Luxury Cruising Editorial

I recently had the opportunity to sail on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny. The sailing was a preview cruise for media/influencers/travel agents so we could get a first look at this new vessel.

While on board the ship, I wrote about my first impressions of Disney Destiny, but now it’s time to go over everything that this new ship has to offer.

Let’s take a look at the incredible spaces and experiences that are offered on Disney Destiny.

Oceaneer Club

I brought my wife and five year old son on the cruise with me. I was excited to check out the Oceaneer Club (kids club) on board. Since Disney does not have casinos on their ships, they use this extra space for the best and largest kids club at sea.

Since our sailing was a preview cruise, they had several open houses where everyone could walk around the Oceaneer Club. I wasn’t in it long before I realized that this was the best kids club on any cruise ship in the world.

I was blown away by how large this area was.

One of the features that my son loved the most was that kids could enter the club by taking a slide straight from the Grand Hall (main atrium). They had a check-in deck there and several more downstairs at the main entrance.

Each section of the Oceaneer Club was themed after different Disney movies. The bathrooms were themed after Pixar movies. There were other rooms themed after Mickey and the most beloved Disney characters, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, Star Wars and the Avengers.

My son loved the Star Wars room so much, the workers said they had to “pry him away from it” because he was didn’t want to leave when we went to pick him up. Rey and Chewbacca spend time in the Star Wars Hanger while Spiderman and Black Panther made appearances in the Avengers room.

They also had this virtual roller coaster that my son loved and rode nonstop.

There was a separate room with 11 tables and chairs for kids to play games and for activities.

My son has cruised on five different cruise lines and the Oceaneer Club was by far his favorite. Disney really is the best cruise line for kids, and there really isn’t a second place.

As an added bonus, there was a separate section for kids at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in The Bahamas. Since my son got bored sitting in a lounger on the beach, we took him over to play in this area.

It is staffed by the crew from the Oceaneer Club and they called him by name as he was walking up to check-in.

There is just so much for kids when taking a Disney cruise.

Dining

I think it’s safe to say that Disney offers the most entertaining “main dining rooms” at sea. There are three different restaurants that you will eat at during your cruise: 1923, Pride Lands: Feast of the King, and Worlds of Marvel.

Since the first night our of sailing was the christening ceremony, we just had dinner at Pride Lands and Marvel.

Pride Lands: Feast of the King is a dinner show where they sing all of the beloved hits from the movie The Lion King. It was a unique dinner unlike any other I’ve had at sea and I loved every minute of it. It’s also a great show for children since there isn’t any down time like you normally have while waiting between courses of your meal.

While I enjoyed Pride Lands the most, my wife and son’s favorite dining room was Worlds of Marvel. The Marvel trivia game you play during dinner was a lot of fun.

I also love how your waitstaff follows you to each restaurant every night so you always have the same waiters and waitresses.

The casual dining was also among the best I’ve had in close to 90 cruises. In addition to the main buffet (Marceline Market), they had several stations around the pool deck that had everything from pizza to barbeque to grilled items.

In this area, there are also 24/7 drink stations that had everything from coffee to Coca-Cola. There is no extra charge for soft drinks on Disney.

Entertainment

This is another area where Disney Cruise Line really shines. On Disney Destiny, the cruise line debuted the show Hercules for the first time at sea.

They have a strict no photo/video policy for the show so I can’t show you any glimpses of it, but the show was fantastic and received a well deserving standing ovation at the end of it. Also in the Walt Disney Theater was the show Frozen, A Musical Spectacular which my son really loved.

No Disney cruise is complete without Pirate Night. I forgot how much fun this night is on the pool deck. The Pirate Party and fireworks that follow are something only that Disney offers.

One one day of our cruise, there was 21 Disney character appearances all around the ship. These photo opportunities were extremely popular on our sailing.

There are also two movie theaters that are always showing Disney movies throughout the day.

Themed Spaces

There are three themed spaces that I absolutely loved on Disney Destiny. The Sanctum, Haunted Mansion Parlor and Cask & Cannon. The second two are adults only 18+ after 9:00 PM.

