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Everything You Need To Know About Halloween On The High Seas – Disney Cruise Line

This article is your complete guide to Disney Cruise Line’s H alloween on the High Seas  specialty cruises! During the Halloween season, Disney is known for going all out. From specialty park celebrations like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Disney World, to original content on Disney+. And the Disney Cruise Line is not immune to the celebration! Beginning in early September through Halloween, you can embark on special Halloween-themed cruises on all of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. This Disney Halloween cruise is known as Halloween on the High Seas and is full of spell-binding enhancements to the ship!

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip on a Disney cruise, 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 best deals on Disney cruises!

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A Complete Guide on the Disney Halloween Cruise 

When sailing on a Disney ship, you are surrounded by the magic of Disney. From themed rooms and restaurants to specialty characters and even fireworks at sea! But something that makes sailing on a Disney ship even more unique is the themed cruises they offer! Guests can enjoy a Halloween on the High Seas , Very Merrytime Cruises, Pixar Day at Sea, Star Wars Day at Sea, and Marvel Day at Sea cruise. My very first Disney cruise was a Disney Halloween cruise  back in 2019! And as a former Cast Member and as someone who loves cheap tickets to Walt Disney World , it was the most magical vacation I’ve ever had. Below are some of my experiences on the Halloween Disney cruise , along with information to help you discover if a Halloween on the High Seas cruise is right for you!

What is Halloween on the High Seas?

• Halloween on the High Seas is a Disney Cruise Line exclusive Halloween-themed sailing. Setting sail in mid-September through October, this season of extra-special sailings will bring the fun of Halloween to guests on select cruises across the entire DCL fleet. Guests can dress up in their Halloween costumes and join Disney characters in theirs! You can also find dance parties throughout the ships; enjoy a variety of themed food and beverages; and immerse yourself in a ghostly ship takeover with elaborate décor and the magical Pumpkin Tree!

When looking closer at the specially themed cruises, Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime cruises are the only savings that completely change the cruise experience. The other special Days at Sea are just that, Days at Sea. So your entire cruise will not be themed around the day, it will just be one day of the sailing that will be a special theme.

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

When is the Halloween on the High Seas Cruise Dates?

Now that we know what  D isney Halloween on the High Seas is, we can start to uncover more specifics on this spooktacular sailing! The Disney cruise Halloween on the High Seas sail dates are September 9th – October 31st, 2024. 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 Halloween on the High Seas Sail Dates?

• 2024 : September 9th – October 31st

Halloween Disney Cruise Ships 2024

Disney Magic:

• Sail Dates : September 13, 2024 – November 5, 2024
• Sailing From : Miami & San Diego
• Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay , Lighthouse Point, George Town Grand Cayman, Ensenada Mexico, Cabo San Lucas Mexico, & Cozumel Mexico

Disney Dream:

• Sail Dates :
• Sailing From  New York
• Ports of Call : King’s Wharf Bermuda, Saint John (New Brunswick) Canada,

Halloween on the Disney Fantasy:

• Sail Dates : September 14, 2024 – November 2, 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, Philipsburg St. Maarten, & San Juan Puerto Rico

Disney Wish:

• Sail Dates : September 13, 2024 – November 1, 2024
• Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay

Related Post: Discounted Disney Cruise Line Staterooms

How is a Halloween on the High Seas Cruise Different? – Activities on Board a Disney Halloween Cruise

The main way the  D isney Halloween cruises are different from non-themed cruises is that the entire ship receives an overhaul to fit with the theme. The only times of the year this happens are on Halloween for Halloween on the High Seas and at Christmas time for the Very Merrytime Cruises . All other sailings throughout the year will have no special theme which allows guests to take in the sheer beauty of the Disney fleet! And when I say complete overhaul for these special cruises, I mean it! Along with pumpkins, bats, and spider decorations, the ships also offer themed activities and specialty characters in Halloween-themed costumes! All of these enhancements are done on every ship that offers the event. Even the Disney Dream Halloween cruise.

What Activities Are on Disney’s Halloween on the High Seas Cruise?

• Mickey’s Mouse-charade – Shiver in delight during a scare-a-brain with some of your favorite Disney Pals bedecked in their Halloween finest. Do your ghoulish best and join in the fun!
• Awakening the Pumpkin Tree  – The centerpiece of H alloween on the High Seas Disney cruise . This tree is located in the main atrium and serves as the opening act for the entire Halloween on the High Seas celebration!
• Spine-Tingling Treats  – Enjoy unique Halloween-themed desserts, beverages and trick-or-treating!
• Movie Screenings – Watch all of your favorite Disney Halloween movies in the ship’s theaters or on the funnel vision display throughout your cruise. You can also catch world premiers of new Disney Halloween movies if you’re lucky!
• Friendly Ghost Stories – Guests can enjoy Haunted Stories of the Sea, told beneath the stars by a mysterious sea captain, and The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream, an interactive movie singalong.
• Adults-Only Halloween Dance Party – On the same night as the Mouse-masquerade dance party, adults have their dance party in the adult-only section of the ship! Come dressed to impress because you might run into some infamous Disney villains while you dance the night away.

Spooktacular Halloween Decorations Throughout the Ship

The ship is decorated from Bow to the Stern in garlands of autumn leaves, character-inspired pumpkins, and adorable jack-o-lantern stickers on portholes. Each ship gets a full H alloween Disney cruise  makeover with tons of beautiful touches that are sure to put you in the Halloween spirit !

Specialty Character Sightings and Unique Character Costumes

You can catch Micky, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto, along with Chip & Dale dressed up in their Halloween Best! In recent years Disney Cruise Line has gotten creative with the character costumes garnishing some much-deserved attention. In 2022, it was announced that Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle were going to dress in costume as the three Sanderson Sisters from the Disney cult classic, Hocus Pocus. This created so much buzz that the trio was also introduced to land lovers at Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash.

Related Post: Disney Cruise Cost Per Person 

What is the Cost of Halloween at the High Seas vs. a Typical Disney Cruise?

With all of the extra activities and perks of H alloween on the High Seas itinerary , you’re probably wondering if it’s more expensive than a normal sailing. And while themed cruises can be slightly more expensive in terms of cost, it depends on other factors of your cruise. When it comes to Disney Cruise Line, the factors that determine the price of your cruise are your sale date, ports of call, and occupancy. So it could work out that your  H alloween on the High Seas  sailing could be just as much or a little less than a normal sailing. Not so favorably, spooky season coincides with Hurricane Season. This is typically the time cruises are less booked and you can find a cheaper price.

What Disney Cruise Ships have Halloween on the High Seas?

Almost every ship in the Disney fleet has a H alloween on the High Seas itinerary . The only ship that doesn’t partake in the celebration is the Disney Wonder. This is because, during this time of the year, the ship is setting sail from different ports around Australia.

Related Post: What is the Best Disney Cruise Ship? 

Packing and Experience Tips & Tricks for a Disney Halloween Cruise

Knowing what to pack for a cruise is an essential part of going on one. Not only will you need your typical vacation items, but you’ll also need things like your passport, cash, a waterproof lanyard, and other items specific to a cruise. Now add in going on a H alloween Disney cruise  on top of that, and your list can get pretty long! Now we aren’t saying you need to bring an additional suitcase, but one must have in your suitcase for your  D isney Halloween cruise  is your costume!

Pack your Halloween Costume

Nothing screams Halloween like dressing up in a costume. And that’s no different on the Disney Cruise Line! Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to Halloween events throughout the sailing. If you’re wondering or concerned about a specific costume, you can find the DCL Costume Guide here . If you don’t have room in your bag for two costumes, don’t worry! There will still be a Pirate Night on H alloween on the High Seas  sailings. You can wear your pirate garb for both events!

Decorate your Stateroom Door with Halloween Themed Magnets

It is tradition to decorate your stateroom door for any Disney Cruise. However, with a D isney Halloween cruise , you can find doors decorated even more than normal! I have three words for you, go all out. If you think you’re doing too much, I promise you you’re not. There are even Facebook groups for individual sailings where you can connect with guests on your cruise to discuss door decor! Make sure to use magnets or bring them for your decorations as the stateroom doors are made of metal.

Related Post: Discounted Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets

Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas FAQ

Q: Which Disney Ships have Halloween?

A: Almost every ship in the Disney fleet has a H alloween on the High Seas itinerary . You can set sail for Halloween on the Magic, Fantasy, Dream, and Wish. The only ship that doesn’t partake in the celebration is the Disney Wonder.

Q: Why doesn’t the Disney Wonder have Halloween on the High Seas?

A: During the Halloween season, Disney Wonder’s new global position is in Australia. September and October are the months this ship sets sail on the newest destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.

Q: Is Halloween on the High Seas Worth it?

A: This is completely up to you and based on individual vacation needs. But in my experience, it is completely worth it! The Disney Cruise Line fleet is beautiful and each ship is unique. There is nothing like having that beauty transformed for a special holiday. If your schedule allows for it, we highly recommend you try a Disney Halloween cruise .

