Disney Destiny is a ‘fantastic voyage’

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As planning for summer travel begins, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny, continues its inaugural sailings. With Disney-style entertainment, a variety of activities, and diverse food options — featuring a hero and villain theme and Black-centered accents throughout the ship — the Disney Destiny is certainly a “fantastic voyage” for guests of all ages. Launched last November, the Disney Destiny draws on the legacies of Disney’s heroes and villains for a cruise vacation warped in iconic stories. The cruise ship debuts one-of-a-kind venues and experiences that complement the entertainment, fine dining, and top-notch hospitality.

Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, the Disney Destiny offers three-, four-, and five-night itineraries to The Bahamas and the Caribbean, as well as four seven-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Select voyages will include visits to both Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Ports of call on itineraries include stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, The Bahamas; Puerto Rico; the Dominican Republic; or Jamaica.

Cyril Josh Barker photos

“Heroes and Villains” is the theme for Disney Destiny, where guests will be inspired by their favorite heroes, from Hercules, Aladdin, and Belle, to getting in touch with their dark side with Cruella De Vil, Ursula, and Dr. Facilier. For the first time in Disney Cruise Line history, a Marvel Super Hero is a signature stern character on the Disney Destiny, with a sculpture of Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots decorating the filigree on the back of the ship.

“When guests step on board the Disney Destiny, they can expect three magical experiences all bundled up into one,” said Yolanda Cade, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Disney Signature Experiences. “They’re going to have a great cruise, go to amazing destinations, and they are going to have a magical Disney vacation. The minute they step into the atrium, they will immediately get a feel for the vibe of the ship.”

That vibe begins when guests first arrive on board in the Grand Hall, inspired by Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” films — including a stunning statue of the Black Panther himself. The Grand Hall’s Wakanda vibe also features a chandelier fashioned after Vibranium, the rare metallic ore found in the fictional nation. Among the dozens of activities on board for guests of all ages are 10 pools and water play areas, including the AquaMouse water coaster, three Broadway-style shows, character meet-and-greets, a special Pirate Night celebration, a fireworks show, youth activities, and rotational dining at themed restaurants.

“The Disney Destiny is all about celebrating the bold, charismatic, and driven characters at the heart of our favorite stories,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “And who are our beloved heroes without the antagonists who challenge them to prevail? We want our guests to have fun with the unique theme of this ship, and we are having a blast creating spaces and entertainment experiences that pay tribute to the villains, anti-heroes, and mischief makers who have captivated Disney film and theme park audiences for generations.”

The Disney Destiny includes an AquaMouse water coaster. The onboard ride features a storyline filled with Disney Animation villains, titled “Sing a Silly Song.” Guests on the ride experience Mickey Mouse animated shorts as Mickey and Minnie lead them on a trek to the peak of Villain Mountain. Mickey and Minnie will employ a silly song to transform each chilling encounter into a surprise. Various options for onboard dining range from casual to more formal. Family dining concepts range from theatrical entertainment to cinematic adventure to sophisticated elegance; dinner on board the Disney Destiny gives travelers a chance to interact with favorite Disney stories in exciting new ways only Disney Cruise Line can cook up. Restaurants include Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, Worlds of Marvel, and the upscale 1923.

Taking diners on a trip to Africa, Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King features African-inspired cuisine, and the accompanying show is a first for Disney Cruise Line, inspired by the 1994 animated film. As families dine, an ensemble of live musicians and storytellers takes the stage and presents a retelling of Simba’s story from cub to king, along with a musical journey through the soundtrack featuring African rhythms. The show stars Regina LeVert, who is the lead storyteller.

“The story really speaks to us about our experience as human beings because we all have those themes of redemption and persistence and facing your fears,” LeVert said about the show. “I love the ‘Circle of Life’ because we are all connected just by being living, breathing beings on this planet. That will always resonate.”

While the ship offers dining options for families, adult-exclusive dining is also available. Venues include Palo Steakhouse, combining authentic Italian dining with the refinement of a modern steakhouse, and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, offering gourmet, French-inspired cuisine in a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

In addition to themed, upscale restaurants, the Disney Destiny offers a variety of dining options for families, ranging from quick bites at the open-air Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods and casual dining at Marceline Market to 24-hour room service and specialty treats.

For the adults, bars include Cask & Cannon, inspired by “Pirates of the Caribbean,” The Sanctum, inspired by the powerful sorcerers and mystical artifacts of Doctor Strange, and the creepy but intriguing Haunted Mansion Parlor where “foolish mortals” can sip cocktails in a setting inspired by the famed Disney Parks ride. However, keeping with the heroes and villains theme of the ship, the piano lounge De Vil’s — inspired by the Disney villain Cruella De Vil from the animated film “101 Dalmatians” — not only offers a wide range of cocktails but also the opportunity to meet and mingle with Ms. De Vil herself.

Disney is no stranger to theatrics and nowhere is that more true than at the ship’s Walt Disney Theatre, where voyagers are treated to live Broadway-style productions including “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” and “Disney Seas the Adventure.” However, a must-see show is “Disney Hercules,” a dazzling retelling of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film, complete with show-stopping performances, legendary music, and state-of-the-art effects. The production stars Corey Bradford, who has made a name for himself on social media, playing the role of Hercules in the Disney Destiny production.

“I felt the role was right for me,” Bradford told the AmNews. “I’ve seen Hercules be played by so many different ethnicities and races, and I think it transcends that. There’s a deeper story and a deeper message, and I felt really aligned with that message.”

Families and groups can take advantage of Disney Cruise Line’s “Pay at Your Own Pace” plans. Cruise reservations can be confirmed for as little as 10% down, and payments can be made whenever and in any amount you like, up until the final balance is due.

“The great thing about Destiny is when our guests step on board, they discover their own destiny,” Cade said. “You do that by spending time with heroes and villains that are special to this ship. All of these epic heroic tales are being told by our characters.”

Disclosure: The Walt Disney Company paid for the travel and accommodations for several media outlets, including the AmNews, to cover the Disney Destiny. Disney did not review or approve any of our coverage.