Ahoy Carina!
How exciting, your very first cruise will be on the dazzling
Disney Destiny! You are in for all the signature magic and service that Disney Cruise Line is known for, plus some brand-new experiences unique to this ship. Be sure to catch
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, a vibrant dinner show that will whisk you straight into the heart of the savanna, and the brand new live production of
Disney Hercules at the Walt Disney Theatre. Both promise to be unforgettable.
Your adventure begins in sunny
Fort Lauderdale, and I always recommend arriving the night before to start the trip feeling relaxed and ready. Disney currently suggests two wonderful hotels: the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa and the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Both are about a 15-minute drive from Port Everglades, making them convenient and scenic options.
While things could change between now and your departure, Disney is not currently offering transportation from the airport or hotels to the port. In this case, a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft can be a great choice. I love the flexibility because it is on your schedule. On our last cruise earlier this month, we even scheduled our ride the night before, so it lined up perfectly with our port arrival time. Smooth sailing from start to finish.
A quick first cruise tip: once you are on board, take a little time to explore the ship before you set sail. You will discover hidden spots, quiet nooks, and fun activities you might have missed if you went straight into vacation mode. My favorite hidden spot is deck 6 forward. You will need to access this spot from deck 5 and up some stairs. but it is here that you can live your "Titanic" moment at the very front of the ship! I recommend doing this before sailing, as it can get a bit windy up there while moving.
Bon Voyage!
Anne