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Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Tips & Itinerary

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Last year we did the 4-Night Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Wish cruise ship and had an amazing time. Whether you already have a Very Merrytime cruise planned or are thinking about doing one in the future, it’s such a fun way to kickstart the holiday season. We’ve put together some of our top Very Merrytime Cruise tips, including onboard activities, itineraries and what to wear for these special Disney Cruise Line sailings.

What is a Very Merrytime Cruise on Disney Cruise Line?

First things first, it’s helpful to know what Very Merrytime Cruises actually are. These special itineraries are part of Disney Cruise Line’s themed cruises, and they include holiday activities during the entire sailing. The ship is decorated for Christmas, and the characters are dressed in cute Christmas outfits. Plus, each day has special activities like crafts and Santa visits to get you in the holiday spirit throughout the entire cruise.

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Disney Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise Activities

The main draw to a Disney Cruise Line Christmas cruise is the special activities offered throughout. I read several Disney Christmas cruise reviews prior to our trip, and I wasn’t able to find a lot of information on the fun activities a DCL Christmas cruise offers. Here are some of the activities on our Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise:

• Christmas Tree Lighting: This is offered on each Very Merrytime sailing on the first night. It’s typically around 7:45pm, between first and second dinners. Santa comes out and everyone can watch the tree lit together. 
• Storytime with Santa and/or Mrs Claus: This special activity is offered once per sailing, and on our cruise it was at 1:45pm on the Nassau port day. The best part about storytime was the surprise dance party afterwards. The characters came out in their Christmas gear and spent time with the kids dancing to popular Christmas songs.
• Holiday crafts like ornament making for either adults only or all ages offered throughout the cruise.
• Character Greetings each day with characters dressed in the cutest Christmas outfits. For the most part, the characters were wearing Christmas outfits with the exception of Pirate Night and Castaway Cay. 
• Visits with Santa are offered on a few days and times throughout the sailing. He was the best Santa I’ve ever seen!
• Special Photo Ops: Get pictures with or without Santa in front of the tree or with special photo backgrounds. Many people either dress up in their best Christmas outfits or matching Christmas pajamas. 
• Holiday Music Performances: In the evenings, there are special musical performances with holiday music. 
• Gingerbread house making or cookie decorating have also been offered on Very Merrytime cruises in the past, but we didn’t see it on our particular sailing.

Christmas Decorations on Disney Very Merrytime Cruises

Another benefit to doing a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise is getting to see the ships beautifully decorated with Christmas decor. Some of the amazing Christmas decorations include:

• A huge Christmas tree in the Grand Hall, with special colors and theming based on the ship. The Disney Wish Christmas tree is unique in that it’s a gold tree with gold decorations throughout. While it’s different from your traditional tree, we absolutely loved it! The lights are off when you first board the ship, and then there’s a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on all DCL Christmas cruises the first night. 
• Themed Christmas trees in each area of the ship. The kids’ clubs each had a special tree in each area, and the lounges and even the hair salon and spas had their own trees. It was fun looking for them throughout the ship!
• A Gingerbread House on each Disney cruise ship. Each ship puts together their own Gingerbread house for display, and they have a contest at the end to see which ship has the best tree. The gingerbread house on the Disney Wish was unique in that it was more of a tower than a house. 
• Castaway Cay is decorated for Christmas with its own Christmas tree and beachy themed snowmen for a fun photo op as well as decorations throughout the island. Sadly, with a hurricane and other events, Castaway Cay wasn’t decorated for our Nov 14-18 Very Merrytime Bahamas cruise on the Disney Wish. (So keep that in mind that if you’re on an earlier Very Merrytime itinerary in November, Castaway Cay may not yet be decorated!)

What to Pack for a Very Merrytime Cruise

Not sure what to pack for a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise? One of our biggest Disney Christmas Cruise tips is to get super festive! Regardless of whether you’re sailing in November or December, you’ll see people decked out in holiday gear throughout the cruise. It’s such a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. Some things to pack for a Disney Christmas Cruise include:

• Disney Christmas pajamas for the whole family. If you’re planning ahead, Target, Old Navy and Kohls tend to have matching family PJs by late September. Little Sleepies also has the comfiest family matching Disney Christmas pajamas that would be great for a cruise. I bought slipper socks for everyone for nighttime as well.
• Disney Christmas shirts . I stocked up on Christmas gear at ShopDisney after the holidays the year before, and we typically find great deals for kids at Old Navy, Target or Kohls. You can also shop for matching Very Merrytime cruise shirts here on Etsy.
• Disney Cruise Christmas door magnets are a fun way to get festive and “decorate” your room. Some people go all out, but we kept it simple and ordered these Christmas cruise magnets.
• Disney Cruise Christmas Ornaments if you’re participating in an ornament exchange with your cruise group. You also can find some here . 
• Fun accessories like Christmas ears, bows or Santa hats. 
• Nice Christmas outfits for family pictures with Santa or in front of the tree. I bought this dress for me, a gold toddler dress for my daughter and a similar Mickey Christmas button down shirt for my son. 

Head to our Disney Cruise packing list for a full list of items to bring with you on a Disney Cruise. 

Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Itineraries

Very Merrytime cruises typically run from early to mid-November through December each year.  Historically, all five Disney cruise ships have had Christmas cruise sailings that visit Mexico and the Caribbean during this time. 

In 2023, 4 of the 5 Disney ships will have Very Merrytime sailings, with the Disney Wonder being the only one that will not offer them. The 2023 Disney Very Merrytime Cruise itineraries include:

• 5 Night Western Caribbean & 4 Night Bahamian Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Dream out of Fort Lauderdale
• 6-7 night Western and Eastern Caribbean Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral
• 3-4 night Bahamian Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral
• 5 Night Baja Very Merrytime Cruise from San Diego and 14-Night Panama Canal Very Merrytime Cruise from San Diego to Galveston on the Disney Magic

Looking for a 2024 Disney Very Merrytime Cruise? Fall 2024 Disney Cruise Line itineraries are currently available for booking on Disney Cruise Line. The Very Merrytime Cruises in 2024 include:

• 3 and 4-night Bahamian Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral (with stops at either Lighthouse Point or Castaway Cay)
• 4, 5 and 6-night Western Caribbean Very Merrytime cruises from Galveston on the Disney Magic
• 4 and 5-night Bahamiam Very Merrytime cruises from Fort Lauderdale on the Disney Dream (includes itineraries with either Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay stops)
• 6 and 7-night Bahamian, Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral

If you’re specifically looking for a Disney cruise over Christmas, there are also special Very Merrytime Disney Cruises on Christmas Day. They also have itineraries for Disney cruises over New Year’s Eve. If you’re sailing out of Port Canaveral, be sure to also check out Disney at Christmas either before or after your trip!

Not sure where to start? Contact me Amanda at [email protected] for help planning your next Disney Cruise Vacation!

Additional Tips for a Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise

• Be sure to check the Navigator app for all scheduled holiday activities when you board the ship. It’s easy to miss some of the holiday activities.
• Characters tend to be in Christmas gear during most of the cruise, with the exception of Pirate Night and on Castaway Cay.
• Consider purchasing the DCL photo package in advance of your cruise. It’s a great way to get family Christmas photos, and we plan to use our picture in front of the tree for Christmas cards this year.
• Plan outfits in advance, particularly if you want to purchase matching Very Merrytime Cruise shirts like these or something similar on Etsy. Shipping can always take a bit longer this time of year, and we totally missed the window for our cruise!
• Be aware that special one-time events like the Christmas tree lightning will fill up fast. Get there early and try to go on the top floor of the grand hall for the best viewing.
• If you’re on a Bahamas Very Merrytime sailing, consider skipping port excursions at Nassau for more ship time. There’s so much to do, and some special Christmas activities only happen on the Nassau day.
• Join a cruise group on Facebook for ornament exchanges as a way to interact with other guests and leave with several fun and special souvenirs.
• Speaking of souvenirs, if you’re looking for special Christmas gifts on a Very Merrytime cruise, be sure to go to the gift shops on the first night. Inventory is typically lower, and they will sell out.

Related Posts:

• Disney Cruise Packing List & Tips
• Orlando at Christmas
• Cruising with a Toddler

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Disney Cruise Line Announces Very Merrytime Cruises in 2023 Plus 2024 Fall Itineraries

• by Michelle Snow
• June 14, 2023 June 14, 2023

Disney Cruise Line has announced brand-new entertainment coming to Very Merrytime cruises in 2023, along with 2024 fall itineraries, so if you’re planning a Disney cruise, here are the details you’ll want to know.

2023 Very Merrytime Cruises

There’s nothing like the holidays with Disney, and that’s true for the cruises, as well.

Aboard these seasonal sailings, guests will also find beloved Disney characters debuting new holiday attire, themed Very Merrytime activities for the entire family, carolers singing contemporary versions of holiday songs, commemorative merchandise, and festive food and beverage items.

