Disney Believe: Keel Laying at Meyer Werft, Design, and Fleet Expansion

Bild: Disnery
Disney Cruise Line is currently unveiling its fourth Wish-class ship: the "Disney Believe". Ahead of the grand world premiere livestream tomorrow, October 7, 2026, an interactive scavenger hunt for media representatives took place aboard its sister ship, the "Disney Wish". During the event, initial culinary concepts were previewed, and the recent keel laying of the newbuild (hull number S.723) at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, was officially confirmed. Tomorrow's livestream is expected to reveal the homeport, inaugural itineraries, and booking start dates.

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Measuring approximately 144,000 GT and 341.8 meters in length, the vessel is being built in Papenburg using modular block construction and is scheduled for delivery in December 2027. It offers 1,254 staterooms accommodating up to 4,116 passengers. For propulsion, the cruise line relies on fuel-flexible LNG dual-fuel engines (ready for future biofuels), shore power connectivity, and advanced onboard water treatment and desalination plants. Visually, the ship breaks with several long-standing Disney traditions: the central indoor "Grand Hall" is themed around Moana, while Tinker Bell adorns the bow instead of Mickey or Minnie Mouse for the first time. At the stern, "Toy Story" heroes Woody and Buzz Lightyear are depicted writing the ship's name onto the hull in playful block letters rather than the classic Disney calligraphy.

The "Disney Believe" is part of a massive expansion strategy that will grow the fleet to 13 ships by 2031—securing vital orders for Meyer Werft and European suppliers. Alongside a fifth Wish-class ship for the Japanese market (2029), three mid-size newbuilds (approx. 100,000 GT) for around 3,000 guests will follow between 2029 and 2031 to access smaller ports. Additionally, the capacity boost in Florida allows older vessels to be redeployed to markets such as Alaska, Australia, and Europe.