Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, Disney Believe, the fourth vessel in the Wish class series, is under construction at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, with its first gigablock floated out and the keel laying ceremony completed. The ship is designed to integrate large themed entertainment and dining venues featuring Disney films.
Disney Believe is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 18, 2027. Initial itineraries will include 4- and 5-night cruises to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas, making stops at Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay and the
newly opened Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Entertainment and Signature Shows
The ship will debut the world’s first stage adaptation of the Encanto musical in the Walt Disney Theatre, marking a new onboard entertainment milestone. Additional featured shows and themed entertainment include reimagined Frozen dining at Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast, a Wishing Well lounge inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and an elegant Sea Notes piano bar referencing The Little Mermaid. Disney Believe will also include new venues highlighting Pixar’s Coco, Moana, The Lion King, Inside Out 2, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia stories.
Themed Venues and Dining
The ship’s Grand Hall, inspired
by Moana, will showcase a bronze statue of Moana with Pua and Heihei, accompanied by Polynesian-themed design elements. Unique dining and bar venues onboard include Big Hero Sips and Café Kakamora cafés based on Big Hero 6 and Moana, a Gazelle live show hub themed around Zootopia, and the Inside Out: Joyful Sweets confectionary. Traditional adult and dining spaces such as Palo Steakhouse, the Haunted Mansion Parlor bar, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, and The Rose lounge will also be present.
Key Personnel and Construction Milestones
Trent Hitchcock, with nearly 20 years of Disney Cruise Line experience and a decade as a cruise director, has
been named the opening cruise director for Disney Believe. Hitchcock has served on all other Wish class ships except Disney Adventure and expressed pride in leading entertainment aboard the new vessel. Construction includes assembling large gigablocks; the first segment contains the midship and the Grand Hall. A traditional keel laying ceremony was conducted using a custom coin depicting Tinker Bell, whose image will be hand-painted on the ship’s bow as part of its exterior artwork.
Official Statements and Guest Experience
Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director for Disney Cruise Line, described the ship as celebrating belief in magic, family, nature, and oneself, connecting all onboard
stories through Disney’s core theme of believing in the fantastical. Hitchcock stated, “Bringing a new ship to life is a special time and being the opening cruise director to close the Wish class is an honor and a privilege,” adding he looks forward to sharing the Disney Believe with guests.
Passengers booking the maiden voyage will experience exclusive entertainment and themed dining options unavailable on other Disney ships. Youth and children’s activities will include Disney’s Oceaneer Club, It’s a Small World Nursery, the Edge, Vibe, and The Hideaway, while adults can enjoy the Gazelle live show venue inspired by Zootopia.
Booking access begins for Disney’s Castaway Club members on October 12, 2026, and general bookings open October 19, 2026.
