Key Milestone: Disney Destiny Floats Out of Meyer Werft Shipyard

Hey Disney Vacationers! On August 9, 2025, the Disney Destiny reached a major milestone in its construction — the float out. This is when the ship leaves the covered building dock and touches water for the first time, and for Disney Cruise fans, it’s the moment the countdown to sailing feels very real.

What the Disney Destiny Is All About

The Disney Destiny will be the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, following the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure. She’s designed around the theme of Disney heroes and villains, blending immersive storytelling with all the details Disney fans love.

When she begins sailing from Port Everglades, Florida, her itineraries will include 4- and 5-night cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean, with select 7-night sailings. The maiden voyage is currently scheduled for November 20, 2025.

Why the Float Out Matters

In shipbuilding, float out is more than just a construction stage — it’s a time-honored maritime tradition. The event marks the first time the vessel meets the water, and it’s often celebrated with music, fanfare, and a ceremonial champagne bottle break against the hull. It’s also the first time the public gets a full look at the completed exterior design.

Built at the Historic Meyer Werft Shipyard

The float out took place at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, one of the largest and most advanced shipyards in the world.

Meyer Werft’s history stretches back to 1795, when Willm Rolf Meyer founded the shipyard. It remained in family ownership until 2024, when around 80% became owned by the German federal government and the state of Lower Saxony. The Meyer family still holds just under 20% and appoints a representative to the Supervisory Board.

For more than two centuries, Meyer Werft has built a reputation for producing specialized, innovative ships, with a particular focus on large, modern cruise ships. Their projects are known for precision, high-quality craftsmanship, and custom designs based on each client’s vision — making them a perfect fit for Disney Cruise Line’s storytelling-driven vessels.

What Happens Next

The Disney Destiny will remain docked at Meyer Werft while work continues on her upper decks and interior spaces. Taller structures like the iconic red smokestacks will be installed before the next big milestone: the Ems River Conveyance.

For reference, the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure were conveyed down the Ems River 47 and 46 days after floating out, respectively. Based on that, the Destiny’s conveyance could occur around September 24, 2025 — though only Meyer Werft and Disney know the official date.

The Road to Her First Cruise

After the conveyance, the Destiny will undergo sea trials, final outfitting, and delivery to Disney Cruise Line before making her way to Florida. Her debut is set for November 2025, and from there she’ll bring the worlds of Disney heroes and villains to life at sea.

With the float out milestone now complete, we’re closer than ever to seeing guests step aboard and experience Disney’s newest ship.

20% Off site-wide, plus Free Shipping on all orders of $65+

Over 75+ Designs! Your next park shirt is just a click away

Looking To Book Your Dream Disney Vacation?

Save time & money on your vacation

Your Disney vacation should create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time Disney vacationer or looking to plan your next magical adventure, it isn’t enough just to go on a Disney vacation. We want you to talk about your vacation for years to come and create memories you’ll cherish forever. Vacation is calling! Are you ready to answer?

REQUEST QUOTE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jonathan Cotton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I’m no stranger to Disney planning, as a Disneyland magic key holder and DVC member. I’m the person people ask for trip planning advice. But I had never been on a Disney cruise, and had heard great about Nate and decided to reach out. I’m so glad I did because we could not have been happier with our experience. His tips and insights were incredibly helpful, and he was incredibly responsive any time we had a question. Who do the Disney experts turn to when they need help? Nate, that’s who.

We’ll definitely be using him again.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Andria Skornik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Our experience working with Nate as our Disney vacation planner was exceptional. He was responsive and thorough. He gave us insights that made the trip go much more smoothly. We were able to really relax and focus on quality time as a family and have so much fun doing it! I will definitely reach out for any future trips.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 rpwoodjr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Could not have wanted or expected more from Nate, our Distrips and More agent as we planned our 2025 Disney World trip. Nate was VERY responsive to emails and texts and more than willing to do whatever he could to guide us and answer our questions.  On several occasions I emailed him over the weekend not expecting a response until Monday but each time he responded before the weekend was over.  He even participated in a Zoom session with our group of five seniors as we planned our trip. He also helped us at the 11th hour when we added a family member to our travel group less than a month before our trip.  Without a doubt, I will reach out to Nate when I'm ready to plan my next trip to Disney World!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Homero Rendon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are so thankful we used Nate to plan not only our first Disney trip, but also our second. He made the process so easy for us, especially for us since it was our first time going. There was a lot to consider and many decisions to make, such as where to stay, when to go, and what to experience. Nate really helped us narrow down what we wanted to do overall, but he didn’t stop there. He provided detailed guides to help us navigate the airport and find our transportation to the resort, as well as a guide to explore the resorts and make sure we saw the best Christmas decorations. One of the many amazing things he also did was set up our dinner reservations for us. This saved us so much stress and allowed us to get some of our top choices. From the moment we landed in Orlando to the moment we headed back home, he made sure everything went smoothly. You truly can’t go wrong with going to him for your next trip.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Lee Mathes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate was absolutely the best planner I have ever had.  Will most definitely be using him again.   He took care of everything and kept me on track.  Was so very helpful in making all the dining reservations and everything.   Can't thank him enough.   He made our trip completely stress free!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Amanda Moran 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nathan has been an amazing trip planner for me! So helpful and responsive. I am a very type A person -- so someone who is even more on top of their game than me -- is so so appreciated! Nathan has booked 3 trips for me (1 completed 2 pending) and it was perfection. Thanks again!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Hyperion Adventures Podcast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate has helped us with our vacation planning for the last couple of years and we couldn't be happier with his service and expertise. We've used other travel agents in the past and none of them have done as phenomenal a job to make sure every detail is taken care of as he has. Switching to Nate was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He's always quick to answer questions and works tirelessly to make sure we get everything we want from our trips. Plus, he's just a genuinely great person who is wonderful to work with. Whether you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, or any other vacation, Nate is the guy you want putting it all together! Five stars across the board!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews 
 
   
 
 

Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!