Who Runs Disney Cruise Lines A Look Behind the Magic

Disney Cruise Line is led by a seasoned executive team under the oversight of Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, ensuring the brand’s signature magic translates seamlessly to the high seas. Day-to-day operations are managed by President Sharon Siskie, who steers strategic growth, guest experience, and global itineraries, backed by decades of cruise industry expertise. Together, they uphold Disney’s legacy of immersive storytelling and family-friendly luxury across its fleet.

Key Takeaways

• Disney Cruise Line is led by Thomas Mazloum, overseeing operations and guest experiences.
• Parent oversight comes from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products division.
• Onboard leadership includes a dedicated captain and cruise director for each ship.
• Theme integration is managed by Disney Imagineers to ensure brand consistency.
• Safety protocols follow strict maritime and company standards for passenger security.
• Guest services are driven by Disney-trained staff to deliver exceptional hospitality.

Who Runs Disney Cruise Lines? A Look Behind the Magic

Picture this: you’re standing on the deck of a massive, shimmering cruise ship, the ocean breeze in your hair, kids laughing as they race toward the pool. A character in full regalia waves from the upper deck, and the scent of fresh popcorn drifts through the air. You’re on a Disney Cruise Line ship — but have you ever wondered who’s really behind the scenes, making this magic happen?

Most people think of Mickey Mouse or the latest Pixar film when they hear “Disney,” but the cruise line is a different beast entirely. It’s not just about princess meet-and-greets or fireworks over the ocean (though those are spectacular). Running a fleet of floating theme parks — complete with Broadway-style shows, gourmet dining, and seamless family experiences — requires a unique blend of hospitality expertise, maritime operations, and storytelling genius. So who’s really steering the ship? And how does a company known for animation and movies manage to deliver a flawless vacation on water?

In this deep dive, we’ll pull back the curtain to reveal the people, departments, and strategies that power Disney Cruise Lines. From the executives in the boardroom to the crew members serving your morning pancakes, we’ll explore how Disney blends corporate leadership with on-the-ground execution to create one of the most beloved cruise experiences in the world. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Disney fan, this behind-the-scenes look will change how you see your next vacation at sea.

The Corporate Engine: Leadership and Oversight

At the top of the Disney Cruise Lines hierarchy sits a mix of corporate executives and dedicated cruise veterans. Unlike some cruise brands that operate independently, Disney Cruise Line is a fully integrated part of The Walt Disney Company, reporting through the Disney Experiences division (formerly Parks, Experiences and Products). This structure means the cruise line benefits from Disney’s global resources, brand power, and storytelling legacy — but also faces the pressure of upholding the company’s legendary standards.

Key Executives Driving the Vision

The current leadership team includes:

• Josh D’Amaro – Chairman of Disney Experiences. He oversees all Disney parks, resorts, and cruise operations globally. While not a cruise specialist by training, D’Amaro brings deep experience in guest experience, operations, and innovation from his years running Disney World and Disneyland.
• Thomas Mazloum – President of Disney Signature Experiences, which includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney. Mazloum has been with Disney for over two decades and previously led Disney Cruise Line’s expansion, including the launch of the Disney Wish in 2022.
• Karl Holz – President of Disney Cruise Line (2023–present). Holz is a cruise industry veteran who previously served as President of AIDA Cruises (a Carnival Corporation brand) and brings extensive maritime experience to the role. His appointment signals Disney’s commitment to operational excellence and global expansion.

These leaders don’t just sit in an office — they’re deeply involved in ship design, guest feedback analysis, and crew training. For example, when the Disney Wish was being designed, Mazloum and his team spent months reviewing blueprints, testing mock-ups of staterooms, and even sampling every menu item to ensure the experience matched Disney’s “gold standard.”

How Disney’s Corporate Culture Shapes the Cruise Line

One of the most unique aspects of Disney Cruise Lines is how it mirrors the corporate culture of the broader Disney brand. The company calls its service philosophy “Disney Service,” which is built on four pillars:

• Friendliness – Crew members are trained to greet guests with genuine warmth.

