Disney Cruise Line’s expansion into Japan has reached a significant milestone with the unveiling of Disney Imagination, a new cruise ship scheduled to begin sailing from Tokyo in spring 2029.
The vessel will become the first ship in Disney Cruise Line Japan, a Disney-branded cruise operation managed by Oriental Land Group, the company behind Tokyo Disney Resort.
Announced on 14th October 2026, the ship will accommodate approximately 4,000 passengers across 1,250 staterooms and operate short cruises from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.
The project represents a different approach to Disney Cruise Line’s existing operations, with the new vessel being developed specifically for the Japanese market under a licensing agreement between Disney and Oriental Land.
Disney Imagination will be based on the design of Disney Wish and form part of the Wish class, although its onboard experiences and facilities are being developed with Japanese passengers in mind.
The announcement also revealed new details about the ship’s entertainment, dining facilities and exterior design, while further information about its itineraries and individual attractions is expected closer to launch.
Disney Imagination To Offer Short Cruises From Tokyo
Oriental Land plans to operate Disney Imagination primarily on two to four-night cruises departing from and returning to Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.
The short itineraries are intended to introduce Disney’s cruise experience to the Japanese market, where cruising remains less established than in countries such as the United States.
Specific ports of call have not yet been announced, and it remains unclear whether the initial itineraries will include visits to other destinations or focus on round-trip voyages from Tokyo.
Early pricing estimates suggest that standard accommodation will cost approximately ¥100,000 to ¥400,000 per person, depending on the sailing and stateroom selected.
These figures are preliminary rather than confirmed fares, with full pricing and booking arrangements still to be announced.
Reservations are expected to open approximately six months before the ship enters service, potentially placing the booking launch in late 2028.
Disney Imagination will measure approximately 340 metres in length and have a gross tonnage of around 140,000 GT.
Oriental Land has allocated approximately ¥330 billion towards the project, including ¥290 billion for the vessel itself and ¥40 billion in contingency funding.
The ship is expected to carry approximately 1,500 crew members and is planned to operate under the Japanese flag.
Construction is taking place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where work on the vessel’s lower hull sections began in October 2026.
Delivery is currently anticipated in autumn 2028, allowing time for preparations ahead of the planned spring 2029 launch.
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