Dr Strange cocktails, Lion King feasts & a Cruella piano bar: We tried the new Disney Destiny cruise ship

Words by Jo Kessel

Nobody does it quite like Disney. Everything the entertainment giant creates – think theme parks, movies, cruise ships – is infused with so much colour, polish and pizzazz that when asked if I’d like to sail on the seventh and newest ship in the Disney cruise line fleet, Disney Destiny, my answer’s an immediate ‘yes’.

The cruise is a three-night preview voyage round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the moment I board, I’m caught up in the magic. First stop is my cabin to drop off bags. On the way, however, a sign catches my eye. Is it for something sexy like a speakeasy or spa? No, it’s for the self-service launderette! But there’s such a whiff of 1920s Hollywood glamour about it that I make a detour for a peek, even though I’ve nothing yet to wash!

The 4,000 passenger, 15-deck Disney Destiny is the third in a trio of sister ships and, if you’ve been on either of the other two – Disney Wish and Disney Treasure – lots will be familiar.

What are the cabins like on Disney Destiny?

The layout is the same on Disney Destiny as on other Disney cruise ships; the usual suspects are on board (Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and the like), and the cabins are still sumptuous and spacious.

My deluxe veranda stateroom has a Mulan mural above the bed and Mickey features on towels and toiletries. If you look really closely, you can even spot him on the starry carpet. Better still, bedtime comes with a chocolate on the pillow, a lovely touch which many other cruise lines have scrapped.

What’s the theme on Disney Destiny?

Once I start to explore I stumble upon plenty that’s new. Disney Destiny is heroes and villains themed, and the three-storey Grand Hall has a different vibe from normal. It’s more Kingdom of Wakanda than Cinderella, with a statue of its Marvel hero leader, Black Panther, at its heart and a mega meteorite chandelier towering overhead. Its design is mock Vibranium, the powerful alien metal this fictitious nation is famed for.

– READ MORE: Complete guide to UK Disney cruises in 2026 –

What are bars like on Disney Destiny?

Then there’s ‘de Vil’s, a Cruella-themed piano bar that’s far sexier than the launderette. Everything is black and white Dalmatian spotted, from its grand piano to coasters and cocktail shakers. Scan the drinks menu and you’ll spot specials like ‘I Live for Furs’ (laced with gunpowder gin) and Fearless Sir Galahad (packed with bourbon and bitters). None of the beverages are too sweet; all are punchy – just like Cruella, who occasionally makes an appearance.

Sanctum is another new drinking haunt which is Dr. Strange-inspired and serves beverages in upside-down glasses and electrifying tumblers. Order a Mirror Dimension cocktail (packed with vodka and lychee) and you can draw on your cup with a finger.

Is Disney Destiny like other Disney ships?

For Disney cruise fans who like things the way they were, however, fear not. Every cruise on Disney Destiny will still have a pirate party (pack a white shirt, cinched waistband and red bandana) as well as a fireworks display – Disney is the only cruise line to lay on a pyrotechnic show at sea.

And like its sister ships, Destiny also has an Aqua Mouse water slide, only this one is faster, splashier and scarier than the others, and wraps around the entire top deck of the ship. Hoping to stay dry while you ride? Not a chance!

– READ MORE: 7 magical moments on a Disney cruise –

What are the restaurants and food like on Disney Destiny?

Contrary to how you might imagine, there is nothing remotely tacky about a Disney cruise. Everything about Disney Destiny is high-end, high-concept and high-quality, from its design and furnishings to its entertainment and food. I’m blown away by the buffet, in particular, Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods poolside offerings. The smokestack barbecue serves the best pulled pork, BBQ ribs and Mac & Cheese in town. Seconds are compulsory.

The three-course feast dished up at the new Pride Lands, Feast of the Lion King dinner venue – peri-peri shrimp, roasted prime rib of beef and orange mousse cheesecake – is also memorable. Best of all, it’s accompanied by a live band belting out hits like Hakuna Matata and Circle of Life. For two hours it felt as if I’d been transported to the African savannah.

What to expect from Disney Destiny entertainment

What’s my favourite new addition to the ship? It’s got to be Hercules. A new 80-minute musical adaptation of the show plays in the ship’s theatre (the costumes, special effects and cast are standing ovation superb) and there are also new Hercules-inspired duplex suites on board. They sleep six, have Bulgari toiletries in their bathrooms, and if I had £20k or so to stay in one, then I would.

How about my favourite ship spots? It’s got to be the promenade deck (there’s nobody ever on it) as well as the rainforest spa, with its gorgeous swinging hammocks, outdoor hot tubs and ice room. Brrrr, yes, but apparently the cold’s good for you.

– READ MORE: Best cruises for entertainment –

Does Disney Destiny stop at Castaway Cay?

Yes! In fact, my all-time favourite experience comes on Castaway Cay, one of two Disney-owned private islands in the Bahamas, which all of Disney Destiny’s four and five-night cruises will be sailing to. It’s November and there’s a Christmas tree on the quay as well as a snowman spraying, well, snow. Incongruous on a tropical Bahamian beach, perhaps, but also rather lovely.

There’d been rumours that popstar Lance Bass (from Justin Timberlake’s boy band NSYNC) was on board during our sailing. And while I’m lazing atop a giant rubber ring in a sea so turquoise the water looks unreal, I drift off and bump into something…HIM! We have a little chat and then he does me a favour by pushing my ring gently back in the direction of my friends.

There’s something on a Disney cruise for everyone, whatever their age and it’s always fun to greet Daffy or Donald Duck. Nothing beats what happens when I meet Mickey Mouse, however. “Can we dance?” I ask. He takes my hands and off we go, twirling and spinning together for an age and all the while I’m wearing the biggest of smiles. And you know what? I’m still smiling. That’s the beauty of a Disney Destiny cruise. It will give you a smile that lasts and lasts.

Where does Disney Destiny sail?

Disney Destiny will be sailing four or five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and will include stops at one or both of Disney’s private Bahamas islands.

– READ MORE: What happened when I sailed on Disney Wish –