Disney Cruise Line closed its 2026 Alaska season with three community events in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan from September 24 to 26, bringing Disney Wonder crew members together with Coast Guard families and local students in the ports the ship visits each summer.
The events ran during the Wonder’s final seven-night Alaska cruise of the year, which left Vancouver on September 21.
Captain Mickey Meets Coast Guard Families In Juneau
In Juneau on September 25, the cruise line joined the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska for a Coast Guard Families Appreciation Event honoring Coast Guard members and families serving Alaska and the U.S. Arctic. Families took part in themed activities and crafts and met Captain Mickey Mouse.
Disney Cruise Line also announced an investment in the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation’s Coastie Campers summer enrichment program, which offers Coast Guard families grants toward summer camps and activities. To mark the afternoon, the line presented Coast Guard Capt. Michele Schallip with an American flag that flew aboard the Disney Wonder in Alaskan waters. Schallip is chief of staff of the Coast Guard Arctic District.
“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.
Maritime Careers In Skagway And Ketchikan
In Skagway on September 24, Wonder crew members met with students from Junior Achievement of Alaska to talk about their own career paths and the range of jobs that keep a cruise ship running.
Two days later in Ketchikan, more Junior Achievement students and members of the Magsayawan Filipino Dance Group boarded the Disney Wonder for a discussion on maritime careers and a tour of the ship, meeting crew members along the way.
“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.
A Season Of Local Support
Throughout 2026, Disney Cruise Line supported the Southeast Alaska Food Bank, including weekend meals provided through Harborview Elementary School, and donated boot and glove warmers for Harborview classrooms. It contributed Disney books and joined intergenerational programming at the Ketchikan Pioneer Home, and it welcomed Skagway Summer Camp participants aboard the Disney Wonder for the fourth year.
In July, Disney Cruise Line and Huna Totem Corporation announced a 15-year agreement for preferential access at Icy Strait Point through at least 2041.
With Alaska finished for the year, the Wonder left Vancouver on September 28 on a repositioning cruise to San Diego, where it sails Baja and Mexican Riviera itineraries. San Diego remains part of the Wonder’s schedule in the cruise line’s fall 2027 and spring 2028 season.
For the latest news and updates make sure to follow us on social media! Facebook | Twitter | Threads | Instagram | TikTok
