This past week, I had the incredible honor of stepping aboard the brand-new Disney Destiny for its exclusive preview sailing and christening ceremony — an experience so rare and unforgettable that I’m still reliving every moment. As both a longtime Disney aficionado and a luxury travel advisor who has sailed every Disney ship, this opportunity was easily one of the most defining moments of my career.
This wasn’t just a cruise preview.
It was a front-row seat to Disney Cruise Line history.
Not only was it a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience, but as mentioned, this also marks my official sailing on every single Disney cruise ship in the fleet – a major accomplishment I have been working towards for the last four years! I have personally and intentionally explored every corner of each ship: every room category, every lounge, every dining experience, every show… all so I can bring that firsthand expertise to help our clients plan their perfect cruise.
An Exclusive Invitation to the Destiny’s Christening
The preview cruise was intentionally intimate — a curated group of top Disney partners, media, and select guests invited to witness the Destiny’s official debut before anyone else in the world. (Yes, I am still pinching myself at this opportunity!) The energy on board was electric, the champagne was flowing, and everywhere you turned someone was capturing content that the internet hadn’t even dreamed of yet. I posted a recap of the festivities here.
Being able to attend the christening ceremony, hear from Disney Imagineers, and watch the ship come to life for the very first time gave me a behind-the-scenes perspective that most guests will never experience. If you didn’t catch it, you can view the full christening ceremony here.
Exploring Every Square Inch of the Ship — Including the Suites No One Gets to See
I made it my mission to explore everything — and I mean everything. In fact, I am certain I saw every room category, every lounge, every space and gift shop, and even the kid’s/teens clubs. Here are a few highlights:
The Two-Story Hercules Suite
This mythical, larger-than-life suite is unlike anything in the Disney fleet. Two stories, sweeping ocean views, dramatic theme details, and touches straight from Mount Olympus. (Did I mention an oversized verandah and a private plunge pool?!) It’s larger than some New York apartments and every inch is pure grandeur.
The Iron Man Royal Suite
A Marvel lover’s dream. Sleek, futuristic, richly detailed… and incredibly exclusive. Even on preview sailings, access is extremely limited — and we were able to step inside, experience it, and take in every detail that makes this suite one of the most coveted accommodations at sea. I shared a sneak peek on Instagram here.
If you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime Disney Cruise Line experience, these suites are truly in a league of their own.
Immersive Experiences You Can’t Find on Any Other Disney Ship
This is where the Destiny sets itself apart. It is immersive in a way that feels new, bold, and wildly imaginative.
Exclusive Character Encounters – Nowhere else in the Disney Cruise Line fleet can you meet:
- Cruella de Vil
- Maleficent
- Black Panther
These appearances are only on the Disney Destiny, and the costumes, interactions, and storytelling are some of the best I’ve ever experienced at sea.
New Lounges & Entertainment Spaces
This ship is overflowing with personality — and it starts with its lounges.
- DeVIL’s Lounge – A glamorous, villain-inspired lounge where Cruella herself makes special appearances.
- The Haunted Mansion Parlor – A bar so beautifully Imagineered that it pulls you directly into the world of the iconic attraction. Spooky, elegant, and mesmerizing.
- Brand-New Theatrical Shows including Hercules: The Hero of All Heroes and a breathtaking new retelling of Frozen.
Whether you’re brand new to Disney Cruise Line, a huge Marvel fan, a theme-park lover, or simply here for world-class entertainment, the Destiny has something uniquely designed to make you feel part of the story.
It Makes Its Maiden Voyage in Just Two Days — And Now Is the Time to Book
Standing on the deck of the Disney Destiny, knowing that the world hasn’t even stepped foot on her yet, made this experience unbelievably special. The ship is stunning. The theming is next-level. The entertainment is unmatched. And the itineraries are going to be wildly popular — especially once word gets out.
The maiden voyage departs in just two days, and this ship will sell out quickly once videos and photos begin circulating.
If you’re even thinking about a 2026 or 2027 sailing, now is the time to start exploring dates. The earlier you book, the better the pricing and stateroom availability — especially with themed decks, sought-after verandahs, and the specialty suites that everyone will be chasing.
Ready to Explore the Disney Destiny?
As someone who has now personally experienced the ship personally, explored every deck, sampled every space, and stood inside the most exclusive suites onboard—I can confidently say: this is Disney Cruise Line’s most immersive ship yet.
And if you want to be among the first to experience it for yourself, I would love to help you find the perfect itinerary. Click here to request your custom Disney Destiny quote
The magic is brand new. The excitement is real. And the Disney Destiny is calling. I cannot WAIT to get you onboard!
