Disney Cruise Line will launch its newest ship, Disney Believe, with a maiden voyage departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on December 18, 2027. This vessel marks the fourth ship in Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class, joining Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny.
Entertainment Features Include First-Ever Encanto Musical
The Disney Believe will present the first-ever stage musical adaptation of Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” on the Walt Disney Theatre. The musical features songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, including “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure.” Additional stage shows onboard will include “Tangled: The Musical” and “Disney Seas the Adventure.” New venues inspired by
Disney and Pixar properties are part of the ship’s entertainment offerings, such as Oaken’s Table—a dining venue themed around “Frozen”—Sea Notes piano lounge inspired by “The Little Mermaid,” cafés named Big Hero Sips and Café Kakamora, and Skygazers, a pub styled as a magical observatory. An adult-only entertainment space named Gazelle, inspired by “Zootopia,” will also be available. Wishing Well, a central gathering space themed on “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” is another key feature, alongside children’s clubs including Disney’s Oceaneer Club, It’s a Small World Nursery, The Edge, Vibe, and The Hideaway.
Construction Milestones at Meyer Werft Shipyard, Germany
The Disney Believe is being built
at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. By mid-September 2026, the first of three large ship sections, known as gigablocks, was completed and floated out. The midship gigablock includes the Grand Hall and represents the initial major construction phase. Work has begun on the second gigablock, which will form the forward section, followed by the aft section. A keel laying ceremony took place involving a commemorative coin featuring Tinker Bell, which symbolizes good fortune and mirrors the ship’s bow artwork.
Ship Design and Artwork Reflect Disney Classics
The Disney Believe’s Grand Hall is themed around Disney Animation’s “Moana,” featuring a bronze statue of Moana alongside her
companions Pua and Heihei. Polynesian-inspired artisanal finishes pay tribute to the South Pacific setting of the film. The ship’s exterior includes large sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Pixar’s “Toy Story” on the stern, depicted writing the ship’s name in block-style letters. The bow showcases hand-painted filigree artwork of Tinker Bell and characters from “Peter Pan.” Other venues continue Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of immersive storytelling through character-driven design.
Trent Hitchcock Named Opening Cruise Director
Disney Cruise Line appointed Trent Hitchcock as the opening Cruise Director for Disney Believe. Hitchcock has been with Disney Cruise Line nearly 20 years and served as a cruise director
for 10 years, including working on all ships except Disney Adventure. He also was part of the opening team for Disney Destiny. Hitchcock will lead the entertainment, youth activities, and recreational programming as the ship launches and through its inaugural season. He will travel to the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany ahead of the maiden voyage to oversee preparations.
Cruise Experience and Itineraries
Passengers on the Disney Believe will embark on 4- and 5-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean and Bahamas. The sailings will include stops at Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The ship returns classic dining venues
such as Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, The Rose lounge, and the Haunted Mansion Parlor bar. The combination of family-friendly activities and adult-only experiences aims to serve guests of all ages.
Booking Information and Official Statements
Castaway Club members can book reservations for Disney Believe’s inaugural season starting October 12, 2026, with general bookings opening on October 19, 2026. The ship’s central themes celebrate belief in magic, family, nature, and self-confidence. Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, described the ship as uniting all onboard stories around the Disney notion of believing in something fantastical. Trent Hitchcock called his role “an honor and a
privilege” and expressed excitement to share Disney Believe with guests.
