Oriental Land Cruise, Ltd., the company that will operate Disney Cruise Line Japan, has announced the name of its first ship, Disney Imagination, belonging to the Wish class. The unveiling took place on October 14, 2026, during a ceremony held in Tokyo.
The ship will be the first in Disney's new cruise line in Japan and is scheduled to begin operations in spring 2029, with departures from Tokyo. The project is being spearheaded by Oriental Land Company (OLC), owner and operator of Tokyo Disney Resort under license from Disney.
Yumiko Takano, president and CEO of OLC, participated in the event along with Ryotaro Shiiba, president of Oriental Land Cruise; Natacha Rafalski, president of Disney Signature Experiences; and Tracy Wilson, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Disney Cruise Line.
“The announcement of the Disney Imagination marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Disney Cruise Line and in our long-standing relationship with Oriental Land Group,” said Rafalski. “We are proud to bring the magic of Disney cruises to new markets and to offer Japanese passengers the opportunity to enjoy a Disney vacation at sea.”
A tribute to the imagination of Disney
The ship's name refers to imagination, creativity, and optimism, values that have been present in Disney stories since their origins.
Following a Disney Cruise Line tradition, the ship will feature an iconic character on its stern representing its theme. In this case, it will be Ariel, the protagonist of Walt Disney Animation Studios' The Little Mermaid, accompanied by Sebastian and other characters from the underwater world. Ariel will appear using a fork as a comb—the famous dinglehopper from the film—to draw the ship's name, a nod to her curiosity and adventurous spirit.
As the newest member of the Wish class, the Disney Imagination will offer shows, dining options and the company's signature cruise service.
Shows, restaurants and spaces for all ages
The entertainment program will include major theatrical productions in a hall with a capacity for more than 1,300 spectators, outdoor performances with Disney characters, activities spread throughout different areas of the ship, and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in exclusive Disney Cruise Line outfits.
The culinary offerings will include around 30 dining and beverage venues. These will include three main restaurants, each with its own ambiance and menu, as well as cafes and bars.
The ship will also feature shops with exclusive Disney Imagination, children's areas with specific activities, and spaces reserved for adults seeking a quieter environment.
A new cruise project in Japan
Oriental Land Company announced the project in July 2024. The ship will fly the Japanese flag and will be based on the design of the Disney Wish, which entered service in 2022, although it will incorporate modifications adapted to the Japanese market.
The ship will have a gross tonnage of approximately 140,000 tons and a capacity for about 4,000 passengers, distributed among around 1,250 cabins. The crew will consist of approximately 1,500 people.
The planned investment amounts to 290 billion yen for the construction of the ship, plus an additional 40 billion yen as a contingency reserve.
The cruises will typically depart from Tokyo's international cruise terminal and will primarily focus on short itineraries of two to four nights. The company anticipates attracting both Japanese families and young travelers, as well as international visitors.
Estimated prices for the most common cabin categories will range from 100,000 to 300,000 yen per person, although final fares and itinerary details will be announced later.
With the Disney Imagination, Disney Cruise Line will expand its international presence and bring its themed vacation offering to the Japanese market, with a combination of entertainment, gastronomy and experiences for different generations.
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