Whether by land or by sea, Disney has a way of bringing its signature magic to its guests — and the experience on board the Disney Destiny is no different. Passengers sailing on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship can step into the story of heroes and villains through immersive entertainment throughout the voyage.
It starts immediately upon embarkation when guests arrive inside the Black Panther-themed Great Hall and find Minnie Mouse wearing her new hero outfit, waving from a balcony. It’s this same space that hosts regular stage shows and character interactions, transforming with colors (like Maleficent green) and lights based on the time of day and tone of the encounter.
While Disney magic and storytelling is the through line for dining, entertainment and physical spaces on board the cruise line’s third Wish-class vessel, the goal is to provide enough options for guests to choose their own adventure — including spaces for adults only.
“I think for the guest that ends up taking their first Disney Cruise, you may be compelled by the destinations. You may be compelled by the Disney element that you want to see,” said Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences. “You may be compelled by just wanting to get away from things and taking your own track. It doesn’t matter what compels you to be here; you’re going to discover something special just for you.”
Transforming Disney stories into a format fit for a ship has first-time Disney Cruise Line passengers curious and loyal fans coming back for more.
“Forty percent of the guests that sail with us tell us that they wouldn’t have sailed unless we were in the market,” Schott said. “We’re actually more than halfway booked for the upcoming year. So there’s incredible demand for our product.”
That means a big opportunity for growth in the coming years. Destiny is Disney’s seventh ship to come online, with five more ships coming by 2031, bringing the total fleet to 13.
“We all say that Disney Cruise Line is like a storybook, and each of these ships is a chapter in this book,” said Yolanda Cade, the vice president of communications and public affairs for Disney Signature Experiences. “We just opened the chapter of heroes and villains. When you step on board, it’s like you’re living that chapter.”
Here’s a glimpse into the magic Disney delivered during a three-night preview sailing aboard the 144,000-gross-ton Destiny, which can accommodate 4,000 passengers.
Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Disney Destiny is docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The upper decks feature pools and the AquaMouse water slide on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The upper decks include a sports court on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is an adults-only area for drinks on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is an adults-only area for drinks on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is an adults-only area for drinks on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
De Vil’s is an adults-only piano lounge serving up themed cocktails on board the Disney Destiny on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Deluxe Family Verandah sleeps up to four guests on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Deluxe Family Verandah sleeps up to four guests on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Art plays a central role on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a dining experience with a show on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a dining experience with a show on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Worlds of Marvel is one of the main dining areas on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Marvel-themed art is scattered throughout the ship on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Grand Hall is the focal point of the center of the ship on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Hook’s Barbery is a space for haircuts and grooming on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Grand Hall is the focal point of the center of the ship on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, has its own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Disney Destiny’s Grand Hall features a Black Panther statue on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, has its own line of merch dedicated to the ship on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Cafe Merida is themed with the movie “Brave” and has a Scottish vibe on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney-inspired art is a focal point on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Senses Spa is a space for relaxation and massage treatments on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Senses Spa has a Rainforest Room thermal suite on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Senses Spa has a thermal suite that includes a sauna on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Senses Spa has a Rainforest Room thermal suite on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Senses Spa has an outdoor relaxation area on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Senses Fitness has treadmills and workout equipment on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The upper decks have pools and a screen for movies, plus a stage for shows on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The upper decks have pools and a screen for movies, plus a stage for shows on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The upper decks have pools and fresh air spaces on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Wheezy’s Freezies is a space for frozen drinks on the upper decks on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The upper decks have pools and a screen for movies, plus a stage for shows on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Cove Bar is part of the adults-only outdoor space on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The upper decks have pools and a screen for movies, plus the AquaMouse water ride on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The upper decks have pools and a screen for movies, plus a stage for shows on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Rose is an elegant cocktail lounge on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Palo Steakhouse is an upscale eatery on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Lumière makes a surprise appearance on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Black Panther art is featured in the stairwell on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Traveling storytellers Zayah and Gamble share a tale of heroes and villains on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Loki makes an appearance in the Grand Hall on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Captains Mickey and Minnie, godmother Susan Egan, Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, and Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, christen the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, is lit up during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, introduces the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, along with Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, introduces the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, along with Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, is lit up during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, introduces the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, along with Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to look like Black Panther characters above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to look like a Black Panther character above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to look like a Simba character above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to with pirate theming above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to look like a Maleficent character above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to spell Cruella DeVil above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to