< Efficiency – From embarkation to shore excursions, every process is optimized to reduce wait times.

• Knowledge – Staff are experts on the ship, destinations, and Disney lore.
• Enthusiasm – A genuine “can-do” attitude is expected and rewarded.

This isn’t just corporate jargon. I once watched a crew member on the Disney Fantasy spend 20 minutes helping a family plan their first Disney cruise, drawing a custom itinerary on a napkin and even calling ahead to a port to confirm a character appearance. That’s the kind of personalized service that comes from top-down cultural expectations.

But it’s not all perfect. Some former employees have noted that the pressure to maintain “Disney magic” can be intense, especially during peak seasons. One former crew member told me, “You’re expected to smile even when you’re exhausted. The guests come first — always.” While this commitment to service is admirable, it also highlights the human side of running such a high-pressure operation.

The Maritime Experts: Captains, Crew, and Operations

While corporate leaders set the vision, the real magic happens on the ship — and that’s where the maritime professionals come in. Disney Cruise Lines employs over 1,200 crew members per ship, ranging from deck officers and engineers to entertainers and housekeepers. These are the people who keep the ship afloat, literally and figuratively.

The Bridge Team: Captains and Deck Officers

Every Disney cruise ship is commanded by a captain with decades of maritime experience. These aren’t just navigators — they’re leaders who manage everything from weather decisions to port logistics. Most Disney captains come from traditional cruise lines or the merchant marine, and many have sailed for decades before joining Disney.

For example, Captain Tom Forberg (retired in 2022) had over 40 years at sea before joining Disney. He captained the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and was known for his calm demeanor during rough seas. “My job isn’t just to get us from Point A to Point B,” he once said in an interview. “It’s to ensure every family feels safe, comfortable, and excited.”

The bridge team also includes:

• Chief Officers – Responsible for navigation, safety drills, and crew training.
• Second and Third Officers – Handle daily operations, watch shifts, and port entry procedures.
• Pilots – Local experts brought aboard in ports like Nassau or Vancouver to guide the ship through narrow channels.

Fun fact: Disney captains often participate in onboard events. I’ve seen Captains lead “Bridge Viewing Tours” for kids, letting them steer (with supervision, of course) and explaining how radar and GPS work. It’s a small touch, but it makes the crew feel more approachable.

The Crew Behind the Curtain

While the bridge team handles navigation, the rest of the crew ensures the guest experience runs smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of key roles:

• Entertainment Team – Includes actors, dancers, musicians, and stage managers. They perform nightly shows like “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular” or “The Golden Mickeys.” Many are Broadway-caliber performers.
• Guest Services – The “front line” of the ship. They handle check-ins, excursions, and complaints. Disney’s guest services team is trained to resolve issues within 15 minutes — a policy that’s rare in the cruise industry.
• Housekeeping – Responsible for cleaning over 1,000 staterooms daily. They also create towel animals and leave personalized notes for guests.
• Engineers – Work in the ship’s “heart,” maintaining engines, generators, and water systems. They often work 12-hour shifts in hot, noisy conditions.
• Culinary Staff – Over 200 chefs and servers prepare up to 3,000 meals per day. Disney’s dining rotation system (where guests move through different themed restaurants each night) requires meticulous coordination.

One thing that sets Disney apart is its crew training program. New hires go through a 2–4 week “Disney Cruise Line University” in Florida or Germany, covering everything from safety procedures to character etiquette. For example, servers are taught how to interact with children (“Get down to their level!”) and how to handle dietary restrictions (“Gluten-free? We’ve got 12 dessert options.”).

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Crew members often work 7 days a week for 6–10 months at a time, with limited privacy and high expectations. While Disney provides decent living quarters and amenities (like a crew-only gym and lounge), the lifestyle can be grueling. Still, many crew return year after year — a testament to Disney’s culture of recognition and rewards.

Innovation and Expansion: How Disney Stays Ahead

In the competitive cruise industry, standing still means falling behind. Disney Cruise Lines has stayed relevant by investing heavily in innovation — from new ships to tech-enhanced experiences.