The Sanctum is located just off of the Grand Hall. The venue is open on both sides to hallways but it transports you to the home of Doctor Strange. There is live music at night and some really cool magical floating drinks at the bar.

The Haunted Mansion Parlor is right across the hall from the Sanctum and it’s themed after the classic Disney ride. This quickly became one of my favorite spots on the ship. There are so many interesting things in the room that change or move that you’ll constantly be noticing different things happening in the room.

The Cask & Cannon is an extremely cool pirate themed bar/lounge that also serves food. I loved this lounge the moment I walked in and if you enjoyed the Pirate of the Caribbean movies, then you will love this space too.

Cabin

We stayed in a family balcony stateroom on Deck 11. The Incredibles themed room was extremely spacious and had plenty of storage space and power outlets.

The split bathrooms are so nice for families and there was a curtain that separated the stateroom into two for more privacy.

Final Thoughts

This was our first Disney cruise in 10 years and we had forgotten what a great experience Disney offers to their guests.

They don’t take shortcuts or try to nickel and dime you to death. The attention to detail is evident not only all around the ship, but also in the service and entertainment.

Every though Disney caters to families, there are several spots around the ship that are adults only.

I will have more on Disney Destiny over the next few weeks, so stay tuned as I bring you more about this new ship from Disney Cruise Line.

A new Japanese luxury cruise line is replacing butlers with “Omotenashi” (heartfelt Japanese hospitality). It’s also scheduling itineraries around some of Japan’s biggest seasonal events, like cherry blossoms and summer festivals.

Last month the all-inclusive cruise line opened its 22 new 2026 voyages for booking to the North American market, focusing on “Beautiful Encounters with Japan.”

“Our new 2026 Japan itineraries are perfect for discerning travelers and groups seeking to explore Japan in an extraordinary and authentic way,” said Joe Maloney, head of sales of North America at Mitsui Ocean Cruises.

 “Aboard the Mitsui Ocean Fuji, guests experience heartfelt Omotenashi service on Japan’s most luxurious all-suite cruise ship. From cherry blossoms and Golden Week to summer festivals, fireworks and holiday voyages, our 2026 program offers unforgettable journeys and lifelong memories.”

A fairly new name in luxury cruising, Mitsui Ocean Cruises was started in 2023 by the Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). The cruise line’s 2026 sailings are timed specifically to capture some of the country’s most popular locations and events.

The Fleet that Began with Seabourn Ships

Mitsui didn’t build its fleet from scratch. To quickly launch a premium, all-suite cruise line, they purchased two small luxury ships from Seabourn.

The first ship, the MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, entered service in late 2024 following an extensive refurbishment to bring a refined Japanese flare to the vessel.

This ship and its upcoming sister, the MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA (joining the fleet in late 2026), are small enough (around 450 guests) to access ports that large cruise ships can’t. This small size is key to their mission of providing authentic immersion into Japanese culture.

Itineraries Focused on Peak Seasons

The main selling point is the calendar, especially the timing of the peek bloom of cherry blossoms. But Mitsui designs its voyages, which range from 5 to 11 days, to capture peak seasonal beauty in other areas too, in addition to timing sailings around important Japanese festivals.

The cruises offer roundtrip departures from Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe. Their official 2026 itinerary highlights include:

• Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Season: Multiple spring voyages are scheduled between March and May 2026 to follow the bloom up the Japanese coast, giving you the best chances of seeing the iconic flowers. Specific voyages include the “Sakura Serenade” (March 18, 2026) and “Petals & Ports” (March 30, 2026), as well as the 11-night “Golden Week” cruise (April 29, 2026) sailing during one of Japan’s major national holidays.
• Summer Festivals: Their July and August cruises focus on major cultural events. You can book a nine-night voyage timed to the “Nebuta Summer Festival” (July 30, 2026) in Aomori or the spectacular “Southern Japan Fireworks” (August 16, 2026) along the coast.
• Autumn & Winter: The cruise line also offers itineraries for fall foliage viewing, such as the eight-night “Autumn Equinox in Southern Shores” (September 19, 2026) and holiday experiences, like the “Coastal Japan Christmas” (December 17, 2026).

