Disney takes delivery of Disney Destiny
Key points
- Disney Destiny delivered in the Netherlands, November debut from Port Everglades.
- Meyer Werft handover underscores a 15-year Disney shipbuilding partnership.
- Itineraries feature 4- and 5-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean sailings.
- New ship continues Disney's LNG-powered Wish-class expansion.
Impact
- Who
- travelers considering short Bahamas or Western Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades
- When
- Maiden voyage November 20, 2025, with ongoing 4- and 5-night departures
- Level
- Low
- Action
- Compare inaugural-season dates and book early for preferred staterooms
Disney Cruise Line has officially taken delivery of Disney Destiny after a handover ceremony in Eemshaven, the Netherlands, on October 15, 2025. The new heroes-and-villains-themed ship will homeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale beginning in November, offering four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. The delivery marks the latest milestone in Disney's modern fleet expansion with LNG propulsion and sets the stage for a busy inaugural season as bookings concentrate around holiday periods and calls at Disney's private islands.
Disney Cruise Line and Meyer Werft partnership
Meyer Werft has now delivered six cruise ships to Disney Cruise Line, a relationship that began with Disney Dream in 2010 and Disney Fantasy in 2012 and continued with the Wish-class trio, Disney Wish in 2022, Disney Treasure in 2024, and now Disney Destiny. The German yard moved Destiny down the River Ems to Eemshaven in September for final outfitting and trials before transfer of ownership. The handover keeps Disney's cadence of new-builds on track as the company positions Fort Lauderdale as a core embarkation point for short Caribbean getaways.
Latest developments
The delivery ceremony on October 15, 2025, completed construction and transferred ownership from Meyer Werft to Disney Cruise Line in Eemshaven. Disney confirmed the maiden voyage for November 20, 2025, followed by a program of four- and five-night sailings that include visits to Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Analysis
For travelers, the Disney Destiny delivery tightens near-term inventory on short cruises from South Florida as inaugural dates often sell quickly. Families prioritizing character-driven entertainment should look closely at shoulder-season departures in late November and early December, when pricing can be more flexible and crowds lighter between holiday peaks. Because Destiny is LNG-powered like Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, expect quieter operation and lower emissions compared with older tonnage, which may appeal to travelers sensitive to sustainability credentials. If you are balancing park and cruise time, consider pairing a Fort Lauderdale sailing with a day trip to Walt Disney World, and monitor event calendars such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates and details to sequence travel days around peak evenings.
Final thoughts
Disney Destiny delivery signals another step in Disney Cruise Line's fleet expansion and gives South Florida travelers a fresh short-cruise option with the company's signature theming. With Disney Destiny delivery complete and a November 20, 2025 start at Port Everglades, early planners should target inaugural-season sailings now for the best cabin selection.