If you are booked for your next Disney Cruise Line vacation, keep an eye out for Disney Cruise Line’s newest Captain, Michele Intartaglia. Guests may recognize Michele as he has been part of the Disney Cruise Line family for more than 10 years, most recently as Staff Captain. He will initially take the helm of the Disney Fantasy.
“Michele has been a tremendous asset to the Disney Cruise Line family,” said Sharon Siskie, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Cruise Line. “His outstanding leadership skills, extensive experience and genuine passion for our company and the maritime industry make him a fantastic choice to serve in the role of Captain,” added Siskie.
Michele says he has always loved the ocean and sailing the high seas. He was born and raised in a “sea-going” family on a small island off the coast of Naples, Italy. His father was a seafarer and inspired him at a young age to chase his dreams and pursue a career at sea.
“I grew up knowing I would be a seaman, like my father. He would share fascinating stories with me about his voyages around the world, meeting new people and learning about new cultures,” shared Michele. “For seafarers, there is an indescribable love of sailing on blue seas and visiting pristine coastlines. It’s very special that we get to do this and see so much of the world as part of our careers.”
Not only did Michele have his sights set on the maritime industry growing up in Italy, he was also a fan of Mickey Mouse from the start and dreamed of joining the Disney team one day. “I used to read Topolino’s comic strips – that’s Mickey Mouse’s name in Italian. He is my favorite Disney character!” After spending several years sailing on a variety of cargo ships, Michele’s professional path led him to the cruise industry. He joined Disney Cruise Line in December 2011 as Staff Captain and held his first command as Captain temporarily on the Disney Dream in 2018
“Disney Cruise Line is precious to me – it’s my second family,” said Michele. I am truly honored to be appointed Captain and continue to create magic at sea for our guests alongside our remarkable crew members,” he said. In his spare time, Michele enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, Giuseppe and Arianna, and experiencing the magic of Disney together.
Michele says he is excited for new experiences and opportunities in his role as Captain. “Being a seaman has taught me that one must go as far as you can see, and once you reach that point, you’ll be able to see and go farther. Disney is a place where we can do that and keep growing and dreaming,” he added.