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Jingle bells and tropical breezes are mingling in the air, which can only mean one thing — Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises are here! These magical holiday sailings combine the season's warmth with the joy of a tropical getaway. Picture a towering Christmas tree, shimmering decorations and even "snow" flurries in the middle of the Bahamas. Let's unwrap the highlights of these merry cruises, from meeting your favorite characters donning their holiday finest to sipping holiday-themed cocktails on the deck. So grab a cup of hot cocoa (or a tropical drink with a candy cane stirrer!), and get ready to sail into the most wonderful time of the year!
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What Are the Very Merrytime Cruises on Disney Cruise Line?
Very Merrytime Cruises are the ultimate holiday celebration at sea aboard Disney Cruise Line's fleet. Starting in mid-November and running through December 2024, these cruises are brimming with holiday cheer, twinkling lights and signature Disney magic.
The Disney Wish offers 3- and 4-night Bahamian voyages, while the Disney Fantasy has 3- to 7-night itineraries departing from Port Canaveral. The Disney Dream offers 3- to 5-night cruises to the Bahamas or Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale. These sailings include stops at Disney Castaway Cay. You can also sail from Galveston, Texas, on the Disney Magic for 4- to 6-night itineraries.
And for 2025? The magic continues! You can book Very Merrytime Cruises on all of the aforementioned ships or the brand-new Disney Treasure. These new holiday sailings on the Disney Treasure offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with a visit to Disney Castaway Cay.
Disney is legendary for its holiday celebrations, and Disney Cruise Line is no exception. Instead of the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, or a one-night-only celebration at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, your entire cruise vacation is sprinkled with festive surprises and holiday fun.
And now, you can get exclusive Disney Cruise Line savings provided by Undercover Tourist! Plus, we have an exciting offer hoppenin' right now! Get a FREE in-room décor set for all Disney Cruise Line bookings, courtesy of Undercover Tourist, when you book a Disney Cruise Line sailing, for a limited time.
Must-Do Activities on Very Merrytime Cruises
Think of the Very Merrytime Cruises as the ultimate winter wonderland at sea — no snow required! Here are the must-see and must-do moments for your Very Merrytime Cruise.
Festive Decor & Holiday Tunes
From the moment you step aboard, you'll notice the beautiful decorations all around the ship! The ship’s Grand Hall (or atrium) twinkles with garlands, wreaths and a towering Christmas tree. Ribbons, ornaments and lights deck every hall, stairwell and porthole, transforming the ship into a floating winter wonderland.
Themed to each ship, you’ll see unique touches — the Disney Wish, for example, gives a regal nod to "Cinderella" with metallic accents instead of the traditional red and green on other ships to compliment its special theming.
As you stroll through the ship, you’ll hear holiday classics and even some "Disney-fied" carols to get you in the seasonal spirit!
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Don’t miss the kick-off to your Christmas cruise at the tree lighting ceremony in the ship’s Grand Hall (or atrium). Starting with a fun and whimsical show, the massive 24-foot Christmas tree comes to life with lights and ornaments. And who’s there to flip the switch? None other than Mickey, Minnie and the rest of their crew! Don’t miss this magical moment — it will be a core memory for years to come. This activity usually takes place between meal times on select nights (typically at 7:30 p.m.), but you can find specifics listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once aboard the ship.
Make sure to grab a good spot early — this is one of the most popular events on board, and for good reason! You’ll want to be front and center when all the magic happens. If you’re lucky, it might even snow! ;)
Meet Santa Claus and Disney Characters in their Holiday Best
The holiday season brings a special visitor aboard the ship — Santa Claus! You and your family can meet the big guy himself, and if you’ve been extra good, you might even walk away with a little holiday treat. In addition, Mrs. Claus will be in the atrium for storytime, sharing her favorite Christmas tales.
Of course, the characters get in on the fun, too. Mickey, Minnie and all your favorites strut the ship and hang out at meeting spots in their holiday outfits. Expect traditional holiday colors and more with sparkles, snowflakes and cheerful vibes. Don’t froget to snap a photo with your favorites — these festive costumes are exclusive to Very Merrytime Cruises, and many of these outfits will not be seen in the parks.
Holiday Fun for the Whole Family
Feeling crafty? There’s no shortage of family-friendly activities on board. Get those creative juices flowing as you and your little ones dive into holiday-themed arts and crafts sessions. Make holiday crafts and keepsakes, from ornaments to festive cards. Craft activities will vary per ship and year to year. Keep in mind that some activities may be at an additional cost. Keep a lookout — there's also a holiday scavenger hunt. Both Lily and Tad loved participating in that one!
