Disney Cruise Line is building its fourth Wish-class ship, Disney Believe, at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, scheduled for its maiden voyage departing December 18, 2027, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship’s construction involves assembling large gigablocks that can weigh over 31,000 tons each, with the first midship section recently floated out of the dock.
Entertainment Highlights Include First-Ever Encanto Musical
The Disney Believe will feature the world’s first stage musical adaptation of Disney Animation’s Encanto, debuting in its Walt Disney Theatre. Additional stage productions include Tangled: The Musical and Disney Seas the Adventure. The vessel will also host Gazelle, an
adult-only nighttime entertainment venue inspired by Disney’s Zootopia films.
Dining and Themed Experiences Onboard
The ship offers 10 restaurants, including new venues like Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast, a Frozen-inspired family dining experience. Other food and beverage options include the Sea Notes piano lounge themed on The Little Mermaid, Big Hero Sips and Café Kakamora reflecting Big Hero 6 and Moana, and Skygazers pub designed as a magical observatory. Returning favorites Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement will also be available. Staterooms will showcase papercut-style artwork influenced by Moana, Pixar’s Coco, and The Lion King. Family amenities include Disney’s Oceaneer Club and
the It’s a Small World Nursery.
Leadership and Guest Experience
Trent Hitchcock has been named the opening cruise director for Disney Believe’s maiden voyage. He has worked with Disney Cruise Line for nearly 20 years, including serving as cruise director for 10 years and participating in the openings of multiple ships like Disney Destiny. Hitchcock leads over 200 crew members to oversee entertainment offerings ranging from deck parties and fireworks at sea to youth activities and Broadway-style shows. He expressed enthusiasm about shaping the ship’s entertainment from its earliest stages and described the opportunity as an honor.
Exterior Art and Keel Laying Ceremony
Distinctive character sculptures and artwork adorn Disney
Believe’s exterior. Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story are depicted painting the ship’s name on the stern in block-style font. The bow features Tinker Bell along with silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook from the 1953 Peter Pan film. The ship’s keel laying ceremony, a maritime tradition dating to ancient Greece and Rome, involved placing a custom-minted coin featuring Tinker Bell under the keel to bring good luck to the vessel and crew.
Travelers can book sailings beginning in late 2027 to experience the new entertainment including the first Encanto musical, themed staterooms, and diverse dining options
reflecting Disney’s stories. The Disney Believe continues Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of integrating storytelling and immersive design throughout its fleet.
Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, stated the ship honors themes of belief in magic, family, nature, and self-confidence, tying the onboard storylines to Disney’s core idea of believing in the fantastical.
Trent Hitchcock said: “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. I can’t wait to share the Disney Believe with all our guests.” He also remarked on the joy
of leading entertainment that guests experience through their children’s eyes.
