Disney Imagination is the name of the first Disney cruise ship to sail from Japan, with Oriental Land Co. confirming that it will start sailing from Tokyo in spring 2029. Ariel and Sebastian take the stern, and for UK guests the trip starts with a non-stop flight of around 14 hours from Heathrow to Tokyo.
It's the fifth ship in Disney's Wish class and the first Disney cruise ship that won't be run by Disney Cruise Line itself. Oriental Land, the company that owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort under licence from Disney, will operate it under the Disney Cruise Line Japan name from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.
Article Summary
- Ship name: Disney Imagination, the first Disney cruise ship to sail from Japan
- Launch: Spring 2029 from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, with itineraries still to be announced
- Stern character: Ariel, joined by Sebastian, writing the ship's name with a dinglehopper
- Getting there: Non-stop Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda flights take around 14 hours
See current Disney Cruise Line sailings and prices
Read on for the full breakdown including flight times from Heathrow and how Disney Imagination compares with Disney Adventure in Singapore.
What Is Disney Imagination And Where Will It Sail?
Disney Imagination is a sister ship to the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, with Disney Believe joining the same class from Fort Lauderdale in December 2027. Oriental Land ordered it from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, in July 2024. It's set to come in at around 140,000 gross tons with 1,250 staterooms and room for up to about 4,000 guests.
The stern is where Disney traditionally hangs a character off the back of each ship, and this time it's Ariel from The Little Mermaid. She's joined by Sebastian and friends from under the sea, using her dinglehopper (a fork) to write the ship's name.
Disney says onboard experiences and itineraries will be announced at a later date. You can read the official announcement on the Disney Parks Blog and see the rest of the fleet on the official Disney Cruise Line website.
How Long Is The Flight From The UK To Tokyo?
Tokyo is a long way to go for a short cruise. In their 2026 schedule, British Airways fly non-stop from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda, with flight times of around 14 hours. This means a short cruise only makes sense for most UK guests as part of a bigger Japan trip, which is also a good opportunity to visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea - both are run by the same company that will run Disney Imagination.
Search flights from the UK to Tokyo
Disney Imagination Vs Disney Adventure Vs Disney Believe
Disney Imagination won't be the only Disney ship in Asia. Disney Adventure has been sailing from Singapore since its maiden voyage in early 2026, and because it's run by Disney Cruise Line, UK guests can already book it. Its early itineraries are three and four night cruises with no port stops, so the ship itself is the destination. Closer to the parks most Brits visit, Disney Believe joins the Wish class from Fort Lauderdale in December 2027.
| Detail | Disney Imagination | Disney Adventure | Disney Believe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeport | Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, Japan | Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| First sailings | Spring 2029 | 10th March 2026 | December 2027 |
| Ship class | Wish class | Converted from the Global Dream, not Wish class | Wish class |
| Run by | Oriental Land (Disney Cruise Line Japan) | Disney Cruise Line | Disney Cruise Line |
| Best suited for | UK guests planning a Japan trip that includes Tokyo Disney Resort | UK guests who want a Disney cruise in Asia before 2029 | UK guests pairing a Wish class cruise with a Florida holiday |
Details from Disney and Oriental Land announcements. Check Disney Cruise Line for current Disney Adventure and Disney Believe itineraries.
If Florida is still the plan, our Disney World deals guide for UK guests covers the current offers.
Compare Disney Cruise Line sailings and prices
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Disney Imagination Cruise Ship: Your Questions Answered
What is the Disney cruise ship sailing from Japan called?
It's called Disney Imagination. Oriental Land Co. confirmed the name on 14th October 2026, and it will be the first ship of Disney Cruise Line Japan.
When does Disney Imagination start sailing?
Disney Imagination is due to start sailing from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in spring 2029. Disney says itineraries will be announced at a later date.
Which Disney character is on the stern of Disney Imagination?
Ariel from The Little Mermaid, joined by Sebastian and friends from under the sea. She writes the ship's name with her dinglehopper.
Can you book Disney Imagination yet?
No. No booking date has been announced, and booking details for guests outside Japan are still to come.
Is Disney Imagination run by Disney Cruise Line?
No. It will be operated by Oriental Land, the company that owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort, under the Disney Cruise Line Japan name and a licence from Disney.
Is Disney Imagination a Wish class ship?
Yes. It's the newest ship in Disney's Wish class, which also includes the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny and Disney Believe.
How long is the flight from the UK to Tokyo?
Non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda take around 14 hours, based on British Airways' 2026 schedule.
