Rich Auntie is back! Did you miss me? I’ve been spending some quality time being my best self. And one of the easiest ways to glow up? Reconnecting with childhood joy. So when Disney Cruise Line invited me on board for the christening of its newest ship, the Disney Destiny — with its Heroes and Villains theme – I tapped into embarkation mode, immediately.
I’ll be honest: I’ve never sailed on DCL before. I always assumed you needed your own kids to “do Disney right.” But the gleaming statue of T’Challa, the Black Panther, standing at the base of the grand staircase, told me otherwise. It stands as a celebration and tribute to one of the greatest Marvel/Disney heroes of our time and the real king who brought him to life, the late Chadwick Boseman. The reverence in the room was real; I was about to partake in something great.
“The Black Panther is taking everybody on this ship on a fantastic voyage, and that is an acronym for joy, unity and leaving the stress of the world behind,” declared Yolanda Cade, vice president of Communications and Public Affairs for Disney Signature Experiences.
Lead the way.
Hanging With Your Heroes
It’s hard to be grumpy on a ship where you can get a hug from Bruno from Encanto, learn to wayfind with Moana and watch Stitch sign autographs like the alien rockstar he is. Interacting with Disney’s most imaginative characters is star-gazing at the next level. As a life-long Disney Princess stan, I’m always ready for a meet-and-greet with Princess Tiana. But because Disney Destiny gives equal love to its villains, I also found myself spending quality time with The Princess and the Frog‘s Dr. Facilier in his secretive speakeasy. And no, I’m not telling you what goes on behind that closed, no-cameras-allowed door.
This Auntie loves a bit of theater, so I was all about seeing ship-friendly versions of Frozen and Hercules. The latter stars Corey J. Bradford in the title role, and let’s just say, he’s got the muscles for it. It’s not jus the audience that’s uplifted with this curturally diverse, gospel-infused, hand-clapping and toe-stomping experience, “We on stage feel that too,” Bradford declared.
Dining With Pride
Dining on the Disney Destiny isn’t just eating; it’s an experience. I tested my multiverse knowledge in the Worlds of Marvel dining room (tip: sit with someone who really knows the MCU deep cuts). I joined the pack at Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, a restaurant that serves a feast fit for a king as an ensemble performs a condensed version of Simba’s ascent to the throne, told through African drumming, spoken word and dance.
Where those venues are places for the whole fam to enjoy, Palo Steakhouse is for the grown, grown. At this adults-only specialty dining option for brunch, my charming Italian waiter cooed, “Try everything.” And we did, from the antipasti and zabaglione right down to the complimentary glass of prosecco.
Right next door sits Enchanté, Destiny’s upscale French restaurant, where the vibes are airy and romantic. And in between is The Rose, a cozy Beauty and the Beast-inspired cocktail lounge for pre- or post-dinner cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails? The hardest decision, other than choosing the drink itself, is where to get one: In De Vil’s, with black, white and red Cruella decor? The pirate-laden Cask and Canon, the spooky Haunted Parlor Mansion, or the mystic Doctor Strange atmosphere of The Sanctum, where live music rocks the night away? You already know Rich Auntie’s answer: “Yes, all please!”
Mystery and Maintenance
With all the imbibing, Rich Auntie had to log a few miles. The Disney Destiny features a well-equipped fitness center complete with a schedule of free and paid fitness classes. Senses Spa is right around the corner, offering a full menu of massages, facials and other soothing treatments. For hair and nails, stop by the Untangled Salon on deck four. And then there’s Quiet Cove, an adults-only pool and lounge area away from little ones. But it’s really not needed, since Destiny has extensive kids-only recreation areas. Parents kept telling me they couldn’t get their kids to leave.
So yes, this Rich Auntie will be back on Disney Destiny — maybe with my nephews next time. But I know now it’s perfect for an adults-only, big-kid-at-heart adventure.