Disney’s New Cruise Ship Is Packed With Surprises—Like a Cruella Piano Bar, a ‘Lion King’ Restaurant, and Lots of Marvel

In great superhero stories and fairy tales, the element of destiny plays a key role. Will our protagonist follow their fate, or will they choose their own path, embarking on a journey of self-discovery? If you’ve watched any Disney movie, you know it’s almost always the latter. So, it’s only fitting that Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny, offers guests the chance to write their own stories alongside some of Disney’s most iconic heroes and villains. 

The third in Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class of ships—following the Disney Wish and the Disney Treasure—Destiny is the latest vessel that’s purpose-built for family vacations. From the state-of-the-art kids clubs to adults-only spaces themed after beloved Disney films and attractions, the ship has something for all ages. 

View of the ship’s Grand Hall.

Disney Experiences

Some of the attractions on Destiny will be familiar to anyone who has traveled on previous Wish-class ships, including the fan-favorite Haunted Mansion Parlor and the adults-exclusive dining at Enchanté. But Destiny also introduces some new concepts: There’s a Black Panther-inspired Great Hall, a Doctor Strange-themed lounge, and appearances from Loki and Spider-Man. A musical dining experience themed to “The Lion King”—featuring the film’s iconic songs—and a bar inspired by “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” villain Cruella de Vil bring classic Disney animated movies to new venues. 

“The Disney Destiny is where heroes and villains come to life,” says Jenny Weinbloom, vice president of live entertainment for Disney Signature Experiences, in an interview with Travel + Leisure.

During a preview sailing in November 2025, T+L got a first-hand look at how Destiny leans into what Disney does best: entertainment. Interactive, character-led experiences throughout the ship give guests the chance to dive into Disney stories like never before. But in true choose-your-own-adventure style, guests can make their cruise as immersive as they want. Those looking for a typical Disney Cruise Line experience can certainly find that too, and they may not even know that villain meet-ups and hero parties are happening—unless they keep a close eye on the ship’s daily schedule. 

The Disney Destiny officially sets off on its maiden voyage on Nov. 20, for its inaugural season of sailings out of Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. Here’s our review of the seventh Disney Cruise Line ship. 

Staterooms

This ship can hold a maximum of 4,000 passengers in 1,246 staterooms and suites. Rooms include cozy inside staterooms, oceanview staterooms with porthole windows, and deluxe oceanview staterooms with verandas, or, as Disney calls them, verandahs. There are also 53 concierge-level staterooms and 23 concierge suites that offer perks like access to the Concierge Lounge, complete with its own outdoor deck, curated pre-arrival services, and an onboard concierge team that can help with requests.

One- and two-story Royal Suites are among the ship’s best accommodations, with spaces elegantly themed to Hercules or The Incredibles. Each of these suites has a large living and dining area and a private balcony with a whirlpool. The ship’s most exclusive, one-of-a-kind suite is the Destiny Tower Suite, a Marvel-inspired, two-story suite located in the forward funnel of the ship that can sleep up to eight guests. 

No matter which room you choose, expect Disney-themed artwork, separate toilet and shower rooms, and lots of storage space. I was traveling with my family—all four of us adults—in a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, and we had plenty of room to unpack everything. 

Bars and Restaurants

The Disney Destiny has three core dinner restaurants. New to this ship is Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, a dinner theater in the round that features a retelling of the classic Disney movie with live music and dancing. African- and Asian-inspired dishes, including a “Cape Malay shrimp curry” and Moroccan lamb shank, are tasty, highlighting flavors you don’t often see on Disney Cruise Line. The Destiny also has its own version of Worlds of Marvel, featuring a diverse menu and superhero-themed fun. And 1923, which is named for the year Disney was founded, offers a more subdued, elegant atmosphere with California-inspired dishes. 

Marceline Market is the ship’s buffet restaurant with 10 counters and rotating dishes, and Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods is home to five food stations. Donald’s Cantina serves custom Mexican-inspired bowls; Goofy’s Grill is home to the fan-favorite chicken tenders; and Minnie’s Delights is where you can find unlimited soft-serve ice cream, a cruise staple.

The walk-up spots Cafe Merida and Cafe Megara are two of my favorite spots on board for a coffee in the morning and a boozy coffee-infused cocktail at night. The menu goes beyond standard lattes with specialty drinks—and if you order yours hot, you might get a familiar face (think Mickey and friends) printed right on top of your drink. 

