Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, Disney Believe, is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage on December 18, 2027, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bookings will open on October 19, 2026, allowing guests to reserve 4- and 5-night cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean destinations, including stops at Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Encanto Musical and Entertainment Offerings
The Disney Believe will debut the first-ever stage adaptation of the Disney Animation film Encanto onboard, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s original songs. Additional entertainment will include musical productions of Tangled and Disney Seas the Adventure. The ship will host
themed venues and shows inspired by Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, The Little Mermaid, Inside Out 2, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia. Adult guests can experience night entertainment at Gazelle, a venue inspired by Zootopia.
Construction Progress and Keel Laying Ceremony
Disney Believe is being assembled at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where the first of three gigablocks was floated out in mid-September 2026. The keel laying ceremony has been completed, featuring a custom minted coin depicting Tinker Bell placed under the ship’s keel, following maritime tradition to bring good fortune. Construction of the second gigablock is underway as the ship’s
build advances.
Opening Cruise Director and Preparations
Trent Hitchcock, with nearly 20 years at Disney Cruise Line and ten years as a cruise director, will serve as the opening Cruise Director for Disney Believe’s maiden voyage. Hitchcock has worked on every Disney Cruise Line ship except the Disney Adventure and was part of the opening team for the Disney Destiny. He 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.” Hitchcock will be onsite at the Meyer Werft Shipyard prior to the ship’s debut to prepare
entertainment programming.
Thematic Design and Artwork
Disney Believe’s Grand Hall is themed to Moana and will feature a bronze cast statue of Moana accompanied by her companions, Pua and Heihei. The ship’s exterior will showcase large sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear on the stern, using yellow crayons to form the ship’s name. The bow will carry hand-painted filigree artwork of Tinker Bell, flanked by characters Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook. Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, described the ship’s theme as a celebration of belief in magic, family, nature, and self-belief.
Itinerary and Routes
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Disney Believe will offer 4- and
5-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Voyages include visits to Disney-owned private islands: Castaway Cay and the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. These routes integrate signature Disney Cruise Line shore excursions and onboard recreation.
Dining and Onboard Experiences
The ship’s family dining options include Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast, a venue themed around Frozen. Sea Notes piano lounge will pay tribute to The Little Mermaid, while Big Hero Sips and Café Kakamora will reflect themes from Big Hero 6 and Moana, respectively. Skygazers pub offers a magical observatory ambiance for adult guests. Children’s clubs will include Disney’s Oceaneer Club,
It’s a Small World Nursery, and youth clubs such as the Edge, Vibe, and The Hideaway.
Returning Venues on Disney Believe
The Disney Believe will feature returning guest amenities like the Haunted Mansion Parlor bar, Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, and The Rose lounge. These venues have been popular on previous Disney ships and enhance the ship’s mix of familiar and new experiences for passengers.