See the 2026 itineraries and sailings on the cruise line’s website here.

Service is Omotenashi, Not Overly Formal

When it comes to service, Mitsui’s focus is on Omotenashi. This is the core of Japanese hospitality, which is seamless and heartfelt.

According to the cruise line’s website, “It’s more than great service—it’s anticipating your needs before you even realize them and making every detail feel personal, thoughtful, and effortless.”

Tips are included and often politely declined because the service is performed from the heart. This is a personalized and refined experience that is subtle and quiet, rather than overly formal.

Adding to the all-inclusive experience, the company has confirmed that a hand-selected shore experience with an English-speaking guide is included in most ports on every cruise.

Next summer, Royal Caribbean’s next new cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, will make its debut. Legend of the Seas will be the third Icon class ship from Royal Caribbean, the largest class of cruise ships in the world.

Highlights of the ship will include Surfside, a dedicated neighborhood for families with small children, Category 6 waterpark with six waterslides, and the AquaDome that will have some of the most thrilling entertainment at sea.

Here are some fast facts on Legend of the Seas:

• 248,663 gross tons in size
• 1,196 feet long, 229 feet wide
• 20 total decks, 18 for guests
• 2,805 cabins
• 5,610 guests at double occupancy
• 2,350 crew members
• Under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard

Legend of the Seas will have 28 different dining options and 17 bars and lounges. Of the 28 dining options, 13 will be included in cruise fares with the other 15 coming with a surcharge.

Complimentary Dining Options

• AquaDome Market
• Basecamp
• Coastal Kitchen
• Main dining room
• El Loco Fresh
• Park Cafe
• Pearl Cafe
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Sprinkles
• Surfside Bites
• Surfside Eatery
• The Grove
• Windjammer

Specialty Dining

• Celebration Table
• Chef’s Table
• Chops Grille
• Desserted
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
• Hollywoodland Supper Club
• Hooked Seafood
• Izumi
• Izumi in the Park
• Pier 7
• Playmakers
• Royal Railway Legend Station
• Starbucks
• Sugar Beach
• Trellis Bar

Hollywoodland Supper Club a new supper club concept inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Complete with sultry jazz, gourmet bites and cocktails, the multi-course dinner experience takes guests through a journey of cinema from 1910 to the 1950s.

Bars and Lounges on Legend of the Seas

• 1400 Lobby Bar
• Ale & Arrow
• Boleros
• Bubbles
• Cantina Fresca
• Dueling Pianos
• Hideaway Bar
• Lou’s
• Music Hall
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Rye & Bean
• Schooner Bar
• Spotlight Karaoke
• Swim & Tonic
• The Lemon Post
• The Lime & Coconut
• The Overlook

For kids and teens, there will be rooms and areas on the ship just for them. They include Adventure Ocean, Arcade, Baby Bay, Playscape, Social020 and Splashaway Bay.

Legend of the Seas will have legendary entertainment offerings that include the Broadway hit Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

More jaw-dropping sensations take center stage at the AquaDome neighborhood’s marquee AquaTheater, featuring high divers, aerialists, robots, and dancers, and at Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea.

Category 6 will be the largest waterpark at sea. Crown’s Edge is part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean. Other fun areas for families are mini golf at Lost Dunes, the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall and more.

The cruise ship will have seven pools and vibes that include pools for adults at The Hideaway infinity pool and Swim & Tonic swim-up bar.

Kids of all ages will enjoy Splashaway Bay with grownups nearby at the Water’s Edge pool; the largest pool at sea at Royal Bay, and more, along with 10 whirlpools and private casitas.

Legend of the Seas will debut on July 11, 2026, a seven-night cruise from Rome to the Mediterranean. After a season of cruises in Europe, the ship will head to Port Everglades in the fall of 2026 for winter cruises to the Caribbean.

Once the ship is in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, it will sail six- and eight-night cruises to the Caribbean.

If you’re looking to book your next cruise, then now is one of the best times of the year with just about every cruise line offering special savings for Black Friday.

From mainstream cruise lines to smaller boutique lines, the cruise deals include everything discounts on cruises to free drink packages and WiFi.

