Disney Destiny Christening Recap: A God-like Celebration of Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship
Ahoy, there! Anticipation filled the air at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale as media, travel advisors, and influencers gathered Monday to board the Disney Destiny for the very first time. Disney Cruise Line hosted a three-night preview sailing of its newest ship, giving guests a first look at the Destiny’s immersive “Heroes & Villains” theme, innovative design, and new entertainment lineup. Along with the sneak peeks came a moment of history: the official christening ceremony, a time-honored maritime tradition that welcomed the Disney Destiny into the fleet ahead of her maiden voyage on November 20, 2025.
The Media, Travel Advisors, and Social Media Influencers Gather to Witness the Christening of the Disney Destiny.
The Gospel Truth: Next Chapter in Disney Cruise Line Story
A relatively small crowd gathered at the pier in Port Everglades on Monday evening on November 10, 2025, just after sunset where a stage was built with an epic view of the Disney Destiny in the background. President of Disney Signature Experiences, Joe Schott, kicked off the event with praise of the cast and crew. He remarked, “The Disney Cruise Line team, alongside our Disney Imagineers, have invested years of their expertise, creativity and dedication into this beautiful ship. They have created something truly spectacular.” He’s not wrong. The Disney Destiny looks spectacular. Seeing the concept art come to life through the social media post by influencers such as the DCL Duo is remarkable.
Dis Twitter fan-favorite Josh D’Amaro — Chairman of Disney Experiences set the tone with perfectly coiffed hair he remarked, “For more than 100 years, we have entertained our fans in new and innovative ways, connecting them to the Disney stories they love.” After all, it IS the story telling that has many a Disney Adult hooked on the nostalgia Disney so readily provides, even when presented in the form and factor of a shiny, new state-of-the-art cruise ship.
Mt. Olympus from Disney’s Hercules Formed by Drones above the Disney Destiny
Zero to Hero: A Spectacle of Heroes and Villains Aboard Disney Destiny
Josh then directed our attention to the entertainment portion of the event. by reminding us, “The Disney Destiny's Heroes and Villains theme celebrates the legendary characters who have inspired generations of fans to dream bigger and to go the distance. While our mischievous villains add a little bit of unexpected excitement, it all comes together during an unforgettable voyage for guests of all ages.”
Suddenly, the night sky and previously dimly lit Disney Destiny, quietly waiting in the harbor, was brought to life with a grand music, drone, and projection show. The entire hull of the ship was illuminated with images from Black Panther, The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hercules, and more. A swarm of drones, precisely danced in the sky giving us impressive visual animations of some of our favorite characters from classic Disney stories. Meanwhile, a live band kept the energy high with rock-style renditions of Disney classics such as, “The Circle of Life”, “Into the Unknown” and “Cruella De’Vil”, all performed by a rock band with hard hitting drums and electric guitars.
My personal favorite was the slow and devious arrangement of “Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty. Naturally, the entertainment portion of the night rounded out with a tribute to the original “Zero to Hero” — Hercules!
The ceremony also teased what guests will experience once the Destiny enters service:
A Cruella de Vil-inspired lounge, perfect for those who prefer their cocktails with a little chaos and paw prints
A Broadway-style retelling of Hercules (I can’t wait to meet the muses).
An Incredibles-themed sweet shop, ready to super-charge dessert time.
A Lion King-inspired restaurant, complete with live musical tributes during dinner.
It’s clear the Destiny won’t just borrow its “Heroes & Villains” theme for décor — it will live and breathe it across dining, entertainment, and atmosphere.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Susan Egan, Josh D’Amaro, Joe Schott
PC: Disney Parks Blog
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A GODmother Fit for Mount Olympus
Bless my soul! In the shortest and most direct portion of the event, Josh and Joe returned to the stage. Josh invited Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie to join him. Broadway legend and Disney voice actress Susan Egan — the original Megara from Hercules — taking her place as the ship’s godmother. Mickey then asked, “Would you do the honor?” And right on cue, Susan didn’t miss beat declaring, “I christen thee Disney Destiny. May God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
With the traditional maritime blessing, a pop of (drone) champagne, and a dusting of pixie magic, Egan declared the Disney Destiny officially ready to sail. It was a full-circle moment: the woman who once sang “I Won’t Say (I'm in Love)” now christened a ship that will tell her character’s story at sea.
Discover Your Destiny
As Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny will carry its Heroes and Villains theme into every corner of its design and entertainment lineup. While we weren’t at the Christening or the Media Preview sailing in person we are loving all the reactions and first-looks as we get ready to set sail and fulfill our own destiny, on the Maiden Voyage on November 20. Stay tuned and be sure to follow us around the internet — especially on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok so you don’t miss a single moment of discovery and fun!