Disney Cruise Line Crew Visits Foster Children in Nassau, Donates $25,000

Disney Cruise Line crew members from the Disney Wish traveled to the Ranfurly Homes for Children in Nassau, Bahamas, delivering gifts, making holiday ornaments, and surprising children with a visit from Captain Mickey Mouse. The cruise line also donated $25,000 to the non-profit foster care organization and gifted every child a tablet device and Bluetooth headphones. The visit is part of the broader "Wishes Set Sail" initiative celebrating the Disney Wish's inaugural season.

Crew members aboard the Disney Wish visited the Ranfurly Homes for Children in Nassau, Bahamas, spending a day with displaced children to mark the holiday season. Disney Cruise Line donated $25,000 to the non-profit organization and gave each child a tablet device and Bluetooth headphones. The visit — which included a surprise appearance by Captain Mickey Mouse — is part of the cruise line's "Wishes Set Sail" community engagement campaign launched alongside the Disney Wish's inaugural season.

A Day of Crafts, Gifts, and Captain Mickey

When the Disney Wish docked in Nassau, a group of crew members made their way to the Ranfurly Homes for Children, a local non-profit that provides comprehensive foster care services for displaced children across The Bahamas. The crew spent the day creating holiday ornaments with the children and distributing gifts — but the highlight, by all accounts, was the surprise arrival of Captain Mickey Mouse.

"Captain Mickey walking in for them was the best gift that we could have given them today," said Zarah, a Youth Activities Manager aboard the Disney Wish. "They enjoyed the presents and crafts, but seeing Captain Mickey and hugging him — they loved it."

Maritime Scholarship Recipients Among the Volunteers

Three of the crew members who made the trip held a particularly meaningful connection to the Bahamian community. LJM Maritime Academy cadets Christina Adderley (from Eleuthera), Emily Bain, and Summer Lightbourn (both from New Providence) were among the volunteers. In 2019, all three received Disney Cruise Line maritime scholarships, which covered two years of study at LJM Maritime Academy in Nassau followed by one year of service aboard Disney ships.

"It's heartwarming to see the impact Disney is making here in my community of Nassau," said Summer Lightbourn. "The Disney Cruise Line team made so many children smile today. This was an experience I will never forget."

Captain Marco of the Disney Wish also joined the volunteer group. "We sail to and from The Bahamas several times a week with our crew members and our guests, so it's important to us to give back and be part of this beautiful community," he said.

Part of a Broader Holiday Campaign Across The Bahamas

The Ranfurly Homes visit is one piece of the "Wishes Set Sail" campaign, an initiative Disney Cruise Line developed to support youth activities in key port communities during the Disney Wish's inaugural season. Earlier in December, the cruise line donated Disney plush toys and books to more than 650 students in Abaco — near the private island of Disney Castaway Cay — and in Eleuthera, where Disney Cruise Line is developing a new guest experience at Lighthouse Point. Crew members also read aloud to students as part of the outreach.

"The work here at the Ranfurly Home is great, and the need for support is even greater," said Ingrid Deveaux, Administrator of the Ranfurly Homes for Children. "This support from Disney will help us tremendously as we continue to provide care for these incredible children."

Disney's Commitment to Bahamian Communities

The maritime scholarship program and the "Wishes Set Sail" campaign reflect Disney Cruise Line's long-term investment in communities across The Bahamas — ports the fleet visits multiple times each week. These initiatives develop future maritime professionals from within the region and support educational and social programs for local youth. Learn more about Disney Cruise Line's community programs and upcoming sailings at DisneyCruise.com.