Disney Cruise Line and Oriental Land Cruise, Ltd. unveiled Disney Imagination as the name of their first Wish-class vessel on October 14, 2026. The ship is scheduled to launch from Tokyo in spring 2029, marking the first Disney cruise ship based year-round in Japan.
Operating Partnership and Announcement in Tokyo
Disney Imagination will be operated by Oriental Land Cruise, Ltd., a subsidiary of Oriental Land Company (OLC), which holds the license to own and operate Tokyo Disney Resort. The announcement event in Tokyo included OLC Chairperson and CEO Yumiko Takano, Oriental Land Cruise President Ryotaro Shiiba, Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences, and Disney Cruise
Line’s Tracy Wilson.
Ship Specifications and Design Influences
The approximately 140,000 gross ton Disney Imagination will accommodate about 4,000 guests in roughly 1,250 staterooms, staffed by a crew of approximately 1,500. The design is based on the Disney Wish, which entered service in 2022, but modified to suit preferences of the Japanese market. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas, reflecting environmental considerations in cruise ship propulsion.
Onboard Features and Theming
Continuing Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of featuring a Disney character on the ship’s stern, Disney Imagination will display Ariel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Little Mermaid on its rear, accompanied by Sebastian and other characters
from beneath the sea. The ship offers over 30 dining and beverage venues, including three main dining restaurants, cafes, and bars. Entertainment options include stage productions in a theater seating more than 1,300 guests, outdoor deck shows featuring Disney Characters, multiple activity locations, and character greetings.
Itineraries, Pricing, and Target Market
Deploying primarily from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, the ship will offer short cruises spanning two to four nights. Pricing for common stateroom categories is expected to range from ¥100,000 ($645) to ¥300,000 ($1,935) per person. The cruise experience targets families, younger guests, and international travelers visiting Japan.
The development represents a total investment
of ¥290 billion ($1.87 billion), supplemented by ¥40 billion ($258 million) in contingency funds, calculated at an exchange rate of ¥155 per dollar.
Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences, described the announcement as a key milestone for Disney Cruise Line and its ongoing collaboration with Oriental Land Group. She stated, “We are honored to extend the magic of Disney cruising to fans in new markets and create opportunities for Japanese guests to experience a Disney vacation at sea.”
The Disney Imagination project follows a July 2024 announcement detailing the creation of Disney Cruise Line Japan and its first ship.
The initiative reflects long-standing cooperation between Disney and Oriental Land Group to bring Disney cruise vacations to the Japanese market.
