Disney Cruise Line has just made history with a milestone more than 25 years in the making.
For the first time in the cruise line’s history, Disney Cruise Line has promoted a woman to the rank of captain.
Maria Gotor has officially been named Captain of the Disney Wish, becoming the first female captain to command a Disney Cruise Line vessel. The historic promotion marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues its rapid fleet expansion and celebrates greater representation in maritime leadership.
Captain Gotor shared the exciting news on social media with a photo displaying her new captain’s stripes alongside the caption:
“And just like this… We have a new Captain in the room.”
Her promotion comes less than two years after joining Disney Cruise Line as a Staff Captain in September 2024. She will now take command of the Disney Wish, one of the cruise line’s newest and most popular ships.
A Career Spanning More Than 15 Years at Sea
Originally from Spain, Gotor began her maritime career transporting vessels across the Strait of Gibraltar before transitioning to the cruise industry.
She joined Celebrity Cruises in 2009, where she steadily rose through the ranks during nearly 15 years with the company. In 2018, she was promoted to Staff Captain and served aboard several ships, including Celebrity Edge, before making the move to Disney Cruise Line in 2024.
Her promotion to captain is the latest achievement in a career that has seen her hold some of the cruise industry’s most senior operational positions.
A Milestone for Disney Cruise Line
While several major cruise lines (including Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Virgin Voyages) have appointed female captains in recent years, Disney Cruise Line had never previously named a woman to captain one of its ships.
That makes Gotor’s appointment an important milestone not only for Disney Cruise Line but also for the broader cruise industry, where women remain underrepresented in senior bridge leadership roles.
Her promotion also comes during a period of tremendous growth for Disney Cruise Line. The company has expanded well beyond its original four-ship fleet and has multiple new vessels scheduled to join the fleet over the next several years.
Charting a New Course
As Disney Cruise Line continues to grow around the world, Captain Maria Gotor’s promotion represents more than just a personal achievement—it marks a historic new chapter for one of the world’s most beloved cruise brands.
We’ll continue bringing you the latest Disney Cruise Line news, ship updates, itineraries, entertainment announcements, and everything happening across Disney’s growing fleet. Be sure to check back often for more Disney travel news and updates.
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