Disney Cruise Line is hoping to inspire a new generation of women to enter the maritime industry by introducing Captain Minnie Mouse.
Captain Minnie Mouse will be outfitted in white trousers or a skirt and red jacket with a captain’s insignia and will be touring Disney ships starting in April. Disney Cruise Line hopes Captain Minnie will have a visual impact and inspire girls to become captains.
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“Our Disney characters have a unique ability to inspire and connect with children, and we know Captain Minnie will encourage young girls around the world to consider a career in the maritime industry,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Cruise Line.
Captain Minnie Mouse will also appear in new youth activities in Disney’s Oceaneer Labs which will engage kids in STEM and problem-solving activities. Soon, girls will be able to dress up as a seafaring captain like Captain Minnie Mouse in a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
For those who are unable to visit Captain Minnie Mouse on a Disney ship, she’ll be making her way through the communities of Disney Cruise Lines’ homeports and ports of call. She’ll be accompanied by a female Disney Cruise Line officer or crew member who can speak about their roles in the maritime industry and showcase different career options for women on a cruise ship.
Additionally, in 2019, Disney Cruise Line is sponsoring four scholarships to the LJM Maritime Academy for female cadets who want to be ship captains and shipboard leaders. The scholarship will cover tuition for two years of study at the academy and one year of service aboard a Disney ship.
“We are excited to work with LJM Maritime Academy to offer scholarships for young women who are pursuing their passions and following their dreams in our industry,” said Vahle.