Q: Do Halloween Cruises still have Pirate Night?

A: Yes! Every cruise will still have a Pirate Night regardless of its theme. On shorter sailings, Pirate Night can sometimes be held on the same night as another main event. For example, short Halloween sailings will take place on the same night as the main Halloween Mouse-quarade event.

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 ,  and 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!

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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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5 Must-Do Halloween on the High Seas Activities Aboard Your Disney Cruise

by Jenn Marrazzo | Oct 7, 2021 | Disney Cruise Line , Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , Disney Magic , Disney Wish , Disney Wonder

Learn about all the scare-tastic Halloween on the High Seas activities that make this exclusive Disney Cruise extra special. 

In addition to regular sailings aboard Disney Cruise Line’s four (soon to be five) ships, you can book special voyages for Christmas and Halloween (as well as special Marvel and Star Wars excursions). One of our favorite cruises is the Halloween on the High Seas, available on all ships with various itineraries .

Every year, starting in early to mid- September, guests can hop aboard one of these Disney Cruise ships and celebrate Halloween on the High Seas. Think Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Boo Bash meets your favorite Disney Cruise. 

So what makes these special cruises so, well, special? Keep reading to learn about the exclusive, can’t-miss activities onboard a Halloween on the High Seas voyage. 

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1. Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party

Photo courtesy of Disney

The main event of a Halloween on the High Seas cruise is Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party , which is suitable for guests of all ages. 

This is the time to see all of your favorite Disney characters in their Halloween costumes . The event starts out with a dance party hosted by none other than Mickey Mouse . 

While the experience may vary in 2021 due to COVID-19 precautions , costumes, dancing, and fun are all still happening. 

Usually, these events occur about two times a night so there are multiple opportunities for guests to take part in the festive activities. Once the dance party is over, the fun doesn’t end. Then it’s time for trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, more. 

Don’t forget: Halloween is all about those awesome costumes , so what better place to show them off than on a Halloween on the High Seas sailing?  The whole family can take part in the fun with matching costumes during Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party.

Usually, like Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line has a policy against adults wearing costumes onboard when it isn’t a themed cruise or night. This Halloween on the High Seas activity is an exception to the rule , making it a great opportunity to dress up as your favorite character. 

2. Character Meet-and-Greets

Something that Disney Cruise Line is famous for is its onboard character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. These are definitely not lacking on a specialty Halloween voyage. 

While voyages sailing in 2021 won’t have the same up-close character meet-and-greets , guests can still meet their favorite characters in a socially distanced manner. Some meet-and-greets allow guests to take a distanced selfie or have a cruise line photographer available for a distanced photo. 

Halloween sailings are awesome for character meetings since you can see some unique ones that aren’t usually around, like Jack & Sally . Plus, you can see all of your favorites in some cute costumes, like Witch Minnie and Candy Corn Pluto . 

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3. Haunted Stories of the Seas

Another fun activity for the w hole family is the Haunted Stories of the Seas event . During this special event, guests gather around the pool deck to hear some spooky stories. 

Think campfire stories aboard a cruise ship , with some delicious ice cream and snacks not too far away and easily accessible, as a sea captain tells ghost stories under the stars . While these are ghost stories, they are family-friendly so don’t worry about the kids getting scared. 

4. Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids

If you’ve read our previous post , you know Disney cruises aren’t just for kids . We adults deserve a spooktacular time too.

That’s why Disney created the Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids event , located in the adult entertainment district onboard.

This party has a lot to love, including an adult costume contest to special Halloween-themed drinks and a villain-themed party . 

Be sure to check your Navigator , whether that’s the paper copy or on your app , to see when and where these adult-themed festivities are taking place. 

5. The Lighting of the Pumpkin Tree

Of all the must-do Halloween on the High Seas activities, this may sound the strangest. We’re headed to a tree lighting . Yes, a tree lighting. For Halloween.

When you enter the grand lobby of your Disney cruise, you’ll be greeted by the Pumpkin Tree. This large and grand piece is a fixture in the lobby with pumpkins hanging from the branches. 

On the first night of the cruise, the caretaker of the tree will greet guests and tell them a scary story. Then it’s time for the big event: the lighting of the tree. After this event, the tree stays lit for the whole cruise.  

Be sure to head to the lobby early to get a good spot for the viewing. You can even head to the upper lobby decks for a great view of the tree lighting from above. 

What’s your favorite activity on a Halloween on the High Seas cruise? Share with us on our DCL Magazine Facebook page !

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All About Halloween On The High Seas – Disney Cruise Line

A Disney cruise is amazing any time of year, but especially during spooky season. In September and October, guests can set sail for Halloween at the High Seas, a special themed cruise featuring everything from Disney characters in costume and trick-or-treating to autumn-inspired arts & crafts and an adults-only party guest-starring the Disney Villains.  

But what else does this frightfully fun cruise have in store, and is it worth it for your next family vacation? We booked a stateroom on the Disney Dream to find out. Put on your bewitching best and read on as we dig into all the treats a Disney Halloween cruise has to offer, as well as a few tricks to help you make the most of it.

Celebrating Halloween on the High Seas

So, which Disney cruise ship has Halloween on the High Seas? Where does a Halloween Disney cruise go? When do Disney Cruise Line Halloween festivities begin? Here are all the devilish details. 

Disney Cruise Ships With Halloween on the High Seas

While we got into the spooky spirit on the Disney Dream, every Disney cruise ship takes part in Halloween on the High Seas, even the all-new Disney Wish. Each ship has its own scream-worthy setting especially for the season, including a unique Pumpkin Tree that serves as the centerpiece of the festivities.  

Departure Ports & Destinations Visited on a Halloween on the High Seas Cruise

Think of Halloween on the High Seas more like a costume for your Disney cruise ship than a completely themed cruise. In other words, don’t expect a stop in Salem, Massachusetts, port adventures like ghost tours or a pop-up haunted house on Castaway Cay. 

Rather, Disney Halloween cruises depart from several of the same ports as regular Disney Cruise Line sailings, including Port Canaveral and Miami in Florida, San Diego in California, and New York City. Halloween on the High Seas cruises also visit many of Disney Cruise Line’s most popular destinations, from fair-weathered voyages to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean or through the Panama Canal to cold-weather cruises to Canada.

Cost of Halloween at the High Seas vs. a Typical Disney Cruise

You might be wondering if Halloween on the High Seas is more expensive than a typical Disney cruise. That depends on a few factors. While many themed Disney cruises can cost a little more than normal, factors like where you are sailing or which ship you are on can actually earn you a deal. 

With sailings departing in September and October, many of Disney’s Halloween on the High Seas cruises go to the Caribbean, where spooky season sadly coincides with hurricane season, in search of warmer weather. Fortunately, as long as you can get past the overall uncertainty that comes with cruising during this occasionally treacherous time, you can sail away with quite a savings . 

You may also notice that certain Disney cruise ships or ports are more in demand than others. As a result, Disney Cruise Line may drop the price for less popular departures, including Halloween on the High Seas sailings. So, you could save a buck or two if you are more flexible on the itinerary.  

Halloween on the High Seas Sail Dates 

Disney Cruise Line Halloween sailings start in mid-September and continue through the end of October, with the last cruises departing on October 31. Itineraries are offered from several different departure ports to a variety of popular destinations, from short 3-night jaunts to longer 5-night tours. 

Why Do a Disney Cruise, Halloween Style

A Disney Halloween on the High Seas cruise is as jam-packed with fun as a trick-or-treat bag bursting with candy. Once onboard, you’ll find enough autumn-inspired activities and enchanting events to keep you up long into the night – both from the Halloween candy sugar rush you’re sure to get and the sheer number of things that is available to do. 

Fang-tastic Halloween Decorations

One of the most charming parts about Halloween on the High Seas is the magical décor. From fiery garlands of autumn leaves to character-inspired pumpkins to adorable jack-o-lantern stickers on the ship’s massive portholes, each ship gets decked out with tons of boo-tiful touches that are sure to put you in the Halloween spirit. 

The highlight of these All Hallows’ Eve decorations, however, is each ship’s signature Pumpkin Tree. Designed to have its own unique face, personality and even name (the one on the Disney Dream is named Grim, while those on the Fantasy, Wonder and Magic are respectively called Mucklebones, Bog and Reap), the Pumpkin Trees are said to keep the spirit of Halloween.

With the introduction of the Disney Wish, this quartet of terrifying trees also got a sister. Named Boo, this elegant Pumpkin Tree has willowy branches heavy with glittering jack-o-lanterns, lighter bark and a graceful face, and once grew the fated gourd that would carry Cinderella to the ball. 

Tricks, Treats & Enchanted Entertainment

Halloween on the High Seas means all sorts of spirited special events, along with the many typical activities that are available on a regular Disney cruise. Cruising with Disney during spooky season can even mean double the fun, as many of these spine-tingling sailings also include the ever-popular Pirate Night in their itinerary. 

When you aren’t showing off your trivia skills, sunbathing by the pool or channeling your inner swashbuckler, here are the many haunted happenings you can enjoy during Halloween on the High Seas with Disney.

