On October 19, 2026, Disney Cruise Line officially announced at a ceremony in Tokyo that its new ship, the Disney Imagination, will begin service from Japan in spring 2029. Key attendees of the event included 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.
The Disney Imagination will be the first Disney cruise ship scheduled to sail from Japan. It will operate from Tokyo under Disney Cruise Line Japan,
a Disney-branded cruise business managed by Oriental Land Co., Ltd., and join Disney Cruise Line’s Wish-class fleet.
Oriental Land Co., Ltd. manages Disney Cruise Line Japan and also owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort under licence from Disney. This launch expands Disney Cruise Line’s presence in Asia through its longstanding partnership with Oriental Land Group.
The ship’s design theme centers on imagination, creativity, and exploration. Its stern will depict Ariel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Little Mermaid alongside Sebastian and other characters.
This launch marks Disney Cruise Line’s entry into the Japanese cruise market and extends its brand presence
in Asia through collaboration with Oriental Land Group.
Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences, said, “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.”
Starting in spring 2029, travelers in Japan will have a dedicated Disney cruise ship, Disney Imagination, sailing from Tokyo, offering an opportunity for local guests to enjoy Disney vacations at sea.
Specific itineraries, onboard amenities, and the ship’s size have not yet been disclosed.
