Another year, another Disney cruise ship. While Disney Cruise Line just launched a new liner last December, the Disney Treasure, it’s already unveiling details about another ship setting sail in November: the Disney Destiny.
The Destiny — which will no doubt have a lot of new technology packed onboard — has a heavy heroes and villains theme throughout, according to details revealed this week. And it seems the ship will feature more than a few Marvel superheroes.
Here’s what we know so far about Disney’s next cruise ship. If you’re looking for everything new coming to Disneyland and Disney World, check out CNET’s guide here.
Black Panther: hero statue
The bronze sculpture in the Grand Hall, which is usually a Disney princess, like on the Disney Wish, or Mickey Mouse on the older ships, will this time be the Black Panther from the MCU, T’Challa.
The Grand Hall will feature “a breathtaking chandelier inspired by the meteorite that brought vibranium to Wakanda,” according to Disney Destiny principal interior designer Beth Burkhardt.
There will also be lighting throughout the hall that changes color and tone whenever a hero or villain enters the area to meet with guests.
Doctor Strange lounge
A second Marvel character onboard the ship is Doctor Strange, who will be represented by a lounge themed after his Manhattan home, the New York Sanctum.
The Sanctum lounge will feature details from the Chamber of Relics, suspended spell books and a window behind the bar that looks just like the one in Doctor Strange’s sanctum.
It’ll feature plenty of interactive elements, and will give Disney’s Imagineers a chance to shine, much like they did in the Disney Treasure’s onboard Haunted Mansion lounge (of which there will also be a replica on the Destiny). This will no doubt be where we see the intersection of technology and entertainment.
So what do we know so far? One drink is called the Vapors of Valtorr, and another will be served in an upside-down martini glass.
Pirates of the Caribbean bar
Themed around the classic Disneyland ride rather than the movies, this lounge will make it feel like you’re back in the piratey days of old — complete with treasure, rum bottles, those famous jail keys and drinks served directly from big wooden barrels.
More to come on this one, but it’ll be another opportunity for Disney’s Imagineers to showcase the latest in tech, engineering and illusion magic.
Spider-Man: stern of the ship
A third MCU character used in theming on the ship is Spider-Man, who will be the character on the stern of the Disney Destiny.
Multiple Spider-Bots, robotic spiders created by Peter Parker, will also be installed on the ship in statue form for passengers to find, and some will feature nautical costumes and accessories.
Disney Destiny: villainous experiences
Loki, The God of Mischief (and god of time?) will be wandering around, as will Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog. You’ll be able to talk and take photos with both villains in the Grand Hall and other areas. The Grand Hall lighting will shift to their color themes whenever they’re present: green for Loki and likely purple for Dr. Facilier.
Maleficent, the villain from Sleeping Beauty, will be in the Saga lounge on the ship for you to interact with, while Cruella de Vil of 101 Dalmatians will have her very own piano lounge. De Vil’s lounge is styled after the Regency Era in old Hollywood, and features specialty cocktails like the Fashionista (strawberry and banana infused tequila) and such snacks as strawberry-shortcake popcorn.
Cruella herself will be hosting a runway show in her lounge, where she’ll dole out fashion advice for her patrons and host a singalong with new, more flattering, lyrics set to her eponymous song.
The Incredibles: sweet shop
Firmly back in the heroes category is a sweet shop themed after Edna Mode, the superhero costume designer from Pixar’s The Incredibles. Edna Á La Mode Sweets looks just like the designer’s lab from the Auntie Edna Pixar short, complete with a sculpture of her adventures while babysitting Jack-Jack.
The sweet shop will feature a double-chocolate fudge cake with chocolate mousse, named after Mr Incredible, as well as handmade gelato, ice cream, candies, popsicles, chocolate and Jack-Jack’s cookie num-nums.
Lion King restaurant
Disney Cruise Line has gone with a Lion King motif for its dinner and a show restaurant, Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King.
The windows overlook the savanna, “lilting flutes” and “earthly drums” play in the background, characters are carved onto the walls, there are live performances of the songs from The Lion King and you’ll be eating African-inspired cuisine.
“When you step into this space, you’re transformed into the Pride Lands,” show director Paul Bryant said this week. “We really wanted to lean into the authenticity of the musicians and their instruments.”
Even the drinks have fun Lion King inspired names: One drink for adults is called “Can You Feel the Rum Tonight?” and another for kids is called “Slimy Yet Satisfying,” featuring Timon and Pumbaa’s (gummy) worms.
Hercules stage show
The biggest stage show onboard the Destiny will tell the story of Hercules, based on Disney’s 1997 animated movie, but with the music turned “a little more pop,” according to show director Kevin Wilson. It’ll feature a new song, called Shooting Star, that was cut from the original film.
The costumes from the show have been described as “Grecian couture,” with some that light up.
Stateroom theming: Disney heroes
Disney has chosen three of its heroes to represent through the theming of its staterooms: Hercules, Merida and Mulan. The concierge suites, meanwhile, will be inspired by Fantasia and The Incredibles.
It looks like Big Hero Six will be another theme, judging by a photo reveal of the placards that’ll be on the stateroom doors, one of which features Baymax.
How much does a trip on the Disney Destiny cost?
You can already buy tickets for cruises, which will depart from Fort Lauderdale for the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Prices currently range from $1,916 for an inside room for two people on a 3-night cruise in September 2026, all the way up to $19,623 for a 1-story Royal Suite with veranda on a 4-night cruise in January 2026.
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