Disney Destiny Achieves Float-Up Milestone at Meyer Werft

The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s highly anticipated new ship, has marked a major construction milestone at Germany’s Meyer Werft Shipyard, touching water for the first time in a procedure known as “float up.” This early step moves the 144,000-gross ton vessel closer to its scheduled November 2025 maiden voyage, allowing engineers to begin extensive onboard system tests and enabling crews to start installing Disney-themed interior spaces.

Disney Destiny's Float-Up Milestone at Meyer Werft

During the float-up event, the building dock was filled with water from the Ems River to lift the newly assembled ship from the chamber floor. Once afloat, the Disney Destiny was maneuvered within Hall 6, creating room for essential tasks such as testing the vessel’s main engines. With the hull now buoyant, teams are also focusing on the ship’s interior, setting up themed staterooms and public areas that will contribute to the immersive Disney experience onboard.

Key Features and Design

As part of the Triton-class fleet, the Disney Destiny will embody Disney Cruise Line’s signature storytelling and design elements. Its overarching “Heroes and Villains” theme is reflected in the bow art, which portrays Minnie Mouse as a caped hero. Interior designs will pay tribute to Disney favorites like Hercules, Mulan, and The Incredibles, while staterooms celebrate additional heroes such as Merida and Raya. Adding to the ship’s innovative approach, prefabricated cabins—built at an off-site location—will soon be installed, giving each space a distinct, story-driven touch.

Upcoming Timeline and Itinerary

The Disney Destiny’s maiden voyage is slated for November 20, 2025, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Travelers can expect 4- and 5-night sailings to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Of particular note on the Bahamas itineraries are stops at Disney Cruise Line’s two private islands: Castaway Cay and the newly developed Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Before setting sail, the ship must complete a formal float-out ceremony and subsequent sea trials, ensuring it meets the highest maritime standards prior to joining Disney’s operational fleet.

Construction Progress and Recent Updates

Construction on Disney Destiny commenced in March 2024. Key moments include the keel-laying ceremony and the assembly of hull blocks, culminating late last year with the completion of its external structure. The vibrant bow art—portraying Minnie Mouse in alignment with the “Heroes and Villains” motif—was recently finalized. The ship is expected to undergo its formal float-out later this year, likely in late summer or early fall, when it will be guided along the Ems River’s 20-mile route to open water. Afterwards, extensive sea trials will test its performance and seaworthiness before delivery to Disney Cruise Line. As Disney Destiny nears completion, it promises to further the company’s legacy of innovation by combining state-of-the-art technology with beloved Disney storytelling.

FAQs

What is the float-up process?

The float-up is an early construction milestone where a ship is gently raised by filling the building dock with water. Unlike the float-out—which moves the vessel to open waters—the float-up takes place within the shipyard to facilitate system testing and interior installation.

When will Disney Destiny embark on its maiden voyage?

The vessel is scheduled for its first departure on November 20, 2025, offering 4- and 5-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What are Disney Destiny’s Bahamas stops?

Disney Destiny’s Bahamas itineraries will include visits to Disney Cruise Line’s private islands: the popular Castaway Cay and the newly introduced Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

What is the theme of Disney Destiny?

The ship embraces a “Heroes and Villains” concept, showcasing heroic designs across staterooms, public venues, and exterior decor, notably featuring Minnie Mouse in a superhero pose at the bow.

What makes the Disney Destiny unique among Disney ships?

Disney Destiny expands the Triton-class approach with prefabricated cabin installations, new private-island destinations, and an emphasis on Disney-inspired design elements, blending technological advancements and storytelling to create a distinctive passenger experience.