Florivida the travel podcast
Travel podcast #5 - Amusement parks at sea: from roller coasters to water parks
Listen as Rick and Willem share everything there is to know about cruises, from attractions to food to travel tips!
Disney Cruise Line is known for offering cruise vacations that combine relaxation, storytelling and service with Disney magic. On board you will find restaurants with different themes, high level shows and plenty of activities for young and old. Anyone who has ever been to a Disney park will recognize the same quality and atmosphere, but then at sea: taken care of down to the last detail, super hospitable and full of Disney details.
With the arrival of the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line continues to expand. This newest Disney cruise ship follows in the footsteps of the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, but has a look and experience all its own. The ship will be themed around heroes and villains from famous Disney stories. This is reflected in the restaurants, entertainment and decor on board.
What the Disney Destiny distinctive, is the way the theme is reflected throughout. You'll discover new shows, meet special Disney characters and dine at restaurants developed specifically for this ship. Additionally, this is the first Disney ship to bring together heroes and villains from Disney, Pixar and Marvel. This makes the Disney Destiny feel different from the other ships in the fleet and is still a new experience, even if you've ever taken a cruise with Disney Cruise Line before.
The Disney Destiny was officially announced in 2024 by Disney Cruise Line as the newest sister ship within the so-called Wish class. Construction is in the hands of Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, the same shipyard that also built the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure. As usual, the process began with the steel-cutting ceremony, followed by the keel laying where a lucky coin was placed in the hull.
After about two years of construction, the Disney Destiny was ready for its next milestone: conveyance. On September 19, 2025, the ship was moved from the Meyer Werft in Papenburg across the Ems to open water. This is an important moment, as the ship will leave the dock for the first time and be taken towards the sea independently.
The official delivery ceremony followed in Eemshaven, Netherlands, on October 15, 2025. During this maritime tradition, construction is formally completed and the ship officially passes from the shipbuilder to Disney Cruise Line.
Starting Oct. 20, 2025, the Disney Destiny began its crossing toward Fort Lauderdale at Florida. During this voyage, the ship covered more than 5,000 nautical miles, with a brief stop in Funchal, Portugal, before continuing the Atlantic crossing.
After two weeks at sea, the Disney Destiny arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Nov. 2, 2025. The arrival was celebrated in Port Canaveral, where Hero Minnie and more than 250 cast members welcomed the ship!
The Disney Destiny will continue to be prepared for her first official sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the coming period. The maiden voyage is scheduled for November 20, 2025!
Disney Destiny has a clear theme: Heroes and Villains. This is reflected in the interior, entertainment and restaurants. The ship brings to life heroes and villains from Hercules, The Incredibles, Black Panther and Cruella from 101 Dalmatians, among others.
On the bow of the ship you will find Hero Minnie, looking forward as a proud heroine. At the stern (stern), Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots are attached to the ship. This is an iconic Disney Cruise Line figurehead, as each ship has a different character on the back of the ship.
On board, you'll encounter a mix of heroes and villains from various Disney stories. Think:
These and more unique characters recur in entertainment, public areas on the ship and during character encounters.
The main new show on board is Disney Hercules, an exclusive musical at the Walt Disney Theatre. The production features updated music performed by a large live orchestra including a gospel choir and drumline. This is going to be a spectacle!
There are also several areas scattered throughout the ship for activities and performances. Saga hosts musical performances, comedy acts and game shows, among others. A family-friendly place during the day, it transforms into an adult-only lounge at night.
In the Hero Zone, families and young people can take on sports challenges, play in a play zone and go to games and movies.
On the upper decks you will find several pools and play areas with a Mickey & Friends theme. In the Toy Story Splash Zone, there are great pool toys and families can slide down the Slide-a-Saurus Rex slide together.
Film viewing is available at two cinemas: Wonderland Cinema (with references to Alice in Wonderland) and Never Land Cinema, inspired by Peter Pan.
The outdoor deck also features the AquaMouse, a water attraction with an exclusive Disney Villains storyline. On the ride, you will encounter familiar villains, such as the Evil Queen, Scar and Chernabog. The slide takes you past short movies and ends with turns outside the ship for spectacular views!
As on other Disney ships, you dine according to the Rotational Dining Concept: you change restaurants while your regular service team travels with you.
In addition, you can opt for signature dining. These restaurants are not included in the cruise price, for adults only, and require a reservation. They offer a more elegant dining experience and are available for brunch as well as dinner. On the Disney Destiny, there are two options for this:
Furthermore, you can go to many places on the ship for meals and snacks. Think cafes and grab-and-go options for breakfast, lunch and in between meals. The pool decks also offer multiple locations for quick meals and (soft) drinks, so you never have to walk far to get something to eat or drink during a day at sea.
