Disney Cruise Line has officially pulled back the curtain on the upcoming Disney Believe. The line offered eager travelers a first look at the new restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues, and themed spaces. These areas will define the fleet’s newest vessel. Tracy Wilson, senior vice president of Disney Cruise Line, announced the details during a special presentation aboard the Disney Wish. The reveal also locked in key operational details for the ship’s debut.
The Disney Believe is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage on December 18, 2027. It will sail out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During its inaugural season, the ship will operate a series of four- and five-night cruises. These routes will open up new tropical itineraries for families and cruise enthusiasts.
New Themed Venues and Fan-Favorite Storytelling
As the fourth and final ship in the popular Wish-class, the Disney Believe will build upon the architectural foundation of its sister ships. It will also introduce distinct narrative concepts. Disney Imagineers have designed several brand-new venues inspired by beloved cinematic universes, including The Little Mermaid and Frozen.
Among the standout spaces announced are:
- Sea Notes: A sophisticated piano bar heavily inspired by the musicality and aquatic atmosphere of The Little Mermaid.
- Oaken’s Table: A family-friendly dining and entertainment venue rooted in the Frozen universe. It comes complete with appearances by Oaken’s family band.
- The Grand Hall: Anchored by a bronze cast statue of Moana alongside Pua and Heihei. This central gathering space blends South Pacific stylization with artisanal Polynesian finishes.
Exterior Art and Construction Milestones
Carrying forward long-standing fleet traditions, the exterior of the Disney Believe features unique character designs. The stern will showcase larger-than-life sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Pixar’s Toy Story. They will humorously work together with giant yellow crayons to write the ship’s name in a custom block-style font. Meanwhile, the bow will feature a hand-detailed filigree of Tinker Bell from the 1953 animated classic Peter Pan. This art is flanked by flying silhouettes of Peter, Wendy, and Captain Hook.
Construction on the 144,000-gross-ton vessel is actively underway at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The ship recently reached major milestones. These include the float-out of its first massive gigablock and a traditional keel laying ceremony. The ceremony featured a custom-minted Tinker Bell coin designed to bestow good fortune on the future crew and passengers.
Leadership and Fleet Integration
To steer the onboard experience, Disney Cruise Line has named Trent Hitchcock as the opening Cruise Director for the Disney Believe. With nearly two decades of experience with the cruise line, Hitchcock will lead a team of more than 200 crew members. He will oversee entertainment, deck parties, youth programming, and Broadway-style stage productions.
When it sets sail in late 2027, the Disney Believe will become the ninth ship in the expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet. It joins a lineup that emphasizes themes of magic, family, nature, and personal empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Disney Believe
When is the maiden voyage of the Disney Believe?
The Disney Believe is scheduled to set sail on its official maiden voyage on December 18, 2027.
Where will the Disney Believe depart from?
The ship will homeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will offer a series of four- and five-night itineraries.
What class of ship is the Disney Believe?
The Disney Believe is the fourth and final Wish-class ship built for Disney Cruise Line. It joins the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny.
What new dining and lounge venues have been announced?
Announced venues include Sea Notes, a piano bar inspired by The Little Mermaid. They also include Oaken’s Table, a Frozen-themed dining and entertainment space featuring Oaken’s family band.
Who is the opening Cruise Director for the ship?
Trent Hitchcock is a nearly 20-year veteran of Disney Cruise Line. He has worked across almost the entire fleet and will serve as the opening Cruise Director.
