Captain Maria is Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship captain. She recently took the helm of the Disney Wish. This is not at all where her career started, however. Captain Maria originally studied law. However, a simple ferry ride led to a career change that changed the course of her life quite significantly. Disney shared a Q&A with Captain Maria that tells this inspiring story of how a pursuit of a passion can turn into a career with the Disney Cruise Line.
How did you first learn about careers in the maritime industry?
Growing up in Spain, I remember hearing about careers like being a doctor, a lawyer or an architect. So I studied law and spent six years building my career as a lawyer.
But one day, while sailing across the Strait of Gibraltar to meet some friends, I met the ferry’s captain and got to visit the wheelhouse. I asked what it took to become a captain and soon realized there was an entire industry I’ve never considered before.
From there, I went back to school for a master’s degree in nautical engineering and maritime navigation while continuing to work. Even though I was starting over in a career I didn’t know much about, I was motivated and knew this was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What were your early years at sea like?
After finishing school, I began piloting the very same ferry that first introduced me to working at sea. After six years of coastal navigation, I wanted to keep learning, so I took on the challenge of ocean navigation aboard a passenger cruise ship.
I joined the cruise industry in 2009 as a junior officer and worked my way up to staff captain, where I served as second-in-command of the vessel. I joined Disney Cruise Line in 2024, which is something I had thought about for years.
What drew you to join Disney Cruise Line?
I’ve sailed for many years, but there is something unique about Disney Cruise Line. The joy on board is real, and today I am the happiest I have ever been.
I feel it from the guests, from the crew, even standing on the open deck. It’s unlike anything else in this industry. I remember watching my first “Let’s Set Sail” sail away celebration after joining the Disney Wish and feeling the emotion and the joy from everybody onboard.
What is your favorite part of being a ship captain?
Serving as captain of the Disney Wish is both deeply personal and professionally meaningful. Representing my home country of Spain on a ship like this makes it even more special.
Guiding a cruise ship requires constant focus, judgment and precision. I love the challenge of monitoring changing conditions at sea or preparing to bring the ship safely into port. On the Disney Wish, there’s 144,000 tons of steel that you have to stop without brakes. It’s challenging, and it’s rewarding.
But beyond my role on the bridge, I enjoy walking the ship and spending time with fellow officers and meeting our guests. And I quickly learned that the happiness I feel onboard extends to our fantastic crew. I’ll never forget when they celebrated and cheered me on during my first ship-wide announcement as Captain of the vessel. That was a special moment for me.
The Disney Cruise Line allows crew members to turn their passions into careers at sea, where they get to help create unforgettable vacations for families around the globe. The Disney Cruise Line is undergoing a period of significant growth. Captain Maria’s story and many others like it highlight how it takes people to make the magic come to life. These crew members are dedicated, talented, and passionate about their craft and sharing the magic.
What do you think of this story? Have you been aboard the Disney Wish? What is your favorite Disney Cruise Line ship? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
