PAPENBURG, Germany (NEXSTAR) – On Saturday, the Disney Destiny floated out at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, marking a key milestone ahead of its maiden voyage scheduled for November 20, 2025, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The day before, Disney Cruise Line gave journalists a rare preview of the ship inside the shipyard’s large Hall 6, where it remains under construction.
During the no-photos guided tour on Friday, workers were laying tiles, welding, and painting less than 24 hours before the ship’s first float.
The Disney Destiny is the third ship in the Wish class, following the Disney Wish (2022) and Disney Treasure (2024). Although many areas are still unfinished, the ship features detailed design elements and storytelling that continue the style established in the Disney Wish class.
The Destiny’s “heroes and villains” theme is evident throughout the ship, from the Grand Hall’s bronze statue of T’Challa (Black Panther) to 360-degree lighting that will highlight characters like Loki, who is set to appear with interactive moments and twists on familiar stories.
Other character appearances will include Cruella de Vil hosting a fashion-themed runway with commentary and a sing-along, Dr. Facilier performing magic tricks and games of chance, and Maleficent making special appearances at the Saga entertainment lounge.
The ship includes areas inspired by Disney properties such as a Cruella de Vil piano lounge, The Haunted Mansion Parlor, and The Sanctum, a Doctor Strange–inspired lounge with spell books, relics, and a themed drink menu.
The Walt Disney Theatre is mostly complete, with rehearsals expected soon for Disney Hercules, a 55-minute Broadway-style musical recorded with an orchestra and choir, along with Frozen: A Musical Spectacular and Disney Seas the Adventure.
Dining options include Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, where live musicians and storytellers will perform The Lion King soundtrack during dinner with African instruments, props, and interpretive dance.
Guests will also find a Pirates of the Caribbean–themed pub called Cask and Cannon, designed to feel like it’s inside the ship’s “belly,” with pirate-themed decorations and a ceiling map based on sketches by Disney Legend Marc Davis.
Families can enjoy the Sugar Rush play zone with life-size figures of Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope, as well as the Edna Á La Mode Sweets shop featuring statues of Edna Mode and Jack-Jack.
Spider-Man was visible perched on the ship’s stern, the first Marvel superhero to appear on a Disney Cruise Line ship.
The Disney Destiny will stay in Papenburg for several weeks to complete interior work before heading to sea trials and eventually arriving in the U.S.
Friday also marked the official start of construction on Disney’s fourth Wish-class ship, scheduled for launch in 2027. This is part of Disney Cruise Line’s expansion plan, which includes four new ships launching between 2027 and 2031, and a new ship class expected in 2029.