship tour in Ketchikan to incentivize maritime careers. These events, paired with the maritime season, are set to strengthen relationships with Southeast Alaskan communities at the ports Disney Cruise Line visits each summer.
“Alaska is an important and growing part of the Disney Cruise Line story,” said Beth Thibadoux, Director of External Affairs for Disney Cruise Line. “The communities we visit are one of the many reasons a Disney Cruise Line experience is so special, and we remain committed to deepening the relationships and supporting local priorities of the communities that welcome us every season.”
On September 25, Disney Cruise Line joined Armed Services YMCA – Alaska in Juneau to recognize Coast Guard members and families serving Alaska and the U.S. Arctic. Coast Guard families had the chance to spend quality time together participating in themed activities, crafts, and memorable moments with Captain Mickey Mouse.
Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS Work with Coast Guard Families
Cruise Line also announced an investment in the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation to support the Coastie Campers Summer Enrichment Program and expand opportunities for Alaskan Coast Guard families. Disney has a long history of honoring military service members, veterans, and their families dating back 100 years to founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served in World War I.
“Military families make tremendous sacrifices in service to Alaska and the country, and it means a great deal when community partners take the time to recognize and support them,” said Sarah Riffer, Executive Director for Armed Services YMCA of Alaska. “This was an opportunity for families to simply come together, feel celebrated, and enjoy time with one another.”
Disney Wonder Crew Members joined local students from Junior Achievement of Alaska in Skagway on September 24 to share unique career paths in cruise ship employment opportunities and the various applicable interests, skills, and backgrounds.
Disney Wonder Crew Members Orient Junior Achievement of Alaska Students
On September 26, local students with Junior Achievement of Alaska and the Magsayawan Filipino Dance Group boarded the Disney Wonder in Ketchikan for a discussion about maritime careers as well as a guided ship tour. Students were taken behind the scenes to learn about the people, skills, and professions involved in operating cruise ships and to see potential in an industry entwined with their community.
Junior Achievement of Alaska and the Magsayawan Filipino Dance Group Board the Disney Wonder
“Our students see ships visit throughout the season, but getting to talk directly with the people who make those operations possible is a completely different experience,” said Mackenzie Platschorre, Vice President of Secondary Programs for Junior Achievement of Alaska, Inc. “Opportunities like these help students see the maritime industry not just as something happening around them, but as a place where they can explore their interests, envision the possibilities ahead, and see how their actions today can help build a choice-filled life.”
Throughout 2026, Disney Cruise Line worked across the Alaskan community, providing weekend meals in partnership with the Southeast Alaska Food Bank through Harborview Elementary School; donating boot and glove warmers and Disney books to Harborview classrooms; supporting Intergenerational programming at the Ketchikan Pioneer Home; and welcoming Skagway Summer Camp participants aboard the Disney Wonder for the fourth year.
Earlier this year, Disney Cruise Line and Huna Totem Corporation announced a 15-year agreement securing preferential access at Icy Strait Point through 2041 to ensure continued Disney guest experiences of the culture, wildlife, and natural beauty of Southeast Alaska while supporting local jobs, businesses, and tourism.
Disney Cruise Line just announced that the reveal of their newest cruise ship will take place on Wednesday, October 7. Details of the Disney Believe will be announced during a livestream that will begin at 4:30 p.m. EST on Disney Parks social channels on October 7.
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