You can usually find Minnie Mouse standing by her man Mickey's side as he serves as captain on Disney Cruises.
But for the first time since the cruise was founded in 1995, MINNIE will be the ship captain!
In addition to having Minnie run the ship, Disney also is planning new youth programs and scholarship opportunities. They plan to sponsor four scholarships at the LJM Maritime Academy in the Bahamas for female cadets who want to be ship captains or leaders. Each scholarship recipient will receive one year of service at one of the four Disney Cruise Line ships.
The President of Disney Cruise Line, Jeff Vahle, said the following in the press conference about the initiative:
“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."