Key Aspects:
- The brand new Disney Destiny has officially left the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenberg, Germany.
- The third Wish-class ship was successfully conveyed backwards down the Ems River for approximately 20 miles in a complex maneuver.
- Cruise tracking data shows that she arrived in Eemshaven slightly early, which is where the final finishing touches will be completed and where the handover ceremony with Disney Cruise Line will take place in the near future.
After over a year of construction, the brand new Disney Destiny has said goodbye to the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenberg, Germany.
But for vessels that are built at the German shipyard, it’s never as simple as just sailing away.
Meyer Werft is located deep inland on the River Ems to protect the facilities from the worst of the weather in the North Sea, which is known for frequent and intense storms.
Cruise ships, including Disney Destiny, have to make the approximately 20-mile journey down the occasionally very narrow river backwards in a complex conveyance process.
The journey began for the third Wish-class vessel on the evening of September 19, 2025, at around 11:30 p.m. local time.
She was supported by two tugboats and the expert team of pilots from the Emden Pilot Brotherhood, who have been carrying out maneuvers like these for years.
Thanks to cooperating weather conditions and water levels, the 4,000-guest ship made good time passing through the locks and bridges at Papenburg, Weener, Leer, and Gandersum on the morning of Saturday, September 20, 2025.
She also passed the Ems barrage and Emden in the afternoon.
Per cruise ship tracking data, she has docked in Eemshaven in the Netherlands as of Saturday evening, which is ahead of schedule.
“After a short adjustment voyage, arrival in Eemshaven is planned for Sunday morning. Final outfitting and handover of the ship to the shipping company will take place in Eemshaven,” the Meyer Werft Shipyard said.
It’s possible that the 144,000-gross ton vessel will still complete an adjustment voyage early on Sunday before the Eemshaven team gets to work on making the final finishing touches.
What Comes Next?
It’s not yet clear when exactly the official handover ceremony with Disney Cruise Line will take place, but it will likely be in the coming days to weeks.
If she is like her older sister, Disney Treasure, she might even be delivered early. The second Wish-class vessel was handed over six days ahead of schedule.
This is when the cruise line officially takes possession of the now-completed new build, usually with executives from the cruise line, shipyard, and other VIPs in attendance.
Given the flare with which Disney celebrated the vessel’s float out at the shipyard – complete with fireworks and an appearance from Minnie Mouse – the event will likely come with much fanfare.
Soon after, the captain and essential members of the 1,555-person crew will board the young ship to begin her sea trials.
The sea trials, which usually take a couple weeks to complete, will allow experts to assess the ship’s major systems and overall performance in the open ocean to ensure it is safe to start sailing with paying passengers.
Assuming all goes well, Disney Destiny will be ready to start making her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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This is where she will begin her career on November 20, 2025, with a 4-night maiden voyage to both of Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay.
She will continue to homeport out of Fort Lauderdale through at least September of 2026, offering cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