Awakening the Pumpkin Tree

The Pumpkin Tree on each Disney cruise ship is so much more than just an elaborate centerpiece. It also serves as the opening act for the entire Halloween on the High Seas celebration. On the first night, you’ll be treated to storytime by the tree’s caretaker, who tells the tale of the Pumpkin Tree. 

Then, it’s time to light the tree’s jack-o-lanterns, which continue to glow for the rest of the trip, making for a can’t-miss photo backdrop. This dazzling display sets the tone for the rest of the cruise’s Halloween festivities and shouldn’t be missed. 

Mickey’s Mouse-querade

It wouldn’t be Halloween with Disney without a costume party. Mickey’s Mouse-querade is a spooktacular scare-a-bration starring much-loved Disney characters in full Halloween costumes. If you’d rather not do meet-and-greets, this can be a great way to see your favorite characters show off their frightful finest without spending a ton of time waiting around in line. 

Equally as fun is seeing the many creative costumes donned by your fellow cruise guests. From jack-o-lantern t-shirts to clever DisneyBounding takes to extravagant group costumes, you’ll see it all. Make sure to wear your own costume and join the mouse-querade.

Halloween-Themed Disney Character Meet-and-Greets

Disney characters do meet-and-greets throughout your cruise and could even change outfits each time they appear. While it is possible to see your favorites in their bone-chilling best at other points during the cruise, the main time characters will wear their Halloween costumes is on the night of Mickey’s Mouse-querade. 

For character chasers, these meet-and-greets are a must. Thankfully, with the exception of characters like Minnie, Daisy and Clarabelle as the Sanderson Sisters of Hocus Pocus fame and The Nightmare Before Christmas ’s Jack and Sally, to a slightly lesser extent, meet-and-greet lines typically aren’t that long. That said, for these more popular characters, you may want to jump in line early or risk missing out if the line gets cut. 

Those dressing up like or who share a costume with a particular character definitely won’t want to give these meet-and-greets a miss. For our cruise, my sister, sister-in-law and I DisneyBounded as the Sanderson Sisters, so we made it a point to meet Minnie, Daisy and Clarabelle during their very first appearance. Without a doubt, the pantomimed conversations we had over our shared costumes were some of the most magical moments of our cruise. 

Spookalicious Sweet Treats and Other Festive Eats

No Halloween is complete without some trick-or-treating, and the same goes for Disney’s Halloween on the High Seas. On the Disney Dream, crew members passed out generous handfuls of the good stuff along a makeshift trick-or-treat trail through Cabanas. And don’t worry about needing to pack your own bag to store your stash – trick-or-treat bags are left in your stateroom earlier that day. 

But, those aren’t the only Halloween eats on offer during this cursed cruise. For dinner in the main dining rooms on the night of Mickey’s Mouse-querade, your table will even tuck into some Chocolate Spider Cake (don’t worry, it isn’t actually made of cocoa-y arachnids). 

Your cruise ship’s culinary team also cooks up a buffet of bewitching bites all cruise long. Spine-chilling sweets like cookies, cupcakes, meringues and more (hello, pumpkin spice!) are on offer at the ship’s casual buffet restaurant, certain lounges and the onboard sweetshop. Just keep an eye out for the special Halloween signs. 

Haunted Hands-On Activities

One of the best parts of Halloween is getting your hands dirty making jack-o-lanterns. In the spirit of this Halloween tradition, cruisers can also try their hand at a number of autumn-inspired activities. 

From creepy cooking demonstrations to arts & crafts to terrifying trivia, there’s something spooky to do for everyone. Little cruisers can even enjoy extra-special Halloween arts and crafts activities especially for them, such as face painting and pumpkin carving.

Spine-tingling Ghost Stories and Movie Screenings 

Does your family love a good ghost story? Or perhaps you can’t celebrate Halloween without watching the latest frightful flick? Well, you’re in luck. 

Along with showings of favorite Disney Halloween movies on the Funnel Vision screen – Hocus Pocus 2 had just premiered during our cruise and played multiple times during our trip – guests can also enjoy Haunted Stories of the Sea, told beneath the stars by a mysterious sea captain, and The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream, an interactive movie singalong. 

Exclusive Halloween on the High Seas Merchandise

Disney never misses out on a merchandising opportunity, Halloween on the High Seas included. In addition to regular Disney Cruise Line souvenirs, cruisers also have access to special Halloween-themed items created especially for the event, including apparel, pins, mugs and more. 

As a result, scary swag can be quite the hot ticket, and it isn’t unheard of for things to sell out before the cruise is through. So, if you see something you like, buy it sooner rather than later or risk missing out. 

Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids

Just like Disney Cruise Line isn’t only for families, you don’t need to be a kiddo to get into the spooky spirit during Halloween at the High Seas. On the night of Mickey’s Mouse-querade, the Disney Villains run amuck in the adults-only part of the ship during a ghoulishly grown-up Halloween party. 

Sadly, don’t expect them to hang around too long. After all, they’ve got places to be and people to terrorize. Still, their steamy dance appearance is sure to cast a spell. With the villains out of the way, it’s time for a comical (and highly competitive) costume party followed by music and dancing. 

On the Disney Dream, this was a silent dance party, which, if you’ve never experienced one before, is both weird and hilarious. Most people weren’t into it and, besides a few lurkers laughing at folks on the floor dancing like no one was watching, the place cleared out pretty quickly after the last award was announced. Still, the costume contest was a ton of fun. 

Packing Tips & Experience Tricks for a Spook-tacular Disney Halloween Cruise  

Hoping to make the most of your Halloween on the High Seas experience? These suggestions are sure to take your cruise from ordinary to hex-traordinary. 

Don’t Forget Your Costume

Dressing up in costume is a Halloween tradition for a reason – it’s undeniably fun! While you don’t need to don anything too extravagant (even a Halloween t-shirt or creative DisneyBound will do), getting in costume will help put you in the appropriate spirit. If you’re anything like us, you’ll also love seeing everyone else on the cruise in their frightening finery. 

Worried that you won’t have enough room in your suitcase for two costumes? Just double up and don your pirate attire twice – you’ll save space without having to skip out on the fun. Consider swapping out your swashbuckling accessories or trading with cabinmates to keep your costume feeling fresh. Just be sure that you follow the rules. Certain types of masks are prohibited, as are some prop weapons.

Give Your Door a Pixie-dusted Halloween Makeover 

Expert Disney cruisers decorate their stateroom doors. Not only does this make it easier to pick your room out of the lineup of generic doors, but the extra pixie dust is sure to put a smile on your face each time you return “home.” 

Stateroom doors are metal, so we recommend using magnets to create your décor. DIY your own or buy some premade off of Etsy – go for a Halloween theme or a general Disney design. If you forget to plan ahead, you might even be able to find some in one of the ship’s onboard gift shops. 

Dress Up Your Stateroom with Spell-binding Décor 

Don’t confine the Halloween vibes to your stateroom door. For the ultimate spine-chilling experience, consider decorating inside your room, too. If you don’t mind having to set it up, BYOD (bring your own decorations) and save some cash. Or, splurge and arrange to have Disney decorate your room for you. Sure, it’s expensive. But, the surprise of walking into your scream-worthy room for the very first time will be worth it. 

Commemorate Your Disney Halloween Cruise with Plenty of Pictures

You’ll find no shortage of photo opportunities on a Disney cruise. And with everyone all dressed up for Halloween with nowhere to go except around the ship, it’s the perfect time to strike a pose. 

Use the scream-worthy decorations as a festive photo backdrop, snap a pic alongside your favorite Disney characters in their Halloween best or take advantage of the ship’s dedicated photoshoot spots. Manned by professional photographers, these mini-photo studios boast bewitching backgrounds and monstrously fun Magic Shots for the cruise’s official Halloween party night. 

Refer to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for Daily Halloween Happenings 

There’s so much going on during your Halloween Disney cruise that it can be tricky to keep it all straight. To make things easy, take advantage of the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Similar to My Disney Experience or the Disneyland app , the Navigator lists out the various activities that are available and lets you bookmark anything that sounds appealing. Then, simply wait for the reminder around 15 minutes before the event starts. 

Well, that wraps up our guide to Halloween on the High Seas with Disney Cruise Line. Have you been on a Disney Halloween cruise? What is your favorite part of this spirited sailing? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how to save on your next Disney cruise.  

Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas 2023 Details

Halloween on the High Seas returns to Disney Cruise Line with more sailings than ever before and new one-of-a-kind experiences in September and October 2023. This post shares all of the news, plus quick thoughts from Sarah’s experience during last year’s DCL spook season event.

According to Disney Cruise Line, the 2023 Halloween on the High Seas will bring back more guest-favorite entertainment and activities, including trick-or-treating, spooky parties, elaborate décor and themed food and beverage items. During these limited-time voyages, each ship in the DCL fleet transforms into a ghoulish wonderland.

