I’d never been on a cruise before! Here’s what surprised me most about Disney Destiny

When it came to cruises, I never entertained the idea. The thought of being out in the middle of the ocean, with no land in sight, on a massive vessel, didn’t exactly thrill me. But when the opportunity came to be one of the first to experience the newest Disney Destiny cruise, it was an instant yes from me. Having visited both Disneyland and Disney World, I had very high expectations, especially since this ship is themed around Heroes and Villains – and I’m a big Marvel fan. Even with my nerves about sailing, I knew I was in for an adventure unlike anything I’d experienced before.

The thrilling Disney Destiny first hit the seas for its inaugural sail back in November 2025. The newest addition to its cruise line fleet offers four and five-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.

Adventure begins

There’s no other way to describe the feeling of seeing the Disney Destiny ship for the first time except for pure, unfiltered joy. It’s the kind of excitement that strips away the stresses of adulthood – just for a moment.

Like its other ships, Disney Destiny honed into the heroic and villainous elements, bringing in iconic Disney, Pixar and Marvel names on board. From the larger-than-life sculpture of Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots on the back of the ship, to Blank Panther welcoming you in the Great Hall, the detail is intentional and is not missed.

This alone already blew me away, but more was in store for my three-day adventure, and I didn’t let a moment slip by.

Before heading on this trip, I was asked whether I was Team Hero or Team Villain. Believe it or not, Hercules is my favourite Disney movie. So I’ll let you guess which side I chose. Little did I know, this choice would follow me on board, all the way to my stateroom – luckily for me, it was Hercules-themed.

It didn’t take me long to figure out that one end of the ship was dedicated to the world’s greatest heroes, while the other embraced the darker, more dramatic side of Disney’s Villains.

When I say Disney does not hold back when it comes to detail, this is what I mean.

And as a first-time cruiser, especially with Disney, that was just the beginning of what surprised me most about this adventure.

The ship felt very adult-friendly

Disneyland and Disney World are undeniably magical, but they’re designed for kids at heart. On Disney Destiny, that magic shifts. It’s still playful, but Disney Destiny is a cruise that works for adults too, not just families.

While there are kid-focused touches like shows, interactive games and playful decor, there’s more for adults to enjoy.

We’re talking a hilarious 18+ Marvel-themed comedy show, themed cocktail bars like Dr Strange’s The Sanctum; De Vil’s, a stylish lounge inspired by the fashionista fiend from the Disney classic 101 Dalmatians; the spooky Haunted Mansion parlour; sports bar Cask & Cannon, inspired by the classic Disney parks attraction Pirates of the Caribbean, and even cafes that feel polished yet fun.

It’s a side of Disney I hadn’t fully experienced on land. It’s one that balances nostalgia with grown-up indulgence.

Dinner and a show

If you’ve ever had the chance to enjoy a Disney dining experience, then you know it goes above and beyond. But what blew me away was how immersive they truly were. It wasn’t just about the food, although the themed menu is something to talk about – it felt like you were stepping into a mini-performance.hoto

The Marvel dinner took us to the Guardians of the Galaxy world, where we enjoyed a curated menu with a side of trivia games.

And then there was dinner at Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. This first-of-its-kind musical dining experience took us through Simba’s journey through musical performances, all while chowing down on deliciously themed cuisine.

Even as an adult, it was impossible not to get caught up in the joy and spectacle of it all.

Zero to Hero

The magic didn’t end there. Another unforgettable moment was being one of the first to watch Disney Destiny’s Hercules live musical. Growing up, one of the things I loved about the original movie was how it brought in pop culture references into the story. Air Hercs were a nod to Air Jordans, which at the time was huge. The Broadway-style musical captured the same playful spirit, updating it for today while still staying true to the classics.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t capture any moments of the performance at the time but the Disney team filmed a sneak peek of the show, which can be found YouTube.

Seeing it live reminded me why the movie has always been a favourite of mine.

Hidden adults-only spaces

Though you could say the bars are for adults only, there is a low-key, hidden spot that’s truly meant for the older crowd.

One of my favourite discoveries was Cove Cafe, an adults-only poolside lounge inspired by Moana. It’s the kind of space where you can grab specialty coffee from around the world. Sit inside or by the infinity pool; it’s a space where you can trade the rowdiness for peace and quiet. And enjoy a stunning sunset.

Fireworks at Sea

Now this part was the most surprising addition to my trip – fireworks. Disney’s cruise line was the first to have fireworks at sea, and they’re biodegradable. We enjoyed the dazzling display lighting up the night sky.

There’s something about seeing them paint the sky and feeling the vastness of the sea around you that makes the experience completely different from any fireworks display on land. It’s big, bold and undeniably Disney. It was the best way to end Pirate Night – a themed evening that included a live performance and souvenir Pirate Mickey bandanas.

Free, anytime room service

As a first-time cruiser, I definitely don’t know the ins and outs of a cruise experience. So when I found out that room service was available 24/7 and free, I was all in.

So when Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods or Marceline Market closed for the night, I could still indulge in a late-night snack. It’s such a small touch, but it made the ship feel effortless and accommodating.

Disney’s private island

Clearly, I am new here. Disney has a private island, aka Castaway Cay. Exploring the island was one of the most memorable surprises of the trip.

Located in the Bahamas, this island had everything you needed and more for a tropical getaway. Soft sand, clear blue waters and plenty of space to unwind. I soaked up the sun, lounged, did some souvenir shopping and even treated myself to a piña colada.

A trip of a lifetime

And just like that, in the blink of an eye, my three-day trip came to a close. For anyone nervous about going on a cruise, especially for the first time, I can promise that it’s worth it. The ship offers both structure and freedom, spaces for child-like excitement but also moments for quiet reflection.

From fireworks lighting up the ocean to hidden lounges and themed dining experiences. By the end of my first cruise, I wasn’t just relaxed or entertained; I felt lighter, happier and reminded of how good it feels to let loose. We get so caught up with our day-to-day that we forget how important moments like these are.

If you’d asked me last year whether I wanted to go on a cruise, I would have said no. But after experiencing Disney Destiny, I can honestly say I’d go again, 100 times over.

The author was hosted by The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Cruise Line.

Recent Posts:
The best Toronto farmers markets to explore this winter
These Toronto-area polar bear plunges are kicking off the new year in icy water

Karen Doradea

Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

Read articles