Disney’s First Ship Built for Japan Finally Has a Name

Oriental Land Co. and The Walt Disney Company have revealed the name of their newest cruise ship: Disney Imagination. It is the first vessel for Disney Cruise Line Japan and, according to Cruise Industry News, it is a Wish-class ship that will carry about 2,500 passengers.

The ship is being built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, where the order was placed in mid-2024. Oriental Land, the company that operates Tokyo Disney Resort under license from Disney, is the owner and operator. The report says the ship will carry an image of Ariel from The Little Mermaid at its stern.

Disney Imagination will be based in Tokyo, and its itineraries will begin in spring 2029. That gives Japan its first homegrown Disney cruise experience, a notable step for a brand that has so far run its ships mostly from North American and European ports.

Many details remain unannounced. The report does not give the ship’s gross tonnage, a delivery date, or the destinations and onboard features. The companies say more will follow later, so anyone hoping to sail in 2029 should watch for itineraries and booking dates over the coming year.

Sources: Cruise Industry News, Cruise Industry News (cruise news index)