Besides the standard poolside bars you’ll find throughout the ship’s upper decks, there are a series of intricately themed bars. De Vil’s is a piano bar that pays homage to “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” villain Cruella de Vil, with a black-and-white spotted baby grand at the center. Cask & Cannon pulls inspiration from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction with treasure maps, hanging lanterns, and plenty of rum. The Sanctum offers magical cocktails fit for Doctor Strange in a cozy, wood-paneled space.  And the Haunted Mansion Parlor, themed after the iconic Disney ride, was a favorite on the Disney Treasure, and it’s back on the Destiny with a revamped cocktail menu and the same immersive frights as before. 

Tucked away on one end of deck 12, a trio of adults-only spots inspired by Beauty and the Beast offer an elevated experience. The Rose is a swanky bar with ocean views that serves as the entrance for the two adults-only restaurants on board: Palo Steakhouse is one, an Italian venue that offers brunch and dinner with prime cuts of steak, tasty pastas, and a delicious chocolate soufflé. The other is Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement. His restaurant in Champagne, Assiette Champenoise, has been awarded three Michelin stars, and he brings some of his famous dishes to the Destiny on both a la carte and prix-fixe menus. I had the chance to dine here while Lallement was on the ship training the restaurant’s team, and the meal was a wonderful experience that I highly recommend.

Where the Disney Destiny Sails

For its inaugural season, the Destiny will be sailing from Fort Lauderdale on three-, four-, and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean. Most sailings include stops at Disney Castaway Cay and/or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Shore Excursions

Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point both offer stunning beaches lined with loungers and have activities for all ages as well as adults-only areas. Snorkeling to see underwater statues of Disney characters is a favorite at Castaway Cay, while the Goombay Cultural Center is a highlight at Lookout Cay. 

At other ports of call, like Nassau, guests can book Port Adventures like beach days, snorkeling, or other tours.  

Entertainment

This ship is absolutely packed with entertainment. Whether you’re hanging out in Dr. Facilier’s parlor or rewriting Cruella’s song for the villainess herself, the ship hosts a number of intimate “meet-and-play” experiences, in addition to traditional character meet-and-greets. There’s an adults-only Marvel comedy show in Saga, a multi-use entertainment space, that is certainly more PG-13 than G. And the Walt Disney Theater hosts Broadway-caliber shows every evening, including “Disney Hercules,” exclusive to this ship, and “Frozen, a Musical Spectacular.” 

And yet these are just a fraction of the entertainment available on board. “I like to think of our ships as a fleet of floating performing arts complexes,” explains Weinbloom, the Disney executive. “We have our main stage theater, we also have our black box, our nightclub,” and even more venues for things like trivia, bingo, and karaoke. Other hallmarks of a Disney Cruise Line trip are the Sail Away Party featuring Mickey and pals and Pirate Night, a ship-wide celebration capped off with fireworks at sea.

Amenities 

Beyond an impressive lineup of live entertainment and daily activities, there are plenty of amenities to keep you occupied. You can watch new releases and favorite Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel movies at the Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas. The Hero Zone is home to foosball, air hockey, and a giant inflatable obstacle course. There’s a Toy Story–themed splash pad for little ones, a water slide, and the AquaMouse, a Mickey-themed water coaster. And of course, there are plenty of other pools for all ages located around the upper decks. There is also a spa and fitness center on deck five, plus Untangled Salon and Hook’s Barbery on deck four. Little ones can also have a magical makeover of their own at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. And if you want to pick up a souvenir, there are a handful of boutiques on board. 

Family-friendly Offerings

Disney Cruise Line is an excellent choice for families, thanks in part to the popular kids clubs for all ages. Parents can take their littlest cruisers (ages 6 months to 3 years) to the It’s a Small World Nursery for babysitting services. Kids 3-10 can hang out in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, with princess, Star Wars, and Disney Imagineering-themed spaces. Sailors ages 11 to 13 can spend time in the NYC-inspired Edge, and older teens can check out Vibe. 

Adults-only Experiences 

Beyond the adults-only dining experiences, unique themed bars, and relaxing spa, there is another spot where adults can hang out without the kids: Quiet Cove. This area has its own pools, hot tub, and loungers, providing a serene escape for over-18s. 

Accessibility 

Accessible staterooms are available on every Disney Cruise Line ship, with larger doorways, ramped bathroom thresholds, and accessible shower features; special equipment is also available on request. There are specific communication staterooms on this ship for passengers with hearing disabilities. Most public spaces are wheelchair accessible, and ASL interpreters can be requested for U.S.-based cruises. Before sailing, guests can fill out the Request Special Services form and review the list of amenities on the Disney Cruise Line website for more information.