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Disney Believe Maiden Voyage Set for December 18, 2027, with First Encanto Musical

Disney Believe Maiden Voyage Set for December 2027 with 'Encanto' Musical
Image: Boat Wake by JJ Skys the Limit via stocksnap, cc0

Disney Cruise Line announced that its new ship, Disney Believe, will embark on its maiden voyage on December 18, 2027, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will be the ninth in the fleet and the fourth ship in the Wish class. It will introduce the first-ever stage musical based on Disney’s Encanto, featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda including “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure.” Booking for general travelers opens on October 19, 2026.

Itineraries and Destinations

The Disney Believe will operate four- and five-night cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale to destinations in the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

The itineraries include stops at Disney’s private islands, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The routes also feature a visit to Nassau. These cruises will connect guests to popular Caribbean destinations within roughly three hours of Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Vacation Club Early Booking Details

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members will have exclusive early access to booking select sailings beginning November 21, 2026, at 10:00am Eastern Time via phone, with special Member Services hours from 10:00am to 4:00pm ET that day. The first “First Wave” sailing available to DVC members is a five-night cruise departing Fort Lauderdale on January 5, 2028,

including stops at Disney Castaway Cay, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and Nassau. Normal Member Services operations resume at 9:00am ET on November 22, 2026.

Onboard Entertainment

Disney Believe will feature multiple new entertainment venues including the Encanto musical as its centerpiece stage production. Additional shows include “Tangled: The Musical” and “Disney Seas the Adventure.” The ship will also offer an adults-only live show venue called Gazelle, inspired by Zootopia, providing nighttime entertainment for grown-up guests. The Wishing Well will serve as a family gathering area themed on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The ship’s Grand Hall is Moana-themed, with

accompanying statuary of Moana and her companions.

Dining and Stateroom Themes

The dining options aboard Disney Believe include new venues such as Oaken’s Table, a Frozen-themed family dining restaurant; Sea Notes, a Little Mermaid-inspired piano lounge; Big Hero Sips and Café Kakamora, themed cafes reflecting Big Hero 6 and Moana; and Skygazers pub, styled as a magical observatory. Returning venues include the Haunted Mansion Parlor bar, Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, and The Rose lounge. The staterooms feature papercut-style artwork inspired by Moana, Coco, and The Lion King.

Children’s Facilities and Returning Fan Favorites

The ship provides dedicated children’s clubs and spaces such as Disney’s Oceaneer Club, It’s

a Small World Nursery, The Edge, Vibe, and The Hideaway for older children. These areas continue Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to family-friendly environments. Many popular venues from prior ships also return, preserving fan favorites alongside new experiences.

Fleet Expansion Context

The launch of Disney Believe advances Disney Cruise Line’s fleet expansion, joining Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny as part of the Wish-class series. Positioned as a flagship ship, Disney Believe combines exclusive entertainment, themed dining, and comprehensive children’s programming to attract families and Disney enthusiasts. The maiden voyage will initiate a series of cruises through at least May 2028, with itineraries

focused on Caribbean and Bahamian destinations.