Disney Cruise Line names 4th Wish-class ship Disney Believe ahead of 2027 debut

Disney Cruise Line has confirmed the name and initial design details of its next newbuild, with the Disney Believe set to join the fleet in late 2027.

The announcement was made during The Walt Disney Company’s 2026 Annual Shareholders Meeting, where Chief Executive Officer Josh D’Amaro outlined the next phase of expansion for the company’s cruise division.

Disney Believe will be the fourth vessel in the Wish-class series, following Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. Each ship in the class is built around a central narrative concept that informs its design, entertainment programme, and onboard spaces.

The new vessel will carry a theme focused on “promise and possibilities”, drawing on a range of Disney stories and characters.

According to Disney Cruise Line, the ship will incorporate elements from films including Encanto and Frozen, alongside references to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid.

The Wish-class ships represent a key part of Disney Cruise Line’s fleet development strategy, combining large-capacity vessels with a design approach centred on immersive storytelling.

The addition of Disney Believe forms part of a broader expansion programme that will significantly increase the size of the fleet over the coming years.

“There is more growth happening across Disney Experiences now than ever before in the company’s history,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

The expansion plan will see the fleet grow to 13 ships by 2031, with multiple vessels already confirmed or under construction. Among these is Disney Adventure, which recently entered service from Singapore, as well as a new class of ships scheduled for introduction in 2029.

Disney Cruise Line is also progressing plans to enter the Japanese cruise market through an agreement with Oriental Land Co., Ltd., which will see Disney-branded cruise operations launched in the country from 2029.

The introduction of Disney Believe continues the company’s steady expansion in both capacity and geographic reach, with new ships designed to support deployment across multiple regions.

While specific itineraries for the vessel have not yet been announced, Wish-class ships have typically operated in the Caribbean and Bahamas, often incorporating visits to Disney’s private island destinations.

The naming of the ship reflects the broader thematic direction of the project, with the company positioning the vessel around storytelling elements tied to aspiration and personal journeys.

The Wish-class programme has marked a shift in Disney Cruise Line’s approach to ship design, with each vessel differentiated through its narrative concept rather than a uniform onboard layout.

Further details on onboard features, itineraries and deployment for Disney Believe are expected to be released closer to the ship’s delivery date in 2027.