Disney Destiny Floats Out At Meyer Werft In Spectacular Style (And I Was There!)

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It was a magical day at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on 9th August 2025, as Disney Cruise Line’s newest Wish-class vessel, Disney Destiny, floated out of Hall 6 for the very first time.

Disney Destiny Float Out

The highly anticipated moment marks the ship’s transition from dry dock to wet dock – a key milestone signalling that exterior construction is now complete.

While the LNG-powered ship was “floated up” back in March to allow early testing of engines and onboard systems, this is the first time she has floated freely in open water.

A Celebration Fit for Disney

Disney Cruise Line made sure the occasion was unforgettable.

As the 144,000-gross ton ship emerged into the sunshine, colourful fireworks filled the sky – aptly reflecting the fact that Disney remains the only cruise line to offer fireworks at sea.

Guests and shipyard workers – including me, as I had been invited to attend – were also treated to the debut of the ship’s signature theme song, an upbeat anthem repeating the lyrics: “This is your Destiny! Seize the moment, it’s your time.” The track perfectly ties into the ship’s “Heroes and Villains” theme.

Disney Destiny floats out

To cap off the ceremony, Disney Destiny’s horn played the line’s signature tune, When You Wish Upon a Star, for the very first time – sending a nostalgic ripple through the crowd.

First Look at the Finished Exterior

The float out provided the first full view of the ship’s completed exterior. Leading the stern artwork is none other than Spider-Man, flanked by his famous Spider-Bots – making Disney Destiny the first cruise ship in history to feature a Marvel character in its hull art.

Cruise Mummy with Disney Destiny

At the bow, Minnie Mouse takes pride of place, dressed in a special superhero outfit to match the ship’s theme. Minnie was also on hand in person to welcome the newest addition to the fleet.

What Happens Next?

Following her float out, Disney Destiny was successfully docked at the shipyard’s equipment pier for the first time. Meyer Werft praised the “precise and dedicated work” of its team and will now focus on completing the ship’s interior.

Sea trials are planned for the coming months before the ship makes her way to Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) ahead of her maiden voyage on 20th November 2025.

The inaugural sailing will visit both of Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas.

A Busy Year for Disney Cruise Line

Disney Destiny’s float out comes just months after Disney Adventure, the largest ship ever built for the line, emerged from the same shipyard on 19th April 2025 ahead of her debut in Asia this December.

And only a day before Destiny’s big moment, Meyer Werft hosted the steel-cutting ceremony for Disney Cruise Line’s fourth Wish-class ship, due to launch in 2027.

At the steel cutting ceremony for the fourth Wish-class ship for Disney Cruise Line

The event was attended by Captain Mickey himself, who pressed the ceremonial red button to begin the first cut of steel – shaping a symbolic ship outline to mark the start of construction.

I was even lucky enough to sign the piece of steel myself!

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