Halloween on the High Seas voyages will be offered aboard select Disney Cruise Line sailings aboard the Magic, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish ships. Departure dates occur from mid-September through October 2023, with a total of 39 different voyages. The sailings depart from ports in Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida plus San Diego, California and New York City, New York.

Each cruise will take families to fascinating destinations including the Bahamas, Caribbean, California, Bermuda, Canada, and Mexico. All sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami will include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise outfitted for family fun and relaxation and brimming with special Disney touches, including the following DCL fan favorites.

First up is Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party. Guests of all ages won’t want to miss this spooktacular event. The atrium in each Disney Cruise Line ship will come alive with ghoulish games, trick-or-treating, and dancing, plus the famous Disney characters in their Halloween costumes.

Next, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream. It’s “Season’s Screamings” during this interactive movie experience—with Jack Skellington and Sally greeting guests plus a special interactive Sing and Scream experience featuring the classic film, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Up on deck, check out the campfire-style Haunted Stories of the Sea, featuring a spooky ghost story or two. Additionally, Halloween-themed movies will be shown on Funnel Vision by the family pool and in staterooms.

Other fun family activities during Halloween on the High Seas include pumpkin-carving, a ghostly takeover of Disney Cruise Line ship announcements, and much more. Guests will also enjoy special Halloween-themed food and beverage items during rotational dining and elsewhere in DCL restaurants.

Finally, proving that Halloween isn’t just for kids , adults will have their fun and (not-so) frightful festivities. Adult-exclusive venues across the fleet will become a ghoulish setting for costume contests and a Villainous Takeover on the dance floor.

Disney Cruise Line hasn’t shared anything new for Halloween on the High Seas 2023, but hopefully it’s as good as the new addition last year: the Sanderson Sisters meet & greet. For those who missed it, this features Minnie is dressed as Winifred Sanderson, Daisy as Sarah Sanderson, and Clarabelle as Mary Sanderson.

Each Disney fur character embodies their respective counterpart from Hocus Pocus , melding their own personalities with the Sanderson Sisters. This meet & greet was fantastic, well worth the often-long wait to meet the Sanderson Sisters!

The Disney Wish, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, will once again bring its unique twist on a Halloween on the High Seas hallmark. The centerpiece of every ship during Halloween sailings is the signature magical Pumpkin Tree towering over the atrium lobby, each with sprouting Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering lights.

Aboard the Disney Wish, guests will find the Pumpkin Tree in the “Cinderella”-inspired Grand Hall. Featuring lighter bark, graceful branches and a mystical face, this enchanted tree that grew perfect gourds with the help of a Wishing Star at night produced the perfect pumpkin that became the coach that carried Cinderella to the Prince’s Ball.

In terms of commentary, we actually have experience with Halloween on the High Seas. Well, half of us do, at least. Last year, Sarah took a cruise aboard the Disney Wonder with her girlfriends during Halloween on the High Seas.

Sarah absolutely loved Halloween on the High Seas. She thought that the character costumes were adorable and unique, with the Sanderson Sisters being one of many highlights. The overall atmosphere of the ship was spooky thanks to quirky decorations, plenty of pumpkins, and the Halloween tree. Lots of little touches, like unique food and coffee enhanced the atmosphere even further, and gave a Halloween-infused atmosphere to the cruise.

(I’ve been trying to convince Sarah to do a full write-up about Halloween on the High Seas. If this is something you’d like to see, please let us know in the comments!)

We’ve previously done one of the Christmas sailings aboard Disney Cruise Line, and it was a bit underwhelming. (See our Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise Review .) Honestly, in reviewing all of Sarah’s photos and hearing what she had to say about Halloween on the High Seas, it sounds to me like Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise is the more ‘robust’ of the two events.

Perhaps it was simply a matter of unrealistic expectations when we did the Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise. We probably don’t have that to as great of a degree when it comes to Halloween. (And honestly, my memories of the Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise have grown fonder over time. Rereading my review today sounds quite harsh as compared to what I remember!)

Ultimately, Halloween on the High Seas sounds like a lot of fun, and we’re glad to see Disney Cruise Line bringing it back for 2023. Several of the itineraries out of San Diego are actually on our “list” of cruises to do/places to visit, but whether we actually follow through on that this year remains to be seen, and is likely a matter of discount availability (or lack thereof).

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

What do you think of these Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas? Any of the special offerings appeal to you? Impressed by the Sanderson Sisters costumes for Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow? Any other tips to add or recommendations for Halloween on the High Seas? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Taking my kids on their first cruise – Halloween on the High Seas out of Miami on the Disney Magic this September – I’m so excited & the offerings sound super fun! Can’t wait!!

I’d love to read a review from Sarah. We’ve booked a cruise over Halloween on the Dream from NYC. We like cruises and love Disney, but we aren’t into character meet and greets in the parks so I’m torn about whether the Disney up charge is worth it. Thanks for these great pictures!

Are you sailing to Bermuda? If so, be prepared for rough seas on return trip Other people I’ve talked to said that’s common. We were all sick

It’s two sea days to Bermuda and two back (although they could do it in one if they wanted – it all depends on the itinerary) and yes those can be very rough waters. That said I learned to enjoy the rocking and rolling. One of the keys is to go with the motion not fight it and when walking pick one spot ahead of you to focus on. Do not try looking all around you. These are not tips from a cruiser. I was fortunate enough to work on ships in shall we say a rather fun position. There’s more than rough seas that you should know about when it comes to trips to Bermuda. October is considered the worst month to travel there because it’s the rainy month. Sept has the greatest chance of a storm turning into a hurricane while October has a modest risk but these are hurricane months. Actually the best time to visit Bermuda is now. April and May are the ideal months. PS You don’t need to be fearful of Hurricanes as the ships have incredible systems to avoid them but even though they will be far off those will be the truly rough seas when you need to go to your cabin, lie down, close your eyes and enjoy the roller coaster.

Yikes, thanks for the heads up! That doesn’t sound fun at all. We did a cruise (Royal Caribbean) last August from NY to Bermuda and got very lucky with still water

We have done many Halloween and Christmas cruises with Disney. What I have noticed over the years is especially for Christmas is less decorations and holiday events on the ship the further away from the holiday. We always do the merrytime cruise early December and there was no tree on the island and only decorations in the main lobby of ship. Holiymusic only plaid on one of the days and for only a couple of hours. We asked about caroling and other events and was told you have to book closer to Christmas. In my opinion if you book a Halloween or merrytime cruise it should be consistent throughout the bookings.

Another vote for a Sarah Sets Sail Sea Story. She’s been missing for sometime now. I miss her room review videos where you scale walls and crawl across the ceiling in order to open and close a couch/bed or bathroom shower door.

We haven’t had any new rooms to record recently! As soon as we’re able to book Boulder Ridge or the new rooms at Caribbean Beach, those videos will return!

Our last cruise on the Magic in 2018 was our granddaughter’s first Disney cruise. She loved it The Halloween Party was epic and the characters in costumes made it extra special. We’re going on the Wish in October and look forward to it after many rescheduled cruises cancelled due to you know what

My daughter and I are going on the wish for Halloween. She in charge of the fish extenders for the trip. I am so looking forward to all the activities we have planned. We have been watching every you-tube on Disney cruise that we can find.

Sarah, please do the write up!!!!!

Sorry, thought the other comment didn’t post.

Sarah, do the write up please!!!!

Definitely interested in a write up of Sarah’s experience! Booked one of the San Diego Halloween cruises as our first DCL cruise this year.

Us, too! We’d love to hear about this cruise!

Yup, another vote for Sarah’s DCL reviews!

“my memories of the Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise have grown fonder over time. Rereading my review today sounds quite harsh as compared to what I remember!” I’m glad to read that. We booked a Very Merrytime Cruise for this coming December despite your less than glowing review. We aren’t “cruise people”, and your not loving it really made me question my decision making. That being said, the pricing was pretty good, and with aging grandparents we thought it would be a good way to do another multi generational trip. Looking forward to giving DCL a shot for the first time.

Drew, My first cruise ever was the Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise which I took in 2018 with my daughter and mom. I was not sure if I was a “cruise person” but I truly enjoyed it and would do that cruise it again. My daughter enjoyed seeing the characters with winter costumes, singing Christmas carols with other children and meeting Santa Claus. It was a festive atmosphere, service and food were excellent and all in all a very good multi generational trip. I am sure you will have a wonderful trip.

Thank you Marie-France. That’s encouraging!

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Halloween on the High Seas With Disney Cruise Line

Matt Stroshane / Disney Cruise Line

Every fall, Disney Cruise Line gets into the holiday spirit with special  Halloween on the High Seas voyages. Although the itineraries vary slightly from year to year, Disney ships guarantee kid-friendly thrills aplenty, including decorations, unique menu items in restaurants, themed parties on deck, and even a Pumpkin Tree that magically transforms throughout the cruise.

Halloween on the High Seas itineraries take between three and seven days and can travel to Canada , the Caribbean , Mexico , and the Bahamas . Ships depart from Port Canaveral near Orlando, New York City, and San Diego.

