Disney Cruise Line revealed the big details on its newest ship, the Disney Believe, during a livestream on October 7, 2026. Here's what's confirmed, when you can book, and how to give yourself the best shot at a cabin on the first sailings.
The Basics
- Maiden voyage: December 18, 2027
- Homeport: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Inaugural itineraries: 4- and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas
- Bookings open: October 19, 2026
- Ship class: Fourth Wish-class ship, after the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny
- Theme: "Promise and possibilities," with stories from Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid
December 18 falls one week before Christmas, so the first sailings should come with plenty of holiday spirit on top of the new-ship excitement.
What's Onboard
Every Wish-class ship has its own theme that shapes the dining, lounges, and shows. Here's what Disney announced for the Believe.
Dining and Lounges
- Oaken's Table: A Frozen Family Feast: a family restaurant with food and live music inspired by Frozen
- Sea Notes: an adults-only piano lounge with an underwater theme inspired by The Little Mermaid
- Wishing Well Lounge: inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Gazelle: a Zootopia-inspired club that's family-friendly by day and adults-only at night
- Haunted Mansion Parlor: returning from the Disney Treasure
Shows
- Encanto: the first-ever live stage adaptation of the movie, in the Walt Disney Theatre
- Tangled: a new version of the show
Design
- Moana, Pua, and Heihei in the Grand Hall, the ship's main atrium
- Tinker Bell on the bow and Woody and Buzz on the stern
- Believe Tower Suite: a Magic Kingdom–themed suite with spaces inspired by Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, and Adventureland
Why Fort Lauderdale Matters
Port Everglades is easy to reach from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports, which gives you more flight options than Port Canaveral. Plan to fly in the day before. A delayed flight shouldn't cost you the first day of a 4-night cruise.
When Can You Book?
Bookings for the Disney Believe's inaugural season open October 19, 2026.
Disney usually lets Castaway Club members, its past-cruiser loyalty program, book before the general public, in order of status:
- Pearl: 25+ completed Disney cruises
- Platinum: 10+
- Gold: 5+
- Silver: 1+
If you've sailed Disney before, sign in to your Disney Cruise Line account to check your status and early booking date. A travel agent can book for you on that date.
How to Get a Cabin on the Inaugural Season
New ships sell fast, and the first sailings sell fastest. Here's how to prepare:
- Pick two or three sail dates in advance. The maiden voyage may sell out within minutes.
- Rank your cabin categories. Know your first choice and your backup before booking opens.
- Have guest details ready. Full names as they appear on passports, birth dates, and Castaway Club numbers.
- Expect stricter maiden voyage rules. On past new ships, Disney didn't allow date changes on maiden voyage bookings.
- Book through an agent. A Disney-certified agent can handle the booking on opening day while you're at work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Disney Believe start sailing?
The maiden voyage departs December 18, 2027 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
When can I book the Disney Believe?
Bookings open October 19, 2026. Castaway Club members usually get early access based on their status.
Where does the Disney Believe sail?
Its inaugural season is 4- and 5-night Bahamas cruises from Fort Lauderdale.
What shows are on the Disney Believe?
The ship will debut the first-ever live stage version of Encanto, plus a new version of Tangled.
Do you need a passport for a Disney Believe cruise?
Bahamas cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port are usually closed-loop sailings, so U.S. citizens can often sail with a birth certificate and government ID. A passport is still the safest choice. Read Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise? for the full rules.
Does it cost more to book through a travel agent?
No. You pay the same price as booking direct with Disney, and you get help on booking day and support through your sailing.
Ready to Sail on the Disney Believe?
Inaugural sailings on a new Disney ship don't last long. Request a free quote before October 19 and I'll help you pick your sailing and cabin, then handle the booking the moment it opens.
