Sail Away on Disneys Magical New Wish Cruise Ship Heading to UK Waters in 2027
Disney Cruise Line is making a big move in 2027 — and UK cruisers are in for a real treat. The beloved Disney Wish is setting sail from Southampton for the very first time.
Disney Wish Is Coming to Southampton
The Disney Wish launched in 2022 and is the first ship in Disney’s Wish class. Her sister ships are Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny. You’ll recognize her right away by the iconic red and black funnel decorated with Mickey ears.
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This ship is massive. She weighs in at 144,000 gross tonnes and can hold up to 4,000 passengers. That makes her one of the largest and most modern ships ever to depart from Southampton.
Sailings will range from three to seven nights. Routes will include Norwegian fjords and other northern European destinations. Prices start at around £2,802 for a family of two adults and two children sharing an interior cabin.
What to Expect Onboard Disney Wish
This ship is packed with things to do for every member of the family. There’s immersive dining, live stage shows, character meet-and-greets, pools, and much more. Here’s a closer look at what’s waiting for you onboard.
The Grand Hall
When you first step aboard, the crew announces your family’s name to a round of applause. You’re then greeted by a stunning bronze statue of Cinderella. Look up and you’ll see a beautiful chandelier shaped like her ballgown.
Make sure you’re in the Grand Hall at 10pm or midnight. That’s when the ship puts on a magical light show called the “Special Kiss Goodnight.” It’s one of those moments you won’t forget.
Disney Decor Throughout the Ship
The walls and stairwells are filled with artwork inspired by classic Disney films. You’ll spot scenes from Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, and Moana. Keep your eyes open for fun hidden details scattered around the ship.
There are hidden Mickeys tucked into the carpet, pointing you toward the front of the ship. Cinderella’s carriage is hidden in the lighting fixtures. Each of the 1,254 cabins features a mural inspired by movies like Cinderella, Frozen, and The Little Mermaid.
“Our cabin was Moana themed, giving our 11 and 13-year-old daughters a perfect Disney role model and a decent soundtrack to sing to as we prepared for each day.”
Family rooms come with a sofa bed that converts into bunk beds at night. Connecting staterooms are available for larger groups. These rooms share a partition between balconies that can be opened to create one big shared outdoor space.
Most cabins feature Disney Cruise Line’s split-bathroom design. One side has a sink and shower or bathtub. The other side has a sink and toilet — very handy when traveling with a full family. Pro tip: start looking for hidden Mickeys on your lampshades.
Immersive Dining Experiences
Disney Cruise Line is well known for its rotational dining system. Three themed restaurants are included in your cruise fare. The best part? The same waiters rotate with you to each restaurant, so they quickly learn your preferences and dietary needs.
“We were transported to Frozen‘s Arendelle one evening to dine and sing alongside Elsa, Anna and Kristoff, an experience only available on Disney Wish.”
Another restaurant, called 1923, takes its name from the year the Walt Disney Company was founded. It has an upscale California-inspired menu and walls covered in inspiring sketches from decades of Disney creativity. It’s a beautiful space for a special dinner.
The third option is Worlds of Marvel, where Ant-Man, Wasp, and Spider-Man take you on an adventure during your meal. Stay until the very end — there’s a surprise superhero appearance worth waiting for.
For more casual meals, the Marceline Marketplace buffet is a great choice. Don’t skip breakfast here — the Mickey waffles are a must. On the last sea day of your sailing, you can also grab Mickey-shaped churros.
Live Stage Shows
The onboard entertainment is truly top-notch. The Walt Disney Theatre seats 1,340 guests and hosts exclusive live stage productions. Shows like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin come to life with incredible special effects.
There’s also an original Disney musical called “Disney Seas the Adventure.” It follows Goofy as he chases his dream of steering a cruise ship. Along the way, he meets plenty of beloved characters — it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Character Meet-and-Greets
One big perk of a Disney cruise is meeting characters without the long theme park lines. You can use the Disney Cruise Line app to reserve spots at special character events in advance. This saves time and stress during your sailing.
“In one morning our daughters met Minnie Mouse by the iconic funnels before seeing Belle, Tiana, Rapunzel and Cinderella during a Royal Gathering event.”
Characters from across the Disney universe appear throughout the ship. Whether you’re a fan of the princesses, Marvel heroes, or classic characters like Donald Duck, there’s a good chance you’ll find your favorite.
Themed Bars for Adults
The bar scene onboard is creative and fun. The Hyperspace Lounge is decked out in Star Wars style and is a hit with fans. The Bayou draws inspiration from The Princess and the Frog and serves up some seriously delicious beignets.
Family Fun in the Sun
Seven pools are spread across decks 11, 12, and 14. They’re not the biggest pools at sea, but they’re well spread out so it rarely feels too crowded. For a quieter swim, head to Chip ‘n’ Dale’s pool on the back of deck 14 — it’s away from the bar and buffet, so it tends to stay calmer.
Younger kids will love the Toy Story Splash Zone. Older kids and teens tend to flock to the Slide-a-Sauras Rex waterslide and the AquaMouse water coaster. The AquaMouse sends you through tubes around the outside of the ship while a fun Mickey Mouse cartoon plays above you. Bring a towel — you will get wet.
When you need a break from the water, there’s still plenty to do. Guests can take drawing classes to learn how to sketch Donald Duck. There’s also karaoke, an Inside Out-themed candy shop, and an inflatable Incredibles obstacle course. There’s never a dull moment.
Kids’ Clubs
The Oceaneer Club is one of the most impressive kids’ clubs afloat. It’s designed for ages three to ten and features themed zones for Marvel, Star Wars, Frozen, and Beauty and the Beast. Kids can explore and play in a fully immersive environment.
Tweens between 11 and 13 have their own space called the Edge lounge. It’s packed with video games and is a popular hangout. Teens aged 14 and up can hang out at the Vibe teen club.
Adult-Only Spaces
Adults need a little downtime too, and Disney Wish delivers. The Quiet Cove pool deck has an infinity pool with gorgeous ocean views. The nearby Cove Cafe serves specialty coffees — including a flat white topped with a Spider-Man motif, which is a fun touch.
The Palo Steakhouse offers a special adults-only brunch for $55 per person. The menu includes giant Mickey waffles, omelettes, cheese boards, pizza, pasta, and steak. The views from the top of the ship are stunning — just skip breakfast beforehand, because the portions are enormous.
A weekly spa pass at the Senses Spa runs about $159 per person. This adult-only retreat features heated loungers and outdoor hot tubs. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge between ports.
Fireworks at Sea
No Disney experience is complete without fireworks, and Disney Wish is no exception. The highlight is Pirate Night, when Captain Jack Sparrow rappels down the ship’s funnel in dramatic fashion. What follows is the only fireworks show at sea — a truly one-of-a-kind moment.
Pack your eye patch and pirate costume for this one. It’s a spectacular event that the whole family will be talking about long after the cruise ends. For Disney fans in the UK, summer 2027 can’t come soon enough.