In 2020, Halloween on the High Seas has been canceled due to all Disney cruises being suspended through at least December 6.

What to Expect on Disney Halloween Cruises

On these festive, not-too-spooky cruises, kids and adults alike can partake in Halloween-themed parties, enjoy lively entertainment, and marvel at elaborate décor, such as the iconic Pumpkin Tree. Other festive touches include mask-making and a ghostly takeover of the ship announcements.

• Character encounters : Beloved Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes wander about the ship constantly, providing plenty of photo ops throughout the cruise.
• Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party : Expect games, dancing, trick-or-treating, and familiar Disney faces joining guests at this Mickey-hosted costume party .
• The Pumpkin Tree : Based on a Ray Bradbury story, the Pumpkin Tree is an autumnal prop that's unique to each ship. It changes, with the help of a storytelling caretaker, over the course of the trip.
• "A Nightmare Before Christmas" Sing and Scream : During this movie sing-along experience, guests become part of the action. After the film, main characters Jack Skellington and Sally make an appearance.
• Haunted Stories of the Sea : The bravest cruisers gather under the stars to hear some true—or not-so-true—tales of the sea told by a mysterious sea captain storyteller.
• The Creepy Cabaret : This party in the atrium features Halloween-themed music performed live by a band of ghostly musicians.
• Halloween Isn’t Just For Kids : The nighttime entertainment district on each Disney ship becomes the ghoulish setting for an adults-only costume contest and Villainous Takeover on the dance floor.
• Themed eats : Disney Cruise Line chefs conjure some very special treats for Halloween, including chocolate cake with pumpkin filling, spider cakes, and “Spooky Juice.”

2020 Halloween on the High Seas Sailings

This year's Halloween cruises have been canceled.

• From Port Canaveral : Three- or four-night cruises depart from Port Canaveral, Florida—near Orlando—to the Bahamas on the Disney Fantasy (September 7 through October 30) or Disney Dream (October 2 through 5).
• From San Diego : You can board a two-, four-, five-, or seven-night cruise to Mexico on the Disney Wonder (September 23 through October 28) from Southern California.
• From New York City : Disney Magic launches from the Big Apple toward either sunny Bermuda or chilly Canada on a five-night cruise from October 12 through 27, 2020.

2021 Halloween on the High Seas Sailings

Plan ahead for Halloween on the High Seas' 2021 itineraries, starting September 3 and lasting through Halloween.

• From Port Canaveral : More than 15 three- or four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney's private island, Castaway Bay , are offered from Florida. Another six-, seven-, or eight-night option stops at multiple tropical ports of call on the way to the Caribbean.
• From San Diego : From California, you can board a three-, four-, five-, or seven-night voyage to Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta on the Disney Wonder.
• From New York City : Cruises from New York include a five-night venture to Bermuda (including one that ends in San Juan) and a six-night trip to Canada stopping in Saint John, Halifax, and Bar Harbor, Maine.

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Family Guide to Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas

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You’re hands clasp the salty railing as you peer out towards the horizon only to see darkness. The moon casts an eerie glow upon the sea as the sounds of waves lap against the hull as the ship cuts through the black of night.

Suddenly, a creepy sea captain beckons you to listen to the ghostly maritime tales of the restless spirits that haunt the seas. Goosebumps plague your whole body and just when you think you can’t take anymore, Mickey jumps out dressed like a vampire and the real party begins.

No, you are not lost at sea, you are celebrating at sea! Here you get to embark on a spooky adventure filled with costume parties and festive activities.  This is no ordinary Halloween. Oh no. This, my friends, is a Disney Halloween Cruise, also known as Halloween on the High Seas.

So climb aboard as we explain everything you need to know about experiencing Halloween on a Disney cruise and find out how Disney does Halloween on the High Seas!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND OUT MORE IN MY  DISCLAIMER .

Yo Ho and Away We Go!

First, you probably want to know when Disney Cruise Line starts their Halloween festivities. I mean, you can’t celebrate if you are not on board, right?

Luckily, Disney Cruise Line does Halloween on the High Seas on all four ships: The Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream , and Disney Fantasy . Sail dates usually start in early September and run until the end of October. Dates vary depending on ship, sailing destination and duration.

[By the way, we wrote an extensive post on our experience aboard Disney Fantasy to the Caribbean, which you can read HERE ]

Here are the sail dates for 2018 Halloween on the High Seas:

• Disney Magic –  September 20, 2018 – October 29, 2018
• Disney Wonder –  September 14, 2018 – October 19, 2018
• Disney Dream –  September 3, 2018 – October 29, 2018
• Disney Fantasy –  September 1, 2018 – October 27, 2018

Things to do aboard the ship

There is so much to do on a Disney Cruise anyway that it is hard to do everything, but throw in all the exciting activities on a Halloween Disney Cruise and you won’t need a costume to feel like a Zombie. Of course you want to do it all, burning the candle both ends!

Well, Disney does everything top-notch and how Disney Cruise Line does Halloween on High Seas is no exception! It is frightfully fun and the perfect Halloween cruise for kids. Here are some of the reasons why…

The Halloween Tree, standing tall in main atrium with its bare, winding branches creeping out as if they could reach out and grab you. Keep your eyes peeled, because throughout your sailing the tree transforms as more and more (and more) glowing jack-o-lanterns are hung from its branches, which will eventually cover the entire tree by the end of your voyage.

Throughout the spooky vessel, touches of a Disney Halloween can be found everywhere. From the bat behind the bar to the smiling jack-o-lanterns and spider webs that cover the portholes.

There are even spooky treats, like spider cake! YUM! The kids notice all of these little decorative touches and it really helps to boost their Halloween spirit.

Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party

It is time to get dressed-up, get in the spirit and get your monster mash on. Honestly, after a long day at port it was hard to motivate ourselves to put on costumes, but I’m glad we did it, because it was so much fun.

It started in the main atrium where music was pumping and the cruise entertainment crew was dancing and helping to keep up the energy. The kids had fun int he atrium trick-or-treating, playing games, interacting with the crew, and taking really cute photo ops with mama and daddy!

There was an interactive daddy/daughter costume dash, where families competed and dads had to find pieces to complete various costume looks on their daughters. Our family was chosen to participate and actually won the first round by a hair.

All of this fun was followed by a big dance party where all the Disney Halloween characters came out in costume to pull some groovy moves and put on a lively show. Then we had the chance to just dance the night away with the kids and enjoy the costumes and the generally festive Halloween spirit.

After dinner, we put the kids in the kids’ club and headed over to the adults-only Halloween party and costume contest. Teens also get their own late night Halloween Party in the teen club! Who says the kids get to have all the fun?

Special Halloween Activities:

The Halloween fun will continue throughout your time on the ship with various activities going on all over the ship. Keep an eye on your daily itinerary, delivered to your cabin nightly. All the happenings, from Halloween crafts to games and shows will be on the schedule.

Sing & Scream:

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, is shown during the sailing of Halloween on the High Seas, but in a special way. You don’t have to just watch the movie, you get to participate in this interactive movie experience and then afterwards you get to meet Jack and Sally!

Unfortunately for us, the various times this activity took place we could not attend! I’m so bummed that we missed Jack and Sally on the ship (but it does give us a convenient excuse to book our next Halloween cruise with Disney! Haha). At least we’ve caught them at Disneyland in Anaheim during Halloween, which you can read more about  HERE .

Haunted Stories of the Sea:

This is where my intro will start to make more sense. Late at night on the lido deck, you will gather around the virtual campfire displayed on the funnel vision (the huge outdoor movie screen, located near the Mickey pool) to hear scary stories told by an old sea captain. I love all things scary, but I was prepared for the stories to be rather mild, being that this was a Disney Halloween.

However, I was pleasantly surprised see that the stories were quite spooky. Gazing out at a dark sea, made things even spookier. I felt it was a very balanced activity, scary enough that even my tween nephew enjoyed it, but fun enough that it wasn’t too scary for my little kids either – but then again they have me for a mama (aka lover off all things Halloween) and we’re not afraid to take the kids to haunted historical places across the country.

Let’s just say my kids have seen worse.

Money saving Tip: Best Time to Book

Depending on cruise’s sailing location, prices can be very reasonable (for Disney) during the Halloween on High Seas celebration. Just coming off the summer rush, this time of year tends to be a bit slower and weather can be a bit less predictable.

For instance, we sailed during Hurricane Matthew, but Disney Cruise Line handled it amazing and we weren’t affected at all! Actually we had amazing weather.

That being said, prices do fluctuate and there are better times to buy than others.  There are two peak times when booking a Disney Cruise; at the release of the new schedules and approximately one year before the sailing date. That’s just when people tend to book more, so prices go up.

So try to book just short of a year or even better, last minute as your schedule affords for some really great deals.I like to check with Last Minute Travel.  Cruise Direct, also offers great last minute deals with some that include Disney on board credit.

Get Packing:

As a frequent traveler, I’m always advising others to pack light. However, if you are going on a themed Disney Cruise, you can take that advice and throw it out to sea. There are so many events and parties during Disney Cruise Halloween on the High Seas that you require frequent wardrobe changes.