The 2023 Very Merrytime cruises will have a new Tree Lighting Ceremony for guests to enjoy. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy in the ship’s atrium to sing along to classic holiday tunes around the three-deck-tall tree.

Also new for 2023 is Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party. This high-energy deck party thrown by Mickey and Minnie will feature favorite Disney friends as they celebrate friendship, love, and family with a fresh mix of classic and original holiday songs.

The Sailings

2023 Very Merrytime cruises will set sail from both California and Florida.

The Disney Magic will set sail to Baja and the Mexican Riviera from San Diego for holiday sailings before wrapping up the season in Galveston, Texas with Very Merrytime cruises to the western Caribbean.

The Disney Dream will set sail from a new South Florida home in Fort Lauderdale, offering four- and five-night Very Merrytime cruises to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas.

Meanwhile,the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing during the holidays from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Caribbean.

2024 Very Merrytime Cruises

Very Merrytime cruises will return in 2024 from mid-November through December, with a variety of cruises and ships.

Short holiday getaways will be offered with a selection of three- and four-night Bahamian Very Merrytime voyages on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, and four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale aboard the Disney Dream.

The Disney Fantasy will embark on a variety of four-night Very Merrytime sailings to The Bahamas, along with longer six- and seven-night itineraries in November and late December.

Select voyages on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will include a day of fun in the sun at Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination, Lighthouse Point , during the holiday season.

There will also be holiday cruises from Galveston aboard the Disney Magic, which will range in length from four to six nights.

2024 Halloween on the High Seas Cruises

While we’re talking about holiday cruises, if you prefer the spookier side of crusing…not too spooky, this is Disney after all, Halloween on the High Seas cruises will return in mid-September through October 2024.

From Port Canaveral, Florida, the Disney Wish will sail three- and four-night Bahamian voyages full of frightful fun in fall 2024.

Disney Fantasy will also offer these special themed cruises with lengths varying from four, six and seven nights from Port Canaveral.

Four-night sailings will take families to The Bahamas, while six- and seven-night escapes will transport guests to destinations throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean.

And if you prefer to depart from Ft. Lauderdale, the Disney Magic will offer Halloween cruises of three to five nights to tropical destinations in The Bahamas and Caribbean.

Sailing to Hawaii and the South Pacific

If long cruises are more your thing, Disney Cruise Line has some special sailings planned for 2024.

The Disney Wonder will sail on September 23, from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu.

From there the Disney Wonder will embark on a transpacific voyage starting October 3, to Sydney, Australia. The itinerary will take families through the South Pacific to visit once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Fiji, American Samoa, and New Caledonia before arriving Down Under.

The return trips will occur in early 2025.

Book Your Cruise

2023 Very Merrytime cruises are available to book now via the Disney Cruise Line website .

Bookings for all of the fall 2024 itineraries will open to the public June 26, 2023.

Or save yourself the hassle handling all the details, and contact The Disney Blog’s own authorized travel planning expert, Stacey at Pixie Vacations .

Booking your travel with Stacey helps support this blog, and you’ll have access to her wealth of Disney knowledge to help you book your trip. Thank you!

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Very Merrytime Cruises Over the Holidays on Disney Cruise Line

Every year, a Very Merrytime Cruises  take place on most voyages aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships from mid-November through right before Christmas. In addition to the usual activities and fun expected from a Disney cruise, there are many magical holiday extras in keeping with the holiday spirits. Sailings range in length from three to 14 nights with itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas, including stops on  Castaway Cay , Disney's private island. There are four ships that host the Very Merrytime Cruise during the holiday season: Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream , and Disney Fantasy .

Holiday Decorations

Families sailing during the holiday season from late November to New Year's Eve are treated to ships decked out from stem to stern with traditional Thanksgiving fanfare, Christmas festivities, and snow flurries.

Decorations onboard the Disney ships include 124 Christmas trees; 4,473 yards of garland; 14,000 yards of ribbon; over 5.5 miles of Christmas lights; and one giant candy cane for a tropical deck party. While Santa shares 300 pounds of gingerbread cookies, the life-size gingerbread house takes 320 hours to make with 650 pounds of gingerbread, 5,250 gingerbread bricks, and 220 pounds of sugar icing.

When the ships stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay , the celebration continues with a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets, and holiday island music. Plus, the island's tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.

Merrytime Cruise Event Highlights

During the cruise, there will be many holiday-themed events to look forward to, from tree lightings to holiday parties.

• Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic takes place on the first night of the cruise in the atrium lobby where Disney characters lead holiday carols and the lighting of the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
• Santa's Winter Wonderland Ball celebrates the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, offering an opportunity to don holiday attire and join Disney friends and princesses for a glamorous ball. There will be appearances by Santa and meet-and-greet opportunities with Disney characters like Anna and Elsa from the hit movie "Frozen ."
• A variety of family holiday activities include building gingerbread houses and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and favorite Disney characters. Youth holiday craft sessions are held to teach the kids how to decorate stockings and gingerbread men cookies, make holiday cards, and create holiday animation cells.
• Storytime with Mrs. Claus gathers the children in the atrium to hear well-known Christmas stories from her rocking chair by the tree. Holiday storytellers will share tales of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, plus a story about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.
• At the Deck the Deck Holiday Party, Disney friends lead games such as hula hooping and limbo under oversized candy canes, along with dances for the whole family like the “Yuletide Slide” and a conga line around the pool. The Disney Cruise Line’s farewell on the final night of each cruise, Til We Meet Again, features a special holiday edition with Disney characters and the ship’s crew in a musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.

Thanksgiving Day Events

On Thanksgiving cruises , families can feast on a Thanksgiving Day dinner and more. Guest will receive visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire, and a special turkey towel animal in their stateroom upon turndown. Also during the special Thanksgiving voyages, big NFL football games are broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screen located near the family pool.

New Year's Eve Events

If you cruise on any Disney ship during New Year's eve, expect music, food, fireworks, and a giant midnight deck party. Activities are subject to change depending on each ship and itinerary, but a party hosted by Disney characters dressed in their New Year's best is guaranteed.

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Caribbean and Bahamas: Very Merrytime Eastern Caribbean Cruise

7-night disney fantasy cruise.

From $2,205 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $142

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Delight in seasonal magic at sea and discover a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor. Make Holiday wishes come true while onboard Disney Fantasy. Holiday activities and offerings are subject to change and vary by ship and itinerary.

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Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

Port Canaveral

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to find Port Canaveral thrilling. This is the home of the Kennedy Space Center, where you can catch a fascinating glimpse into the history - and future - of the U.S. space program. Or, take a leisurely stroll along the Cocoa Beach Pier; the shopping is great and the beach views are truly "out of this world."

Powdery white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and a sheltered yacht-filled harbor characterize the island of Tortola, where the past of the West Indies meets the present of the BVI. The largest island in the chain, Tortola offers a variety of exciting vacation possibilities. The protected anchorages at Brandywine Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Hodge's Creek Marina Cay, Soper's Hole, and Trellis Bay are ideal for boaters. Secluded palm-shaded beaches at Apple Bay, Brewer's Bay, Elizabeth Beach, Josiah's Bay Beach, Long Bay Beach, and Smuggler's Cove make for excellent swimming and snorkelling. There are also many well-equipped facilities for fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, or horseback riding. Wander through centuries-old ruins such as the Dungeon, Fort George, Fort Recovery, the Mount Healthy Windmill, and Callwood's Rum Distillery, which is still in operation, and explore Tortola's history at the BVI Folk Museum in Road Town. Main Street in Road Town, the capital city, has an array of shops and restaurants, offering everything from local spices, jams, rums, and soaps to hand-crafted jewellery, silk-screened fabrics, and local art. The cuisine of Tortola reflects the island's rich cultural mix, whether it's a four-star dinner at a converted sugar mill or a delicious West Indian roti at a pastel-painted cottage. Local delicacies such as fresh lobster, conch, spicy goat, curries, and Johnny Cakes make each meal memorable. Escape to the cool slopes of Sage Mountain National Park, where traces of the primaeval rain forest can still be seen at higher elevations. On the mountain ridge that runs thorough the island, observe local Caribbean life with its gentle rhythms, farms, settlements, and churches. At Mount Healthy National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, rock outcroppings and vertical ghuts, or dry steam valleys, expose the deep, rich earth of this volcanic island. In Road Town, the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens offer peaceful walks through pergolas and pathways covered with colorful vines, as well as a miniature rain forest and a fern house. The people of Tortola are friendly and known for their warmth and hospitality. There are a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from campgrounds to luxury resorts and private villas. Tortola is also an ideal point from which to explore the other British Virgin Islands. Regular ferries, private and crewed yachts, and planes travel daily to the other islands of the BVI.

