When Disney Cruise Line transforms a ship into a floating Marvel universe, you expect Super Heroes, stunts, and fireworks. What you might not expect? An appearance from Stan Lee.
We were invited to sail aboard the Disney Magic out of Galveston for one of the first 2026 Marvel Day at Sea itineraries, where the classic vessel trades its traditional sea-day vibe for a full-scale superhero takeover.
Marvel Day at Sea is a one-day, shipwide celebration offered on select sailings. Held during a day at sea, the event features themed entertainment, character encounters, specialty menus, activities, and an elaborate nighttime deck show. For 2026 and 2027, these voyages depart from Galveston, Texas, with itineraries calling on Cozumel and/or Progreso, Mexico.
The day builds toward Marvel Heroes Unite, the nighttime stunt spectacular staged on the upper decks. The production includes fight choreography, special effects, pyrotechnics, and fireworks at sea. It also brings together an impressive lineup of Marvel characters – including Red Skull. This is the only place you can see this many Marvel characters together!
Just a few minutes into the nighttime show, a familiar face appears on the Funnel Vision. Stan Lee appears via pre-recorded video with a message from the ship’s bridge.
He tells everyone to just enjoy themselves — “don’t worry about a thing, because it looks like smooth sailing…” then the show’s real action starts.
Lee, who passed away in November 2018, filmed several cameo appearances prior to his death, including this segment created specifically for Marvel Day at Sea. His connection to the event dates back even further. In 2017, he appeared in a promotional video for the inaugural sailings, summoning his own heroes – Captain America, Iron Man, Star-Lord, Thor, and Spider-Man – to join him aboard the adventure at sea.
According to the Magic’s Cruise Director Anna, the ship brings on an additional 18 entertainment performers just for Marvel Day at Sea. Many appear throughout the day in atrium shows, deck performances, and meet-and-greets, all before returning for the stunt-filled nighttime spectacular. If you love Marvel (or if anyone in your travel party does), you cannot miss it!
Excelsior!
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