Oriental Land has announced that Disney Imagination will be the name of Disney Cruise Line/DCL’s first Japan-based ship, with operations scheduled to begin in spring 2029.
The WISH-class vessel will be homeported in Tokyo, marking the expansion of Oriental Land’s resort business into cruise operations alongside its existing theme parks and hotel portfolio.
Oriental Land, which operates Tokyo Disney Resort under licence from The Walt Disney Company, will manage the new cruise business through its dedicated subsidiary, Oriental Land Cruise Co. Ltd., under the Disney Cruise Line Japan brand.
The project builds on the companies’ existing partnership in Japan’s theme park sector.
Disney Imagination will be a sister ship to Disney Wish, with modifications intended to suit the Japanese market.
The vessel is planned to have a gross tonnage of ~140,000 and ~1,250 staterooms. It will be powered by liquefied natural gas and built by Meyer Werft at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Delivery is scheduled for 2028, ahead of the ship’s entry into service in Japan the following spring.
Disney Imagination’s planned entertainment facilities will include a theatre with seating for 1,300+ guests, original stage productions, outdoor character shows and opportunities to meet Disney characters in cruise-specific costumes. Three main dining restaurants will feature different themes and menus, complemented by approximately 30 food and beverage venues, including cafés and bars.
Additional facilities will include retail outlets offering merchandise exclusive to Disney Imagination, dedicated children’s spaces and areas reserved for adults.
The ship’s stern will feature Ariel and Sebastian from The Little Mermaid, continuing DCL's practice of incorporating Disney characters into each vessel’s exterior design. Ariel will be depicted holding her familiar fork, known as a dinglehopper, while drawing the ship’s name.
The announcement confirms the vessel’s name, homeport and planned launch period.
Further details, including specific itineraries and additional onboard features, are expected to be released at a later date.