Actor Robert Downey Jr. has been named the godfather of the Disney Adventure ship. Disney Adventure is the newest and largest ship in the cruise line’s fleet, with a capacity of 6,700 passengers. The 208,000 gross ton ship, Disney’s first global class ship, is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10th.
Downey is best known for playing Tony Stark and Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the highest-grossing film series of all time.
“Our new ship continues Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of bringing great stories to life at sea, and we are honored that Robert Downey Jr., who has led audiences through unforgettable Marvel stories, is the official godfather of Disney Adventures,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of the Disney Experience and incoming Walt Disney CEO, said in a news release.
Downey’s tenure as Tony Stark and Iron Man culminated in Avengers: Endgame, which grossed more than $2.79 billion worldwide. The actor was named an official Disney Legend in 2019 and will star as Doctor Doom in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released in theaters this December.
Disney Adventure has seven themed zones, including a zone called Marvel Landing on the upper deck of the ship. This area will highlight Marvel through three attractions: Groot Galaxy Spin, Pym Quantum Racers, and Ironcycle Test Run, Disney Cruise Line’s first roller coaster.
Outdoors at Disney’s Imagination Garden, the “Avengers Assemble!” stage show will feature stunts, special effects and battles between Marvel heroes and villains. The Marvel WEB Workshop in Disney’s Oceania Club includes an area where young cruisers can try out hero suit prototypes and conduct training simulations.
“It’s impossible to describe the majesty of the Adventure, and it’s an honor to be its godmother. As the largest ship in the Disney fleet, it’s a huge blessing…I’ll do my best,” Downey said.
Appointing a godfather and naming a new ship is a centuries-old maritime tradition and is believed to bring good luck before the maiden voyage.
Disney Adventure, scheduled to sail three- and four-night itineraries in the South China Sea, stopped at Port Canaveral last month before continuing its long journey through the Panama Canal to Asia.
This new ship will be Disney’s eighth ship in service, with five more coming by 2031, bringing the total fleet to 13. A fourth Wish-class ship is expected next year, followed by a new class of ships in 2029. In the same year, Disney plans to introduce cruise vacations to Japan.
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