There’s something extra magical about Disney at Christmas. The classic decorations with their hidden Mickeys. The smell of gingerbread. The holiday music that surrounds you wherever you go. And when you combine them with the adventure and indulgence of a Disney cruise, it’s the perfect setting for incredible memories.
Of course, everyone loves the idea of spending Christmastime with Disney, but no one loves the thought of long lines or crowded parks. Thankfully, I have a solution! Here are 5 things you should know about Very Merrytime sailings aboard Disney Cruise Line.
1. Sailings Take Place from November to December
Disney knows families have different schedules and not everyone wants to be away for the holidays. Very Merrytime sailings begin in early November and last until late December. This gives you great flexibility in choosing a cruise that works for your calendar.
Sailings in early November and early December are typically more affordable. Sailings that take place over holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve) have special experiences in addition to the regular Very Merrytime offerings. With sailings heading out multiple days a week, there are plenty of options to choose from!
2. You Can Travel to a Range of Destinations
Speaking of flexibility, Disney Cruise Line offers Very Merrytime sailings aboard all four ships. This means you have a variety of ports to choose from.
Available sailings range from 3 to 14 nights, depending on the itinerary you choose. For 2019 and 2020 you can sail out of Port Canaveral, San Diego, Galveston, Miami, New York City, or San Juan.
So what type of cruise would you pick? The most popular options take place in the Bahamas and the Caribbean with stops at Disney Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. You can even head down to the Bahamas from New York with a stop at Port Canaveral (perfect for a day at Walt Disney World Resort). For the ultimate vacation, enjoy a 14-night eastbound Panama Canal cruise.
Want to learn more about the available itineraries? Request a free eBrochure and a no-obligation quote!
3. Disney Offers Christmas-Themed Activities for All Ages
One of the things I love best about Disney Cruise Line is that they’ve designed spaces and activities for guests of all ages. Kids can spend time in the Oceaneer Club & Lab, with Disney Characters and themed spaces taken out of Disney movies. Teens can chill out in their own clubs, Vibe or Edge. Adults have dedicated spaces just for them, with spas, pools, bars, lounges, and dance clubs. There’s even an onboard nursery for the tiniest of sailors.
Almost every Disney cruise includes fun-filled deck parties, character meet & greets, Broadway-style shows, and fireworks as sea. But when you sail on a Very Merrytime cruise, you’ll also get to experience the following activities:
- Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony
- Mickey’s Winter Wonderland Ball
- Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party
- Santa Claus Meet & Greet
- Disney Character Greetings (Holiday Attire)
- Storytime with Mrs. Claus
- Themed Activities & Crafts
- Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
- Christmas Caroling
- Holiday Animation Cels
- Stocking Decoration
- Holiday Cards
- Youth Parties (Teens & Tweens)
- Christmas Movies on Funnel Vision
Did I mention that all of these are included in your cruise fare?
4. No One “Decks the Halls” Like Disney
Every time I see Disney decorate for Christmas, I’m in complete awe (and taking notes for items to incorporate in my own home). The Disney holiday decorations are classic – poinsettias, ribbons, twinkling lights, ornaments, holly, and wreaths with lots of reds, greens, and golds.
In the atriums of all four ships you’ll find a towering Christmas tree and spectacular decor. You’ll also see one-of-a-kind, life-sized gingerbread house creations designed by the Disney Chefs. The smell of gingerbread and vanilla, combined with the holiday music in the background, will make you feel like you’ve stepped foot in a holiday paradise. You may even see it snow aboard the ship!
Even Disney Castaway Cay gets in on the fun, with “snow” flurries, snowmen, a decorated island tram, and its very own Christmas tree.
Disney’s in-room celebrations offer an opportunity to add holiday-themed decorations to your stateroom before you arrive. And if you’re in love with some of those holiday-themed souvenirs, you’ll find them all around the shops.
5. Disney’s Legendary Service is the Ultimate Christmas Gift (to Yourself)
While Christmas is a special time of year, we all know that it can also bring on a lot of stress sometimes. We worry about our to do lists, shopping, party prep, and decorating. When it comes to vacations, we worry about crowds and long lines. Well when it comes to Disney Cruise Line, you don’t have to worry!
Disney offers smaller ships and limits the number of guests in each age group. This means you won’t find long lines at the quick-service stations or bars, and you won’t have to worry about not being able to enjoy the amenities aboard the ship.
While there are a few events you definitely won’t want to miss, your daily plans are completely flexible. Race down the AquaDuck water coaster and play some family games or simply lounge by the pool before sipping coffee on your private verandah.
Disney’s attention to detail and cleanliness is second to none. Your stateroom host will keep your stateroom spotless and well stocked, and may even include little treats for you to come back to each evening. Your servers rotate dining rooms with you, so they’ll know your preferences within the first night or two aboard the ship (meaning you can have your favorite drink waiting for you when you sit down). The crew is dedicated to creating the perfect cruise experience for your family.
Start Planning Your Disney Vacation!
A Disney cruise is the best vacation when you want to truly relax while enjoying family fun. And the best way to make sure your trip is stress-free is to book with a concierge vacation planner! I’ll help you plan every detail of your cruise, from the perfect stateroom to the perfect port adventures. The best part? My services are included at no additional cost when you book your cruise through me.
Want to learn more about Disney Cruise Line? Click the button below to request a free eBrochure and quote!
“Look at all the joy when it’s everywhere; I feel the Christmas spirit in the air…”