St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie, capital and chief port of the Virgin Islands of the United States, on Saint Thomas Harbor, southern Saint Thomas Island. Rum, bay rum, woolens, jewelry, and sugar are exported. Local industries include boatbuilding, rum and alcohol distilling, and the production of handicrafts. A picturesque town built on three hills, Charlotte Amalie is a free port and a major tourist resort. Of special interest are Fort Christian, built in 1671; Beretta, the shopping area; and the Frenchtown section. Charlotte Amalie is the site of the College of the Virgin Islands and the Museum of the Virgin Islands. In 1672 the Danes founded the first permanent settlement on the site, naming it Amalienborg or Charlotte Amalia, after their queen. The city is also popularly known as Saint Thomas, which was the official name from 1921 to 1936. It became capital of the American territory of the Virgin Islands in 1917, when the former Danish West Indies were purchased.

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas which serves as an exclusive port for the Disney Cruise Line ships. It is located near Great Abaco Island and was formerly known as Gorda Cay. In 1997, The Walt Disney Company purchased a 99-year land lease for the cay from the Bahamian government, set to expire in 2096, giving the company substantial control over the island. Castaway Cay was the first private island in the cruise industry where the ship docks alongside so guests do not have to tender to land. The island is still largely undeveloped, as only 55 of the 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) are being used. Castaway Cay now has approximately 60 Disney Cruise Line permanent residents who keep the island running daily; the numbers fluctuate between the busy season and off season.

Onboard the Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2012
• Year Refurbished: 2017

Double Occupancy Capacity: 2500

Building on the classic style of her sister ships, the Disney Fantasy is the fourth cruise liner in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. This ship features the same attention to detail that Disney is known for, while introducing new and immersive, one-of-a-kind venues and experiences for everyone in the family.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Pool - Adults Only
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Water Slide
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Outdoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Concierge Desk
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Full-Service Spa
• Beauty Salon
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Self-Service Laundromat

Animator's Palate

Main Dining

Rotational Dining:  The Disney Cruise Line method for making sure each guest experiences each themed dining environment onboard. Every evening you dine with the same tablemates and have the same servers as you "rotate" to one of the three main restaurants: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Court. You will be given your schedule when you board, so you'll know exactly when you'll enjoy the unique atmosphere of each restaurant.

Animator's Palate:  Animator's Palate is a Main Dining restaurant located on Deck 3, Aft aboard the Disney Fantasy that serves dinner. Paying homage to the magic of Disney animation, Animator's Palate includes a unique dinner show starring some of your favorite Disney characters.

Enchanted Garden:  Enchanted Garden on the Disney Fantasy is a Main Dining restaurant located on Deck 2, Midship that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Inspired by the opulent gardens of Versailles, Enchanted Garden magically transforms from day to night.

Royal Court:  Royal Court is a Rotational Dining restaurant located on Deck 3, Midship aboard the Disney Fantasy that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Inspired by the classic Disney films Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty, the décor and atmosphere of Royal Court is especially beautiful.

Specialty Dining

Palo:  Palo on the Disney Fantasy is an Adult Exclusive restaurant located on Deck 12, Aft that boasts Northern Italian cuisine for dinner. Additionally, brunch is offered on select cruises. Reservations are required to dine at Palo and can be made online or upon boarding the ship. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Remy:  Remy is a lavish Adult Exclusive restaurant located on Deck 12, Aft aboard the Disney Fantasy. Offering the most upscale and romantic dining experience available onboard, the restaurant serves the finest in French-inspired cuisine for dinner. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Senses Juice Bar:  Replenish and recharge at this nutritious refreshment haven near Senses Spa & Salon. Serving blended beverages bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables, Senses Juice Bar provides a vitamin-infused, protein-filled boost after a vigorous workout or massage. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Preludes:  Preludes, a snack bar located just outside the Walt Disney Theatre, serves beverages and snacks for purchase during live show performances and movies.

Casual Dining

Cabanas:  Cabanas is an indoor/outdoor Casual Dining restaurant located on Deck 11, Aft on the Disney Fantasy that serves a culinary confection of fresh food favorites. At breakfast and lunch, Cabanas offers the finest in made-to-order dining; at dinnertime, the restaurant is transformed into a table-service dining room serving Main Dining delights.

Eye Scream Treats:  Inspired by the friendly, one-eyed monster Mike Wazowski from the Disney "Pixar animated feature Monsters, Inc., Eye Scream Treats offers soft-serve ice cream with plenty of popular sundae toppings.

Flo's Cafe:  Grab a quick bite to eat at Flo's Café, located near Donald's Pool on Deck 11. Themed to popular characters from the Disney "Pixar film Cars, like Luigi's Pizza, Tow Mater's Grill and Fillmore's Favorites, this quick-service eatery serves burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, fresh fruit, salads and sandwich wraps.

Frozone Treats:  Named after the ice-creating superhero in the Disney "Pixar movie The Incredibles, Frozone Treats mixes delicious fruit smoothies.

Sweet on You:  Savor the flavors… indulge in delightfully decadent frozen desserts and other sweet treats!

Room Service:  Disney Cruise Line Room Service is available 24 hours a day for your convenience. Relax with a continental breakfast, grab a quick snack between meals or satisfy a late-night craving in the comfort of your room. Complimentary room service ensures that you can enjoy fresh, made-to-order dishes anytime, day or night.

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Features warm wood finishes, custom fabrics and carpeting, original artwork, crown moldings, genuine teak accents and a Magical Porthole for real-time views of the sea.

Standard Inside Stateroom (Category: 11C)

• Category 11A: Decks 8, 9 and 10
• Category 11B: Decks 5, 6 and 7
• Category 11C: Deck 2
• Sleeps: 3 to 4
• Size: 169 sq. ft.
• Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, and upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
• View: Magical Porthole with real-time views
• Custom Premium Plush Euro-top mattress
• Frette® 300-thread-count, 100%-cotton linens
• Premium bath towels
• 22" LCD flat-screen TV on swivel arm, with remote control
• iPod® docking station
• Full-length mirror
• Ample closet space
• Refrigerator
• In-room safe
• Phone with voicemail messaging
• Individual climate control
• Signature spa, bath, and shower products
• Wi-Fi (additional fee)
• A sitting area with a couch, TV, and desk
• A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas
• A full bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and tub
• Elevated wooden bed frames for under-bed storage of suitcases and other large items
• A leather-upholstered ottoman with hollow inside storage
• Attractive yet functional cabinetry in the living area

Be on the lookout for enchanting surprises; you never know who — or what — might float by. Perhaps a beloved Disney character or even a pirate ship! And when it's bedtime, you can turn off your Magical Porthole with the simple flip of a switch.

Standard Inside Stateroom (Category: 11B)

Standard inside stateroom (category: 11a), deluxe inside stateroom (category: 10a).

• Size: 204 sq. ft.
• 22" LCD flat-screen TV on swivel arm, with remote-control
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet

Inside Stateroom with Restrictions (Category: IGT)

Category: IGT This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Enjoy a view of the ocean in this stunning stateroom. Well-designed interiors provide ample living space and a split bath.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Porthole (obstructed view) (Category: 09D)

• Category 9A: Decks 5, 6, 7 and 8; 1 porthole window
• Category 9B: Deck 2; 1 porthole window
• Category 9C: Decks 7 and 8; 1 obstructed porthole
• Category 9D: Decks 6, 7 and 8; 1 obstructed porthole with limited ocean views
• View: 1 or 2 porthole windows, some with obstructed views
• Frette® premium bath towels
• Mini refrigerator
• A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas (in most)
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet (in all but accessible staterooms)

And to kids' delight, a mural of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy, and her brothers soaring through a starry sky reveals itself when the upper-berth bed is pulled down!

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Porthole (obstructed view) (Category: 09C)

Deluxe oceanview stateroom (category: 09b), deluxe oceanview stateroom (category: 09a), deluxe family oceanview stateroom (category: 08c).

• Category 8A: Decks 5 and 6; 2 large porthole windows
• Category 8B: Decks 7, 8 and 9; 1 large porthole window
• Category 8C: Decks 5 and 6; 1 large porthole window
• Sleeps: 3 to 5
• Size: 241 sq. ft.
• Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed (in most), or upper-berth pull-down bed (in some)
• View: 1 to 2 porthole windows with built-in seating
• A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas (in all but Category 8A staterooms, which have a privacy wall divider in rooms 5020, 5022, 5520, and 5522 and a vertical pole in rooms 6014, 6016, 6512, and 6514)
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and round tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet (in all but the following: Category 8A staterooms; rooms 5020, 5022, 5520, 5522, 6016, and 6514, which feature a full bathroom with a rectangular tub; and rooms 5018, 5518, 6012, 6510, and 6512, which feature a bathroom with a shower only)

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (Category: 08B)

Deluxe family oceanview stateroom (category: 08a), oceanview stateroom with restrictions (category: ogt).

