Disney Reveals Name of Its First Japan-Based Cruise Ship
Disney’s first Japan-based cruise ship officially has a name: Disney Imagination!
Scheduled to sail from Tokyo starting in spring 2029, Disney Imagination will be the inaugural ship of Disney Cruise Line Japan, a Disney-branded cruise business operated by Oriental Land Company — the company that owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort. It will be part of the Wish class, which includes the current Disney Wish, Treasure, and Destiny, as well as the upcoming Believe.
In a press release, Disney says that the ship will be “powered by the creativity and optimism of imagination, which has always been at the heart of Disney storytelling, to bring magical cruise vacations to families in Japan for the first time.”
Oriental Land Company and Disney Cruise Line announced the name during a ceremony in Tokyo. In attendance were Yumiko Takano, Chairperson and CEO of Oriental Land Company; Ryotaro Shiiba, President of Oriental Land Company; Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences; and Tracy Wilson, Senior VP and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line Operations.
“Today’s announcement of the Disney Imagination marks a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Disney Cruise Line and in our long-standing relationship with Oriental Land Group,” said Natacha Rafalski. “We are honored to extend the magic of Disney cruising to fans in new markets and create opportunities for Japanese guests to experience a Disney vacation at sea.”
Continuing a Disney Cruise Line tradition, Disney Imagination will feature a signature Disney character on the ship’s stern that embodies the ship’s theme. In this case, it will be Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” who — along with Sebastian and friends from beneath the sea — will use a dinglehopper to draw the ship’s name, a playful tribute to her curiosity, creativity, and adventurous spirit.
In the press release, Disney said that “additional details about Disney Imagination, including onboard experiences and future itineraries, will be announced at a later date.” However, in recent financial forecast reports from the Oriental Land Company, the company said it plans for the ship to operate two to four-night cruises to nowhere roundtrip from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.
