Disney Destiny Christened in Colourful Ceremony at Port Everglades

Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, was christened early this week during a colourful celebration at its homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Disney says the event combined the spirit of a high-energy concert with the theatricality of a Disney spectacular, including a multi-tiered set, drone special effects and scenic projections on the ship itself, alongside a live band and a dozen vocal performers. 

The waterfront production featured a custom, pop rock-inspired arrangement of iconic music from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Hercules,” “The Lion King” and “Frozen,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” and more — a tribute to Disney Animation, Pixar Animation Studios and Marvel stories guests can experience aboard the new ship.

“For more than 100 years, we have entertained our fans in new and innovative ways, connecting them to the Disney stories they love,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, during the celebration. 

“Disney Cruise Line is a powerful part of that legacy because our ships become brand ambassadors that travel the globe and bring joy to our guests in ways only Disney can. Now, the Disney Destiny makes its own extraordinary entry into our growing fleet.”

The evening culminated in a sparkling pop of champagne and the ceremonial christening blessing bestowed by ship godmother and Broadway performer Susan Egan. The prolific performer has strong Disney ties after lending her distinctive voice to bring to life the witty banter and dry humor of Megara in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Hercules” and originating the role of Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway.

“The Disney Cruise Line team, alongside our Disney Imagineers, have invested years of their expertise, creativity and dedication into this beautiful ship,” emphasized Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences. “They have created something truly spectacular.”

The Disney Destiny is the newest ship to join DCL’s growing fleet, marking a significant milestone in the cruise line’s multi-year expansion plans to bring Disney cruises to new audiences around the world. 

This expansion will grow the fleet to 13 ships by 2031, and also includes the Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore beginning in March 2026; a fourth ship in the Wish class expected in 2027; the introduction of a brand-new class of ships in 2029; and an agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to introduce Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029. 

The sister ship to the Disney Wish (2022) and the Disney Treasure (2024), the Disney Destiny draws on the legacies of heroes and villains from Disney, Pixar and Marvel to offer new and guest-favourite experiences steeped in legendary Disney lore. 

Highlights include an original Broadway-style adaptation of “Hercules;” entertaining dining experiences inspired by “The Lion King” and the Marvel Universe; immersive meet-and-play experiences with beloved characters; a Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; one-of-a-kind lounges inspired by Cruella de Vil and Doctor Strange; imaginative kids’ clubs; and signature fireworks at sea.

The Disney Destiny embarks on its maiden voyage on November 20, followed by an inaugural season of four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale – home to Disney Cruise Line’s newest year-round terminal, which opened in November 2023.