Disney names its first Japan cruise ship Disney Imagination, with Ariel on the stern
The first ship of Disney Cruise Line Japan will be called Disney Imagination and will sail from Tokyo beginning in spring 2029. Ariel and Sebastian take the stern, and the ship joins the Wish class as its newest member.
The first Disney cruise ship based in Japan has a name: Disney Imagination. It will sail from Tokyo as the opening ship of Disney Cruise Line Japan, with Ariel from The Little Mermaid on its stern.
Key Details
- Ship name: Disney Imagination
- Sails from: Tokyo, beginning in spring 2029
- Ship class: The Wish class, as its newest ship
- Announced: October 14, 2026, at a ceremony in Tokyo
Disney Cruise Line Japan and the company running it
Disney Imagination opens a separate Disney-branded cruise business in Japan, run by the company that operates Tokyo Disney Resort.
- A new cruise brand. Disney Imagination is the first ship of Disney Cruise Line Japan, a Disney-branded cruise business operated by Oriental Land Co., Ltd., known as OLC.
- Who OLC is. OLC owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort under a license from Disney, a partnership that began with Tokyo Disneyland in 1983.
- Families in Japan. Disney says the ship will bring Disney cruise vacations to families in Japan for the first time.
- OLC leadership. OLC chair and CEO Yumiko Takano revealed the name with Ryotaro Shiiba, president of Oriental Land Cruise Co., Ltd.
- Disney leadership. Natacha Rafalski, president of Disney Signature Experiences, and Tracy Wilson, who runs Disney Cruise Line operations, joined them for the ceremony.
Rafalski framed the name as a milestone for both companies and for Disney cruising in new markets.
"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, president of Disney Signature Experiences. "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."
Ariel takes the stern of Disney Imagination
Every Disney ship carries a character on its stern, and Disney Imagination's belongs to Ariel and her friends from under the sea.
- Ariel and Sebastian. Ariel from Walt Disney Animation Studios' The Little Mermaid takes the stern, alongside Sebastian and friends from beneath the sea.
- A dinglehopper signature. Ariel draws the ship's name with her dinglehopper, the fork she mistakes for a hair comb in the film.
- A fleet tradition. Each Disney Cruise Line ship features a signature character on its stern, chosen to embody that ship's theme.
Disney calls the design a tribute to Ariel's curiosity, creativity and adventurous spirit, which suits a ship named for imagination.
Itineraries and onboard details for Disney Imagination are still to come
Disney has listed what guests can expect on board but has not shared itineraries, venues or booking details.
- Broadway-style shows. Entertainment exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, with Disney storytelling from bow to stern.
- Character time. Chances to connect with favorite Disney characters during the sailing.
- Spaces by age. Dedicated areas for kids, tweens and teens, plus adults-only spaces for relaxation.
- Dining and service. Food and beverage experiences and the service and hospitality Disney Cruise Line is known for.
- Details later. Onboard experiences and future itineraries will be announced at a later date, Disney says.
Our take. Disney Imagination is a ship to watch rather than book for now: it sails from Tokyo in spring 2029, and Disney has not yet released itineraries or said how bookings will open.