Disney Cruise Line Unveils Disney Believe, Set to Sail in 2027

Disney Cruise Line unveiled the name and theme of its fourth Wish-class ship, the Disney Believe, during The Walt Disney Company’s 2026 Annual Shareholders Meeting on March 18. Announced by CEO Josh D’Amaro on his first day leading the company, the newbuild is scheduled to enter service in late 2027.

Disney Cruise Line described the Disney Believe as a tribute to “dreamers and doers” pursuing their own “happily ever after,” with a shipwide creative direction intended to shape onboard storytelling, design, and guest experiences.

What Disney has shared about the ship’s creative direction

Disney said the Disney Believe’s signature motif will focus on “promise and possibilities,” centered on characters who trust in themselves and their dreams. The cruise line said the theme will be reflected across the ship, including live shows, rotational dining themes, stateroom decor, and lounges.

Disney also said guests will encounter worlds and stories drawn from Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid integrated throughout the onboard experience, from decor to entertainment and dining. The company has not yet detailed which venues, shows, or dining concepts will be tied to each title.

How Disney Believe fits into the Wish-class lineup

The Disney Believe is set to become the ninth ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet and the fourth in the Wish class. Disney has framed the Wish-class ships around a defining motif that influences entertainment, public spaces, and venue concepts.

The existing trio includes the enchantment-themed Disney Wish, the adventure-themed Disney Treasure, and the heroes-and-villains-inspired Disney Destiny. Disney is positioning the Disney Believe as the next chapter in that lineup, with its “promise and possibilities” theme serving as the creative backbone for the guest environment.

Key operational details that remain unannounced

While Disney has confirmed the ship’s name, class, and theme, it has not released an inaugural sailing date, homeport, or itinerary details for the Disney Believe. Disney also has not shared design renderings, technical specifications, or information on how the ship’s featured stories will translate into specific programming.

Fleet growth plans through 2031, and what is already sailing

The Disney Believe is part of a broader expansion plan in which Disney expects its cruise fleet to reach 13 ships by 2031, up from today’s eight-ship operation. Recent capacity growth includes the Disney Adventure, a Global Class ship with a capacity of 6,700 passengers, which was christened on March 4 and began its maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10.

Disney Adventure is being used as a showcase for new onboard concepts, including themed spaces such as San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea, and new Broadway-style entertainment. Disney also said actor Robert Downey Jr. participated in the ship’s ceremonial blessing for good fortune.

• Late 2027: Disney Believe is scheduled to enter service as the fourth Wish-class ship.
• 2029: Disney plans to debut a new mid-size ship class.
• 2029: Disney also has an agreement with Oriental Land Co., Ltd. to bring Disney cruise operations to Japan beginning in 2029.
• By 2031: Disney has said Disney Cruise Line’s fleet is expected to grow to 13 ships.

Demand signals Disney executives have highlighted

Disney executives have pointed to strong demand as new ships come online. Disney Cruise Line has been reported as more than 80% booked for the 2026 fiscal year, and D’Amaro has said 40% of Disney Cruise Line guests are new to cruising because Disney operates in the market.

“Our ambition in this space [is] delivering more ships to more destinations [with] more stories,” D’Amaro said in a phone interview conducted days before the Disney Destiny’s christening.

With the Disney Believe targeted for a late-2027 debut, Disney’s next major milestone will be releasing launch plans for the ship, including its first season, where it will be based, and when bookings will open.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will the Disney Believe start sailing?

Disney Cruise Line has said the Disney Believe is expected to enter service in late 2027, but an exact inaugural sailing date has not been announced. Disney also has not yet released the ship’s homeport or itinerary details.

What is the Disney Believe’s theme?

Disney Cruise Line said the Disney Believe’s signature motif will focus on “promise and possibilities,” intended to shape shipwide storytelling and design. Disney said the onboard experience will incorporate stories including Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid.

How does the Disney Believe differ from its sister ships?

Each Wish-class ship has its own defining motif that guides onboard concepts and atmosphere. Disney has described Disney Wish as enchantment-themed, Disney Treasure as adventure-themed, and Disney Destiny as built around heroes and villains, while Disney Believe will emphasize “promise and possibilities,” with a focus on “dreamers and doers” pursuing their own “happily ever after.”

How many ships will Disney Cruise Line have by 2031?

Disney has said its cruise fleet is expected to grow to 13 ships by 2031. Beyond the Disney Believe, Disney has also outlined a new mid-size ship class debuting in 2029 and an agreement with Oriental Land Co., Ltd. to bring Disney cruise operations to Japan beginning in 2029.