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Dreams at Sea: An Exclusive First Look Inside the Brand-New Disney Believe

Writer: Jess Saguid
Jess Saguid
Oct 8
3 min read

The horizon is looking a whole lot more magical! Disney Cruise Line has just pulled back the curtain on its newest architectural marvel, and we are absolutely thrilled to share the enchanting details with you. Set to make its grand debut in late 2027, the Disney Believe is shaping up to be an absolute dream for families and Disney fans alike.

Our team has been closely tracking the development of this spectacular vessel. It is being designed around the powerful theme of believing in magic, family, and the fantasy of your own dreams.

Large Disney Believe cruise ship hull under construction at the Meyer Werft Shipyard with tugboats nearby.

A Glimpse into the Shipyard Milestones

The engineering feats behind this project are nothing short of incredible. Right now, our eyes are fixed on Papenburg, Germany, where construction teams are working tirelessly inside the world-renowned Meyer Werft Shipyard.


Close-up aerial view of the building dock and cranes assembling the Disney Believe cruise ship.

The building process has been moving at an incredible pace. Following the successful float-out of the ship’s massive first steel block in mid-September, the production team reached a historic maritime milestone this week: the official keel laying ceremony.


Disney Cruise Line executives celebrating the Disney Believe keel laying ceremony amidst purple confetti.

Following ancient traditions meant to bring safety and good fortune to the vessel, a custom-minted coin was placed beneath the ship's central structural spine. To add that signature touch of magic, the coin features Tinker Bell, mirroring the beautiful filigree that will eventually be painted on the ship’s bow.


A custom silver maritime coin featuring a Tinker Bell portrait for the Disney Believe keel laying ceremony.

An infographic chart defining a ship keel and showing its location on a Disney Believe hull diagram.

Meet Your Opening Cruise Director

A ship this grand needs a truly spectacular leader to steer the onboard magic. Disney has announced that Trent Hitchcock will serve as the opening Cruise Director for the Disney Believe.

With nearly two decades of experience with Disney Cruise Line, Trent will lead an onboard team of over 200 crew members. Together, they will bring signature events, nighttime fireworks, deck parties, and daily recreation to life. He is already collaborating with creative teams a year out to ensure the guest experience is entirely seamless.


Official portrait of Trent Hitchcock, the opening Cruise Director for the Disney Believe cruise ship.

Cruise Director Trent Hitchcock posing with Captain Mickey Mouse on a ship bridge.

Trent Hitchcock standing with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in outdoor winter gear in front of mountains.

Immersive Dining & Next-Level Spaces

When you step aboard, the storytelling immediately surrounds you. The physical heart of the Disney Believe will be a breathtaking Grand Hall heavily inspired by the spirit of adventure found in Moana. Complete with Polynesian architectural finishes, the room will feature a stunning bronze statue of Moana, Pua, and Heihei greeting guests as they arrive.


Concept art of the Moana-themed Grand Hall featuring a bronze statue of Moana, Pua, and Heihei.

The dining and entertainment line-up is equally historic. For the first time ever, guests can watch a live, Broadway-style stage adaptation of Encanto inside the Walt Disney Theatre!


Colorful theatrical concept art of the live Encanto stage show adaptation coming to Disney Cruise Line.

After the show, families can head over to Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast for a completely reimagined, interactive dining experience. Adults looking to unwind will love the Wishing Well, a cozy lounge themed after Snow White, or Sea Notes, a sophisticated piano bar paying tribute to The Little Mermaid. Spaces dedicated to Inside Out 2, Zootopia, and Big Hero 6 are also in the works.

Whimsical Exterior Designs

Even the outside of the hull tells a story. Sticking to long-standing maritime tradition, the exterior of the Disney Believe will feature custom character art.

On the bow, you'll find a hand-painted filigree of Tinker Bell flying alongside Peter Pan and Wendy. Meanwhile, the ship's stern features a hilarious and playful sculpture design: Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story working hard together to write the ship’s name using massive yellow crayons!


Gold silhouette graphic showing Tinker Bell and Peter Pan characters for the ship bow filigree.

Toy Story concept art of Woody and Buzz Lightyear drawing the Disney Believe name on the ship's stern.

Ready to Plan Your Next Voyage?

The countdown to December 18, 2027, has officially started! Whether you want to witness the magic of Encanto live on stage or relax in the stunning Moana Grand Hall, we are here to help you secure the perfect stateroom the moment bookings open.

Don't wait to start planning the ultimate family vacation at sea. Let's make your travel dreams a reality today!


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