Key Aspects:
- Disney Destiny was officially delivered to Disney Cruise Line during a ceremony in Eemshaven, Netherlands, on October 15, 2025.
- The vessel will now prepare for its transatlantic crossing to Florida ahead of its November 20, 2025, maiden voyage from Port Everglades.
- The delivery is the sixth ship built by Meyer Werft for Disney Cruise Line.
The countdown to Disney Destiny’s arrival has officially begun, and this time, heroes and villains are sharing the same stage.
On October 15, 2025, Disney Cruise Line took delivery of its newest ship from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Eemshaven, Netherlands, marking the next chapter in a long-running partnership that’s produced some of Disney’s most magical ships.
The handover marks the official transfer of the 144,000-gross-ton vessel, where light and dark will battle it out in true Disney fashion.
From dinner shows inspired by The Lion King to Broadway-style productions featuring Hercules, the ship will let guests sail between the forces of good and evil and decide which side they’re on before dessert.
“We are delighted to deliver the Disney Destiny to Disney Cruise Line today. It is the latest milestone in our long-standing partnership with Disney Cruise Line. I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved,” said Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft, CEO of Meyer Werft.
Eikens signed the delivery documents alongside Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences.
The structural backbone of Disney Destiny was completed in late 2024, when the final blocks were joined, officially rendering the ship’s exterior structure complete.
In March 2025, the ship “floated up” from dry dock and then formally floated out on August 9, 2025. Sea trials for Disney Destiny began in mid-September 2025, after the ship navigated the Ems River out to sea under tug escort.
Disney Destiny delivered by Meyer Werft (Photo Credit: Meyer Werft)
Disney Cruise Line and Meyer Werft have now delivered six ships together, beginning with Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in 2010 and 2012, respectively, and continuing through Disney Wish in 2022.
Under Captain Andy McRonald, Disney Destiny will depart Eemshaven for a transatlantic crossing, arriving in Florida for final crew training and system checks.
The ship’s maiden voyage is set for November 20, 2025, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A New Chapter Begins
When Disney Destiny welcomes its first guests in November, the ship will blur the line between heroes and villains at every turn.
Carrying about 4,000 passengers and 1,500 crew members across 15 decks, design elements will nod to both good and evil from across Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories.
Inside, every detail ties to the ship’s theme, from corridor artwork featuring legendary characters to themed restaurants and entertainment highlighting the storytelling, such as Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, centered on The Lion King.
The Walt Disney Theatre will debut Disney Hercules, a new stage show exclusive to Disney Destiny, alongside returning productions like Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.
Disney Destiny, River Ems
Multiple pools and water play areas will be spread across the upper decks, while dedicated kids’ clubs and adult-only retreats divide the ship between lighthearted fun and quiet escape.
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Following its maiden voyage, Disney Destiny will begin regular sailings through the Bahamas and Caribbean, including stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and its new destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
A christening ceremony and preview sailings are expected in the weeks before the official debut, though Disney has not yet released dates.
With the ship’s delivery complete, Meyer Werft has already turned its attention to the next build.
Steel cutting for Disney Cruise Line’s seventh vessel in the Wish-class series has begun in Papenburg, Germany. Delivery is scheduled for fall 2027.
Appeared first on: Cruisehive.com
