Cruise line introduces new ‘Treasure Tomorrow’ programme 

Durrant Pate/ Contributor

Disney Cruise Line celebrated a special milestone in Jamaica yesterday with its newest luxury liner, the Disney Treasure, which arrived to the historic Falmouth Cruise Port for the first time ahead of its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024.  

As part of a longstanding global maritime tradition for all vessels on their first call to a new port, Disney Cruise Line invited government and port officials onboard the new ship for a plaque and key exchange. The guests were greeted by Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse and explored the new adventure-infused ship. 

With the launch of the Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line is introducing ‘Treasure Tomorrow,’ a new program that expands Disney’s commitment to creating lasting, positive impacts in the port communities it calls home in Florida and throughout the Caribbean. During the Disney Treasure’s inaugural season, Treasure Tomorrow will fund and support career exploration programs for students in each port the Disney Treasure visits.

Excitement for the new ship

Regional Public Affairs Director, The Bahamas & Caribbean for Disney Cruise Line, Joey Gaskins says, “Disney Cruise Line is excited for our new ship, the Disney Treasure, to regularly call on Falmouth and introduce even more guests to the rich culture of Jamaica. 

Beyond the economic impact of sailing to this beautiful port community, we are committed to making a positive impact, strengthening the community of Falmouth and supporting youth programs that inspire the next generation.”

As Disney Treasure brings Disney adventures to life like never before, the new vessel is set to unlock the far-reaching realms of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel and embrace dynamic tales from beloved Disney Parks attractions, through captivating and immersive experiences on the high seas. 

The Disney Treasure will sail its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024, followed by a season of seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean and seven-night cruises to the Western Caribbean out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Guests can book their next cruise on the Disney Treasure by visiting DisneyCruise.com.

PAJ pleased with the partnership

President and CEO of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) Professor Gordon Shirley hailed the partnership with Disney Cruise Lines saying, “cruise shipping continues to be a significant economic driver for the Port Authority of Jamaica and by extension the country. We are pleased to extend our partnership with Disney Cruise Lines in our mutually focused objective of delivering the best cruise guest experiences while ensuring the safety and security of Disney vessels navigating the port.”  

Continuing, he adds, “Disney has had a longstanding relationship with one of our flagship developments, the Historic Falmouth Port, and we are pleased with their commitment to the development of port communities at which their vessels call. The PAJ shares the interest in youth development in Jamaica and in particular, any opportunity that fosters exposure to skills and professional development in the maritime industry and we applaud Disney Cruise Lines on its Treasure Tomorrow initiative which redounds to the benefit of several stakeholders.”

Disney giving back to Jamaica

Through Treasure Tomorrow, Disney Cruise Line is sponsoring Junior Achievement programs in Falmouth, including an entrepreneurship program featuring career introduction sessions and workshops tailored to the cruise industry. These programs will provide students with the opportunity to step aboard the Disney Treasure in the coming year and learn first-hand from Disney cast and crew members about careers in the maritime industry as well as the creative and entertainment industries.

The programmes empower and inspire the next generation of storytellers and innovators. Also in St. Thomas, Disney Cruise Line is working with the School Kids in the Park (SKIP) program to help students learn about conservation, coral reefs, native plants and sea turtles. “The work Disney Cruise Line is doing with Junior Achievement Jamaica underscores a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs,” explains Callia Smith-Harriott, executive director, Junior Achievement Jamaica. 

For her, “with Disney Cruise Line’s support, we can amplify our efforts in fostering entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy among Jamaican youth, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.” Disney Cruise Line’s investment in the communities where the Disney Treasure will visit spans from Florida to the Caribbean. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman and Abaco, near where Disney Castaway Cay is located, 

As part of Treasure Tomorrow, Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members will join in on the celebration and give back to the communities they live and work in through a variety of Disney VoluntEARS events. Learn more about Disney Cruise Line’s community initiatives by visiting Disney Cruise Line Crew & Community on Facebook or DCLNews.com. 

Since launching in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has established itself as a leader in the cruise industry, providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all Disney has to offer. Today, the award-winning Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its blueprint for family cruising with a fleet of six ships — the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish and the Disney Treasure – and seven more ships on the way by 2031.