Building on the successful launches of disney wish and in 2022 disney treasure In 2024, Disney Destiny reinforces the role of Disney Cruise Line as the key growth driver for the company. With plans to double its fleet by 2031—including its first sailing from Asia next year disney adventure – Disney Cruise Line is poised to capture new markets and deepen connections with Disney fans around the world.
debut of disney destiny It also reflects the unprecedented scale of investment in the Disney Experience, with more projects currently underway than at any other time in company history. Featuring a brand new theme inspired by legendary heroes and villains disney destiny It exemplifies Disney’s ability to extend its storytelling beyond the screen and provide immersive experiences for guests of all ages.
To learn more about the launch and what’s next for Disney Cruise Line, we spoke with Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences.
What new experiences and innovations can guests expect Disney DestinWill it both align it with the Disney Cruise Line fleet and differentiate it as unique?
disney destiny Really something special. As the seventh ship in our fleet, it builds on the many experiences Disney Cruise Line has brought to life over the years to immerse guests in the magic of Disney storytelling in innovative new ways at sea.
Each ship in our fleet has a unique identity. destiny Featuring an all-new Heroes and Villains theme – a first for Disney Cruise Line – which allowed us to bring to life so many stories and characters from the Disney library. As soon as you step into the Grand Hall, you’re greeted by a design inspired by Wakanda and Black Panther, setting the tone for a ship that’s all about immersive storytelling. We present the Lion King as a full dining experience for the first time and introduce entertainment with an all-new Broadway-style Hercules show. Throughout the ship, you’ll find hidden details, unique artwork (my personal favorite is the Black Panther artwork on deck three), and special experiences like Dr. Facilier’s Parlor and Cruella De Vil themed lounges. These touches create a sense of magic and connection that you won’t find anywhere else, along with high quality service from our incredible crew.
destiny Focuses on heroes and villains. How does the ship help integrate the Villains brand with other company segments, such as the upcoming Disney Villains-themed land at Walt Disney World Resort?
On the theme of heroes and villains destiny It gives us a unique framework to tell stories in new ways. By showcasing characters and experiences focused on both heroes and villains, we are able to create an immersive environment that fans will love. This approach not only enhances the cruise experience but also creates other ways we are taking advantage of some of these iconic characters for our experiences, like the upcoming Disney Villains Land at Walt Disney World. It’s about leveraging our rich story to create incredible experiences that also deepen guests’ connection with the brand.
Disney Cruise Line is expanding rapidly – reaching a total fleet of 13 ships by 2031. Why is this an ideal industry for Disney to continue investing in?
We are seeing incredible demand for Disney Cruise Line, and we are meeting that demand during this period of rapid growth and expansion. The cruise industry allows us to welcome guests who already know and love Disney to our parks, in addition to new and first-time guests. In this way, our ships are incredible ambassadors of the Disney brand around the world. Disney Cruise Line is one of the highest-rated experiences we offer in the Disney Experience portfolio, which shows how much guests love what we are doing here.
There is also tremendous opportunity for growth, as our current fleet is still relatively small compared to the rest of the industry. With the addition of our latest ships, we have doubled the number of passenger days available – allowing us to welcome even more guests to experience the magic of Disney at sea. Our expansion gives us the opportunity to reach new audiences and create more magical moments and emotional connections with guests, which is great for both our company and the industry as a whole.
What are you learning and developing for Disney Cruise Line that can be used in other Disney experiences around the world?
Storytelling is at the core of everything we do at Disney, and you can see how our cruise ships and theme parks inspire each other. But disney destinyPlaces like the Haunted Mansion Parlor and Cask & Cannon are directly inspired by the stories and experiences at our parks. This connection can also be seen in our guests – many who visit our parks choose to go sailing with us, and vice versa.
We’re always learning and sharing amongst our teams, whether it’s about using technology to improve the guest experience, advancing sustainability, or innovating in food and beverage. Each new ship, attraction, or dining concept is a chance to build on what we’ve learned and deliver that special Disney feeling – no matter where our guests meet us.
How does Disney Cruise Line uniquely grow the Disney brand in new locations around the world?
What’s really special about Disney Cruise Line is how it’s taking Disney to new areas around the world – from our renowned guest service, storytelling and attention to detail. Whether you’re at one of our theme parks or sailing destinyEvery moment is thoughtfully crafted in a way that only Disney can do.
As our ships travel to new destinations around the world, they bring the magic of Disney with them, introducing new guests to our brand and deepening the bond for longtime fans. Every time a guest enjoys our service, our stories and our experiences – whether on land or at sea – it strengthens their relationship with Disney and inspires them to continue exploring everything we have to offer.
What makes Disney Cruise Line a favorite vacation choice for a variety of consumers?
From the beginning, Disney Cruise Line has focused on providing a family-friendly experience that appeals to guests of all ages. The comfort of sea travel, the magic of Disney and spectacular destinations set us apart. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there really is something for everyone. This trust and emotional connection is a big part of why guests love sailing with us – and why many choose to return again and again.
You’ve worked at Disney locations around the world. What insights did you bring to your leadership of Disney Signature Experiences from your experiences in places like Shanghai, Tokyo, and Paris?
Having spent most of my career at international Disney parks, I’ve learned that while the core essence of the Disney experience is universal, it’s essential to adapt to local markets. Be it language, food, or entertainment, we tailor our offering to meet the needs of each audience. We always need to be authentically Disney and uniquely local depending on where in the world we are meeting our guests. Leading Disney Signature Experiences, my goal is to always empower my team to deliver extraordinary experiences around the world by listening to our guests and continuing to innovate. Having a global perspective helps us provide world-class service and create magical moments for guests everywhere, no matter what experience they choose.
How is Disney Cruise Line giving back to the community as part of the launch? disney destiny,
“Discover Your Destiny” is a community outreach program we recently launched disney destinyDesigned to inspire and empower young people in the ports and regions we visit. Through this initiative, we partner with local organizations and schools in both our Florida homeport communities and the Bahamas to provide educational experiences and practical learning in areas such as the arts, science and hospitality.
Can you provide a preview of it? disney adventureThe latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet? What sets it apart and what does it bring to the overall fleet?
disney adventure A major milestone for our fleet. The ship will depart from Singapore in March and represents a major step forward in our commitment to reach guests in new regions of the world. By homeporting in Southeast Asia for the first time, we are able to introduce the Disney Cruise Line experience to families and fans who have never had the opportunity to sail with us before.
adventure Designed to reflect the vibrant diversity of Southeast Asia with unique dining, entertainment and experiences tailored to local cultures and preferences – all while maintaining the core Disney magic that guests have come to expect. This expansion allows us to welcome new guests and share our story and service with an entirely new audience. It is a testament to our focus on growth, innovation and creating magical moments for guests, no matter where they are in the world. We’re just a few months away from launch, and I can’t wait to introduce this newest addition to our fleet to our guests and crew.
The Disney Experience around the world is growing more than ever. What other projects are you excited about besides Disney Cruise Line?
In addition to Disney Cruise Line, our portfolio within Disney Signature Experiences includes several businesses that extend the reach of our brand beyond the theme parks – many of which are in high growth mode. There’s a lot to be excited about with the addition of new itineraries for Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions; two StoryLiving by Disney communities in development, Cotino and Asteria; And a new Disney Vacation Club resort, Disney Lakeshore Lodge, is coming to Walt Disney World in 2027.
I also look forward to seeing some projects from other destinations in our region. There are so many stories we are bringing to life around the world, on land and sea, and I can’t wait for our guests to experience it all.
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