The Disney Destiny offers several themed restaurants and lounges. Some of the offerings include:
The Grand Hall is the heart of the ship and is dedicated to Marvel and classic Disney stories. The central hall features a large statue of Black Panther (T'Challa). The space combines classic details with Disney elements, such as an imposing staircase and accents.
The Disney Destiny is similar in size and layout to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure. Like these sister ships, the Destiny offers multiple pools, theaters, restaurants, lounges and a large kids club.
You can find more information and tips on our destination page about the Disney Destiny.
The Disney Destiny sails from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The first official sailing is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2025. This ‘maiden voyage’ lasts four nights and visits both Disney Castaway Cay as Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas.
In the period thereafter, cruises of four or five nights are primarily scheduled, with destinations in:
Each itinerary includes at least one day on one of Disney's private islands in the Bahamas, where you can enjoy beach, good food and Disney characters like you're used to.
The Disney Destiny offers a wide range of cabins for different travel needs and group sizes. All cabins are designed with the comfort of families in mind, with a fresh and peaceful look and unique artwork referencing Disney heroes. You can choose from:
Many cabins feature a split-bathroom (two separate areas for tub/shower and toilet), offering added convenience for families. Contiguous cabins are also available, convenient when traveling with a larger party! Find more information on our accommodation page of the Disney Destiny.
The Disney Destiny is designed for travelers of all ages. For children, there are several specially designed areas with activities and supervision. In the Oceaneer Club children can play in themed areas such as Cargo Bay, where they go on adventures with Star Wars characters, and the Marvel Super Hero Academy, where young heroes are trained through play and must complete assignments.
For teens, there are separate lounges where they can relax independently, play games and meet new friends. Edge is an informal place for young people aged about 11-14, with games, creative activities and music. Older teens can visit Vibe, a laid-back lounge with a more mature feel, where they can chill, watch movies and participate in activities appropriate to their age.
At the same time, there are also several adult-only bars and lounges where you can relax. Some of the offerings include:
A cruise with the Disney Destiny is an excellent way to combine a visit to Walt Disney World at Orlando. Many travelers choose to spend a few days at the parks before or after their cruise. That way you not only experience the magic at sea, but also the attractions, shows and themed areas of Florida's four Disney parks!
A combination trip has several advantages. Florivida easily arranges the transfer between the Disney hotels and the port of Fort Lauderdale, so you don't have to arrange a cab yourself. In addition, a trip like this gives you the opportunity to relax by the sea, discover new destinations AND visit the best theme parks in Orlando. This is an ideal way to combine everything in one vacation. Florivida is happy to help you choose the best sequence, cruise itinerary, travel time and ticket options to suit your needs.
View here all our combination trips!
Still browsing or want to compare multiple ships? In addition to the Disney Destiny, we also have trips on other ships within the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Think itineraries with the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure or Disney Dream. This way you can easily choose the trip that suits you best. We are happy to help you compare the different ships and itineraries, so you will always find a cruise that suits your needs.
View our offerings:
Do you have questions or want personalized advice? Feel free to contact with us, we are happy to help you further. Would you rather put something together directly with one of our specialists? Schedule a (online) appointment in.
The price depends on the travel period, itinerary, cabin category and availability. Overall, count on a higher entry price than regular cruises because many meals, entertainment and activities are included. For an indication per sailing, please visit our Disney Cruise Line trips view.
The Disney Destiny sails as of Nov. 20, 2025. Generally, the early and late seasons are quieter and often more favorably priced. School vacations are more popular and therefore fill up faster.
The ship departs year-round from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Yes. Combining a cruise and a visit to Walt Disney World is popular. The distance between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale is easily covered, making it easy to combine the theme parks and the cruise. View here all our combination trips!
Most itineraries are four or five nights to the Bahamas or the western Caribbean, with visits in almost every itinerary to Disney Castaway Cay and/or Disney Lookout Cay.
There are inside cabins, oceanview cabins, cabins with veranda and concierge cabins. Many cabins have a split-bathroom, which is convenient for families.
Yes. There are extensive kids clubs, themed areas and many activities for different ages. At the same time, there are adult-only areas for guests seeking peace and quiet.
Popular sailings, such as school vacations, fill up quickly. Booking early gives the most choice in cabins and departure dates.
Meals, such as breakfast, lunch a full dinner and various snacks are included. There is a 24/7 option to grab various beverages, such as, water, coffee, tea a soft drinks by yourself. There is also a wide range of entertainment and many activities on board are included. Special tours or workshops, excursions and luxury restaurants can be additionally booked.
Listen as Rick and Willem share everything there is to know about cruises, from attractions to food to travel tips!
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