Disney Reveals Disney Imagination as Name of First Japan-Based Ship

Disney Cruise Line Japan has revealed the name of its first ship: Disney Imagination. The new Wish-class vessel, announced jointly by Oriental Land Company, Ltd. and Oriental Land Cruise Co., Ltd., is scheduled to begin sailing from Tokyo in spring 2029, marking Disney’s first homeported operation in Japan.

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A Ship Named for Storytelling

According to Cruise Hive, Oriental Land Company described Disney Imagination as “a ship of dreams and wishes filled with the power of ‘imagination’ – the heart of Disney’s storytelling.” The company said the name is meant to invite guests of all ages to experience that creative spirit throughout their voyage.

Alongside the name, Disney also unveiled the ship’s stern artwork, which will feature Ariel and Sebastian from the 1989 animated classic “The Little Mermaid.” Concept art shows Ariel swinging on seaweed as she paints the ship’s name onto the hull, with Sebastian close by holding a shell of paint. The design is framed with shells, starfish, and water-inspired swirls that echo the decorative style found on the sterns of other Disney ships.

Fans of the cruise line will also notice that the ship’s name uses the familiar swirly script seen on most Disney vessels, rather than the alternative font introduced for the upcoming Disney Believe, which draws on a “Toy Story” theme for its own stern design.

What We Know So Far

Disney Imagination will be the fifth ship in Disney’s Wish class. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of Japan’s current fiscal year, with the ship entering service in spring 2029, though an exact debut date has not yet been announced. Like her sister ships, she will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where Disney Believe is also currently under construction ahead of its December 2027 debut.

Specific details about onboard venues and themed spaces have not been confirmed, but Disney has indicated the ship will include stage entertainment, character meet-and-greets, around 30 food and beverage options including three main dining rooms, dedicated shopping, and separate areas designed for children and adults. As is typical for Disney, more specifics are likely to be revealed gradually as the ship nears completion.

What It Means for Cruise Passengers

For travelers in Japan and across Asia, Disney Imagination represents the brand’s first dedicated homeport presence in the region. The ship will operate under the newly formed Disney Cruise Line Japan, with Tokyo’s port designated as the premier homeport for the line’s Asian operations under an agreement signed with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in November 2024. That agreement followed Disney’s initial announcement in July 2024 that a Wish-class ship tailored for the Japanese market was in the works.

It’s worth noting that Oriental Land Company, which also runs Tokyo Disney Resort, is not technically part of The Walt Disney Company. Instead, it operates under license, paying fees and royalties while Disney provides consultation and design oversight to keep the guest experience consistent with the rest of the fleet.

With more than three years to go before launch, prospective cruisers can expect further announcements covering itineraries, stateroom categories, and booking details as Disney Imagination’s construction progresses.

To see where Disney Imagination fits into the growing fleet, read our guide to every Disney cruise ship from newest to oldest.

To see how Disney has designed its first Asia-based ship, read our guide to Disney Adventure staterooms and suites.