STEPPING into the impressive atrium of Disney’s newest cruise ship, it has all the magic you would expect from the fairytale brand – and some exciting world-first additions.
Stepping onto Disney Destiny, I’m dazzled by how striking and glossy the three story high atrium is, with its enormous meteorite chandelier towering above the winding staircase.
Suddenly, in a flash of light the whole room glows in vivid green and a mysterious character appears on the balcony.
It’s Loki, star of Marvel’s Avengers, and villainous resident on this new ship – where all is not what it seems…
Disney Destiny is the seventh ship from the Disney Cruise Line, setting sail on November 20, 2025 from Port Everglades in Florida.
I watched the dramatic Christening ceremony, complete with incredible drone show above the ship and state-of-the-art projections illuminated onto the side of the vessel.
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Sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the Destiny is doing things a little bit differently.
While you’ll still find Disney Princesses and classic characters like Mickey and Minnie on board, this voyage celebrates Disney’s darker side, with some rather mischievous Disney villains on board too.
The theme of the ship is the brilliantly modern, Heroes and Villains.
Look closely and you’ll see Spiderman on the Stern, quite the sight when sailing the Caribbean.
Inside, the Evil Queen scowls at children who scream and giggle at her in return.
It’s a new era for Disney Cruise Line, stepping away from the classic Disney themes and dazzling guests with a thrilling new energy, drawing inspiration from its live action films, such as Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In fact, the dazzling chandelier in the main hall, now glowing bright green, is a nod to the meteorite that brought vibranium to Wakanda.
But, Disney ‘baddies’ were around long before Marvel weaved its magic with Spidey and friends.
The Destiny honours some fan favourites on board, with bars and shops inspired by villains such as Cruella De Vil and Maleficent.
There is also a bar themed on a popular Walt Disney World attraction – the Haunted Mansion – complete with ghostly goings on, a spooky fish tank and those famous hitchhiking ghosts.
However, with 1,256 luxury staterooms, Disney still want you to sleep at night.
Guests are given a personalised heroes’ welcome as they step on, with each family welcomed in by name.
And Disney’s good guys, including characters from Hercules, Mulan, Brave and The Incredibles feature prominently in the room designs and in public areas.
Meg from Hercules has her own coffee lounge and the Sanctum Bar is Dr Strange inspired, serving curious cocktails that spin and fizz.
As well as the classic staterooms, the ship has IncrediSuites – designed in the style of The Incredibles and Hero Suites – themed on Hercules.
The show-stopping Tower Suite, uniquely featured in the ship’s funnel, is a sensational take on Iron Man’s HQ – however, at a rumoured £100k per cruise, a heroic salary is required to get a look in there.
Us mere mortals are left with the ship’s main decks, which really do offer so much for all ages.
There are two Broadway-style shows on board, and the Disney Hercules show is a real knockout.
Disney’s high quality entertainment is expected, but this really does blow you away.
Disney Destiny also has immersive dining restaurants based on the Marvel franchise and The Lion King, featuring interactive elements and live performances.
These restaurants are fully inclusive with your cruise package, but alcohol costs extra.
As well as the main restaurants, there are two buffet restaurant areas Marceline Market and Mickey’s Festival of Foods, which between them are open all day.
Plus, adults travelling without kids, or parents utilising the hugely popular Disney Oceaneers Club (kids club), can enjoy an adult-exclusive area with a bar, pool and hot tubs.
There is also stylish restaurant Palo, an elegant 21+ dining room that is found on every Disney cruise ship.
Families playing together can cool off in six swimming pools or splash down the on-board water slide, the AquaMouse.
Disney’s unique water slide winds around the ship and has visuals inside the tube – this time with a few villainous cameos too.
Disney Destiny will be sailing on four and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean, including visits to one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Soaking up the sun on Disney’s private beach, with a cold cocktail in hand certainly feels like a champion move.
Although, it always feels mischievous when there is so much to do on board the impressive ship, currently stood glistening in the sun.
It’s fair to say there so much on offer during a Disney cruise, you may need your own superhero powers to see and do everything.
In other Disney news, Disney is set to open brand new theme park and resort – here’s everything we know.
Plus, Disneyland Paris has two-night breaks this Christmas from £289pp – including three-day park entry.