The Disney Wonder has changed its Australian itinerary due to last-minute hull maintenance, citing environmental regulations.
Originally scheduled to sail from Brisbane to Melbourne, Australia, from October 28 to November 1, 2024, the cruise was set to include a stop in Eden on October 30. However, the port visit was canceled, resulting in a cruise consisting entirely of sea days.
Compensation and Passenger Reactions
Passengers on the Disney Wonder were disappointed to learn about the change, as many had planned their activities around visiting Eden, a coastal town in the South Coast region of New South Wales, Australia.
In response, Disney Cruise Line has offered compensation to the impacted guests. Each stateroom received a non-refundable, non-transferable onboard credit of $250, intended for use during the current sailing.
Additionally, passengers were offered a 20% discount on a future cruise fare, valid for 24 months from the original sail date, with specific blackout dates applicable.
A spokesperson for Disney Cruise Line stated, “We understand the disappointment this change may cause and are committed to providing our guests with the best possible experience despite the unforeseen circumstances.”
Environmental Implications
The Disney Wonder’s itinerary change shows the environmental measures that many cruise ports have implemented in recent years.
These adjustments respond to strict biosecurity regulations in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, which require hull inspections and cleaning to prevent the spread of invasive species that could enter the harbor and reproduce there.
Since introducing New Zealand’s biofouling standards in 2018 and Australia’s enhanced biofouling rules in 2022, vessels are increasingly being monitored to ensure compliance.
For instance, ships like Coral Princess, Pacific Adventure, Viking Orion, and Queen Elizabeth experienced itinerary disruptions due to similar biofouling issues.
Closer to home, Alaska has the same regulations.