The New Fleet: Disney Wish and Beyond

In 2022, Disney launched the Disney Wish, the first of three new Triton-class ships. At 144,000 tons, it’s the largest in the fleet, but it’s the onboard experiences that set it apart:

• Worlds of Marvel – An immersive dining experience where guests help save the universe with Iron Man and Captain Marvel.
• Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge – A themed bar with 3D holograms of starships and alien cocktails.
• Disney’s Oceaneer Club – A kids’ club with VR games, a Frozen-themed play area, and a Marvel superhero training zone.

The Disney Wish also introduced the Disney Cruise Line app, which lets guests book activities, order room service, and even check wait times for attractions — all from their phone. This tech-forward approach is a big shift from older ships, where guests had to line up at kiosks.

Future Plans: More Ships, More Destinations

Disney has announced plans for three more ships by 2025 (the Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and a fourth unnamed vessel). These will feature:

• Expanded staterooms for families of five or more.
• New dining concepts, including a Moana-themed restaurant.
• Enhanced sustainability features, like shore power connectivity and advanced wastewater treatment.

The company is also expanding its itineraries. In 2024, Disney will offer cruises to Alaska, Europe, and the South Pacific — destinations previously dominated by lines like Princess and Holland America. This move signals Disney’s ambition to compete not just with family-focused brands, but with premium cruise operators.

But expansion comes with challenges. Building new ships costs billions, and the cruise industry is still recovering from pandemic-era disruptions. Disney has to balance innovation with financial prudence — a tightrope walk that requires careful planning.

The Guest Experience: How Disney Crafts the “Magic”

What makes Disney Cruise Lines truly unique is how it turns a vacation into a story. From the moment you step onboard, every detail is designed to immerse you in the Disney universe.

Personalized Service: The Disney Difference

Disney’s guest experience team uses a system called “Guestology” — a blend of data analysis and human insight. When you book a cruise, Disney collects information about your family (ages of kids, food preferences, special occasions) and shares it with the ship’s crew. This allows for personalized touches like:

• A birthday cake in your stateroom (if you mentioned it in advance).
• A server remembering your child’s favorite drink.
• Characters appearing at unexpected moments (like a surprise visit from Mickey during dinner).

I experienced this firsthand on a recent cruise. My daughter mentioned to a server that she loved Moana. The next day, a Moana-themed towel animal appeared on her bed, and she was invited to a private “Moana Story Time” in the kids’ club. It felt magical — but it was really just smart use of guest data.

Entertainment: More Than Just Shows

Disney’s entertainment isn’t limited to the theater. The entire ship is a stage:

• Character Meet-and-Greets – Scheduled and surprise appearances throughout the day.
• Fireworks at Sea – A nightly show synchronized with music and projections (only available on Disney ships).
• Interactive Games – Scavenger hunts, dance parties, and trivia contests.

The key? Consistency. Whether you’re on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wish, the level of entertainment is the same. This is achieved through rigorous training and strict quality control — every performer must audition and rehearse for months before going onboard.

Areas for Improvement

No system is perfect. Some guests have noted that:

• Character meet-and-greets can have long lines (especially for popular characters like Elsa).
• The dining rotation system, while fun, can feel rushed — you’re on a schedule, not free to linger.
• Excursions are often more expensive than third-party options.

Disney is aware of these issues. In 2023, they introduced a “Priority Access” system for meet-and-greets (bookable via the app) and expanded dining flexibility on newer ships.

Sustainability and Community: Disney’s Broader Impact

Running a cruise line isn’t just about profits — it’s about responsibility. Disney Cruise Lines has made significant strides in sustainability and community engagement.

Environmental Initiatives

Disney’s ships use:

• Advanced Wastewater Treatment – Meets or exceeds international standards.
• Shore Power – Reduces emissions when docked in ports like Port Canaveral.
• Single-Use Plastic Reduction – Replaced plastic straws, stirrers, and toiletry bottles with eco-friendly alternatives.