Category: OGT This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Tasteful décor, an expansive view, plush bedding and a private balcony make this stateroom your home-away-from-home.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (undersized or obstructed verandah) (Category: 07A)

• Category 5A: Decks 9 and 10
• Category 5B: Decks 7 and 8
• Category 5C: Deck 6
• Category 6A: Decks 8 and 9; private verandah with partial whitewall
• Category 6B: Decks 5, 6 and 7; private verandah with partial whitewall
• Category 7A: Decks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; enclosed verandah with limited views
• Size: 246 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
• View: private verandah
• A "split bath" (in most): a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet
• Patio furniture
• Deck lighting
• Plexiglas® or solid whitewall railings
• Childproof locks

On most adjoining accommodations, the partition between verandahs can be opened to create a larger balcony for sharing, with access between rooms. Guests may contact their stateroom host to unlock the partitions.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category: 06B)

Deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 06a), deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 05c), deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 05b), deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 05a), deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (oversized verandah) (category: 04e).

• Category 4A: Decks 9 and 10
• Category 4B: Decks 7 and 8
• Category 4C: Deck 6
• Category 4E: Decks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; oversized private verandah
• Sleeps: 4 to 5, except Category 4E staterooms which sleep 3 to 4
• Size: 299 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed (in most), and upper-berth pull-down bed (in some)
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and round tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet (in all but accessible staterooms)

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category: 04C)

Deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 04b), deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 04a), verandah stateroom with restrictions (category: vgt).

Category: VGT This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Opulent suites feature a tasteful design, upgraded amenities, a private balcony, a whirlpool tub, a rain shower and a vanity mirror with a built-in TV.

Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah (Category: 01A)

• A separate bedroom
• 2 bathrooms, including a main with double sinks, a rain-style shower, and whirlpool tub
• A verandah with a whirlpool tub
• Living room
• Open dining salon
• Pantry and wet bar stocked with water and sodas
• Walk-in closet
• Size: 1,781 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: 1 bedroom with queen bed; wall pull-down double bed and wall pull-down single bed in living room
• View: private verandah with floor-to-ceiling windows in main living space
• Premium Frette® bath towels
• 2 42" high-definition LCD flat-screen TVs (1 in the living room, 1 in the bedroom)
• Sofa and sofa chairs
• Dining table
• Elemis® Body Exotics bath, shower, and spa products
• Down Duvets: Enjoy a superlative night's sleep with the softness of genuine feather duvets, featured in Concierge main bedrooms.
• Guests of our Concierge Suites may choose from pillow options including hypoallergenic, feather, and therapeutic memory foam.
• Personal Robe and Slippers: These plush comforts are yours to use for the duration of your cruise.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet Service: Enjoy the Premium Surf Wi-Fi package for each Guest in the suite for the length of the voyage at no extra charge.
• A whirlpool tub
• Plexiglas® railings and dividers
• Port Adventures
• Reservations for Palo or Remy , spa treatments, or nursery stays
• Dining room seating requests
• Special occasions and celebrations
• Any other special requests, from pre-arrival to post-cruise
• Reservations (Port Adventures, Palo and Remy dining, spa treatments, and nursery stays)
• In-suite dining from our concierge in-suite dining menu
• Dining reservation confirmations and changes
• Priority tendering in ports of call
• Updates to your personal itinerary
• Special occasions and celebration planning

From the Lounge, Concierge Guests can access a sun deck via a private entrance. Soak up the sun at this VIP onboard oasis and savor tranquil breezes, cooling water misters, cushioned lounge chairs, and a bar stocked with water and refreshments.

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (Category: 02A)

• Wet bar stocked with water and sodas
• Size: 622 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: 1 bedroom with queen bed; double sleeper sofa, and wall pull-down single bed in living room
• 42" high-definition LCD flat-screen TV
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet Service: Enjoy the Basic Surf Wi-Fi package for each Guest in the suite for the length of the voyage at no extra charge.
• Plexiglas® or solid whitewall railings and dividers

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (Category: 02B)

Concierge family oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 03a).

• Size: 306 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: queen bed, double sleeper sofa and upper berth pull-down bed
• View: private verandah with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Complimentary 24-Hour Wi-Fi Internet Service: Enjoy Basic Surf Wi-Fi for each Guest in the stateroom at no extra charge. (Usage fees apply after the 24-hour package expires.)
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and round tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet
• Reservations for Palo or Remy, spa treatments, or nursery stays

• Ship Name: Disney Fantasy
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2012
• Ship Class: Dream
• Maximum Capacity: 4,000
• Number of Passenger Decks: 14
• Number of Crew: 1,458
• Officers' Nationality: International
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 199
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 871
• Total Inside Staterooms: 150
• Tonnage (GRT): 130,000
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,500
• Country of Registry: The Bahamas
• Total Staterooms: 1,250
• Suites with Balcony: 21
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 11/23/2024, departure date - 12/07/2024, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†This cruise includes a Digital Costco Shop Card that will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. To receive your Digital Costco Shop Card, bookings must be made directly through Costco Travel. Bookings made through Disney Cruise Line or the Disney onboard cruise consultant must be transferred to Costco Travel's reservation system to qualify for the Digital Costco Shop Card. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's Registry: The Bahamas

As to Disney's artwork, properties and logos: ©Disney

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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The Best Things to do on a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise

If you love Christmas and love Disney Cruise Line then a Very Merrytime Cruise could be for you. I sailed on the Disney Wonder out of Galveston on a Western Caribbean cruise back in December 2017 and had an incredible week onboard. For me Disney and Christmas just go together perfectly and create a magical experience – it was a perfect mix of everything I love about a regular Disney Cruise with an extra dusting of Christmas magic. Very Merrytime Cruises take place on four Disney Cruise Line ships during the months of November and December. Along with the big Christmas tree and giant gingerbread house in the lobby atrium, there are smaller Christmas trees and decorations throughout the ship which are beautiful yet not overdone and are themed to the area they are located in. So here is everything there is to see and do on a Very Merrytime Cruise onboard Disney Cruise Line:

Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic

There is no better way to start off your first night onboard a Very Merrytime Cruise than by watching Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic in the lobby atrium of the ship. Crew members talk about Christmas traditions in their home countries before Mickey, Minnie, Santa Goofy and Pluto sing Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Oh Christmas Tree and We Wish You a Merry Christmas before lighting the Christmas tree and all of the decorations in the lobby atrium. Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic was the busiest event during our Very Merrytime Cruise so make sure to grab a good spot early to see it. It takes place between the two dinner seatings on the first night of the cruise so everyone is able to watch it. Don’t miss it!

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball takes place in the lobby atrium of the ship and features the Walt Disney Theatre performers who sing Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas and Frosty the Snowman before introducing Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. They are soon joined by Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald and Daisy before Anna and Elsa arrive and snow starts to fall in the lobby atrium. Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball takes place in the lobby atrium once or twice depending on the length of your cruise.

Characters Wearing Christmas Outfits

My favourite part of any Disney Cruise no matter what the time of year is meeting all of the characters and I love seeing what different costumes they are wearing each day onboard. During our Very Merrytime Cruise we saw the characters wearing at least six different outfits during the week including Christmas jumpers, tropical Christmas beachwear and formal Christmas wear as well as Santa Goofy and Reindeer Pluto. They also wore all of their standard outfits you would normally see on all other cruise too such as their sailor clothes, Pirate costumes and Formal night wear.

The Gingerbread House

Each Disney Cruise Line ship features a unique life-size gingerbread house in the lobby atrium which was one the most popular photo spots all week on our cruise. However if you sail on one of the early November cruises, bear in mind that the house is still being constructed at this point so book a later cruise if you want to see it completed. Gingerbread cookie decorating is also available on the cruise and you can check the times for this event on the Personal Navigator once onboard.

Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Deck Party

I had been looking forward to this deck party for a longest time before our cruise but it was sadly cancelled due to a storm at sea and freezing cold temperatures. Instead we had a Character Dance Party which took place in the lobby atrium.

Meeting Santa Claus

Several times during our week onboard the Disney Wonder, it was possible to meet Santa Claus and add your name to the “Naughty or Nice” list. This meet and greet was always busy whenever I walked past the lobby atrium so if you want to meet Santa on the ship, make sure to arrive early.

Storytime with Mrs Claus

Once or twice on each cruise, Mrs Claus reads Christmas stories by the Christmas tree in the lobby atrium. The children onboard sit around her rocking chair listening to her read “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “The Night Before Christmas’ whilst the adults stand further back. During this time, Cast Members hand out Hot Chocolate and cookies to everyone and there even might be some surprise guests too!

Special Very Merrytime Cruise Merchandise

As you would expect, there is special merchandise onboard that is only available during Very Merrytime Cruises. My advice as always is if you see something you want at the start of the cruise, buy it in case it sells out as there is only a limited amount of stock onboard.

