Credit: Disney Matt Stroshane, photographerCruise Vacations are amazing, but Disney Cruises are next level consistently ranking as the #1 cruise line in the world. So how do you improve upon a Disney Cruise? Well, there is no better way to celebrate the holidays at sea than with Disney Cruise Lines.
In order to help you make the most of your seafaring holiday, DCL has prepared a series of Christmas-themed entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Here is what you can expect if you are sailing on the Disney Dream as I recently did during the Christmas season:
“Deck the Deck” Tropical Holiday Party with Chip n’ Dale
Get things started with a Christmas party in the tropics! This deck party is an interactive show that features all your favorite characters. Candy cane limbo with Chip n’ Dale, play a game with Stitch, and dance along as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto join the fun! This is just one of the great ways to pass the day aboard your Disney Cruise Ship.
Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony
This is for those who can’t get enough of Christmas trees. On each ship features a glorious evergreen. The Disney Dream features one 24 feet fall. Kids can help light the tree alongside Mickey and all his pals. This ceremony is one you would not want to miss. Be sure to also take in the other Holiday features onboard such as the giant gingerbread house and the classic carol singers.
Santa Claus Meet and Greet & Storytime with Mrs. Claus
A holiday celebration is not complete without a personal visit to Santa Claus. So, Santa comes to visit you. Take advantage of the opportunity to get your picture with Santa at sea! The location of meet-and-greet may vary by cruise ship.
Of course, there is no way Santa would take a Disney Cruise by himself! So, he’s brought Mrs. Claus along, and she’s got an activity of her own. Gather your children around the tree in your ship’s atrium to hear Mrs. Claus tell some classic Christmas stories.
Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
While there is a lot of Christmas activities to do on your Disney Cruise Ship, Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, has holiday entertainment of its own waiting for you. Once you disembark, you will see that the tropical island has the flare of a winter wonderland with “snow” flurries, Christmas trees, and more.
Featured 2020 Very MerryTime Disney Cruise Itineraries
The above cruise activities will be featured on the following ships and will set sail on select nights during the Holiday season:
Bahamian Cruises
- A perfect long-weekend getaway Disney-style, or the perfect add-on to your Walt Disney World/Florida vacation. Spend 3, 4, or 5 nights aboard a Disney Cruiseship in either Port Canaveral or Miami and set sail for Nassau and Disney’s Castaway Cay. The only difference in the 3-night and 4-night itineraries is that the 4-night cruise gives you a day at sea. The 5-night cruise includes a stop in Key West, FL.
Eastern Caribbean Cruises
- Sail for the green dots of paradise that standout amid the eastern edge of the deep blue Caribbean Sea: The BVI, the USVI, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and more. For 5-8 night cruises, you can explore these unforgettable islands from Port Canaveral, Miami, Puerto Rico, or New York. If you are sailing from New York, your Disney Cruise Ship will stop in Port Canaveral, and you will have the opportunity to have a day at Walt Disney World.
Western Caribbean Cruises
- Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Key West, and Castaway Cay are waiting. Depart from Port Canaveral, Miami, or Galveston, to explore ancient ruins, play with giant stingrays, and so much more. Whether your course takes you through the Gulf of Mexico or the Straights of Florida, your 5-to-7-night cruise gives you days at sea to help you take full advantage of the Very Merrytime Disney experiences aboard.
Panama Canal Cruises
- Hop aboard for an epic Disney adventure through the famous Panama Canal. This is a 14-night cruise that departs from San Diego and visits places such as Cartegena, Columbia; Cozumel, Mexico; and Grand Cayman before arriving in Gavelston. Sailing through the Panama Canal is a once in a lifetime trip, and the stop in Cartegena offers you the chance to check another continent off your list. Disney Cruise Lines adds more magic to the adventure.
Related: Disney Cruise Line announces fall 2020 itineraries including Holiday cruises
Booking Your Very Merrytime Disney Cruise
To book your Very Merrytime Disney Cruise, be sure to contact our friends at Academy Travel. You won’t pay more than booking directly with Disney Cruise Line but you will get so much more. From special Academy Travel client gifts or onboard credits, you will get more without paying more. But best of all they will search high and low for the best price for your trip and if a better deal comes along after you’ve booked they will rebook your trip if you qualify to allow you to increase your savings.
Holiday activities and offerings are subject to change and may vary by ship and itinerary. Please note that the life-sized gingerbread house is usually constructed in November and will not be available on early November sailings.