by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Wed October 14, 2026
Disney Cruise Line has revealed the name of its first ship
set to sail from Japan: Disney Imagination, scheduled to begin operations from
Tokyo in spring 2029, according to the Disney Parks Blog.
Disney Imagination will feature Ariel from Walt Disney
Animation Studios’ The Little Mermaid on its stern, a tradition across Disney
Cruise Line’s fleet. Ariel will appear alongside Sebastian and other characters
from The Little Mermaid, using her signature dinglehopper to create the ship’s
name.
The ship will offer Disney storytelling throughout the
vessel, along with Broadway-style entertainment exclusive to Disney and
opportunities for guests to interact with familiar characters.
Themed dining options and other food and beverage
experiences will be part of the experience.
Families traveling aboard Disney Imagination will have
access to dedicated spaces for children, tweens, and teenagers, while adults
can enjoy dedicated areas designed for relaxation. Disney also plans to bring
its signature hospitality and service to the new ship.
The company’s announcement establishes spring 2029 as the
planned start of service for Disney Imagination, marking a new chapter in the
cruise line’s international expansion.
The new ship will bring Disney-themed cruise vacations to
Japanese families through a partnership with Oriental Land Co., Ltd., which
owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort under license from Disney. The cruise
operation builds on the companies’ longstanding partnership and expands
Disney’s presence in Japan beyond its theme parks.
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