Disney Cruise Line has been sailing the seven seas since 1996 and currently has a fleet of eight ships, with more on the way (and we’re so excited about the future of the cruise line and its new ships).

Disney Cruise Line

This year has seen many firsts for Disney Cruise Line, including the maiden voyage of the Disney Adventure, the first Disney ship to set sail from Singapore. Well, Disney Cruise Line just announced another first: its first female captain in the entire history of the cruise line!

Captain Maria Gotor is the newest captain for Disney Cruise Line. Gotor has taken over the helm of the iconic Disney Wish, but what makes her really interesting is that her current career path was a surprise, even to her. Before becoming a captain, Gotor was practicing law in Spain.

©Disney

Gotor changed her mind about law after sailing across the Strait of Gibraltar. During her cruise, she met the ferry’s captain and visited the wheelhouse. That day changed her life. She went back to school for a master’s degree in nautical engineering and maritime navigation. After finishing her education, she began piloting that very same ferry! But that wasn’t enough: Gotor eventually took on ocean navigation aboard a passenger cruise ship, with her first job in 2009. She joined Disney Cruise Line in 2024.

©Disney

Gotor says she was drawn to Disney Cruise Line because it was so unique (we’d have to agree!). She said, “The joy on board is real, and today I am the happiest I have ever been.” She referred to serving as the Disney Wish’s captain as “deeply personal and professionally meaningful.” See? Dreams really do come true!

Disney Wish at Castaway Cay

Gotor also loves the challenge of captaining the Wish. She said, “Guiding a cruise ship requires constant focus, judgment and precision. I love the challenge of monitoring changing conditions at sea or preparing to bring the ship safely into port. On the Disney Wish, there’s 144,000 tons of steel that you have to stop without brakes. It’s challenging, and it’s rewarding.” She also attributes the happiness she feels on board to the crew who cheered her on when she was revealed as the ship’s captain.

©Disney

We wish Gotor all the best as the captain of the Wish, and we can’t wait to sail aboard her fine vessel again. We’ll keep you updated on more Disney Cruise Line news, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

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