Ready the vibranium. If you’ve been anxiously waiting to hear how Disney Cruise Line will incorporate Marvel characters into the “Heroes and Villains” theme of its new Disney Destiny cruise ship, brace yourself: Today’s the day.
Thursday, the line released details about the new 144,000-ton vessel’s Grand Hall atrium statue, Marvel-themed lounges and the inspiration behind the decor in the luxurious Tower Suite, which is in the ship’s funnel. It’s the third of a series of recent announcements from the line.
You’ll also find out which Marvel hero will grace the ship’s stern. (Let’s just say my “Spidey sense” is tingling.)
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The Black Panther in the Grand Hall
The moment passengers board Disney Destiny, they’ll feel like they’re taking a trip to Wakanda, the fictional country that’s home to King T’Challa (the Black Panther) and vibranium, a rare (and also fictional) metallic ore with incredible strength.
Inspired by the movies’ costuming, the Grand Hall atrium, which welcomes passengers onto the ship, will have pillars adorned with metalwork that’s designed to look like the armor and stacked jewelry for which Wakanda is known.
Overhead, colorful lighting effects will spring from a vibranium-inspired fixture, and a statue of the Black Panther will stand watch.
The cruise line bills the Grand Hall as a “living theater” where passengers can interact with a variety of live heroes and villains throughout each sailing.
Nearby, Saga — a two-deck entertainment venue also based on Wakanda — will serve as a hub for daytime family activities before transforming into an adults-only venue at night.
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A Doctor Strange-themed lounge
The Sanctum, a new lounge with ties to Doctor Strange, offers a focus on sorcery and mystical artifacts. A circular mirror behind the bar is reminiscent of Doctor Strange’s New York Sanctum, and cruisers who pop in for a visit can expect a variety of surprises.
In addition to hosting activities throughout each voyage, the centrally located space will also serve alcoholic beverages and coffee.
A Tower Suite fit for Iron Man
When Disney decided to take over one of the smokestacks on Disney Wish — the first ship in the Wish Class, of which Disney Destiny and Disney Treasure are also part — with a lavish suite, fans of the cruise line were hooked. There’s only one on each Wish Class ship (some vessels in other classes will soon receive one), each with a different theme, making them superexclusive — and superexpensive.
The Destiny Tower Suite theme is based on “Iron Man,” with design and decor drawing from Tony Stark’s industrial designs. Positioned in the ship’s forward funnel, the one-of-a-kind apartment-style accommodations will offer incredible views through a two-story window plus nearly 2,000 square feet of space and room to sleep up to eight passengers.
Mechanical elements and armor-inspired decor will be balanced by soft, inviting finishes. Features include designated areas for eating, sleeping and playing, as well as other perks like a full kitchen and private in-cabin elevator. Another benefit of booking a Tower Suite is access to a private concierge lounge and pool that are reserved for suite guests only.
Spiders on the stern
No Disney cruise ship would be complete without a character to adorn its aft. For Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line has chosen Spider-Man — the first time a Marvel character has been selected for the honor.
The larger-than-life sculpture will showcase Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots, one of which is making a well-meaning, if a bit haphazard, attempt at decorating the filigree on the back of the ship as the others prepare to head to the beach.
Returning Marvel favorites
Marvel-led passenger favorites from sister ships Disney Wish and Disney Treasure will return on Disney Destiny.
The Worlds of Marvel restaurant will be back to feature “Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix,” which will first roll out on Disney Treasure in late 2024. During dinner, Groot plans a special birthday celebration for his friend, Rocket Raccoon, both of “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame. Expect music and trivia to round out the offerings. (Due to its longer itineraries, Treasure will alternate between the Groot version and the “Quantum Encounter” Worlds of Marvel dinner experience found on Disney Wish.)
Marvel Super Hero Academy is also set to make a return to the Oceaneer Club, where kids from ages 3 to 10 can learn how to become superheroes, complete with training from live Avengers characters.
Previous reveals
On Tuesday, the cruise line released details about venues and cabins whose themes are inspired by heroes from “Fantasia,” “The Incredibles” and “Hercules.” It also divulged that Disney Destiny will have a “Lion King”-themed restaurant, “Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King.”
Wednesday’s reveal offered a closer look at the villain tie-ins, including a piano lounge modeled around Cruella de Vil; Cask and Cannon, a pub that pays homage to “Pirates of the Caribbean”; and the happy-but-haunted Haunted Mansion Parlor — a nod to the fan-favorite Haunted Mansion ride found at Disney parks.
The line also shared that new villainous onboard meet-and-greets and other character appearances — which include interrupted trivia and dance parties — will feature the likes of Maleficent, Hades, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Oogie Boogie, Captain Jack Sparrow, Bruno and Loki.
Beginning in late 2025, 2,508-passenger Disney Destiny is scheduled to start sailing voyages from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will be the first new Disney cruise ship to sail from a home port other than Disney Cruise Line’s major hub at Port Canaveral, near Orlando. Specific itinerary details haven’t yet been shared.
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