Disney and Oriental Land Co. (OLC) have named the first Disney cruise ship that will sail from Japan: Disney Imagination. The ship will set sail from Tokyo in spring 2029 as the first vessel in Disney Cruise Line Japan, the Disney-branded cruise business OLC operates. Ariel from The Little Mermaid will take her place on the stern with Sebastian, using her dinglehopper to create the ship’s name. Disney Imagination will bring Disney storytelling, Broadway-style entertainment, and character experiences to guests at sea.
Disney Imagination Cruise Ship Name Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Japan
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Disney Imagination will begin sailing from Tokyo in spring 2029.
- Ariel and Sebastian will appear on the stern, creating the ship’s name.
- Disney and OLC outline the shows, dining, and family spaces planned for the ship.
Tokyo Disney Resort operator OLC owns and operates its parks under license from Disney. That relationship spans more than 40 years, and Disney Imagination will soon extend it to the sea.
The ship follows the partnership Disney and OLC announced in July 2024. The Wish-class ship serves as its base design, with select modifications for Japanese guests. Oriental Land Cruise Company, an OLC subsidiary established in March 2026, operates Disney Cruise Line Japan.
Disney says Disney Imagination will set sail from Tokyo beginning in spring 2029. OLC says the ship will mainly depart from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, and it lists the launch in the second half of Japanese fiscal year 2028. Disney describes Disney Imagination as “a ship powered by creativity and optimism,” where families can experience the imagination at the heart of Disney storytelling.
OLC calls Disney Cruise Line Japan the next growth pillar of the OLC Group, after its theme park and hotel businesses. The company describes Disney Imagination as a symbol of its challenge to expand its stage from Maihama out to sea. It also says the name reflects a wish for guests of every generation to feel Disney’s imagination while sailing.
Ariel and Sebastian Name the Ship on the Stern
Every Disney Cruise Line ship features a character on the stern, and Disney Imagination continues that tradition with Ariel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Little Mermaid. Disney says she will take her place alongside Sebastian and friends from under the sea. Using her beloved dinglehopper, Ariel will create the ship’s name in a playful tribute to her curiosity and adventurous spirit. OLC adds that Sebastian appears in his role as composer.
What to Expect Aboard Disney Imagination
Disney says guests aboard Disney Imagination can look forward to:
- Disney storytelling from bow to stern
- Broadway-style entertainment exclusive to Disney Cruise Line
- Opportunities to connect with favorite Disney characters
- Food and beverage experiences
- Dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens
- Exclusive adult-only areas for relaxation
- The exceptional service and hospitality Disney Cruise Line is known for
OLC fills in more of the entertainment lineup. The ship’s theater seats more than 1,300 guests for original stage shows, and an outdoor deck stage hosts character shows. Characters also greet guests in costumes made for Disney Cruise Line, and entertainment takes place in various spots around the ship.
OLC also details the ship’s dining. Three main dining restaurants each have their own theme and menu, so guests can dine somewhere different each day. Cafes and bars bring the total to roughly 30 dining venues, and shops carry merchandise exclusive to Disney Imagination.
The family spaces include a kids-only area with programs for children and a calm, adults-only area. For a sense of scale, OLC’s earnings materials put the ship at about 140,000 gross tons with roughly 1,250 guest rooms. They also list itineraries of two to four nights.
Story So Far
- Disney and OLC announced the partnership for a Japan-based Disney cruise ship in July 2024.
- OLC established Oriental Land Cruise Company in March 2026 to operate the cruise business as Disney Cruise Line Japan.
- OLC’s first quarter earnings materials on July 30 detailed the ship’s construction cost, itinerary length, and pricing.
- Disney and OLC named the ship Disney Imagination on October 13.
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