Christmas Movies

Throughout our sailing there were Disney Christmas movies showing on the Funnel Vision including Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Disney’s Christmas Carol, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas.

Christmas Arts and Crafts

There are also various Christmas arts and crafts activities available for both families as well as adults throughout the cruise which are listed on the Personal Navigator.

Disney’s Castaway Cay

The majority of Very Merrytime Cruises make a stop at Castaway Cay – Disney’s private island in the Bahamas which features a Christmas tree, Christmas decorations, Mr and Mrs Snowman, Santa’s sleigh, “snow” flurries as well as tropical Christmas music. As I sailed on a Western Caribbean itinerary out of Galveston, my cruise did not stop at Castaway Cay – we visited Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth instead.

The Farewell Show

Every Disney cruise features a farewell show on the final night whether it be ‘Til We Meet Again on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder or See Ya Real Soon on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. On Very Merrytime Cruises, there is a Christmas version of each show featuring the Disney characters as well as Carolers singing an incredible version of Let There be Peace on Earth. It truly is a wonderful way to end the cruise.

My Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Wonder was in the first week of December which was a great time to sail as it was a lot more affordable than travelling over the busy and much more expensive periods of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. I had previously sailed on a Halloween on the High Seas cruise on the Disney Dream and despite loving everything to do with Halloween (which is my favourite time of year), I preferred my Very Merrytime Cruise a lot more as I found there was so much more to see and do. Even on a Very Merrytime Cruise, everything you love about Disney Cruise Line will still be there – Pirate Night with fireworks still takes place and the theatre shows still happen. I’m so happy that I was able to go on this cruise and right now I look forward to the day when we can cruise once again. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. Pin this Blog Post on Pinterest Follow Me on Instagram Follow Me on Bloglovin’

• Disney Cruise Line
• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Magic
• Disney Wonder
• Very Merrytime Cruise

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Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise Info & Review

We recently did a Very Merrytime Christmas sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line and thought it’d be worth sharing photos, info, and our review of the voyage. Our cruise was a 4-night trip from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Walt Disney World) on the Disney Dream, but these holiday cruises are offered fleet-wide in November and December.

These Very Merrytime voyages promise everything of a normal itinerary, including Pirate Night, holiday-themed atrium entertainment acts, and a stop at Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Line’s private island is also decked out for the holidays with garland, and icon Christmas tree, and more.

Aboard each Disney Cruise Line ship, there are also entertainment highlights, themed activities for kids, youth parties & crafts, and interactive options. Of course, there’s also a variety of exclusive, holiday-themed DCL merchandise and gifts. In our estimation, this all sounds better than it is in execution…

We’ll start with some basic background info about Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime sailings…

Very Merrytime Cruise Info & Entertainment

Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic – When you walk onto your Disney Cruise Line ship on day one, the Christmas tree and garland lights aren’t yet on. This is because there’s a show featuring Disney characters, Christmas music, crew members, and more in this tree-lighting ceremony that makes these festive lights twinkle.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball – Santa and Mrs. Claus invite in some special guests on each Very Merrytime sailing in this performance. This special holiday gathering featuring Broadway-style entertainment (per Disney–we’d say that’s overselling it), classic holiday tunes, Mickey & friends, and snow in the atrium.

Christmas Character Costumes – The costumes that the Disney characters don during Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic Ceremony and Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball are also worn throughout the cruise during meet & greets. The Navigator App specifies meet-and-greet times, but not attire.

Castaway Cay – Disney Cruise Line’s private island is decked for the holidays with a tropical flair. An icon Christmas tree, holiday island music, garland, and even snow flurries greet guests arriving to the island.

Gingerbread House – Each Disney Cruise Line ship features a life-size gingerbread house in the atrium, created by the Crew Members from scratch as they compete against each other for the most creative and whimsical creation.

See Ya Real Soon – The holiday version of See Ya Real Soon is modified, featuring the Dickens Carolers who sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” As with Epcot’s now extinct fireworks, this was a perfect way to end the cruise during the Christmas season. This show also provides another opportunity for guests to meet the characters, in a rushed-but-efficient process.

There isn’t enough Christmas. That’s pretty much it, in a single sentence. Don’t get us wrong–we love Disney Cruise Line and had a blast on this sailing. However, this isn’t simply a sailing that coincidentally occurs around Christmas-time, it’s actively marketed by Disney as a Very Merrytime Cruise. From that perspective, it falls woefully short.

First, the decorations. It’s nice to see the atriums of the gorgeous Disney Cruise Line ships decorated, but disappointing that these are generic Christmas ornaments, garland, and lights. They look nice, but there’s nothing on-theme about them, which is a bit of a letdown if you’ve been to the resorts at Walt Disney World around the holidays.

Beyond the ship atrium, there just isn’t much in terms of decor. There are trees in the lobby of each restaurant and scattered in a few other spots, but not much. A few wreaths and scattered pieces of garland, but nothing (that I can recall) that was even illuminated outside the atrium.

Castaway Cay does have an on-theme Christmas tree, which is really well done. Definitely the best photo op of the entire Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise.

Beyond that…Castaway Cay also does not have much. This would’ve been totally fine and more understandable if the ship had an adequate amount of decor.

Then there’s the entertainment. Three shows might sound like a decent amount, but that would be really overselling each. The tree lighting is pretty short and the See Ya Real Soon is a modified version of a normal (also short) goodbye.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball is decent, but it’s also way too short, and the substance of the show is over far too quickly. Disney describes these as “Broadway-style” entertainment, but that’s not even remotely accurate. These are not proper shows, they’re mostly character greetings with a mild musical component. If you’re expecting Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration or even A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, lower your expectations.

The Dickens Carolers are great in the few moments they’re given to shine, but those are over way too quickly. (If our in-room survey is any indication, they roam the ship and perform carols, but we never saw this.)

A proper stage show featuring the Dickens Carolers in the Walt Disney Theatre would’ve been awesome, but we would’ve been content with much less. Something– anything –of substance would’ve been nice. As it stands, there’s way too much of an emphasis on the Disney characters being introduced and waving, and too little on…literally anything else.

Speaking of the Disney characters, they are one of the few Christmas bright spots. Each of the Fab Five (or is it Sensational Six now?) has multiple holiday-themed outfits, and they rotate in these costumes for meet & greets throughout the Very Merrytime cruise. If your primary concern is meeting a range of characters in rare costumes, you’ll probably leave very satisfied.

We enjoyed these character meet & greets, but they were not our primary motivation for taking the cruise. We were expecting something more akin to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Sea. We would’ve even settled for a holiday version of Star Wars Day at Sea, which we experienced earlier in the year and really enjoyed.

Speaking of which, we’ve previously done two cruises with a Star Wars and Frozen Day at Sea, and each of those single days offered more substance than the entirety of this Very Merrytime Cruise. It’s worth emphasizing that those are marketed as normal cruises with the themed day added to select dates after itineraries go on sale.

In any case, these other themed ‘day at sea’ cruises provide a template for what Disney Cruise Line could do to make the Very Merrytime Cruise satisfying as a Christmas-time experience. Add a deck party, more substantive stage show, daytime entertainment, themed menus & desserts, scavenger hunt, and decorations. (On the plus side, the themed cups were a decent touch.)

We’d personally go a step further and replace the tired and underwhelming Pirate Night offerings with something holiday-centric. Use the same fireworks but set them to Christmas music.

Have a nighttime stage show. Encourage guests to done their holiday finery and get dressed up in yuletide attire. These are not unrealistic expectations–Disney Cruise Line does all of these things well on other cruises, so it’s perplexing that they drop the ball with Christmas.

Overall, our Disney Cruise Line experience was still exceptional, and we remain of the belief that DCL offers a premium product worthy of the premium pricing, elevated level of service, and high standards…at least with all of the normal offerings. Our disappointment here comes in comparing the Very Merrytime Cruise to other days at sea we’ve experienced, as well as Disney Christmas entertainment in the parks.

We wouldn’t hesitate to take another Disney cruise, but will likely avoid November and December in the future. These itineraries are more expensive (at least, in our experience) than their counterparts in January and February, and we’d prefer to save the money and do one of the discounted off-season sailings. With that said, if you’re looking to do a family cruise around the holidays and are only looking for mild dashes of Christmas cheer, there’s no reason to actively avoid the Very Merrytime Cruises. Just don’t go out of your way to book one, either.

Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise!

If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

Your Thoughts

If you’ve done a Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise, did you have any similar disappointment? Did it live up to your expectations? Do you think we’re being too hard on it? Is this seasonal offering something you’d like to experience on Disney Cruise Line? Do you agree or disagree with our review? Any questions? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Thanks for the article! I’m wondering where I can get that black dress with red belt?! It looks great with the red ears!

We have the Wish booked this year for our first! Can’t wait to experience it!

