Disney Cruise Line officially revealed extensive new details regarding the Disney Believe on October 7, 2026. The announcement outlined plans for its late-2027 debut, homeport, itineraries, dining options, and immersive entertainment venues shaped by classic Disney stories. The reveal was livestreamed directly through Disney Parks social channels at 4:30 p.m. ET, while guests aboard the Disney Wish watched live from Funnel Vision, Wonderland Cinema, and their staterooms.
As the fourth vessel in Disney Cruise Line’s expanding Wish class, the Disney Believe follows the Disney Wish (2022), Disney Treasure (2024), and Disney Destiny (2025). The vessel represents a major milestone in the fleet expansion, bringing the total number of operating ships to nine when it launches.
Design Motif and Theming of the Disney Believe
Announced initially during The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders by CEO Josh D’Amaro, the Disney Believe measures approximately 144,000 gross tons and is 1,119 feet (341 meters) long. It accommodates up to 4,000 passengers across 1,254 staterooms, supported by roughly 1,555 crew members. Like its sister ships, it runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
According to Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, the ship centers on the theme of “promise and possibilities,” celebrating magic, family, nature, and self-belief. The ship features characters from beloved franchises, including:
- Encanto and Frozen
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (featuring iconic wishing wells)
- Moana and The Little Mermaid
Exterior Artistry and Iconic Spaces
The Disney Believe incorporates traditional character artwork across its exterior, maintaining long-standing Disney Cruise Line design customs:
The Moana-Inspired Grand Hall
Serving as the central gathering hub aboard Wish-class vessels, the Grand Hall of the Disney Believe draws inspiration from Disney Animation’s Moana. The space features artisanal Polynesian finishes honoring regional cultural traditions. At the center stands a bronze cast statue of Moana, alongside her companions Pua and Heihei, gazing toward the horizon.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear on the Stern
Breaking away from the traditional script used for naming previous ships, the stern of the Disney Believe features larger-than-life sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Pixar’s Toy Story. The duo works together to write the ship’s name using giant yellow crayons in a block-style font.
Tinker Bell Bow Filigree
Following cruise line tradition, the hand-painted bow filigree features Tinker Bell as she appeared in the 1953 classic Peter Pan. She is accompanied by silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, and other characters flying through swirling floral designs.
Construction Progress and Leadership
Construction on hull number s.723 is underway at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Following a traditional steel-cutting ceremony on August 8, 2025, the first major milestone occurred on September 18, 2026, when the 31,000-ton midship gigablock floated out of the building dock. Shortly after, the shipyard hosted a keel-laying ceremony featuring a custom-minted coin engraved with Tinker Bell.
Disney Cruise Line also announced that Trent Hitchcock will serve as the opening Cruise Director for the Disney Believe. With nearly 20 years of experience with the cruise line, including serving as opening cruise director for the Disney Destiny, Hitchcock will lead a team of over 200 crew members managing onboard entertainment, recreation, and youth activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Disney Believe
When will the Disney Believe officially set sail?
The Disney Believe is scheduled to make its maiden voyage and official debut in late 2027.
Where is the Disney Believe being built?
The ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
What class of ship is the Disney Believe?
It is the fourth ship in Disney Cruise Line’s popular Wish class, joining the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny.
Who are the featured characters on the bow and stern?
Tinker Bell decorates the bow filigree, while Woody and Buzz Lightyear are featured in sculptural artwork writing the ship’s name on the stern.
Who is the opening Cruise Director?
Trent Hitchcock, a seasoned Disney Cruise Line veteran with nearly two decades of service and multiple ship launches under his belt, will lead the entertainment team as the opening Cruise Director.
