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Robert Downey Jr. named godparent of Disney Adventure, the cruise line's largest ship

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel on

Published in Entertainment News

ORLANDO, Fla. — Actor Robert Downey Jr. has been named the godparent of the Disney Adventure, the newest and largest ship in the cruise line’s fleet, with capacity for 6,700 passengers. The 208,000-gross-ton vessel, the first in Disney’s Global class, is set for its maiden voyage out of Singapore on March 10.

Downey is best known for his portrayal of Tony Stark and Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.

“Our new ship continues Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of bringing great stories to life at sea, and we are honored that Robert Downey Jr., who has guided audiences through unforgettable Marvel stories, is the official godparent for the Disney Adventure,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences and incoming CEO of Walt Disney Co., in a news release.

Downey’s tenure as Tony Stark and Iron Man culminated in “Avengers: Endgame,” which amassed more than $2.79 billion at the global box office. The actor was named an official Disney Legend in 2019 and will now star as Doctor Doom in Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday,” which lands in theaters this December.

The Disney Adventure features seven themed zones, including one called Marvel Landing on the ship’s upper deck. The area highlights Marvel through three attractions: Groot Galaxy Spin, Pym Quantum Racers and Ironcycle Test Run, the first roller coaster on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

In the open-air Disney Imagination Garden, the “Avengers Assemble!” stage show will feature stunts, special effects and battles between Marvel heroes and villains. Inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, the Marvel WEB Workshop has areas for young cruisers to try hero suit prototypes and conduct training simulations.

 

“It’s impossible to describe the majesty of the Adventure, and to be its godparent is an honor. As the largest ship in the Disney fleet, a gargantuan blessing must be bestowed … I’ll do my darndest,” Downey said.

Appointing a godparent and christening a new ship is a maritime tradition that dates back centuries and is believed to bring good fortune before a maiden voyage.

The Disney Adventure — which will sail three- and four-night itineraries in the South China Sea — stopped in Port Canaveral last month before continuing through the Panama Canal on its long journey to Asia.

The new vessel is Disney’s eighth ship to come online, with five more ships coming by 2031, bringing the total fleet to 13. A fourth Wish-class ship is expected next year, followed by the introduction of a new class of ships in 2029. That same year, Disney plans to introduce cruise vacations to Japan.


©2026 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

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