We’ve done the Halloween on the High Seas cruise and we’re booked for the Very Merrytime this November. I had such high hopes for the Halloween cruise that I too was disappointed to see just how lightly themed the cruise was. I spoke to the acitivity director about it and he said i was the first person to mention being a bit let down by how little “halloween” there was (notably that …somehow… during the week long cruise there wasn’t a single showing of the Disney Halloween classic, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”!) I now have lower expectations going into our Merrytime cruise. DCL says they “don’t want do overdo it” with the theming so if you’re a holiday die hard, just expect a great cruise … with a touch of the season (Halloween or Christmas) added to make it even better.

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Very Merrytime Disney Christmas Cruise Review

Are you looking for reviews from a Disney Very Merrytime Christmas sailing? My family and I sailed during the month of December on the Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Magic.

Since this itinerary was themed as one of the Very Merrytime cruises, we were able to experience extra special Christmas decorations and activities while onboard. Sailing on one of these Merrytime voyages is a great way to experience the magic of the holidays.

With festive holiday decor, themed food, Christmas activities, holiday merchandise, and more, the Disney Christmas cruises in November and December are a great time of year to set sail.

In this post, I’ll walk you through all the fun entertainment options that go along with Disney Cruise Line’s Christmas cruises so that you can enjoy a magical holiday too. We’ll discuss the Christmas decor, shows, and activities you’ll find while cruising with Disney on a Very Merrytime Christmas cruise during the holiday season!

Disney Christmas Cruise Information

Before you book a Disney Christmas cruise, you may be wondering what happens on the Very Merrytime cruises. Disney Cruise Line goes all out in their holiday decorations and entertainment.

They even turn their private island in the Bahamas into a winter wonderland! While on a Disney Christmas cruise, some of the themed activities you could find include:

Disney Characters in Holiday Attire

Guests on a holiday themed Disney cruise are able to enjoy their favorite Disney characters dressed up in their holiday best. You’ll have lots of opportunities to pose for photos with Mickey Mouse and the gang in their festive Christmas outfits no matter which of the Disney ships you choose to sail.

Holiday Fireworks

Disney Cruise Line provides so many magical moments at sea, but one of my family’s favorite things is the fireworks show. During the Christmas cruise sailings, DCL features a festive fireworks display complete with Christmas music that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Christmas Stories with Mrs. Claus

Story Time with Mrs. Claus is a super cute event that occurs on select days of the Disney Christmas cruise. Kids love sitting in the beautifully decorated atrium near the ship’s Christmas tree to listen to Mrs. Claus read a Christmas story.

Christmas Crafts

If you check out your personal navigator or Disney Cruise Line app while on the ship, you should see lots of options for holiday crafting like creating gingerbread houses. And don’t forget to check out the life-sized gingerbread house in the atrium!

Christmas on Disney Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t just go all-out on the Christmas decoration on the ship, they decorate their private island too! As you disembark in Castaway Cay, you’ll notice a giant Christmas tree, snow flurries, wreaths, and snowmen.

Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony

During the first night of our cruise, guests were welcomed into the lobby atrium for the official tree-lighting ceremony. Mickey and friends dance and sing to popular holiday songs as the giant tree is lit.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball typically occurs later in the evening on holiday cruises. Cruisers will get to experience Mickey and friends introducing their special guests. Santa Clause and Mrs. Claus, to the ship.

Santa Meet and Greet

Another special holiday extra is a special visit from Santa Claus himself! You’ll want to get in line early for this character meet and greet as the lines get long quickly. It’s all worth it once you meet Santa though.

Caribbean Weather in Winter

You may be wondering what the weather in the Caribbean is like during the Disney Christmas cruises. The truth is that the temperature can fluctuate each day, but we’ve always lucked out with warm weather.

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Although the temps are obviously cooler during the months of November and December, you can still often swim and sunbathe without feeling cold. In fact, I strolled my toddler around the Disney Magic jogging track at around 5:30 each morning of our last December cruise.

The temperature was perfect (around 70 degrees) outside during these walks even though the sun hadn’t even come up yet. Additionally, our stops at Castaway Cay and Grand Cayman both produced sunny skies with temps in the mid 80’s and really warm ocean water.

Is a Disney Christmas Cruise Worth It?

We always have an amazing time on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The Very Merrytime Christmas activities made the trip even more special. The Disney Magic cruise ship looked so magical lit up with holiday decor.

And the Christmas decorations at Castaway Cay were icing on the cake! No matter which ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet you are sailing, the whole family will have a blast experiencing the Christmas season with a hint of tropical flair.

Since we lucked out with balmy temperatures and beautiful weather in December, we totally think a Disney Very Merrytime Christmas cruise is worth it!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Follow Along on Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream

We are so excited to announce that we’re about to set sail with Disney Cruise Line on a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream on November 30! We’ll be enjoying a 4-night Caribbean Cruise with stops in Nassau, a day on Castaway Cay, and plenty of holiday fun! We hope you’ll sail away with us and follow along during another DisneyLists.com cruise week! Learn more about our upcoming trip below!

1 – Cruising

Chad and I have enjoyed fourteen cruises over the years and like to cruise as often as possible. We have enjoyed four cruises on Disney Cruise Line, and each cruise has been so special. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about cruising, and we try to share that knowledge with our readers. For this cruise, our oldest daughter, Adelei, will be joining us on her first Disney cruise! We are very excited that she could step away from college for a few days to experience the magic that is a Disney cruise! Adelei will assist us with the media coverage since she is a Marketing/Social Media major. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for tons of cruise coverage !

2 – Disney Cruise Line

In 2023, Disney Cruise Line celebrated its 25 th Anniversary! Since its inception, it has established itself as a leader in the cruise industry, providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge, and children can experience all Disney has to offer. The Disney fleet includes five ships: Disney Magic , Disney Wonder, Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , and Disney Wish . The sixth ship, the Disney Treasure , will set sail in December 2024! Itineraries include locations such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, and most recently Sydney, Australia! Some of our best cruise experiences have been on Disney Cruise Line, and we love the unique experience only Disney can provide at sea.

3 – Disney Dream

The Disney Dream is the third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. On the Disney Dream, guests embark on an adventure aboard the AquaDuck, a 765-foot long water coaster that suspends riders high above the sea; get lost in a magical tale of love during an exclusive live performance of Disney’s “ Beauty and the Beast ”; rediscover beloved stories, songs, and characters during other Broadway-style stage spectaculars; and enjoy much-needed “me time” at dedicated kids’ clubs and adult escapes. This will be our second cruise on the Disney Dream, and we’re very excited to get more time on this awesome ship and, of course, share what we discover with you!

4 – Very Merrytime Cruise

From time to time, Disney Cruise Line offers themed vacations for guests to enjoy on select sailings. Themed offerings include Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime Cruises, Marvel Day at Sea , and the newest offering, Pixar Day at Sea . This year, Disney Cruise Line is updating its holiday offerings! With two brand-new entertainment experiences, Disney characters dressed in jolly new looks, and celebratory activities for the whole family, Disney Cruise Line will be filled with the spirit of the holidays this year. We’re particularly excited to experience Castaway Cay with the holiday theming. We’ll also experience “snow flurries,” a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets, and holiday island music. We are very excited to enjoy our second Very Merrytime Cruise and can’t wait to share it with you!

5 – Four-Night Bahamian Cruise

The Disney Dream sets sail from a new South Florida home in Fort Lauderdale, offering four- and five-night Very Merrytime cruises to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas. Our cruise is a four-night Bahamian cruise, and we’ll enjoy a stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney Castaway Cay. Disney’s Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre private island with turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and swaying palm trees exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests. With an authentic island barbecue and plenty of snorkeling and water sports, Castaway Cay provides a day of adventure, relaxation, and quality time with the family. I just love Castaway Cay and everything that the island has to offer.

6 – Follow Along with Us!

This week, we’ll be sharing articles about preparing for a cruise and what needs to be done before you leave. We’ll also begin our Travel Logs, beginning with our travel day to Fort Lauderdale on November 29 and ending on our final day of the cruise. With Disney Cruise Line’s updated internet at sea service, we’re confident we’ll be able to share lots of photos and videos. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on Instagram , where we will share so much of our cruise experience in real-time. You can also follow the hashtag #disneylistscruiseweek so you don’t miss a thing! Our Travel Logs, including so much cruise advice, will be posted on our website. We want to share our experience with you so you can have the best cruise vacation possible.

Our email newsletter is also a great way to get coverage straight to your mailbox. We’ll bring you plenty of coverage from our week when we get back home, and we’ll bring you plenty of cruise articles on the Disney Cruise Line channel on our website . We have no doubt that this will be a fantastic week, and we’d love to share it with you! Thanks for following us on our Disney journey!

7 – Thinking About a Cruise?

If you’re considering booking a Disney Cruise, now is the perfect time to do so! We highly recommend booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to ensure you are well taken care of and get all the discounts available to you. For more details and help booking your vacation, call (407) 442-0227 . You can also get a no-obligation, FREE vacation quote by clicking here . Their services are free to you, and they can answer any questions you may have.

Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream

Learn about Very Merrytime cruises along with cruise tips and advice in our travel logs below!

Travel Log Articles with Cruise Tips

Follow us on Instagram, where we continue to share more about our cruise!

Follow Along on Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 1 – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 2 – Packing for a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 1-Part 1 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL DAY: Day 1-Part 2 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 2-Port Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 3-Castaway Cay & Pirate Night – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 4-Sea Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVE LOG: Day 5-Debarkation – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

Our Review & 13 Tips & Tricks for the Best Very Merrytime Cruise on Disney Cruise Line!

Instagram Story Highlights

Click here for our Day 1 Instagram Story Highlight for photos and videos from our first day! 

Click here for our Day 2 Instagram Story Highlight for photos and video from Day 2 of our Very Merrytime Cruise!

Click here for our Day 3 Instagram Story Highlight with photos and videos from Day 3 of our Very Merrytime Cruise!

Click here for our Day 4 Instagram Story Highlight with photos and videos from Day 4 of our Very Merrytime Cruise!

Click here for our Day 5 Instagram Story Highlight with photos and videos from Day 5 of our Very Merrytime Cruise!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.

Editor’s Note: Disney Cruise Line provided a complimentary Very Merrytime Cruise and special media-specific events during the cruise. However, as always, the thoughts and opinions about Disney Cruise Line contained in this article are entirely our own.

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

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Your Complete Guide To A Disney Christmas Cruise

Embarking on a Disney Christmas Cruise is like stepping into a holiday storybook where festive cheer meets the magic of Disney on the high seas. A Very Merrytime Cruise with Disney Cruise Line is not just a journey; it’s an immersive holiday experience! These cruises offer families a unique way to spend the holiday season with their favorite Disney characters and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself! Whether it’s your first cruise or a cherished family tradition, a Disney Christmas Cruise promises to be an extraordinary holiday adventure. That’s why we have created this helpful guide to give you the tools you need to have a magical adventure to remember!

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Walt Disney World vacation packages!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disney World check out our Disney Crowd calendar!

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Complete Guide to a Disney Christmas Cruise

Sailing on a Disney cruise ship is an experience drenched in the enchantment of Disney. From the intricately themed staterooms and dining venues to the exclusive character encounters. But what truly sets Disney cruises apart are their special-themed sailings! Guests can immerse themselves in the festive spirit with Very Merrytime Cruises.  My first cruise with DCL was a Halloween-themed voyage back in 2019, I can confidently say that it was a spellbinding adventure. And as a former Cast Member and someone who loves cheap tickets to Walt Disney World , it was the most magical vacation I’ve ever had. In this post, I’ll provide helpful information for those considering a Very Merrytime Cruise . Helping you decide if this holiday-themed journey is the perfect fit for your family’s festive celebration.

What Are Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Holiday Cruises?

Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises transform the already magical voyage into a winter wonderland at sea. These cruises, scheduled around the Christmas season, offer guests a unique blend of Disney’s enchanting entertainment and the festive spirit of the holidays. Imagine boarding a ship adorned with holiday décor, complete with a giant Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and garlands galore, setting the scene for a truly memorable Christmas experience.

Related Post: What are the Best Disney Cruise Rooms

When Are the Very Merrytime Disney Cruise Dates?

Now that we know what a D isney Christmas cruise  is, we can start to uncover more details on these cheerful sailings! The V ery Merrytime Disney Cruises  sail dates are November 8th – December 28, 2023. And November 4th – December 29th, 2024. These dates are chosen to maximize the holiday experience, allowing guests to soak in the Yuletide spirit throughout the entire holiday season. When booking a Disney Cruise , one of the first things you should look at is the sailing calendar. This will help determine where you’re sailing from, sailing to, and on what ship you’ll be sailing on. This is also where you can see if your vacation will line up with any specialty cruises!

What are Disney Merrytime Cruise Sail Dates?

• 2023 : November 8th – December 28th
• 2024 : November 4th – December 29th

Christmas Disney Cruise Ships 2023/2024

Disney Magic:

• Sail Dates : December 17, 2023 – December 28, 2023 & November 21, 2024 – December 23, 2024
• Sailing From : Galveston, Texas
• Ports of Call : Progresso & Cozumel, Mexico, & George Town, Grand Cayman

Disney Dream:

• Sail Dates : November 20, 2023 – December 23, 2023 & November 14, 2024 – December 21, 2024
• Sailing From : Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Ports of Call : Nassau, Bahamas,  Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , Disney Castaway Cay, & Cozumel, Mexico

Christmas on the Disney Fantasy:

• Sail Dates : December 2, 2023 – December 23, 2023 & November 10, 2024 – December 22, 2024
• Sailing From : Port Canaveral
• Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay , Lighthouse Point, George Town Grand Cayman, Falmouth Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico, Tortola British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands

Disney Wish:

• Sail Dates : November 20, 2023 – December 11, 2023 & November 4, 2024 – December 23, 2024
• Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay

Related Post : Discounted Disney Cruise Line Staterooms

What is the Cost of a Disney Christmas Cruise?

You might be wondering if the extra activities and unique experiences of a Very Merrytime Cruise come with a higher price tag compared to regular Disney cruises. While themed cruises may sometimes carry a slightly higher cost, the final price is influenced by several factors beyond just the theme. With Disney Cruise Line, the key elements determine the cost of your cruise . These factors include the sailing date, selected ports of call, and stateroom occupancy. Therefore, it’s possible that your Very Merrytime Cruise could align in price with a standard cruise, or even be more budget-friendly.

How Much is a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise?

• $1,004 – $3,059 per person

It’s worth noting that If you’re looking to sail on a themed Disney cruise, we suggest the Halloween on the High Seas cruises for the price point. The Halloween period overlaps with Hurricane Season. This is often met with lower cruise prices. However, the Holiday sailings tend to be a peak time for travel, potentially impacting the cost and availability.

Related Post :   How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost Per Person?

Very Merrytime Cruise Activities

The distinctiveness of the Disney Very Merrytime Cruises  lies in the complete transformation of the ship to embody the festive theme. This type of comprehensive thematic overhaul is exclusive to the Halloween and Christmas seasons. During other times of the year, Disney cruises showcase the natural elegance and charm of the Disney fleet without any specific themes. But for Very Merrytime Cruises, the experience is entirely different. The ships are adorned with Christmas decorations, including sparkling lights, festive wreaths, and towering Christmas trees. In addition to the visual transformation, these cruises feature an array of themed activities, entertainment, and special appearances by beloved Disney characters in holiday attire. This level of detailed theming is consistent across all ships that host the Very Merrytime Cruises. With each vessel offering a uniquely immersive holiday experience at sea.

Very Merrytime Cruise Info & Entertainment

• Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic

Characters Wearing Christmas Outfits

• Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball
• The Gingerbread House
• Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Deck Party

Meeting Santa Claus

• Storytime with Mrs Claus
• One of the highlights of the Disney Christmas Cruises is the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters donning their festive holiday attire. It’s a perfect chance for memorable photos and a unique way to interact with these iconic characters in a Christmas setting.
• No Christmas celebration is complete without Santa Claus, and Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruises make sure of that. Children and adults alike can meet and take photos with Santa, adding an extra layer of holiday cheer to their sea voyage.

Related Post : When is the Cheapest Time to Go on a Disney Cruise?

Is Disney Cruise Christmas Worth It? – V ery Merrytime Cruise Review

Having experienced the magic of a themed Disney Cruise, I wholeheartedly would recommend it to everyone. Especially when you can seize the opportunity to book discounted staterooms through The Park Prodigy. These cruises encapsulate the wonder of the holidays with a unique Disney twist. And offer an array of festive activities, enchanting entertainment, and unforgettable character encounters. The convenience and savings provided by The Park Prodigy make the experience even more enjoyable ensuring a stress-free booking process! This cruise is not just a vacation; it’s a festive celebration that brings the joy of Disney and the spirit of Christmas! Together in a way that’s unparalleled to what you can experience in the theme parks.

Which Cruise Line Is Best for Christmas?

When considering a Christmas cruise, Disney Cruise Line stands out for its unparalleled combination of holiday festivities and Disney magic. From the festive decorations and unique holiday-themed entertainment. Disney offers an experience that’s hard to match. The attention to detail, quality of service, and overall atmosphere make it a highly recommended choice for families seeking a special way to celebrate the season.

Related Post : Enjoy Thanksgiving at Sea!

Disney Christmas Cruise FAQ

Q: Does Disney Do a Christmas Cruise?

A: Yes, Disney Cruise Line offers special Christmas cruises known as Very Merrytime Cruises. These cruises are specifically designed to celebrate the holiday season, featuring festive decorations, themed entertainment, and unique activities that embrace the spirit of Christmas.

