My Family Spent 3 Days on the New Disney Destiny Cruise Ship—And It Made Our Entire Year

Beyond being Disney’s newest ship in the fleet, the 15-deck vessel can host up to 4,000 people—but it’s spacious enough that things rarely feel crowded. (It's a credit to Disney's careful engineering of spaces, ensuring things don't bottleneck too much, much like they do with the layouts of its theme parks.)

Leaving out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Destiny sails to the Bahamas and Caribbean, with stays ranging from three nights to seven. Though, as stunning as the crystal clear waters and white sand beaches are, the ship itself is a destination too. Or rather, several.

The Destiny is a series of immersive experiences, all stitched together with a heroes and villains theme. You don't just pose for a picture with Rapunzel or Loki; Destiny offers character “meet and plays” throughout the day, where the stars take the time to chat with kids, sign autographs and tell stories.

In effect, there's always at least one storyline at play, and there's no fourth wall. You're part of the plot. Cruella De Vil might critique your outfit during her runway show; you may turn a corner to see Spider-Man and Loki bickering from different sides of the Great Hall.

Even the dinner experiences are just that: experiences. At the Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, you’re treated to a full performance of the movie’s hits as you dine, and at Worlds of Marvel, the fam can test their superhero knowledge during a restaurant-wide game of trivia as they wait for their appetizers to arrive.

The Destiny impressively walks the line between offering kid-friendly fun (like an inflatable Incredibles obstacle course) and luxury amenities (such as Frette sheets—the brand known for gracing five-star resort beds, like the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris—and yes, I checked).

The key to creating such an immersive, “they thought of everything!” experience, I’ve found, is the crew, which Disney calls cast members. When I walked into 1923, a more formal dining room on board the ship, for lunch, I immediately started worrying my toddler would be too squirmy. But this isn’t Disney’s first rodeo (er, voyage). Every restaurant featured kid-friendly meals, which were brought out early, and when my son started eyeing the door, our server, Rhom, showed him a magic trick—which also got him to eat his carrots! My son wound up as starstruck by Rhom as he was by Stitch and Mickey, talking about the disappearing nickel for days afterward.

Every detail is considered, to the point that the crew provides things for you before you realize you need them (for example, when we requested a pack-and-play for my son to sleep in, they also brought in and set up a Diaper Genie). That, to me, helps justify the price tag.

With prices starting at $3,447 for a three-night cruise for four people—$3,753 if you spring for the Verandah room—it’s an investment. But it also makes for an experience unlike any other. It’s the kind of vacation that relieves the mental load while creating core memories. Not many places can do that.

I was prepared for cramped quarters, where I could stretch my arms out and touch both walls. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case, though admittedly, we stayed in one of the larger staterooms. Our family of four fit comfortably in a Verandah stateroom, which features a balcony with two chairs and a side table—and wound up being my favorite spot on the ship. It was a nice getaway to stay within earshot but still hang out after the kids went to bed. (Plus, is there anything more relaxing than the sound of waves?)

The room itself was surprisingly sound-resistant; I never heard a peep from my neighbors, or even kids racing down the hall. Built-in closets and shelving kept all of our belongings out of the way, including our car seat, stroller and large checked bag. And, beyond the queen-size bed, there was a small sofa that could convert into a bed—or bunk beds—which our host, Christa, set up for us each day. That was one of my kids’ favorite features of the entire ship—especially the surprise constellation art that’s revealed only when the bunk beds are in use. (Disney really does consider every detail.)

As for the beds themselves, I was pleasantly surprised—and I’ve spent 15 years covering mattresses and bedding as a home editor. The mattress was medium firm, with enough cushioning to support and cradle your body but not so much that you sink into mush. (Or worse, the opposite, making you feel like you’re resting on a wooden plank.)

You’ve got three immersive restaurants—Pride Lands, Worlds of Marvel and 1923—to choose from, though there’s also the buffet-style Marceline Market and a whole range of quick-service options at Mickey’s Festival of Foods, if you’re not feeling a sit-down, multi-course meal.

Each features a solid variety of dishes, though the menu at Pride Lands truly stood out for its flavor-packed menu. (The shrimp curry with jasmine rice is a must-order; it’s mildly spiced but still robust, with a light sweetness and lingering tanginess.)

At Worlds of Marvel, someone at the table must order Pym Doughnut Sundae. While the key lime pie was custardy and zingy, as it should be, and the chocolate ice cream rich, it was this sundae that everyone at my table wished they’d ordered. It features layers of dulce de Leche ice cream, a blondie and caramel sauce, crowned with whipped cream, sprinkles, a chocolate-frosted mini doughnut and a Pym Technologies-branded chocolate. It's decadent in all the best ways.

While my kids practically lived off of the pepperoni pizza at Mickey’s Festival of Foods—a string of kiosks serving dishes alfresco-style near the pools—I’d urge everyone to stop by the barbecue stand at least once during their stay. The brisket was absurdly tender; the ribs fall-off-the-bone juicy, and the collard greens and mac and cheese? Well, it could rival some of the best smokehouses I’ve visited.

The lounges are a must-visit, even if you don’t drink (many offer impressively balanced mocktails). But really, you’re there for the experience, because each one is like stepping into another world.

