Disney Cruise Line gave fans a first look at its new class of ships during the Disney Experiences Showcase at Horizons: A Carousel of Progress. The reveal confirms the next chapter for the growing fleet, with three new ships set to debut in 2029.
Disney first announced the fleet expansion at D23 back in 2024. That plan brings the total fleet to 13 ships. Before the new class arrives, Disney Believe joins the lineup in late 2027 as the fourth ship in the Wish class.
Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, shared new information about the ships during the showcase, alongside host Neil Patrick Harris. She said the new class sits between the classic ships and the newer vessels in size. In practical terms, that means bigger than Disney Wonder, but smaller than Disney Wish.
"That gives us some amazing opportunities to visit new places and reach brand new audiences we haven't before," Weiss told the audience.
Disney hasn't shared many other details yet. But the size places these ships in a spot that could open up new ports and itineraries not currently possible with the larger newer ships.
New Disney Believe Details Revealed
Along with the new ship class reveal, Disney shared fresh details about the Disney Believe, which sets sail in late 2027. The ship's entertainment and venues draw from some of Disney's most popular stories, including Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid.
The Grand Hall: Themed to Moana
Like the Grand Halls on Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny, the Disney Believe's Grand Hall serves as a central gathering space for guests. This one draws its theme from Disney Animation's Moana films.
A bronze statue of Moana, along with Pua and Heihei, sits at the center of the space. The design also pulls from the film's South Pacific setting, with Polynesian finishes that reflect the region's cultural traditions.
Exterior Artwork
Each new Disney Cruise Line ship gets its own character artwork on the hull, and the Disney Believe continues that tradition. Here's what's confirmed for the exterior:
- Stern: Sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, shown etching the ship's name into the back of the vessel with oversized yellow crayons. The lettering uses a playful, block-style font instead of the looped calligraphy seen on other ships in the fleet.
- Bow: A hand-painted design featuring Tinker Bell from 1953's Peter Pan, surrounded by the silhouettes of Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, and other characters from the film.
"This ship celebrates belief in magic, family, the power of nature, and belief in yourself," Weiss told the audience. "And all the stories we tell onboard will be tied together by the core Disney notion of believing in something fantastical."
Disney also gave a look behind the scenes at the Meyer Werft Shipyard, where the Disney Believe is under construction, along with early concept art and rehearsal footage for the ship's stage shows.
The Current Disney Cruise Line Fleet
Disney Cruise Line currently sails eight ships. Here's a quick breakdown of each class:
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder
The original ships in the fleet. Smaller and more intimate than the newer vessels, with classic ocean liner styling.
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
Larger ships with expanded dining options and themed spaces built around Disney stories.
Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and Disney Believe
The newest class, themed around Disney characters and storytelling, with the largest dining and entertainment spaces in the fleet. Believe joins this class in 2027.
Disney Adventure
The newest ship, sailing from Singapore. It focuses on Southeast Asia and includes theming from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories.
WDWMAGIC Intelligence
Answers from our archive, with sources
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