Disney Cruise Line announced the launch of its new ship, Disney Believe, with a maiden voyage scheduled for December 18, 2027, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship will embark on 4- and 5-night itineraries traveling to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Entertainment Highlights Include First ‘Encanto’ Musical Onboard
The Disney Believe will present the world’s first stage adaptation of the “Encanto” musical in its Walt Disney Theatre. Other exclusive entertainment venues include Oaken’s Table, a Frozen-themed family dining experience, and the Sea Notes piano lounge inspired by The Little Mermaid. Additional themed cafes and lounges, such as Big Hero Sips, Café Kakamora,
and the Skygazers pub, will provide distinct dining and entertainment options for guests.
Ship Design Features Moana-Themed Grand Hall and Iconic Character Art
The ship’s centerpiece, the Grand Hall, will feature a bronze statue of Moana with her companions Pua and Heihei, capturing the spirit of exploration from the Moana films. Exterior decorations include large sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story on the stern creating the ship’s name in the franchise’s block-type font. The bow will showcase a hand-painted filigree of Tinker Bell surrounded by silhouettes of Peter Pan characters, continuing Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of character-themed hull artwork.
Leadership and Construction Milestones at Meyer Werft Shipyard
Trent Hitchcock, a Disney Cruise Line veteran with
nearly two decades of experience, was named the opening Cruise Director for Disney Believe. The ship is being built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where construction milestones include the float out of the first “gigablock” section in mid-September 2026 and a keel laying ceremony featuring a custom minted coin of Tinker Bell to bestow good fortune.
Booking Dates and Itinerary Overview
The booking window for Disney Believe’s inaugural season will open on October 19, 2026. Tiered Castaway Club members will have access to bookings beginning October 12, 2026. The ship’s early itineraries will include cruises to Disney’s private islands, Disney Castaway Cay
and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Guest Experience on the Maiden Voyage
Guests sailing on Disney Believe’s maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale will experience innovative entertainment and dining tied to beloved Disney stories. 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.” The ship will continue Disney Cruise Line’s fleet expansion following the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny vessels in the Wish class.
