Disney Cruise Line revealed Disney Imagination as the first Disney ship planned to sail from Tokyo, Japan, beginning in spring 2029. This ship launch introduces Disney Cruise Line Japan, a cruise business operated by Oriental Land Co., Ltd., marking Disney’s entry into the Japanese cruise market.
Oriental Land Co., Ltd., which owns and manages Tokyo Disney Resort under licence from Disney, oversees Disney Cruise Line Japan. The cruise business represents a new extension of Oriental Land’s portfolio, leveraging its partnership with Disney to bring Disney’s cruise experiences directly to the Japanese market.
Announcement Ceremony in Tokyo
The ship’s name and launch plans were announced
at a ceremony held in Tokyo on October 19, 2026, attended by Yumiko Takano, Chairperson and CEO of Oriental Land Co., Ltd.; Ryotaro Shiiba, President of Oriental Land Cruise Co., Ltd.; Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences; and Tracy Wilson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line Operations.
Ship Design and Thematic Elements
Disney Imagination will join Disney Cruise Line’s Wish-class fleet. The ship will feature onboard entertainment, dining, and family-oriented activities consistent with the Disney Cruise Line brand. Its exterior design includes artwork on the stern depicting Ariel from The Little Mermaid, alongside the character Sebastian and others. The ship’s
name is creatively inscribed with a dinglehopper, symbolising the vessel’s themes of imagination, creativity, and exploration.
Disney Imagination is specifically designed to cater to Japanese and Asian guests by combining Disney’s storytelling and onboard experiences with a cruise experience tailored to the Japanese market.
Expansion into the Asian Cruise Market
Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences, highlighted the launch as a notable development in the company’s growth strategy, stating the announcement represents an expansion of Disney Cruise Line and its partnership with Oriental Land Group. She added, “We are honoured 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 launch of Disney Imagination will provide Japanese and other Asian cruise travellers with new Disney-themed options departing directly from Japan, increasing Disney Cruise Line’s footprint in the Asia region.
Details regarding the ship’s onboard facilities, entertainment programmes, and specific sailing itineraries will be disclosed at a later date.
