Q&A with Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Captain Who Changed Careers to Follow Her Dream at Sea

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Captain Maria Gotor is Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship captain and has taken the helm of one of the most iconic ships at sea, the Disney Wish. But long before she stood on the bridge, she was practicing law in Spain and never imagined a career at sea.

In this Q&A, Captain Maria shares how a ferry ride changed the course of her life and what drew her to 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.

Across the Disney Cruise Line fleet, crew members turn their own passions into rewarding careers at sea, creating unforgettable vacations for families around the world. And as Disney Cruise Line continues to grow, stories like Captain Maria’s reflect the many talented, dedicated crew members who bring both expertise and magic to every voyage.

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