The Grown-Up Guide to the Disney Destiny
By: Maggie Ballantyne, Team Lead & Travel Advisor
August 25, 2027
I just stepped off the NEW Disney Destiny in February, and I already can’t wait to go back! In fact, I am! My group of 6 (all adults) loved this ship so much, we deposited and are looking forward to sailing again on this same ship in February 2027.
As I have mentioned in other blogs before, while I HIGHLY recommend Disney Cruise Line for families with kids, this cruise line is not just for kids! Disney Cruise Line is filled with details for every age and that includes plenty of spaces, entertainment, and options designed just for adults.
While the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny features a different layout from the original four ships, there’s still no shortage of adult-friendly spaces: kid-free decks, themed lounges, upscale dining, spa experiences, and more. Whether you’re sailing with your family while the kids are off enjoying the kids’ clubs, traveling as a couple, cruising with friends, or embarking on a solo adventure, Disney makes it easy to stay young at heart while indulging in relaxation and grown-up fun.
Here are the adult-only highlights on the Disney Destiny that stood out to my family (all adults) and why we are choosing to sail on this ship again:
Adult-Only Lounges & Bars
These are just some of the areas on the ship that are for guests 18+. In these areas, you you can enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, live music, beautiful views, and themed activities!
Haunted Mansion Parlor: This lounge, inspired by the famous theme-park attraction, is a completely immersive experience from the moment you approach the door. The ever-changing décor, animation, interaction, and fun cocktails made us want to stop by a few times. While this is family-friendly during the day, it does become adult-only in the evening. I recommend going a few times and grabbing a different seat each time. There is always something new to see.
Tip: Be sure to listen carefully as you leave and you might hear a familiar voice.
De’Vils: De Vil’s Piano Lounge on the Disney Destiny is a stylish, adults-only piano bar inspired by everyone’s favorite dramatic villain, Cruella de Vil. Just like Cruella herself, the lounge, with its décor and specialty cocktails, is bold, dramatic, and fashion-forward.
The space features a bold black, white, and red color palette, and at its center sits a Dalmatian-spotted piano, a signature of the Wish-class ships. Cruella even makes appearances, adding a hilarious and interactive element to the experience.
Tip: Be sure to check the app for timing of her appearances, as these limited-capacity moments fill up quickly.
The Sanctum: The Sanctum on the Disney Destiny is one of the lounges I was most looking forward to the most, and I loved it! Inspired by the mystical world of Doctor Strange, this immersive space draws directly from the New York Sanctum Sanctorum. Rich with mystical artifacts and dramatic design elements, it truly feels like you’ve stepped straight into the Marvel universe.
The lounge offers a unique setting where guests can enjoy creative cocktails, mocktails, and specialty beverages themed to the mystic arts. Marvel fans will love spotting familiar details throughout the space. Keep an eye out for iconic pieces like Doctor Strange’s cape.
TIP: While The Sanctum is known for its cocktails, it also has one of the best sweet treats onboard. Don’t skip the waffles; they’re a hidden gem!
Cask & Cannon: Cask & Cannon on the Disney Destiny is another one of my favorites onboard thanks to its fun theming. A Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired bar just belongs on a Disney ship!
The space feels like a lively pirate tavern straight out of the films, complete with nautical details, weathered wood, and hidden treasures tucked throughout the décor.
Cask & Cannon specializes in rum-based cocktails, along with a variety of beers and specialty drinks that perfectly match the swashbuckling vibe. If you book a beer tasting onboard, you’ll get to enjoy this lounge while it’s closed to other guests making it the perfect opportunity to slow down and take in all the incredible details.
Cove Café: This adults‑only café is also found on the adults-only pool deck. On the Destiny, Cove Café is beautifully themed to Moana, with island-inspired décor, oceanic tones, and nods to the film that create a calm, breezy, and relaxing atmosphere. My favorite is the beautiful portrait of Te Fiti!
Cove Café is an ideal place to start your morning or take a mid-day break, offering specialty coffees, teas, and espresso drinks (with bar service available as well). The seating area is quiet and comfortable. Whether you’re grabbing your morning latte, catching up on a book, or just enjoying the ocean views, Cove Café is a perfect spot for adults looking for a little downtime at sea.
Adults‑Only Dining
Every Disney ship offers adult-only dining options for an additional cost! Palo is an adult‑exclusive Italian restaurant. I highly recommend the brunch! Enchante is adult-exclusive French fine dining.
Relaxation & Wellness
While the bars and lounges can be relaxing or lively depending on the time of day, these spaces on the Disney Fantasy are focused on unwinding and relaxing:
Quiet Cove Pool: Adults‑only infinity pool area with loungers, whirlpools, pool bar, and Cove Café.
The Senses Spa & Salon: Whether you are considering booking one treatment or a pass for the entirety of the sailing, there is something for everyone. Rainforest passes, massages, and pedicures are some of my favorites! I am happy to provide my clients with recommendations.
Fitness Center & Classes: Workout equipment and exercise/toning classes for adults. Admittedly, I do not normally work out while cruising; however, I have attended the morning stretching sessions on board, and they are relaxing and a great way to start the day.
Adults‑Only Activities
As you may have guessed by now, on the Disney Destiny, the fun isn’t just for kids and there are plenty of experiences designed just for adults, too. One of the highlights is the variety of drink tastings offered onboard, from champagne and wine to margaritas, beer, and more.
These guided tastings take place in the ship’s lounges and are typically reserved for guests 21+, making them a relaxed (and delicious) way to enjoy some kid-free time. We tried the beer tasting in Cask & Cannon and had a great time. It was both fun and informative, with the added bonus of getting to enjoy the space in a quieter setting.
Tip: Reservations are required, and these experiences tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to book early once your activities open!
Our favorite adult-only activity on the Destiny is the Marvel-inspired comedy show, With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show. This high-energy comedy show takes guests on a journey through the Infinity Saga timeline. Without giving too many spoilers, the show is inspired by the events and characters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe blending humor, action, and iconic moments into a fun, fast-paced experience. Rather than focusing on a single character, the performance weaves together key points from across the saga. It is hilarious and a not-miss activity for my family.
Other Adults‑Only Spaces
The adults-only perks don’t stop once you leave the ship! Disney’s private island destinations also feature adult-only areas: Serenity Bay. If your Disney Destiny sailing includes a stop at Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point, you can spend the day at Serenity Bay enjoying adults-only bars, an adults-only lunch buffet, and a peaceful, kid-free stretch of beach that I can only describe as “perfection.”
If you’re ready to start planning an adult-only getaway or a family vacation where you are guaranteed to have as much fun as the kids, I’d love to help! I can match you with the perfect itinerary, stateroom, and onboard experiences whether your goal is a romantic escape, a friends’ trip, or a family vacation where everyone gets a break. Please reach out to me at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com for more details.
If you are interested in learning more about Disney cruises or cruising in general, feel free to follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie
The cruise mentioned in this blog was booked at the consumer rate.