Spending Thanksgiving on Disney’s Destiny Cruise
This Thanksgiving, we took our first-ever family cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship—the Disney Destiny. We wanted to create lasting memories as a family of four and explore cruising as a future vacation option. We lucked out: the Destiny was brand new (just about a week old), so we got to experience the very latest Disney had to offer.
We chose a Disney Cruise because, for us, the best vacations with our kids are the ones designed with them in mind. When they’re having fun, so are we. For our 4-year-old and almost 2-year-old, the cruise was a hit. They had the best time and are still talking about it—my oldest keeps asking when we’re going back!
We opted for a 5-day, 4-night cruise to the Bahamas, and it did not disappoint. Here’s a quick glimpse into what we did each day and what stood out:
Daily Highlights
Day 1: Embarkation
We flew to Florida and boarded the Disney Destiny through a seamless process—the crew even greeted us by name! We quickly got acquainted with the ship and explored. I was especially impressed by our stateroom: surprisingly spacious, even with a bed for our 4-year-old and a pack-and-play (provided by the cruise). We had tons of storage and a beautiful view from our balcony. The two bathrooms—one with a toilet and one with a tub—were perfect for our family.
Day 2: Lookout Cay
Our first full day brought us to Disney’s private Bahamian island, Lookout Cay. The beaches were stunning, and the kids had a blast at the island’s splash pad. Since we returned early for naptime, we enjoyed some quiet pool time while the ship was still empty. The kids’ favorite part of the entire cruise might have been the pool with its giant screen playing Disney movies on a loop, the Toy Story-themed splash pad, and the two water slides (my 4-year-old couldn’t get enough!). We ended the night with dinner at the Avengers restaurant and a top-tier Frozen musical show.
Day 3: Castaway Cay
By day three, we’d settled into a nice family rhythm. We enjoyed Castaway Cay, though we preferred the beaches at Lookout Cay. Onboard, I loved how kid-friendly the food was. My picky eaters had plenty of options—chicken fingers, Mickey-shaped waffles, and unlimited soft-serve ice cream. The kids were thrilled that their drink orders were waiting for them every night at dinner. After another round of pool time, we dined at the Lion King-themed restaurant, which was a huge hit. That night, we saw a special screening of Disney’s new movie Zootopia 2. The kids’ favorite part? The popcorn! Pro tip: buy the big container and get refills every night for a small fee. We also got to enjoy a fireworks show that evening!
Day 4: At Sea – Thanksgiving Day
Being on vacation, it didn’t feel like a traditional Thanksgiving—but we still had the best time. With a full day at sea, my husband and I took advantage of the Kids Club and Nursery to squeeze in a workout and watch the Cowboys game. The kids loved their time there, and the drop-in flexibility was amazing. Minnie Mouse even visited while my son was there! That night, Disney served a comforting and traditional Thanksgiving dinner in the restaurant.
Helpful Takeaways
Best dining experience: My kids adored the themed dinners, especially the Lion King experience with live performances of their favorite songs. The lunch buffet was also delicious and uncrowded when most guests were off the ship.
Favorite activity: The onboard splash pad and water slides were a huge hit—we must’ve gone down them 20 times! The nightly shows were also a surprise favorite. I was amazed that both toddlers sat quietly through them, totally captivated by the characters and top-notch performances.
Tip for travelers: Use the provided wagons when you debark on the islands. It’s a long walk to the tram and around the island, so a wagon or stroller is a must.
We absolutely loved our time on the Disney Destiny and felt spoiled getting to experience a brand-new ship. We created memories that will last a lifetime and can’t wait to cruise again someday. It was the perfect trip for toddlers—though I think I need a nap after all that fun!
Let me know if you have any specific questions about our experience. Until next time—Bon Voyage! XXX, McKenzie