Disney’s first Japan-based cruise ship will be named Disney Imagination, with sailings scheduled to begin in spring 2029 from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.
Oriental Land announced the name on October 14, marking another step toward the launch of Disney Cruise Line Japan. The company, which owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort under license from Disney, is expanding its business from theme parks and hotels into cruise vacations.
The cruise operation will be run by Oriental Land’s dedicated subsidiary, Oriental Land Cruise, under the Disney Cruise Line Japan brand. The project builds on the partnership behind Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, bringing a locally operated Disney cruise experience to the Japanese market.
Disney Imagination will be a sister ship to Disney Wish, with modifications designed for Japanese guests. Plans call for a vessel of approximately 140,000 gross tons with around 1,250 staterooms, powered by liquefied natural gas. Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, will build the ship, with delivery scheduled for 2028 ahead of its Japanese debut.
The name announcement also revealed some of the onboard plans. Disney Imagination will feature a theater seating more than 1,300 guests, original stage productions, outdoor character shows and opportunities to meet Disney characters wearing cruise-specific costumes.
Three main dining restaurants will offer different themes and menus, alongside approximately 30 food and beverage venues, including cafés and bars. Other facilities will include shops selling merchandise exclusive to Disney Imagination, dedicated children’s spaces and areas reserved for adults.
Ariel and Sebastian from The Little Mermaid will appear on the stern, continuing the Disney cruise tradition of placing characters at the back of each ship. The design will show Ariel using her familiar fork, or “dinglehopper,” to draw the ship’s name.
While the ship’s name, Tokyo homeport and spring 2029 launch window are now confirmed, detailed itineraries and further onboard experiences will be announced later.
