Disney Cruise Line has reached a historic milestone: Captain Maria Gotor has become the line's first female ship captain, taking the helm of the Disney Wish. Originally from Spain, Captain Maria's path to the sea was anything but conventional — she practiced law before a ferry ride sparked a passion that changed her life's course entirely.
She entered the cruise industry in 2009 and steadily worked her way up to staff captain before joining Disney Cruise Line in 2024, a move she described as something she had long envisioned. Commanding the Disney Wish means managing 144,000 tons of steel, navigating shifting sea conditions, and bringing the massive vessel safely into port — all without brakes, as she put it.
Captain Maria has spoken openly about the joy she's found in her role. She described the atmosphere aboard the Disney Wish as genuinely uplifting, and said her first ship-wide announcement as captain was met with cheers and celebration from the crew — a moment she says she'll never forget.
The appointment comes as Disney Cruise Line continues a period of significant expansion, recently launching the Disney Adventure out of Singapore and with additional ships still on the horizon.
This story was first reported by AllEars.net.
