By Donnell Suggs
The Atlanta Voice
THE ATLANTA VOICE – The first Disney-related character you see upon boarding the Disney Destiny and entering the grand hall of the latest addition to the global entertainment company’s fleet of cruise ships, is Black, strong, magnificent in stature, and representative of the hopes and dreams of Black comic book and Marvel fans the world over.
T’Challa, the Black Panther, King of Wakanda. The statue looms large over any other character depictions on the ship. He is standing with his shoulders back, his fist balled up, ready for battle if necessary. At his feet is a panther in mid-stride, equally ready to pounce if that’s what the situation calls for. The statue is beautiful. It is also overwhelmingly brilliant.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice.
The physical image of the Black Panther as the premier representative on a ship which features heroes and villains says so much more than any words can best describe. Representation matters, and for the children of all races and adults who board the Disney Destiny going forward, the Black Panther will be the representation that they see.
There are other Disney heroes and villains represented on Destiny as well. Portraits of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Mulan, Hercules, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Frozone, can be found through the ship’s many hallways and stairways. All kinds of representations of heroes live on this ship.
T’Challa, the Black Panther, stands guard in the grand hall of the Disney Destiny. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice.
On Deck 3, however, there is a set of small paintings that further set the tone of representation. There are six in total, and though colorful, their blackness shines through the brightest of all. The paintings are of African warrior tribes. Some of the warriors carry spears and wear masks. Others have people carrying small children in their arms. All are families bonding generations to one another.
Near the concierge desk is another depiction of the Black Panther. He can be seen several times on the ship, including on the way to the restaurant, World of Marvel. In this landscape painting, the Black Panther stands atop a boulder; to his left and right are the Dora Milaje, the all-female royal corps of warriors. This portrait can be taken directly from the screens of the Black Panther films and pages of the modern comic books. It’s beautiful.
The Disney Destiny will provide guests with a top-notch cruise experience, and the quality service that Disney provides at its parks, hotel properties, and on cruise ships.
That said, destiny can also be described as destiny fulfilled. The level of representation on this ship speaks louder than any other I have witnessed in five years of covering the brand. It’s loud, proud, and at least in this instance, very Black and beautiful.