form card shapes above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to form shoe shapes above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to form Hercules shapes above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to form Hercules shapes above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Captains Mickey and Minnie, godmother Susan Egan, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences and Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, christen the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Captains Mickey and Minnie, godmother Susan Egan, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences and Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, christen the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Drones assemble to form Disney shapes above the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a christening ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Captains Mickey and Minnie, godmother Susan Egan, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences and Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, christen the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, during a ceremony at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Spider-Man makes an appearance on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The sail away party features Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and other characters on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Marceline Market is the main buffet eatery on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Marceline Market is the main buffet eatery on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Edna Á La Mode Sweets has cupcakes and more on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Disney Wish can be seen in the distance from on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Cove Cafe is an adults-only escape for coffee on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Tower Suite is the most exclusive accommodation on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Royal Suite has a bathroom with an ocean view on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Sorcerer Mickey makes a cameo in carpeting on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Minnie greets guests boarding the Disney Destiny from the top of the Grand Hall on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Disney Destiny’s Grand Hall features entertainment and appearances from characters, including Loki, on Nov. 10. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Edna Á La Mode Sweets has cupcakes, gelato and more on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a rotational dining experience with a show on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a rotational dining experience with a show on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a rotational dining experience with entrees including lamb and a show on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a rotational dining experience with a show on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a rotational dining experience with a show and cheesecake for dessert on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 10, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A Pirate’s Rocking’ Parlay Party is the evening highlight of night two on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A Pirate’s Rocking’ Parlay Party is the evening highlight of night two on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A Pirate’s Rocking’ Parlay Party is the evening highlight of night two on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Jack Sparrow descends from above during a Pirate’s Rocking’ Parlay Party, the evening highlight of night two on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Fireworks launch from on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Fireworks launch from on board the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new Wish-class ship, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny guests enjoy a day at Disney Castaway Cay on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Castaway Cay is visible from one of the top decks of the Disney Destiny on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny, seen in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, features Spider-Man on the ship’s stern. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney’s Oceaneer Club on the Disney Destiny features a Star Wars-themed area for kids on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney’s Oceaneer Club on the Disney Destiny features a Marvel-themed area for kids. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Cask & Cannon on the Disney Destiny is an adults-only pub with a pirate theme on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is themed based on the iconic attraction, seen on board the Disney Destiny. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is themed based on the iconic attraction, seen on board the Disney Destiny on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is themed based on the iconic attraction, seen on board the Disney Destiny on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
De Vil’s is an intimate piano lounge on board the Disney Destiny. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
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Disney Destiny is in port at Disney Castaway Cay in the Bahamas on Nov. 12, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
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The ship
Guests who have experience sailing on Disney’s Wish-class ships will find the Destiny is very familiar in layout and overall offerings, but new-to-the-class passengers should also find the vessel easy to navigate.
Deck 3 has several themed lounges for cocktails, shopping options and 1923, one of the main rotational dining venues with classic Hollywood style to celebrate Disney’s early days. The ship’s forward is home to the 1,274-seat Walt Disney Theatre, which has a balcony on Deck 4 and serves as home to the signature “Hercules” show.
Deck 4 has the Worlds of Marvel rotational dining venue, a salon and barber, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, two cinemas showing Disney films and Saga, a more intimate entertainment venue that serves as home to musical performances, comedy acts and game shows with additional seating on Deck 5.
On Deck 5, passengers can find Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, Mickey’s Mainsail shop, the Cask & Cannon pub, the Senses Spa and Senses Fitness gym.
Decks 6-10 are reserved for cabins, but Deck 11 opens up with the Marceline Market food hall and the open-air Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods, just beside several small pools and the Funnel Vision Deck Stage. Deck 11 also has Edna Á La Mode Sweets and Dory’s Forget-Me-Knots shop.
Deck 12 has a mix of open-air spaces for swimming, including the Toy Story Splash Zone, and indoor spaces for dining and recreation. This includes the Vibe space for teenagers only and the Hero Zone family recreation space and sports court. Upscale refreshments are found at adults-only venues Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement and The Rose, a lounge with “Beauty and the Beast” theming.
Deck 13 has the Quiet Cove area and the Cove Café, both for adults only, plus the AquaMouse water ride for passengers of all ages.
The entertainment
High-caliber shows, character interactions and immersive spaces are central to the experience on the Disney Destiny, something to be expected from one of the world’s largest entertainment companies.
This can show up in intimate ways, like Dr. Facilier’s Parlor, a small-scale card trick experience, or in pop-up shows with storytellers Zayah and Gamble, two original characters created just for the Destiny. The duo helped introduce encounters in the Grand Hall with Loki, Cruella de Vil, Hercules and other classic Disney heroes and villains. This space is also the forum for the “Sounds of Wakanda” show, a percussion-heavy experience with audience participation and appearances from King T’Challa, the Black Panther himself.