De Vil’s is a dalmatian-speckled, red velvet-draped piano bar, where jazzy music and dim lighting create a more sultry than sinister vibe. Given cruisers’ tradition of attending 1923 restaurants on other ships in roaring ‘20s attire, this lounge is a fitting accompaniment; it’s worth stopping by for pre- or post-dinner drinks to really lean into the theme.

If you’re more of the pub type, head to Cask & Cannon, where you can enjoy a pint and wings in a Pirates of the Caribbean-style setting.

Marvel fans will get a kick out of The Sanctum, a Doctor Strange-inspired lounge. Its entire menu is designed to surprise and delight (and be shared on Instagram), from the bubbling Vapers of Valtor (a vodka-ginger beer combo that gets a purply hue courtesy of butterfly pea) to the Stoli-and-strawberry-based Mirror Dimension, served in a glass that shoots blue streaks of light up the sides when you touch it.

My favorite haunt, fittingly, was the Haunted Mansion Parlor. It features nods to the iconic Disney ride with a seafaring twist, like the same purple-eye wallpaper, moving portraits and ghosts in the mirror. There are even singing spirits—only this time, they’re skeleton fish in the room’s focal point: a massive aquarium.

The drinks are equally entertaining and eerie, like the Chilling Challenge, a smoking margarita presented inside a wooden box—and served with a death certificate, once you’ve downed your final sip.

And, if you need a moment for yourself, there’s also a full-scale spa, a salon and barbershop and an adults-only bar and pool.

I’ve been on three other cruise lines, and nobody’s shows hold a stage light to Disney’s. They truly are Broadway caliber, from the talent to the costumes to the set design. Frozen has earned rave reviews over the years, and Disney Destiny’s take is no exception.

But the real star is its new take on Hercules, offering a gospel spin with voices so powerful they’ll give you goosebumps—and featuring updated jokes that bring the story into 2025.

The Destiny also features Disney’s renowned pirate night, so yes, prepare your outfits accordingly. If you play it cool, you’ll be bummed you didn’t bring an eye patch (though your stateroom host will hook you up with a bandanna, so you’re not totally left out). The night kicks off with a rock-fueled dance party on the upper deck, featuring a literal drop-in from Captain Jack Sparrow and fireworks to boot.

Beyond that, there’s plenty of programming to keep kids entertained, including an Incredibles inflatable obstacle course, AquaMouse water coaster (think water slide meets ultra-tame Space Mountain) and, for an additional charge, a princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which is every bit as magical as it sounds. Starting at $185, it’s pricey, but they truly take their time to transform kids into their favorite Disney princess (or pirate). And they’re loaded up with mementos to take home, from a tiara and scepter to a sparkly backpack laden with goodies, depending on which package you choose.

The most remarkable thing about a Disney cruise is that no matter how many times you go on one, there’s more to uncover. Like the hidden Mickeys in theme parks, Easter eggs abound. A casual conversation with a guest led to uncovering a semi-secretive 5K race, where you can trot along Disney’s Castaway Cay, and upon completion, receive a medal for your efforts, free of charge. It isn’t publicized anywhere; it’s more of an “if you know, you know” moment.

Similarly, I’d heard rumblings that people decorated their doors and would leave surprises for other guests known as “pixie dusting.” At the last minute, I grabbed a Moana dry erase board and stuck it on ours, letting my daughter leave messages for fellow cruisers. I’m so glad I did—each morning, we were surprised by homemade magnets, charm bracelets and other trinkets from fellow guests. It really added to the magic and made me commit that next time, I’m going all out and spreading a little “pixie dust” myself.

OK, I’ve covered a lot of ground, but when I asked every parent I knew (and 3,317 people on Instagram) what they needed to know about Disney cruises, several common questions emerged. Here are your fast answers:

What baby gear to bring:

• You can request a pack-and-play that will be set up in your room upon arrival (they also set up a Diaper Genie next to it, ensuring our stateroom remained stink-free). When you check in before the trip, you can also request a high chair or booster seat to be set up at your table during dinner
• The bathroom features a shower/tub combo (so bathtime isn’t a struggle)

What picky eaters will love:

• The chicken tenders aren’t too “spicy” (aka seasoned), and pizza is available all day and late into the night

Where you can bring the kids:

• Children must be potty trained to go into the pools (babies and toddlers in swim diapers can only use the splash pad)

• Kids can come with you to visit the Haunted Mansion Parlor and other lounges—unless specifically noted as “adults only”—before 9 p.m.

What the kids clubs cost:

• The drop-off kids’, tween and teen clubs are all included in your stay; the “It’s a Small World” nursery cares for little ones from 6 months to 3 years and costs $10 an hour

What clothes to pack:

• The dress code is “cruise casual,” so you can dine at most places in a T-shirt

• Costumes are encouraged, so go ahead and let your kid dress up as Woody or Princess Tiana or, you know, the frying pan that Rapunzel wields in Tangled, if that’s their thing (and prepare to spot many Cruellas in honor of De Vil’s Lounge on the ship)

• Don’t forget swashbuckling gear for pirate night!

Until this moment, I’d been lukewarm about cruises. The rooms always felt too small; the food fine but not remarkable. Old me would rather spring for a hotel on the beach, but not anymore. This was a fully contained adventure that felt like stepping into another world—one I can’t wait to visit again, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone.