Disney Believe Updates: Meet the Opening Cruise Director of the Disney Believe

October 6, 2026: Introducing the Opening Cruise Director of the Disney Believe 

On every Disney Cruise Line ship, our cruise directors are essential, managing the entertainment, youth activities, and recreation onboard. As the upcoming ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet prepares to bring these crucial elements to life, Trent Hitchcock will serve as the opening Cruise Director for the Disney Believe on its inaugural voyage next year!

Trent Hitchcock’s Seafaring Journey

Trent has been part of Disney Cruise Line for nearly two decades and has held the position of cruise director for 10 years, including being on the opening team for the Disney Destiny. He has worked on every ship except the Disney Adventure, joking, “My ship bingo card is almost full!”  

With a team of over 200 crew members, Trent ensures guests of all ages have a wide range of activities to enjoy, from deck parties and fireworks at sea to events, activities, recreation, Port Adventures, and Disney Cruise Line’s signature Broadway-style shows. 

When asked about his favorite aspect of his job, he mentioned, “The pride I feel every day knowing I lead an incredible entertainment operation aboard the ship, and the joy I witness in every guest experiencing our storytelling. Seeing it through your own children’s eyes is the best part.”

Getting Ready for the Disney Believe

Though the Disney Believe is more than a year from setting sail, Trent is already preparing for his role, stating, “Initial discussions for me begin about a year out when we start planning and developing from an entertainment perspective.” 

Next year, he will travel to Papenburg, Germany, where the Disney Believe is being constructed at the Meyer Werft Shipyard, and will accompany the ship on its maiden voyage and throughout its inaugural season. Hitchcock expressed his excitement about seeing the ship for the first time, especially since this is his first time being involved so early in the process.  

“Bringing a new ship to life is a special time, and being the opening cruise director to conclude the Wish class is an honor and a privilege,” Trent said. “I can’t wait to share the Disney Believe with all our guests.”

Disney Believe Milestone: Keel Laying Ceremony | Oct. 5, 2026  

The Disney Believe's first gigablock was floated out of the Meyer Werft Shipyard in mid-September, and progress on Disney Cruise Line's upcoming ship continues at a steady pace! Construction on the second gigablock is now in progress, and the ship has achieved another milestone — the keel laying ceremony. 

This age-old maritime tradition dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, involving a specially crafted coin ceremoniously placed temporarily under the ship's keel. 

Did you know? A keel is the structural backbone beneath the ship that runs from the bow to the stern. 

This tradition is believed to bring good fortune to the ship and its future crew before it sets sail. What makes this ceremony particularly magical is the custom-minted coin featuring a portrait of Tinker Bell, mirroring the artwork that will soon adorn the bow of the Disney Believe.  

Tinker Bell’s image is sure to infuse the ship with a sprinkle of faith, trust, and pixie dust, inspiring future guests to believe in the promise and potential of their dreams coming true.