Let’s break down all of the Black Friday cruise deals from each cruise line. We are separating them by discounts, free packages etc. so you can quickly find the discounts and free perks that mean the most to you.

Freebies/OBC

Norwegian Cruise Line has brought back their popular Free at Sea package that has complimentary drink packages, WiFi, and shore excursion credits. Cruise fares have been reduced by 50% on cruises that sail to nearly 350 destinations all around the world. You can view the best prices on NCL here.

MSC Cruises is offering up to $1,000 in onboard credit (that you can spend once you are on the ship), cruises that start at just $199, and kids sail for free. You can view the best prices on MSC Cruises here.

Holland America Line is offering free prepaid crew appreciation (daily tips), up to 30% off cruises, deposits marked down to 50%, and the 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom can cruise for free. You can view the best prices on Holland America here.

Crystal, one of the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise lines, is offering $500 ‘As You Wish’ in shipboard credit and complimentary laundry and pressing service.

Carnival Cruise Line is currently offering a pre-Black Friday sale that has $1 upgrades, $50 in OBC, up to 40% off cruise fares, and deposits lowered to just $50 per person. You can see the best prices on Carnival cruises here.

Discounts

Royal Caribbean is not only offering cruises that start at just $249 per person, but the 3rd and 4th guest in a cabin can cruise for free. The instant savings can save you up to $1,000 per cabin. Extras like drink packages, WiFi, and shore excursions are up to 50% off. You can view the best prices on Royal Caribbean here.

Adults-only Virgin Voyages is offering 80% off the second guest in a cabin and up to $500 in free drinks on all cruises through 2027. Virgin also has select cruise marked down to just $99 per night, per person. You can see the best prices on Virgin here.

Margaritaville at Sea has cruises marked down to just $79 per night with free balcony upgrades, guests cruise for free, and up to 50% off drinks and WiFi.

Princess Cruises is turning Black Friday into Blue Friday with up to $250 in instant savings on cruises, fares marked down by as much as 50%, and the 3rd and 4th guests in cabin for sail for free. You can view the best prices on Princess Cruises here.

Celebrity Cruises is offering up to $700 in savings that include the newest ship in their fleet, Celebrity Xcel. Their Black Friday offer is good on cruises that depart through May 10, 2028 on more than 600 voyages. You can view the best prices on Celebrity Cruises here.

Silversea is offering up to $10,000 in savings on Expedition Voyages and $6,000 in savings per suite on Classic Voyages with reduced deposits starting at 15%. You can view the best prices on Silversea here.

Azamara Cruises is offering their biggest sale of the year for Black Friday. It includes up to $4,000 off select cruises and up to $500 in onboard credit per stateroom. You can view the best prices on Azamara here.

Celestyal Cruises is offering up to 70% off 113 sailings that depart from December 2025 until October 2027. The cruises sail to Greece, the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf.

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading destination and culinary focused cruise line, is offering up to 50% off cruise fares on 170 voyages in 2026 and 2027. You can view the best prices on Oceania here.

P&O Cruises is offering their biggest ever Black Friday Sale that has savings up to £300 per cabin on cruises that depart between March 2026 and October 2027.

Costa Cruises has sailings as low as $52 per person, per day, that visit the Caribbean, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. You can view the best prices on Costa Cruises here.

Cunard is offering up to 40% off fares with cruises as low as $899 per person. They are also adding in up to $300 in onboard credit with deposits reduced by 50% on 145 voyages. You can view the best prices on Cunard here.

Hurtigruten’s Black Friday Sale features up to 50% off the cruise line’s legendary Coastal Express itineraries on departures from December 2025 through October 2026.

HX Expeditions is offering 40% off select expedition cruises in 2025-2027.

Cruise Croatia is offering up to $1,000 off cruises to the Adriatic Coast.

Other Deals

Unforgettable Croatia is waiving the single supplement on luxury yacht cruises along the Adriatic Coast for all single cabin bookings on MV Memories.

Uniworld is also offering waived solo cruiser supplements to go along with 50% off cruises and free trip extensions.

Cruise Fever will continue to monitor all of the savings cruise lines are offering for Black Friday and will update this article as more lines release deals.