Robert Downey Jr. Named Godfather of Disney Adventure

Academy Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. will be the godparent for the Disney Adventure, the newest and largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. 

“Our new ship continues Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of bringing great stories to life at sea, and we are honored that Robert Downey Jr., who has guided audiences through unforgettable Marvel stories, is the official godparent for the Disney Adventure,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences and incoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man was the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. His decade-plus cinematic journey as the iconic character culminated in Avengers: Endgame, which amassed more than US$2.79 billion at the global box office. 

Downey was named an official Disney Legend in 2019 and will now star as Doctor Doom in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, in theatres December 18.

“It’s impossible to describe the majesty of the Adventure, and to be its godparent is an honour. As the largest ship in the Disney fleet, a gargantuan blessing must be bestowed … I’ll do my darndest,” Downey said.

The Disney Adventure promises to bring more than 100 years of Disney storytelling to life across seven themed areas, including several Marvel experiences. 

At Marvel Landing on the top decks, guests can have the ultimate Super Hero adventure on Tony Stark’s Ironcycle Test Run, the first roller coaster on a Disney Cruise Line ship and the longest of its kind at sea. 

In the open-air Disney Imagination Garden area, the “Avengers Assemble!” live stage production will feature stunts and special effects during an action-packed battle of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains. And inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, the Marvel WEB Workshop will invite young recruits to try out new Super Hero suit prototypes and conduct training simulations using top-secret Avengers technology.

The new ship offers Disney Cruise Line stalwarts including character encounters, Broadway-style shows, themed stateroom and concierge accommodations and more than 20 dining and lounge venues.

The maritime tradition of appointing a godparent to bless a new ship is a centuries-old custom believed to bring good fortune before a maiden voyage. A video revealing Robert Downey Jr. as the Disney Adventure’s godparent can be viewed here.