Disney Believe reaches keel-laying milestone ahead of 2027 debut

Disney Cruise Line says the Disney Believe has reached its keel-laying milestone as construction proceeds toward a planned late-2027 entry into service. Work is underway on the second of the ship’s three gigablocks.

The first gigablock, which contains the ship’s midship section, has been completed and floated out of the shipyard. It includes the Grand Hall. According to the construction sequence, the forward portion will be built next, followed by the aft section.

Disney says the Grand Hall will draw on the exploratory spirit of its animated Moana films. A bronze statue depicting Moana alongside Pua and Heihei is planned as a central feature of the space.

Exterior artwork will include large sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear on the stern, according to a rendering. The bow is set to carry hand-painted Tinker Bell filigree, bordered by silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook and other characters from the 1953 animated film.

The company says onboard venues and entertainment will also be shaped by stories including Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana and The Little Mermaid.