Q: Is There a Pirate Night on Disney Christmas Cruises?

A: While Pirate Night is a beloved staple on many Disney cruises, its inclusion on a Disney Christmas Cruise can vary. These themed cruises focus more on holiday festivities. So it’s best to check the specific itinerary of your Very Merrytime Cruise for any themed nights, including Pirate Night.

Q: Do Disney Cruises Decorate for Christmas?

A: Absolutely! Disney cruises are renowned for their elaborate decorations, and this is especially true for the Very Merrytime Cruises. The ships are transformed into a holiday wonderland with Christmas trees, lights, garlands, and other seasonal adornments, enhancing the festive atmosphere onboard.

Q: Can You Do a Disney Cruise in December?

A: Yes, December is a prime time for Disney Very Merrytime Cruises. These special holiday cruises are scheduled throughout the Christmas season, including the month of December, offering guests a unique opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a magical Disney setting at sea.

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our   Disney  World Crowd Calendar  is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down   the best time to visit Disney World   based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a   Disney World Travel Agent   for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a  Free Quote  for all  Disney World Vacation Packages .  The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your   Walt Disney World Tickets.   A nd we offer promotional discounts for special events such as   Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets   and  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets .

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at  Theme Park Today , as well!

Who We Recommend

Ticket Subtotal: $325.45

Ticket Price Including Tax:

* Your magic rewards program points are automatically calculated into all theme park ticket prices!

Kurt Gillman

Kurt is a former Disneyland Cast Member and seasoned explorer and is your trusted guide to the world of theme park travel. With countless visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Tokyo Disneyland, and even aboard the Disney Cruise Line, Kurt's expertise and passion make him the perfect companion for your enchanting adventures. As the Multi-Media Manager, Content Creator and Writer for The Park Prodigy, Kurt hopes his experience and knowledge of the theme park industry can not only save people money, but give them the stress free vacation of their dreams. If he isn’t found trying the newest treats in Disneyland, Kurt enjoys relaxing at home with his dog Sam and playing video games with friends in his free time.

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New Fall 2021 Itineraries and Departure Dates

Halloween on the High Seas & Very Merrytime Disney Cruises Announced for Fall 2024

Halloween and Holiday Disney Cruises are coming back in 2024! Disney has revealed itineraries for next year, with booking opening soon.

If you plan on sailing the high seas in 2024, your options just got a lot more festive! Disney Cruise Line celebrates Halloween and the holidays with special Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Disney Cruises. And later this month, bookings will open up for fall 2024 itineraries! Read on to find out more details.

Halloween and Holiday Disney Cruises Fall 2024

Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises for fall 2024 will be available to book starting June 26th, 2023. Next year’s available itineraries will even include rare options to sail to Hawaii and the South Pacific, along with Disney’s newest island in The Bahamas, Lighthouse Point !

Halloween on the High Seas will return from mid-September through October 2024 with special entertainment, Halloween costumes, and even a magical Pumpkin Tree! You’ll be able to celebrate on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, Florida, or on the Disney Fantasy through the Bahamas. Select sailings on the Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy will even take you to Lighthouse Point.

From mid-November through December 2024, the Disney Cruise Line fleet will be decked out with holiday cheer for the Very Merrytime Cruises. These cruises will include holiday decorations, characters in festive attire, and themed activities for guests to enjoy. You can check out the entire Fall 2024 itinerary list (along with early 2025 options) below!

Photo Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Special Sailings to Hawaii and the South Pacific

Along with Halloween and Holiday Disney Cruises, you can experience a trip to Hawaii and the South Pacific on the Disney Wonder in late 2024! The Disney Wonder will sail from Vancouver, Canada to Honolulu, Hawaii in late September, with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu. Then, from Hawaii, teh Disney Wonder will embark on a voyage to Sydney, Austrailia, with stops including Fiji, American Samoa, and New Caledonia.

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Personal Navigators: Disney Fantasy 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral – May 11, 2024

Personal Navigators, and other details from the   7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral . The  Disney Fantasy  set sail from  Port Canaveral, Florida  on May 11, 2024. There are  additional  Personal Navigators from other sailings of this same itinerary for comparison. During this cruise, the ship was under the control of Captain Fabian Dib. The Cruise Director during the sailing was Ashley Long.

Day 1 – May 11, 2024 –  Port Canaveral, Florida

Guests Onboard : 3:45 pm Personal Navigator – Day 1

Attire : Cruise Casual

Drink of the Day :  Paradise Punch  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Espresso Chiller

Dinner Menus :

• Royal Court :  Royal Court
• Animator’s Palate :  Animator’s Palate
• Enchanted Garden :  Enchanted Garden

Day 2 – May 12, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 2

Attire : Formal

Drink of the Day :  Cool Breeze  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Crazy Shake

Evening Entertainment :

• Walt Disney Theatre Production –  Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular

Day 3 – May 13, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 3

Drink of the Day :  Bahama Mama  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Coco Bali

• Featured Act –  Kid’s Ace Evening of Wonder

Day 4 – May 14, 2024 –  Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Guests Ashore : 7:30 am  Guests Onboard : 4:45 pm Personal Navigator – Day 4

Attire : Pirate or Cruise Casual

Drink of the Day :  Sunken Treasure  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Parrot Song

• Royal Court :  Pirates in the Caribbean
• Animator’s Palate :  Pirates in the Caribbean
• Enchanted Garden :  Pirates in the Caribbean
• Movie –  Wish

Day 5 – May 15, 2024 –  St. Thomas, USVI

Guests Ashore : 7:45 am  Guests Onboard : 3:45 pm Personal Navigator – Day 5

Drink of the Day :  Yellow Bird  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Lava Smoothie

• Royal Court :  Captain’s Gala Dinner
• Animator’s Palate :  Animator’s Palate – Animation Magic
• Enchanted Garden :  Prince & Princess
• Featured Act –  The Percussion & Comedy of JunNk

Day 6 – May 16, 2024 – At Sea

Personal Navigator – Day 6

Attire : Semi-Formal

Drink of the Day :  Mai Tai  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Cranberry No-Jito

• Walt Disney Theatre Production –  Frozen, A Musical Spectacular

Day 7 – May 17, 2024 –  Castaway Cay

Guests Ashore : 10:00 am  Guests Onboard : 4:45 pm Personal Navigator – Day 7

Drink of the Day :  Stingray  •  Non-Alcoholic :  Princess Delight

• Walt Disney Theatre Production –  Disney’s Believe

Buena Vista Theatre Movies

• Disneynature Tiger
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
• The Little Mermaid
• The Marvels

Thank you  Karen N  for sharing. If you have any navigators you would be willing to share, please send me an email. If you would rather upload the files you can use our  upload form .

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3 Replies to “Personal Navigators: Disney Fantasy 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral – May 11, 2024”

Thank you, Karen!

Hi Scott, In reviewing the various posted Personal Navigators I’ve noticed a trend. For the past 5 Fantasy sailings that there are Navigators for me to confirm from, it appears DCL is cutting entertainment in the WDT on embarkation day. In addition, this appears to be a trend with sailings longer than 8 days, regardless of vessel. With each ship having 3 signature shows performed by the WDT cast members, all other days are filled by external variety acts. I’ve been on 27 Disney cruises and there has been an activity in the WDT on embarkation day on every single one of them. For the Fantasy, which is always a 7-night, they would have “A Fantasy Come True” on embarkation day which was a perfect “mini stage show” introduction and the cruise director would welcome everybody onboard and talk about the upcoming itinerary. Three nights would be the signature stage shows from the WDT performers, 2 nights would be external acts and 1 night would be a movie (don’t get me started on them playing a movie in the WDT as an evening’s entertainment when there’s a movie theater onboard). Anyway, longer cruises equals more nights to have to pay for entertainment and it appears this is another cost-cutting measure on DCL’s part. Nothing like the cruise director giving everyone a “Welcome Aboard” on the second night. I’m going to be on the 06/08 Fantasy 7-night Inaugural Lighthouse Point sailing and fear that for the first time in 20 years, I’ll be in my stateroom watching TV on day 1 while I wait for dinner. The following are voyages where it appears there was no evening entertainment in the WDT on embarkation day: Fantasy 05/11/24 7 East, Fantasy 05/04/24 7 West, Fantasy 03/23/24 7 West, Fantasy 01/06/24 7 East, Fantasy 12/02/23 7 West, Wonder 03/01/24 10 Hawaii, Wonder 02/16/24 15 South Pacific, Wonder 10/13/23 13 South Pacific, Wonder 10/03/23 10 Hawaiian, Magic 12/03/23 14 Panama & Dream 05/05/24 13 Transatlantic. I understand you’re not affiliated with DCL but as an experienced DCL guest, I’m curious as to if you have any thoughts or feedback on this “new behavior”. Thank you.

One of many things that changed following the restart.

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