Disney Cruise Line has celebrated a significant construction milestone for its fourth Wish-class ship, Disney Believe, with a traditional keel-laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on 29th September 2026.
The ceremony featured a specially minted coin adorned with Tinker Bell, marking the latest progress on the 144,000-gross-ton vessel scheduled to debut in late 2027.
Maritime Tradition Meets Disney Magic At German Shipyard
The keel-laying ceremony at Meyer Werft followed centuries-old maritime custom, with Disney Cruise Line executives and shipyard officials gathering to place a commemorative coin beneath the ship’s keel.
This tradition, observed by shipbuilders around the world, is believed to bestow good fortune, smooth sailing, and protection upon the vessel and everyone who will sail aboard her.
The custom-minted coin created specifically for Disney Believe showcases Tinker Bell in a characteristic sassy pose, with the ship’s name displayed at the bottom and Disney Cruise Line inscribed at the top.
The coin’s edge features decorative framing that replicates the rivets found on a ship’s porthole, adding an authentic nautical touch to the commemorative piece.
According to Disney Cruise Line, Tinker Bell’s presence on the coin will “imbue the ship with a sprinkle of faith, trust, and pixie dust, helping future guests believe in the promise and possibility of their dreams coming true.”
The reverse side of the coin displays the ship’s name alongside a bow profile, the hull number S723, and the Meyer Werft designation.
Construction Progress Already Well Advanced Despite Recent Keel Ceremony
Whilst the keel-laying ceremony represents a traditional construction milestone, work on Disney Believe has actually been progressing at an accelerated pace for some time.
The first of three massive gigablocks that will form the ship’s structure has already been assembled and floated out at the German shipyard.
This initial gigablock comprises the midship portion of the vessel, which typically houses a significant number of guest staterooms and public spaces.
The construction method utilising gigablocks allows Meyer Werft to build large sections of the ship simultaneously in different covered halls, protecting the work from weather and enabling year-round construction regardless of seasonal conditions.
The next gigablock scheduled for assembly will be the ship’s forward section, which will include the main show theatre – a signature venue on every Disney cruise ship where Broadway-calibre productions and exclusive Disney theatrical experiences are performed.
The aft section, which will feature Woody and Buzz Lightyear as stern characters, will be assembled last before the three gigablocks are joined together.
Tinker Bell Breaks Long-Standing Disney Cruise Line Bow Character Tradition
Disney Cruise Line first revealed on 15th August 2026 that Tinker Be
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