Okay, they don’t REQUIRE it, but it is fun to participate. So, here is what you’ll need if you’re all in:

Disney Cruise Halloween  Costumes:

One night of the cruise is dedicated to Halloween and there is rocking Disney Halloween party as well as several photo ops all over the ship.

Pirate Costumes:

Every Disney Cruise, no matter the theme, has a pirate party night. Now, you don’t have to pack your own costumes, as the ship does provide Mickey pirate bandanas, but people go all out on these cruises and you’ll want to step it up. For more on the Disney Pirate Party see our post .

Formal/Semi Formal:

Even on themed cruises there will be a traditional Formal and Semi-Formal night. There is something classic about seeing everyone dressed up for the evening.

Disney Cruise Halloween Door Magnets:

Disney Cruisers love decorating their doors with magnets. Since most doors are decorated for Halloween, you’ll want your door to look spooktacular to0!

Fun right? Get your Disney Cruise Halloween Door Magnets for some creepy flair.

Excursions:

It may be a Halloween cruise, but you are still cruising and exploring ports, so you will need all your regular cruising attire on top of your themed-wear. For more information on our Disney ports of call, see our posts on Jamaica , Grand Cayman , Cozumel and Epcot .

That’s A Wrap!

If you love Halloween, love Disney, and have kids (or not),  I am pretty confident you will love Disney Halloween on the High Seas. Like everything Disney does, every detail is well thought out and for the time you are away sailing you are transported into a Halloween fantasy world. As someone who likes to stretch the scares all month long, this will definitely be a new tradition in my family. Hope you enjoyed this Halloween on the High Seas review. Happy Halloween!

If you would like to book a Disney cruise, you can book directly through their site or you can also check for deals on Cruise Direct .

Disclaimer: HotMamaTravel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This means that we get credit for providing awesome advice in helping you to decide on your purchase if you use one of our links. There is no extra cost to you, but it helps to support the cost of running our blog. Thank you for supporting us!

Have you ever been on a themed cruise? Did you like it?

For more family fun Halloween ideas, you should check out my other posts:

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I am a busy mama with 3 delicious babies and a serious itch for travel and writing (when I am not bartending, that is)! After graduating from Cal State San Marcos with a B.A. in Communications, I decided to start a family and pursue a career in freelance writing. I created HotMamaTravel as an outlet to do what I love while sharing useful travel tips and inspiration with others. Our mission is to show parents how to master travel with kids, while keeping your Saturday-night selves. We call it "Family travel...with a twist".

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41 comments.

Looks like a fun idea for a family! I’ve never celebrated Halloween on a cruise, but I did go to Disney this past weekend.

Isn’t the Disney Cruise fun? You’ll have to try the Halloween one some time!

What a great family trip!

It really was!

looks like a great way spend Halloween for you and the kids. i would expect nothing less from Disney than to put on something special

Seriously. It was nonstop Halloween fun!

Disney Cruise Lines look line the place to be for Halloween! You & your family look amazing in your costumes! Your kids look like they had a blast too, it’s fantastic that there were so many activities & events for them. I’ll have to keep Disney in mind for Halloween 2017 🙂

Were all the costumes Disney related?

Not everyone’s, we just wanted to do. My sister went as red riding hood and her husband and boys went as werewolves.

Was there any plays or broadway type shows on the Halloween cruise? I also am wondering if there are any good movies in the theaters to watch that are not Halloween themed? Booked a seven night Halloween cruise and starting to regret it since it sounds like there is no good plays or new movies in the theaters. ☹ I am relieved to learn that there still is a formal night. I hope we can get pictures again.

Yes there were tons of Halloween events, parties and shows going on. Although, the main shows in the big theater were their standard musicals. They show all kinds of movies in the movie theater. Some are Halloween and some are not, so you can choose. Read my post about the Disney Fantasy and you’ll see the regular Disney Cruise events and shows still continue. You just get some added Halloween events.

I still have never been on a Disney Cruise ( I need to change that soon) I have heard that cruises are still good to book during hurricane season because the ships can re-route. And you can get good deals!

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This looks like so much fun, so much attention to detail! Our family loves going to Disneyland, this reminds me that we should plan a Halloween trip.

Right? I love planning Halloween travel.

Oh my – yes, the attention to detail is amazing! I am sure it’s the same on every Disney cruise…the themes sound interesting. I think I would be a little scared on this one!

It was so amazing and Disney just makes it feel magical.

Severe Disney travel envy!!! ;P

Your family is so adorbs!

Thanks for adding the link for the deals. Now looking for options. Heehee

WhooHoo! Hope you get to take your cruise soon!

Oh my goodness, how adorable is this?! I love the costumes – especially the pirate themed night. I bet your kids had a blast (and you guys too!).

Dressing up is always so much fun and to get to do two of them was a real treat.

This cruise looks like a great idea for familys with small children. I’m sure you all had a lot of fun 🙂

Honestly it is fun for everyone of all ages.

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Thank you so much for your post! We have booked a Halloween on the high seas cruise, but are not sure if it is best for us. We have 3 kids. The 13 year old could care less what the cruise ship looks like. But the 2 younger girls, 4 and 8, don’t like scary things at all. Anything remotely scary really gets them worked up. Basically, we are a non-Halloween family. I guess my question is, do they replace the regular activities with Halloween themed activities? Like the shows and such. Just not sure if we should change our cruise to a different one.

Hi Bruce. There are Halloween decorations and a Halloween tint to many subtle things on the ship (like getting chocolate dessert in the shape of a spider), but this is Disney, and they don’t really go for frights. I think the Halloween elements are not designed to frighten anybody, no matter the age. I think your girls will love it and this should not be a concern for you guys 🙂

Thank you for replying! So, my wife had a more detailed question. Is there still lots of Non-halloween related activities? Like the regular shows and movies that they do on a typical Disney cruise?

Absolutely, everything you would expect from a regular Disney Cruise, just with some added Halloween fun.

Thank you for being so helpful! I have your blog bookmarked and signed up for your emails. With 3 kids, the insights you give are invaluable!

Love the costumes. Looks like the cruise is super fun!

OMG this looks like the most amazing cruise in the world, perfect for Disney lovers anywhere!

Yes, it is such a cruise for everyone! We love it so much. Now we’re hooked on Disney Cruise Line.

Wow! Absoiuliuotely amazing! My kids are fascinated with Halloween, though we never celebrated it as such. Your post has inspired me to try some ideas this year.

It is a great trip for the whole family and makes Halloween such an exciting time.

I’ve only been on one cruise, and it wasn’t a Disney cruise, but I can only imagine how well Disney does Halloween onboard! Looks like you had so much fun with costume parties, father/daughter events, singing, story-telling, and so much more. Love the cute Halloween magnets you put on your cabin door, too!

Disney does everything top notch and Halloween on-board is no exception. It really is a great experience.

Really awesome content and I must say it’s written very neatly. Thanks so much for such a nice article.

Now a days its very tough to separate some time for family or friends. Good idea to enjoy your time with your loved ones

Definitely, I always make time for my babies. Traveling is a great way to make that happen by escaping the everyday obligations.

The detailed descriptions and vibrant photos create an immersive experience, making me want to join in on the festivities myself. It’s wonderful to see how cruise lines go all out to create a memorable Halloween experience for the whole family.

Yes they go all out on every detail!

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The Ultimate Guide to a Halloween Disney Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links and ads. Read our disclosure policy here .

There are a lot of things to consider when you book a Disney Cruise .  You will need to think about school and/or work schedules, cruise ports and itineraries, transportation options to get to the port, time of year and typical weather.  That’s really just the top of the list as there are many variables to consider before you go ahead and click that “book” button.  One thing that we did last year that we have NEVER done before was to sail on a Disney ship over Halloween.  We booked a “Halloween on the High Seas” 7-night sailing on the Disney Magic out of New York City .  We were pleasantly surprised at how fun it was to celebrate Halloween at sea!  There were many holiday-themed events, activities, parties and treats to enjoy.  I’m putting them all together in this  Halloween Disney Cruise Guide in the hopes that it will be helpful to you as you consider booking your own Halloween Disney Cruise!  (Read my full review of that cruise here !)

When does Disney run their Halloween Cruises?   While the itineraries can vary slightly from year to year, the “Halloween on the High Seas” cruises are typically offered on most sailings between mid-September and the end of October.  Halloween cruises occur on all 4 ships in Disney’s fleet.  An itinerary  will be listed as a “Halloween on the High Seas” cruise if it is, indeed, a holiday sailing.

Are the ships decorated for Halloween?   In one word: YES!  There are decorations all over the place!  There is a huge pumpkin tree in the atrium of the ship. Each tree is unique to its ship and they have a backstory which you can learn about in this video:

Our pumpkin tree on the Disney Magic was named “Reap.” Reap had big empty branches when we boarded the ship. The first night of the cruise, there was  a show in the atrium where the “caretaker” told  the tale of the trees. Over the course of the cruise, pumpkins begin to grow on the tree’s branches! Finally, the entire tree is covered in pumpkins. Since our cruise was over the actual holiday, our pumpkin tree sprouted pumpkins at an accelerated rate so that the tree was in full bloom by Halloween day.

