The Disney cruise line announced Wednesday that its newest vessel, the Disney Believe, will make its maiden voyage on December 18, 2027, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship will offer four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean, including stops at Disney’s private Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Upon boarding, passengers will enter a Grand Hall designed with a ‘Moana’ theme, featuring a statue of the protagonist alongside her companion animals, Pua and Heihei. This motif extends into the staterooms, which showcase papercut-style artwork inspired by the film, as well as designs drawn from Pixar’s ‘Coco’ and Disney’s ‘The Lion King.’
A key highlight of the voyage will be the world premiere of a stage adaptation of ‘Encanto.’ The production will follow protagonist Mirabel as she attempts to save her family’s home, set to the soundtrack of Lin-Manuel Miranda, including popular tracks such as ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ and ‘Surface Pressure.’ Additional theatrical offerings include ‘Tangled: The Musical’ and ‘Disney Seas the Adventure.’
Entertainment options extend beyond the main stage. Gazelle, a venue inspired by ‘Zootopia,’ will host live performances focused on adult-oriented nighttime shows. For family gatherings, the Wishing Well provides a central hub themed after ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.’
Dining and lounge areas will feature a variety of immersive experiences. New additions include Oaken’s Table, a ‘Frozen’-inspired family restaurant; the Sea Notes piano lounge based on ‘The Little Mermaid’; and two cafes, Big Hero Sips and Café Kakamora, themed after ‘Big Hero 6’ and ‘Moana.’ A pub called Skygazers will replicate a magical observatory, while the Inside Out: Joyful Sweets shop caters to guests with a sweet tooth.
Returning favorites include the fine dining venues Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, The Rose lounge, and the Haunted Mansion Parlor. The ship also retains the full suite of youth clubs, ranging from the Oceaneer Club and It’s a Small World Nursery to The Hideaway for older children.
The Disney Believe serves as the fourth ship in the Wish class, joining the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. As the parent company of ABC News, Disney provided the details regarding the upcoming expansion of its maritime fleet.
Another massive ship coming soon… does the ocean actually have room for all these floating resorts? Feels excessive.
Is it weird that I’m more excited for Oaken’s Table than the musical? Let’s be real, I’m there for the food.
Four nights to the Bahamas sounds perfect. I just hope the papercut art in the rooms isn’t too small to appreciate.
Finally, an Encanto musical on a cruise! That soundtrack deserves a bigger stage. Can’t wait for 2027.