In 2023, Disney partnered with the Ocean Conservancy to fund beach cleanups in the Bahamas and Caribbean. Crew members and guests volunteer during port days, collecting over 5 tons of trash in one year.

Supporting Crew and Communities

Disney invests in its crew’s well-being:

• Free mental health counseling and wellness programs.
• Scholarships for crew members’ children.
• Onboard libraries and learning centers for crew education.

The company also supports port communities. In St. Maarten, Disney funds a vocational training program for local youth, and in Alaska, they partner with Indigenous groups to create culturally authentic excursions.

Room to Grow

Despite these efforts, some critics argue that cruise ships — even eco-conscious ones — have a large environmental footprint. Disney is investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) for future ships, which cuts emissions by 20–30%, but it’s not a perfect solution. The industry still has a long way to go.

Conclusion: The Magic Is Made by Many

So, who runs Disney Cruise Lines? The answer is: everyone. It’s the corporate leaders setting the vision, the captains navigating the seas, the crew members serving your coffee, the engineers fixing the engines, and the entertainers bringing stories to life. It’s the data analysts tracking guest preferences, the designers crafting themed spaces, and the sustainability team protecting the oceans.

What makes Disney unique is how it connects all these pieces into a seamless experience. It’s not just a cruise — it’s a carefully choreographed story where every guest is the star. And while no system is flawless (long lines, high prices, and environmental concerns are real), Disney’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and heartfelt service sets it apart.

Next time you’re on a Disney cruise, take a moment to look around. Notice the crew member who remembered your name, the captain waving from the bridge, the child laughing as she meets her favorite princess. That’s the magic — and it’s made possible by thousands of people working together, behind the scenes, to create memories that last a lifetime.

Role/Department	Key Responsibilities	Example (Ship: Disney Wish)
Corporate Leadership	Strategic vision, brand alignment, financial oversight	Thomas Mazloum approved the design of the Disney Wish’s Worlds of Marvel dining experience.
Bridge Team	Navigation, safety, port operations	Captains guide the ship through the narrow channel into Vancouver’s harbor.
Entertainment	Shows, character meet-and-greets, onboard activities	Performers rehearse “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular” for 6 weeks before launch.
Guest Services	Check-in, excursions, complaints, special requests	A guest services agent arranges a surprise anniversary dinner for a couple.
Engineering	Engine maintenance, power systems, water treatment	Engineers run daily checks on the ship’s LNG fuel system.
Sustainability	Waste reduction, emissions control, community partnerships	Crew and guests clean up a beach in Nassau during a port visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs Disney Cruise Lines?

Disney Cruise Lines is operated by The Walt Disney Company, specifically under its Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products division. The day-to-day management is led by a dedicated team of maritime and hospitality experts.

Is Disney Cruise Lines run by the same team as Disneyland and Disney World?

While all three are part of the larger Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products division, Disney Cruise Lines has a separate operational team focused on maritime travel. However, they share core values, branding, and leadership oversight from Disney’s executive leadership.

Who is the current president of Disney Cruise Lines?

As of the latest leadership update, the president of Disney Cruise Lines is Thomas Mazloum, a veteran Disney executive with decades of experience in global operations. He oversees strategic planning, fleet expansion, and guest experience innovations.

How does Disney Cruise Lines maintain its high-quality service?

Disney Cruise Lines relies on a combination of rigorous staff training, immersive storytelling, and operational excellence rooted in Disney’s legendary guest service standards. Crew members are trained at the Disney Institute to uphold these expectations.

Does Disney own or charter its cruise ships?

Disney fully owns and operates its fleet, including the Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and the upcoming Treasure and Destiny. Owning the ships allows full control over design, safety, and the guest experience.

Who runs Disney Cruise Lines when it comes to onboard entertainment and experiences?

Onboard entertainment is managed by a specialized team of Disney creatives, including live performers, youth activity coordinators, and Disney Character handlers. They collaborate with Walt Disney Imagineering to deliver unique, immersive experiences at sea.