Disney Cruise Line has announced the launch date and departure port for its upcoming new ship, Disney Believe, scheduled for its maiden voyage on December 18, 2027, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship is being constructed at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, as the fourth vessel in Disney’s Wish-class fleet, alongside Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. Construction milestones include the float out of the first gigablock in mid-September 2026 and a symbolic keel laying ceremony featuring a Tinker Bell coin under the ship’s keel.
Entertainment and Themed Venues on Disney Believe
Disney Believe will premiere the world’s first stage adaptation of
the Encanto musical in its Walt Disney Theatre. The ship’s entertainment offerings extend to several uniquely themed spaces, including Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast, an immersive dining experience inspired by Frozen, a Snow White-themed Wishing Well lounge, and Sea Notes, a piano bar paying tribute to The Little Mermaid. The ship’s Grand Hall takes inspiration from Moana, featuring a bronze statue of Moana with her companions Pua and Heihei, surrounded by design elements reflecting Polynesian culture. Additional entertainment themes incorporate stories from Inside Out 2, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia.
Key Personnel and Creative Direction
Trent Hitchcock, a Disney Cruise Line veteran with nearly
two decades of experience and a decade as a cruise director, will serve as the opening Cruise Director aboard Disney Believe. Hitchcock has been part of Disney Cruise Line’s fleet operations on all but one ship and will oversee onboard entertainment, youth activities, and guest experiences during the ship’s initial season. Portfolio Executive Creative Director Claire Weiss emphasized that Disney Believe celebrates belief in magic, family, nature, and oneself, with all onboard stories connected by the theme of believing in the fantastical.
Ship Construction Details and Symbolism
The Disney Believe is assembled from large modular sections known as gigablocks, each containing completed infrastructure such as
wiring and plumbing. The keel laying ceremony, a maritime tradition to bring good fortune, featured a specially minted coin depicting Tinker Bell, whose image will also adorn the ship’s bow. Sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story will decorate the ship’s stern, engraving the ship’s name in the franchise’s block-style lettering instead of the usual Disney Cruise Line calligraphy.
Booking Information and Voyage Details
Bookings for Disney Believe’s inaugural season will open on October 19, 2026, with an exclusive booking window for Castaway Club members beginning October 12, 2026. The ship will offer four- and five-night cruises to Western Caribbean and Bahamian destinations,
including Disney’s private islands Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Family-oriented facilities will include Disney’s Oceaneer Club, It’s a Small World Nursery, and dedicated teen spaces, complementing the ship’s broad range of themed entertainment and dining options.