Other decor on the ship includes many Jack O’Lantern porthole windows in the public areas.  We were in line for formal night pictures before dinner when I happened to catch this picture of the sun setting over the ocean.

I made us a bunch of Halloween Disney themed shirts that we wore between boarding the ship and Halloween.  My “Mickey Pumpkin Spice Latte” shirt and the family’s Halloween on the High Seas shirts grabbed us lots of compliments from cast members and fellow passengers!

The kids received treat bags on Halloween morning!   On the morning of Halloween, our cabin steward dropped off a trick or treat bag for each kid.  The bags had candy in them and could be re-used for trick or treating on the ship later that day.

What is Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party?   For us, the Halloween celebrations took place ON Halloween.  If you are on a Halloween cruise but  not  sailing on 10/31, your cruise will have a certain day when these activities take place.  There were two different parties and trick or treat times to choose from.  Both of these parties are identical.  You can attend one or both.  We attended one and felt like we saw the show, got the candy, we were good.

For the Mouse-querade Party, everyone gathers in the atrium facing the restaurant doors.  It is VERY crowded and I advise arriving at least 15 minutes early if you want to get the kids up front to see.  You can also opt to watch from the higher floors, just note that the characters only circulate around the atrium.  (They circulate and dance but do NOT stop for photo ops or autographs.)

If you brought a Halloween costume, this is the time to wear it.  Many kids AND adults were dressed up for the party.  (We got our costumes from Amazon and the kids’ pumpkins came from Grandma and Great Grandma via Disney Store .)

The entertainment staff opens the party up with some dancing and then games around the room.  The games are really hard to get to because it’s so crowded, so we opted to just stay in our spots waiting for the characters to come out.  After a few more minutes, the characters enter from behind the restaurant doors and perform a few songs.

How do you trick or treat on a Disney Cruise?   Trick or treating on a Disney Cruise is surprisingly easy and the candy is PLENTIFUL!  After the Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party draws to a close, you can walk around the atrium (ground floor AND the next deck up) and there are various candy stations set up.  We only made it to about half of the candy stations and both kids had BULGING pumpkins full of candy!  The staff was incredibly generous with their candy portions and gave the kids each big handfuls of candy.

You can watch the Mouse-querade Party AND see us trick or treating in this video:

Can you get a family picture taken on Halloween?   YES!  We discovered the picture area by accident!  We thought we were following a crowd of people towards more trick or treating candy stations, only to find the photographer instead.  The picture area was set up outside of the theatre, at the end of the hallway with the shops.

Such a fun keepsake! (Pictures will be added to your photo account.  You can stop by Shutters to check them out and order a copy if you like it.)

What other Halloween activities are offered on a Disney Cruise?   There are a bunch of fun holiday related activities!  These can vary by sailing but ours had options including:

“Sing and Scream” version of  The Nightmare Before Christmas in the movie theater Meet and greets with Jack and Sally from  The Nightmare Before Christmas Costume party/contest for the adults The Pumpkin Tree shows in the atrium Halloween movies on Funnel Vision Halloween Crafts

What Halloween activities are offered in Vibe, Edge, Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club for the kids and teens?   Some of the activities offered on our sailing:

Pumpkin Carving Halloween Crafts Halloween Animation Cells Halloween Face Paint Ghost Voyagers Halloween Bash

Are there character meet and greets with costumed characters?   Yes!  Throughout the day on Halloween and on the days leading up to Halloween, there are characters available for photo ops in their Halloween costumes.  Check your daily Navigator or the Navigator app for meet and greet times.

If you sail over Halloween week, does the ship change over to Christmas during your cruise?   We boarded our ship on Saturday, 10/29/16, so by Tuesday (11/1) Halloween had come and gone and we still had half a cruise left!  On Wednesday 11/2 we were docked in Port Canaveral, FL and spent a long day in the Disney Parks.  When we returned to the ship late that night, guess what we found?   The cruise ship had been transformed from Halloween to Christmas!  True Disney Magic!   It’s important to note, that while we did get to see Christmas decorations, including the giant tree, our cruise was NOT a “Very MerryTime Cruise” and therefore did not offer any Christmas-related activities.  Those activities started on the sailing after ours.  We saw the big gingerbread house being constructed behind partitions but the finished house was never revealed during our trip.

Here are some more videos – the first shows the atrium decorated for Halloween and the next two show the atrium decked out for Christmas!

I hope this has given you a great idea of what to expect on a Halloween Disney Cruise! We had the trip of a lifetime during our Halloween on the High Seas sailing and would absolutely book another holiday cruise! Have anything to add? Have a question? Drop me a comment!

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5 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to a Halloween Disney Cruise”

Thank you for the detailed information on this cruise. My family is also thinking about taking this cruise next October (10/14/2017). This cruise states that one day will be spent at Walt Disney World. Did your cruise include this as well? And if so, did they have shuttle busses going back and forth from Port Canaveral and the Walt Disney World Parks multiple times throughout the day? Thank you for any information you can provide on this.

Hi Jenny! So glad my post was helpful! I hope to have a review of the entire cruise up in the next week or two so definitely keep an eye out for that one. Yes, we docked at Port Canaveral for 1 day and got free WDW 1-day park hopper passes. Our passes were delivered to our cabin the night before our day in the parks. They each contained 3 fast passes that could be used on any ride, any park at any time. Disney Cruise Line has buses (you can sign up for your bus time when booking opens for Port Adventures for your cruise). They are lined up outside the ship and take you right to the parks. They run return buses all day and evening. You can catch any of them that you want – whenever you’re ready to head back to the ship. We got on the very first bus off the ship to Magic Kingdom (around 7:30 am) and got on one of the last buses back to the ship (around 9 pm). It was a super long 12 hour day in the parks for us – we had an absolutely blast and walked ourselves into the ground, knowing that we had two days after that to relax on the ship!! :)

Thank you so much! This was so helpful. I can’t wait to see more of your trip for ideas.

Hi would you be willing to share your latte and high seas tshirt logos for our upcoming cruise this year? Love the designs!

I just looked – but it doesn’t appear that I saved them. I have a bad habit of doing that! For the HOTHS shirt i just found the image on Google and traced it on my Silhouette software. The latte shirt was a mash up of a few different images.

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The Coolest Thing About Disney’s New Island Destination Is Something You Won’t Find on Castaway Cay

Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera officially opens June 10

Mackenzie Schmidt is the Home and Travel Editor for PEOPLE. She's worked at PEOPLE for over five years as a writer and editor on the Lifestyle team.

Kent Phillips/Disney

Disney Cruise Line is the first to technically dock on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera — other ships ferry passengers over — but the experience they’ve created there is what really sets their latest destination apart.

During a media preview of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s second island destination in the region, it was obvious that the creation of this place started and ended with the abundant richness of Bahamian culture. 

Yes, Mickey and the gang can be found on its sandy shores starting June 10, but unlike so many other Disney creations, there’s almost nothing imaginary or magical (in the Tinker Bell sense) about Lookout Cay.

And there doesn’t need to be. The island’s natural beauty provides the awe, and the layers of local influence — from the architecture, to the art, to the daily street festival celebrations — tell a story all their own.

“We’re not sending you to a fictional place or another time, it’s here and now,” Disney Regional PR Director and Bahamas native Joey Gaskins said during a panel aboard the Disney Magic ship on Saturday, June 8. 

It’s a departure from Castaway Cay’s elaborate fictitious backstory involving a trio of shipwrecked explorers. Visitors looking to compare the two, should note Castaway currently feels like there are more activity options, but Lookout has the more beautiful beach. And while Castaway is a private island owned by Disney, Lookout is located at the southern tip of Eleuthera, a much larger island with its own permanent residents and communities.

If cruisers take one thing home with them from a visit, it will be a love of and appreciation for the spectacle and spirit of Junkanoo.

It’s “a celebration of our tradition, our culture….vibrancy led by the beat,” explains Warren Andrew Pinder of the National Junkanoo Committee. With some similarities to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras or Brazil’s Carnival, the traditional Bahamian celebration sees dancers and musicians in stunning, elaborate hand-made costumes parade through the streets, collecting revelers in their wake. 

On Lookout Cay, that means several times a day they draw all eyes — and anyone within earshot — to a beachfront stage where visitors can’t help but dance in the sand. 

To get everything just right, Disney Imagineers were invited to real celebrations on Bay Street in Nassau and commissioned local musicians, producers, designers and more to help create their original performance. “They got it right," promises Pinder.

But Junkanoo is far from the only piece of Bahamian life that informed the design of Lookout Cay.

The peaked roofs of its open-air buildings are decorated with motifs pulled from seashells found on its beaches. The murals decorating the shops and restaurants were commissioned from some of the island nation’s prolific artists — and were inspired by the glimmering schools of angel fish found in the sea just a few steps away.

