If you’re a family with kids (young or old), a Disney cruise is pretty hard to beat — even if you’re not a huge Disney fan. Knowing each ship is thoughtfully designed with families in mind, crafted with the brand’s signature storytelling meant to appeal to young and old alike, you end up with a vacation that somehow delights little kids, tweens and adults in equal measure.
I was fortunate enough to sail on the new Disney Destiny, cruise, and I think it’s Disney’s best ship yet. Some of this may be due to the wide age range of my three kids, spanning ages 7 to 14. I find we’re at a stage where it’s tricky to find things that appeal to both my youngest and my teen (not to mention the tween in between), and this ship succeeded in delighting every member of the family.
So what made the Destiny such a hit for all of us? A lot — and these highlights say it best:
Heroes, villains and Marvel moments onboard
The Heroes and Villains theme of the ship was a huge hit, particularly for my older kids who could geek out over details around their favorite Marvel characters and Disney villains. Loki, Cruella de Vil and Black Panther are just a few of the memorable characters they’re able to meet aboard the ship. One-of-a-kind spaces like the Doctor Strange-inspired Sanctum lounge was filled with tons of little details from the corresponding universe that they loved pointing out.
The storytelling was top-notch. The entire sailing was “hosted” by two storytellers, Zayah and Gamble, who were woven into many of the live performances throughout the cruise. They were hilarious, talented, and really helped pull the theme together.
The themed bars were not just Insta-worthy, they were super fun for kids and adults. My personal favorite, The Haunted Mansion Parlor (which can also be found on the Disney Treasure), felt like you were inside the popular ride with illusions and spooks galore, with correspondingly ghoulish cocktails crafted just for the Destiny. And even non-Cruella fans will swoon over De Vil’s Piano Lounge, painted in her signature red, white and black with a matching piano and signature show to boot. Cask & Cannon is a rousing pirate-themed bar with a delicious-looking fish and chips plate that I’m still regretting not trying.
Standout entertainment for adults
This may be the most adult-friendly Disney ship yet. An adults-only Marvel-themed comedy show at the two-story Saga Lounge kept everyone in stitches and ended with a surprise experience from everyone’s favorite wisecracking superhero, Deadpool. There were also several adult-exclusive entertainment experiences all throughout the day. And I’d be remiss not to mention an intimate experience with Dr. Facilier from “The Princess and the Frog” that I won’t spoil here for older kids and adults.
The new, Destiny-exclusive show is awesome. “Hercules” is a spectacular musical theater experience that all five of us couldn’t stop talking about afterwards. The sets, animatronics and songs were stellar.
Kids clubs and Oceaneer Club highlights
The Oceaneer Club was kid heaven, complete with an enormous Star Wars area where they can interact with interstellar creatures and a Marvel room where my 7-year-old was thrilled to create her own superhero suit. However, her favorite activity may have been designing her own roller coaster by combining tracks from the park’s most popular rides and then riding it.
Like all Disney cruises, the infant and toddler rooms are just as magical. While on previous cruises, my older two shied away from the tween/teen clubs, they loved the ones on the Destiny and spent a good bit of time in each one playing video games, board games and “just chilling.”
AquaMouse is a the cruise line’s signature water attraction where guests sit in a tube and are treated to a new Mickey and Minnie show, along with some fun turns and drops, is not to be missed.
If you’re wondering which Disney Cruise ship is best for your family and you have kids with a large age gap like mine, I highly recommend Destiny. The interiors were stunning, the rooms comfortable, and the entertainment top-notch. Having something to please everyone means parents get a true vacation, and that’s priceless in my book.