The Funnel Vision Deck Stage is where guests can see movies on a large screen poolside during the day and see shows by night. This includes the “Let’s Set Sail” party featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and even a Spider-Man cameo. The centerpiece of the themed Pirate Night is Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party, featuring a mix of classic rock covers, Disney tunes, a canon firing and plenty of choreography. The experience is topped off by an appearance from Captain Jack Sparrow, pyrotechnics on stage and a fireworks show at sea, exclusive to Disney Cruise Line.
The pinnacle of Destiny’s entertainment lineup is the exclusive “Hercules” show, which takes the classic film and turns it into an hour-long Broadway-style production. The music takes a soulful spin, and the journey feels just as epic as the film, if not more so, with the inclusion of giant puppets and mesmerizing effects. There are humorous twists and emotional moments as the audience watches Hercules follow his heart and “go the distance.”
While “Hercules” is the highlight of the mainstage show lineup, the Walt Disney Theatre also serves as home to “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular,” which takes guests on a journey across Arendelle complete with snow and plenty of song, and the nautically-themed “Disney Seas the Adventure.”
Live entertainment is the main course when dining at Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, which every guest will have an opportunity to experience as a part of the Destiny’s rotational dining. A “pride” of singers and percussionists perform songs from the classic animated movie and share stories celebrating Simba’s journey to fulfill his destiny as king.
All-ages fun
As a family-oriented cruise, the Destiny has plenty of experiences geared toward younger cruisers.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club on Deck 2 is dedicated to children ages 3-10 with a Fairytale Hall, the Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars: Cargo Bay and the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab. “It’s a small world” nursery is a daycare center that caters to infants and toddlers from 6 months to 3 years old.
Edge on Deck 5 is open to tweens ages 11-14 with an urban loft-inspired setting for playing games, watching movies and capturing selfies. Vibe on Deck 12 has space for teens to socialize and hang out together.
Many of the experiences on board cater to the whole family, from 3 to 83, with many entertainment options and experiences suitable for visitors of any age.
Adults only
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? In crafting its latest ship, Disney was certain to plot out a separate space for adults to drink and enjoy their vacation.
This appears in several themed lounges and bars. De Vil’s takes inspiration from Cruella’s larger-than-life personality and sense of fashion, with lipstick on the glasses and one drink that includes champagne in a perfume sprayer. The intimate venue features a black-and-white spotted piano in the center and stylish decor.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is sure to be a hit among Disney fans who like the spookier, macabre side of the company’s storytelling. Indulge in themed “spirits” in a setting based on the iconic attraction with appearances from familiar ghosts and a menu that is “to die for.”
The Sanctum rounds out a trio of adults-only spaces on Deck 3 with “spellbinding” cocktails, spirits and coffee drinks taking inspiration from “Doctor Strange.” Some drinks seem to levitate on their own, while others react to touch. It’s clear that Disney’s food and beverage team had a lot of fun developing the magical menu for this space.
Cask & Cannon brings a lively pirate-themed pub filled with treasure, live sports, light bites, vintage rums and “bootlegged” brews. The venue features a better beer selection than most other areas of the ship, and it promises plenty of swashbuckling fun.
Some of the nighttime entertainment options are geared toward audiences ages 18 and older, including “With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show,” which takes place inside the Saga lounge. Zayah and Gamble riff on superhero stories with props, costumes and tomfoolery that have more mature themes than any other show on the ship.
The experience
While Disney magic can be found in any of the many individual experiences that can be found on board, another constant is the level of service that the company hopes to be defined by. It’s also to be expected given the price tag and the company’s unique offering as a family-centric premium cruise line.
“This is the highest-rated experience that we have across our entire experiences portfolio,” Schott said, noting the cruise line’s ranking when compared to Disney’s parks and other experiences. “There’s an intimate nature to what you’re experiencing along with the high-quality crew members that we have on board … The quality service is something that we’re known for.”
This comes through in Disney Cruise Line’s rotational dining concept, which allows guests to experience all of the main dining venues on the ship and allows crew members to stay with the same guests at each venue. That, combined with all of the signature entertainment and destinations, helps customers discover Disney’s cruises for the first time and keep coming back.
“We think about value in the components of the comfort of cruising, the magic of Disney and the incredible destinations that you have that you’re visiting,” Schott said. “We always have to focus on where we’re strongest, which is telling our stories and delivering high-quality service.”
The Destiny is now sailing regular four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Starting prices range from $1,964 to $7,330 for two guests.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