Speaking of our tadpoles, teens and tweens will find holiday activities and parties just for them at both Edge and Vibe.
Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party
Get ready to sleigh the night at Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party, a deck show packed with more holiday cheer. Up on the pool deck, Mickey, Minnie and all their pals arrive in their jolly holiday outfits and lead a dance party that includes special holiday music.
The deck party celebrates friendship, love and the magic of the holidays. You and your family will sing and dance the night away with your favorite characters. And it wouldn’t be Disney without a little extra magic, right? Expect a shower of "snoap" (Disney’s magical soap "snow") as fireworks light up the sky.
Psst! Did you know that Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line to showcase fireworks at sea? Be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing location. This event is always a crowd-pleaser!
Festive Treats & Holiday Drinks
What’s a holiday celebration without some festive treats? Throughout your Very Merrytime Cruise, you’ll find holiday-themed snacks and drinks, from gingerbread cookies to peppermint-flavored cocktails. Stop by the buffet in Cabanas or sweet shops for a sugary pick-me-up.
The holiday magic extends to your glass with a selection of festive cocktails. With options such as a Peppermint Mocha Martini, these seasonal drinks will have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree. You can find these limited-time concoctions sprinkled throughout the ship's bars and lounges. Keep an eye out for the Drink of the Day which will be available at a discount and is usually themed to the day's events.
To learn more, hop to our full guides on all the Disney cruise food and Disney Cruise Line's Rotational Dining system.
Holiday Movies
Get cozy under the stars for holiday movies on the ship's Funnel Vision on the pool deck. Catch festive favorites such as "Frozen," "The Santa Clause" or "Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas." There's something magical about watching a holiday movie with the ocean as your backdrop!
If you're looking for an indoor option, head to the movie theater on the ship. Here you can enjoy new Disney releases or more holiday-themed films in a state-of-the-art cinema. Popcorn and holiday-themed popcorn buckets are available at an additional charge.
Holiday Fun in the Sun
Escape to paradise with a festive twist at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, during the Very Merrytime Cruises! Disney Castaway Cay is transformed into a winter island retreat, complete with a Christmas tree, holiday decorations and even "snoap" flurries. Who says it never snows in the Bahamas? On the island, there are beachy snowmen and festive backdrops which are great for those family holiday photos.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point was newly opened in June 2024. We can't wait to see what Christmas looks like at this new destination. We'll keep you posted once we learn more!
Deck Your Stateroom in Holiday Cheer
Why let the holiday magic stop at your door when you can transform your stateroom into a cozy Christmas wonderland? With Disney Cruise Line’s holiday in-room décor packages, you can return from a day of sun-soaked fun to a festive retreat. The holiday in-room decor set includes garlands, a plush holiday pillow and a cuddly holiday blanket.
Make sure to order your DCL Holiday Magic stateroom décor package in advance through Onboard Gifts so it will be all set up, waiting to surprise you when you board. Don't froget that you can get a FREE in-room décor set for all Disney Cruise Line bookings, courtesy of Undercover Tourist, when you book a Disney Cruise Line sailing, for a limited time. Ribbit!
Adults-Only Holiday Fun
For the adults, Disney Cruise Line knows how to deliver some holiday cheer just for you too! Enjoy themed cocktails at one of the ship’s festively decorated bars and lounges, and don’t miss the adults-only activities on board. These are indicated on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app as 18+ activities. Options will include opportunities to dress up, mingle, play trivia and dance into the wee hours of the morning.
A Few More Tips for Your Very Merrytime Cruise
Here are a few additional tips to make the most out of your Very Merrytime Cruise:
- Wear Your Holiday Best: While not required, feel free to pack some holiday-themed outfits for photo-ops or special dinners. Visit our Disney cruise packing list for more packing tips!
- Stay Flexible: Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will help you keep track of all the festive events, so check it often.
- Decorate Your Door: Join in the fun tradition of decorating your stateroom door! Holiday-themed magnets are a popular choice and can be found on various sites online.
- Shop Holiday-Themed Merchandise on Board: The ship’s gift shops will have Disney Cruise Line exclusive holiday merchandise and winter-themed souvenirs — perfect to complete your holiday shopping.
Save this guide as your go-to resource for making the most of your Very Merrytime Cruise. What are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Disney Cruise Line's Halloween on the High Seas
Related: Our Heroic Guide to Disney Cruise Line's Marvel Day at Sea
Hoppy planning!
