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Disney Goes All in on Villains as Transformational “Galactic Starcruiser” Experience Revealed

A grand new chapter is about to set sail for Disney Cruise Line, and with it comes a touch of legacy from a galaxy not so far, far away.

The Disney Destiny ship

Launching from Port Everglades in November 2025, the Disney Destiny will become the seventh ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, and it promises an immersive voyage like no other—where guests are invited to cross paths with the most iconic heroes and villains from Disney and Marvel lore. With interactive storytelling at the helm, this cruise promises more than scenic views—it’s a high-seas adventure full of surprises.

In the words of Disney Parks Blog, it all begins in the ship’s Grand Hall, “where guests will be immersed in the epic duality of good and evil as the environment transforms throughout the cruise.” Guests will first be welcomed by heroes such as King T’Challa, AKA. Black Panther, but as the journey unfolds, the tide may turn toward the darker side.

A black and yellow sign displays

“With 360-degree lighting effects that fill the room with life and color, the ever-changing space will react to the presence of certain characters, taking on the signature aura of some of the most legendary villains, rogues and mischief makers of Disney and Marvel lore,” the blog adds. That includes none other than Loki, the fan-favorite God of Mischief, who arrives aboard the Destiny with a mission: “Intent on clearing his name with the mortals of Midgard, Loki will try to declare himself ruler of this vessel and its occupants.”

But this isn’t merely a show to watch—it’s a story guests live. Drawing clear inspiration from the now-retired Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the Disney Destiny is reviving elements of that guest-driven adventure with real-time character interactions and unfolding narratives at sea. Much like how Rey and Kylo Ren once wandered the decks of the Halcyon, characters like Loki may appear anywhere onboard, challenging guests to join a competition, explain the “peculiar rituals” of cruise life, or simply revel in his “glorious purpose.”

“True to his infamous ego and affinity for chaos-making, you’ll never know where Loki may turn up with a grand proclamation… or a dubious retelling of a well-known story,” Disney adds.

Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Loki series

Other legendary Disney villains will also take center stage: Maleficent, Cruella DeVil, and Dr. Facilier are all confirmed to appear. Guests may be invited to a fashion show hosted by Cruella herself, witness Maleficent’s commanding presence, or be amazed by Facilier’s onboard magic.

Though the Disney Destiny is just months away from its inaugural voyage, it’s already capturing attention with its dynamic offerings. In addition to its character encounters, the ship will also feature a Lion King-inspired dining experience, a piano lounge themed to Cruella DeVil, and a Broadway-style production of Hercules, complete with a multi-headed Hydra puppet.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser concept art

While the Disney Destiny is a brand-new vessel, it subtly echoes a concept from Disney’s recent past. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser—a two-night adventure that debuted in 2022—allowed guests to live a story aboard the Halcyon in Walt Disney World Resort. Although it built a passionate fanbase, the experience closed in September 2023, less than two years after opening. Since then, its location near Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has remained vacant, sparking speculation about future uses.

Still, the spirit of immersive, choice-driven storytelling pioneered by the Starcruiser is sailing forward—not through hyperspace, but across the ocean.

Star Wars guests on the Galactic Starcruiser

Joining the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and fleetmates Magic, Wonder, Fantasy, and Dream, the Disney Destiny isn’t the only new ship on the horizon. In December 2025, the Disney Adventure is scheduled to debut, featuring the record-breaking Ironcycle coaster and a Pirates of the Caribbean stage spectacular titled Captain Jack & the Siren Queen.

The next era of Disney storytelling at sea is nearly here. Are you ready to chart your course into the heart of the action? Let us know in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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