Bahamian designer Theo Elyett created the outfits for Mickey and the gang to wear on the island and the characters' meet-and-greet backdrops turn their iconic outfits into artful decorations that also adorn the merchandise visitors can buy on the island.

Everywhere you go in Lookout Cay, you’ll hear music that sounds familiar yet new. Like the addictive original song “Everything Cool,” written and performed by Bahamian musicians and recorded on Eleuthera, as well as Disney classics reworked by local producer Victor Johnson in styles ubiquitous in the region, like calypso and rake-and-scrape. “When you hear it you feel our heart,” Johnson says.

During a preview day Friday, there were still a few kinks to work out, like the 15-minute, completely shade-free walk down the pier from the ship to land. Visitors should also note (and expect) that it is extremely hot there in the summer and everything on the island is outdoors — from the various bars and BBQ restaurants to the show stages and kids’ play areas.

Shade on the island is, thankfully, plentiful, but in the warmer months, guests will want to prioritize a swim or snorkeling excursion in the turquoise sea. Exploring the nature trails and biking should be saved for cooler days.

Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Points opens June 10 and will welcome passengers aboard select Disney Cruise Line voyages.

Disney Employee Claims Co-Workers Drugged Him

in Disney , Disney Cruise Line

Everyone who has worked in an office knows that feeling when you head into the breakroom to find a special treat left by a coworker. There is always that person who makes excellent bread, or there is cake for someone’s birthday, but either way, we all indulge without thinking.

Related: Disney Shuts Down Banned Ear Seller in Federal Lawsuit

We all eat those treats without considering what may be in that special dessert. Unfortunately for a Disney Cruise Line crew member, he found out that you should always ask what’s in the bread.

According to a new lawsuit, Disney Cruise employee Elmir Marin at a piece of Jamaican coconut bread that was laced with marijuana, which caused him to get sick while on the job. Marin said he was ill; he couldn’t breathe, and his vision was blurry. Disney Cruise Line took him to the ship’s hospital, where he tested positive for marijuana.

Marin is suing The Walt Disney Company, claiming emotional distress, breach of contract, and other charges. After testing positive for drugs, Disney Cruise Line fired Marin from his job as a stateroom host aboard the Disney Wonder.

Related: Disney is Suing to Keep Cities From Taxing Its Streaming Services

Marin’s attorney, Luis Perez, said: 

His life was turned upside down by this incident and the unjust, draconian way Disney handled the situation after my client was served drugged, contaminated food. My client is no longer employable in the cruise line industry after Disney tarnished his name and reputation. He tried to get work with other cruise lines but was unable to do so.

Marin and Perez also claim that The Walt Disney Company did not fire the other crew members who ate the bread and the people who purchased the bread while the ship was docked in Jamaica.

The Disney Cruise worker claims he has been blackballed from the cruise industry since Disney fired him. Marin spent a decade working for Walt Disney Co.

Perez said: 

He worked hard as a passenger stateroom attendant and enjoyed working for Disney. He needed his job and had planned on working for Disney for many years to provide for his wife and young children.

Marin filed his lawsuit in Brevard County, Florida. Lawyers representing The Walt Disney Company seek to move the lawsuit to U.S. District Court. The former Disney Cruise employee seeks unspecified financial compensation for his wrongful termination.

Let this be a lesson for all of us: ask what’s in the bread before you eat it.

Have you ever gotten sick from something a coworker made? 

The Best Time To Take A Disney Cruise

I f your family loves Disney, a Disney cruise may be something that is on your mind. Although you won’t be experiencing any attractions or rides, you will enjoy Disney magic while experiencing the world outside of Walt Disney World. Wondering when is the best time to take a Disney cruise? Here is our guide to figuring out the best options for your family.

Disclosure: Over the years we have taken media cruises on the Disney Cruise Line, and have paid full price for many of our sailings. This post contains affiliate links (and an affiliate phone number), and if you click through or purchase through one of these links/numbers, I may be paid a commission.

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 in onboard credits! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

When deciding the best time to take a Disney Cruise, you’ll need to look at a few factors. If you have older kids, you may be stuck with only just a few weeks of availability due to sports, work, and school commitments.

My high school/college kids are so busy that school vacations are the only times that we can travel for more than a weekend. These times are very fun to travel but are likely to be more expensive – including the airfare.

If your schedule is open, and you are looking for the best times to sail on a Caribbean/Bahamian itinerary, I’d recommend May. The weather is generally nice, it’s not one of the peak times, so prices and crowds aren’t too bad.

If you have younger children who aren’t in school yet, take advantage of that time. You also won’t have to worry about hurricane season at that point.

Pricing Considerations for Your Cruise

Pricing is one of the most important factors you should consider. As you’d expect, the peak times of the year, like holidays, spring break, and other school vacations, are when you’ll often see the highest prices.

Some discounts, for military and Florida residents, for instance, are not offered on every sailing. Flexibility in booking can allow you to save some money.

It’s not just the cruise price that you should look at. If you are flying into the port or staying either a night before or a night after your cruise, the flights and hotels may also be more expensive during school vacations and holidays. So you’ll have to weigh whether the extra cost is worth the convenience of traveling during this time.

Some families choose to combine their family cruise with a trip to the theme parks for a Disney land and sea vacation . Again, this is usually a more expensive trip during holidays and school breaks – for both the parks and the cruise line.

When booking, it’s always a good idea to book early. Disney Castaway Club members can often book early when the cruise fares and itineraries are first announced. That way, you will have your choice of stateroom categories and won’t be left with the more expensive rooms, especially if you are hoping for a more affordable room category. Interior staterooms and ocean view staterooms (porthole) can be cheaper options for your trip.

If you are already taking a cruise, making onboard bookings can save you money. Your next cruise can be booked before the end of your cruise.

You can book a placeholder if you aren’t sure what itinerary you want to experience next or don’t have your available dates handy. Keep in mind that some of those benefits may have blackout dates during holidays and special events.

Also look at the price including travel insurance. It’s always a good idea to have your vacation spending protected.

Travel insurance may also cover you if you have a medical emergency (but always check coverage) A good travel agent can help you find the best rates for your dates and may even offer onboard credit.

Crowds on Your Cruise

Like prices, crowd levels are often the highest during school vacations and holidays. Although you may only be able to travel during these busy times, it’s important to understand in advance that you’ll need to make your reservations as early as possible and arrive at the airport with plenty of time. On our last cruise, we had to fly on Christmas Day, and the airport was extremely crowded with many delays.

Once your reservation is booked, based on your Castaway Club level, you should also plan your shore excursions early. If you have an especially popular port adventure, it likely will be booked up during the busy sailings. Cabanas at Castaway Cay are especially difficult to book because the demand far exceeds the supply.

Special Events at Sea

Disney Cruise Line offers some special, themed sailings that can be so much fun. These special cruises include Halloween on the High Seas, Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise , Marvel Day at Sea, Pixar Day at Sea, and Star Wars Day at Sea. During these sailings, you’ll experience things like a decorated cruise ship, themed shows, and special events.

Often, these sailings can be more expensive than cruises without a theme. So you’ll need to decide whether or not the special theme is worth it for your family. If you aren’t excited about the extra decor/entertainment, you may want to save money and opt for a standard cruise.

Weather/Hurricane Season

Weather is another factor in deciding the best time to take a Disney Cruise. If you are planning a Caribbean/Bahamian itinerary cruise, you’ll want to look at the average temperatures in the islands you’ll be visiting. These cruises are typically offered year-round, although the Bahamian temperatures tend to be cooler in the winter months.

I generally prefer the spring, summer, and fall months when cruising to the Bahamas. Even early December can be nice. Surprisingly, while the summer months are hot, they don’t feel too hot.

The southern Caribbean islands generally have warm temps year-round. It’s important to look at hurricane season, however. A tropical storm or hurricane can affect your sailing so you’ll want to keep this in mind if you decide to cruise in these months. My September sailing resulted in an extension of two extra days due to a hurricane in Florida.

Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line

Some of the itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line are only offered at certain times of the year. Alaskan cruises , for example, are only offered during the late spring/summer months because of the cold weather the rest of the year.

Other limited sailings include Northern Europe and San Diego (but can vary by year). So, if you are looking to take one of those sailings, you’ll have limited options for timing.

Ages of Kids on the Disney Cruise Line

Instead of a time of year, you may be wondering what the best ages are to take a Disney Cruise with your kids. You won’t want to go when your kids are too young because they won’t be able to enjoy all of the activities and amenities.

I’d recommend waiting until your kids are old enough to enjoy the kids’ clubs. They are fantastic, and your kids will likely want to stay in the clubs for much of your time at sea. Although the regular youth clubs are open to kids 3 and up, my kids had fun in them once they were about 5 years old.

After that age, I think that any kid would enjoy sailing on the Disney Cruise Line. We recently went on a trip with our 17 and 19-year-olds, and they still have a great time sailing with Disney.

Compare itineraries and prices here .

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

The post The Best Time To Take A Disney Cruise appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

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