Disney Cruise Line has revealed key details about the Disney Believe ship, set to join the Wish class and debut late in 2027, at the 2026 D23 event. The ship’s design prominently features characters including Tinker Bell, Moana, and figures from Toy Story. Steel cutting for Disney Believe began on August 8, 2025, at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Disney Believe’s exterior includes a bow decorated with hand-painted filigree portraying Tinker Bell surrounded by silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael, Captain Hook, and Smee. The Grand Hall will showcase Polynesian themes centered on Moana, complete with a bronze
statue of the character alongside Pua and Heihei, featuring wave motifs and Polynesian design accents. The ship’s stern sculpture will depict Woody and Buzz Lightyear completing the ship’s name in oversized crayons, departing from the traditional script font with angled block lettering inspired by Toy Story.
New Ship Class Announced for 2029
At the same D23 presentation, Disney Cruise Line outlined plans for a new class of ships following Disney Believe. These three vessels, expected to launch starting in 2029, will be sized between the smaller classic ships and Disney’s larger recent vessels, including the Wish class. Each will measure about 100,000 gross tons and accommodate
roughly 3,000 passengers, making them 20% larger than the Disney Magic class but smaller than Disney Dream and Wish classes.
The new class will incorporate enhanced energy-efficient technologies such as streamlined hull designs, next-generation power and propulsion systems, battery integration, shore power capabilities, and adaptable fuel use including hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable methanol. Construction of these ships will also take place at Meyer Werft in Germany, commissioned by Disney Cruise Line to build the new series.
Creative Vision and Strategic Purpose
Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering, described Disney Believe as a ship celebrating “belief in magic, family, the power
of nature, and belief in yourself.” She stated all onboard stories will align around the core Disney theme of believing in the fantastical.
Weiss explained the new ship class will be sized “right in the middle of our classic ships and our newer ones,” allowing Disney Cruise Line to access new itineraries and reach audiences previously unavailable to the brand. The intermediate size offers opportunities to visit destinations less suitable for larger ships.
Fleet Expansion and Scheduling
Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet to 13 ships with the upcoming additions of Disney Believe in 2027 and the three new vessels launching from 2029.
This rise follows the introduction of ships such as Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and Disney Adventure. The fleet growth provides the company with diverse ship sizes and greater itinerary options.
Disney Believe’s full reveal is scheduled for a livestream event on October 7, 2026. While details on onboard features beyond key character themes, homeports, and itineraries remain undisclosed, this announcement marks a distinct phase in Disney Cruise Line’s ongoing expansion and environmental initiatives.
