Captain Minnie Mouse makes her debut on Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is setting out to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the maritime industry, kicking things off with the debut of Captain Minnie Mouse!

Captain Minnie is making her debut alongside new youth programs and scholarship funding that will empower women and girls to pursue careers in the cruise industry. Guests will be able to see Captain Minnie make her debut in her new uniform on all Disney ships starting this April.

This year, Disney Cruise Line will sponsor four scholarships at the LJM Maritime Academy in The Bahamas for female cadets who dream of being ship captains and shipboard leaders. The scholarships, one for each ship in Disney’s fleet, will include tuition to the three-year-long program, which includes two years of study at the academy and one year of service aboard a Disney ship.

“Our Disney characters have a unique ability to inspire and connect with children, and we know Captain Minnie will encourage young girls around the world to consider a career in the maritime industry,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Cruise Line. “We are excited to work with LJM Maritime Academy to offer scholarships for young women who are pursuing their passions and following their dreams in our industry.”

Onboard the Cruise Line this year, Captain Minnie will make an appearance in a new youth activity where kids can practice STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills in a maritime-themed experience. This new offering will be available in Disney’s Oceaneer Lab aboard all Disney ships.

Captain Minnie will also be making trips to visit children in some of the cruise line’s ports of call. Kids will be able to meet Captain Minnie and hear from a female Disney Cruise Line officer or crew member to learn more about the maritime industry and learn about career opportunities aboard a cruise line.

To celebrate Captain Minnie’s debut, Disney Cruise Line is unveiling a new line of merchandise, featuring nautical-themed apparel and gifts with the tagline, “You Can Call Me Captain.” A new Captain Minnie Mouse plush will be available this summer. Guests can also show their girl power with a Captain Minnie Pandora charm, available exclusively onboard the Disney ships.

At a later date, girls will get the chance to transform with a Captain Minnie Mouse makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

To learn more about the Disney Cruise Line, or to book your next adventure, visit DisneyCruise.com.