What happens when you combine the most magical time of the year with the most magical cruise?
A Disney Cruise Line Christmas — also known as Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise.
From late November through December, the Disney Cruise Line hosts Christmas on their cruise ships.
Passengers are treated to festive decorations, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed entertainment onboard.
So if you feel like celebrating Christmas in an extra-special way, Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise is a great choice.
A Ship Full of Holiday Decorations
During this season, Disney’s cruise ships transform into magical holiday spaces.
A 24-foot-tall Christmas tree stands in the grand atrium, covered in lights and ornaments.
Garlands, poinsettias, and twinkling lights decorate every deck.
A life-sized gingerbread house, made with over 600 pounds of gingerbread, fills the air with the scent of the holidays.
Even Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, is decorated for Christmas.
Christmas at Castaway Cay
Normally a mix of Disney-themed decors and vibrant, tropical vibes, Castaway Cay gets a complete makeover during the holiday season.
A bright, festive Christmas tree greets guests as soon as they step off the ship.
Alongside this tree are Disney characters decked in beach-themed holiday outfits.
As guests wander around the island, calming Christmas tunes filter through the speakers.
Even the tram stations are decorated with Christmas garlands.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony
On the first night of the cruise, guests gather for the tree lighting ceremony.
Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney characters appear in festive outfits.
And, as one of the night’s many, many highlights, Santa Claus himself joins them to light the massive tree.
All while holiday music plays and snowflakes fall from above.
This event is romantic and whimsical, and it brings families together to kick off the holiday season.
So if you ever wanted to experience the Disney Cruise Line Christmas would be a fantastic time to start!
Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party
One of the events of Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise is Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party.
During this time, the deck is full of music, dancing, and Christmas fun.
Mickey and Minnie lead the celebration with holiday games and activities.
Snow flurries create a winter feel, even in warm weather.
And passengers in high spirits can join in for dancing and entertainment under the stars.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball
A Disney Cruise Line Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Santa.
We already see him during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
But then he makes another appearance at this special event — and he brings Mrs. Claus with him!
Plenty of beloved Disney characters – like Anna and Elsa from Frozen – join in on the festive, Winter Wonderland-themed fun.
And at the very end, artificial snow falls to blanket the stage in white, creating a magical scene.
Meeting Santa on a Disney Cruise
The tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s Winter Wonderland aren’t the only time you get to meet Santa on the cruise, either.
There’s a special meet-and-greet with Santa in the ship’s atrium.
You can take photos with him in front of the Christmas tree, too.
It’s a wholesome event where many families wear matching pajamas or festive-themed outfits for holiday pictures.
And on Christmas Eve, Santa gives a special holiday message for all guests.
Holiday Crafts and Activities
It’s not just all shows and parties on Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise, either.
Disney offers fun holiday activities for families during this season.
Guests can decorate ornaments, make Christmas cards, and create festive crafts.
Mrs. Claus herself hosts a special storytime event where she reads classic Christmas tales to kids.
For some fun holiday competition, families and friends can even participate in the Christmas scavenger hunt.
This contest sees groups scurrying all over the ship, hunting for clues as they try to beat the clock — and each other!
To keep everyone in high, festive spirits, carolers will walk through the ship singing Christmas songs, too.
Holiday Character Meet-and-Greets
You’ll get to see Disney characters dress in Christmas-themed outfits for meet-and-greets on a Disney cruise.
For instance, Mickey and Minnie are usually seen in matching holiday sweaters.
Goofy might appear in a Santa suit.
And Donald and Daisy could show up in fuzzy winter gear.
These festive costumes make for great holiday photos.
Christmas Dining on a Disney Cruise
A Disney Cruise Line Christmas includes special meals and treats.
On Christmas Day, guests enjoy a traditional holiday feast.
Appetizers may include spinach and artichoke dip or a seafood sampler.
Main courses often feature roasted turkey, pumpkin ravioli, or Chilean sea bass.
Desserts include apple pie, Yule log cake, and festive cookies.
During Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise, the cruise line releases special holiday drinks like peppermint mocha and eggnog latte.
These are perfect for spicing up your holiday beverage selection.
Holiday Entertainment and Shows
Christmastime on a Disney cruise features exclusive holiday entertainment.
Broadway-style shows include festive holiday elements while live holiday music plays in lounges and entertainment spaces.
As mentioned earlier, you’ll even run into carolers singing jaunty holiday jingles.
And for a good hit of nostalgia, you can even catch classic Disney holiday movies on the big screen in the ship’s theaters and the pool deck.
The energy is contagious and enough to brighten anyone’s day.
Celebrating Christmas on a Disney Cruise
If your Disney cruise sails over Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the cruise line throws extra events to make the holiday even more special for its passengers.
On Christmas Eve, carolers perform classic Christmas songs in front of gathered guests.
Afterward, Santa delivers a special holiday greeting.
On Christmas day, the cruise line offers a Christmas church service for those who follow this tradition or simply wish to celebrate.
Disney Cruise Line Christmas Merchandise
Disney breaks out the exclusive holiday merchandise during its Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise.
Most – if not all – of the shops onboard sell Christmas-themed Disney souvenirs, like Mickey-shaped ornaments and character Christmas clothing.
Mickey ears, sweaters, and accessories featuring classic holiday designs are popular items.
These souvenirs let you bring home a reminder of your Disney holiday at sea.
Why Sail with Disney During Christmas?
Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise is a once-a-year event that elevates Disney magic with a festive holiday spirit.
For you, it also means a stress-free Christmas celebration.
You won’t have to plan, cook, or clean up for your seasonal celebration.
The Disney Cruise Line literally takes care of everything for you so you can fully enjoy time with your family.
And the celebrations are made even more magical with beloved Disney characters, themed events, and warm, delicious meals.
For families and friend groups looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays, booking a Disney cruise is a great choice.
Book Your Disney Cruise for Christmas with Travel by Maeghan
Ultimately, a Disney Cruise Line Christmas is a fun and easy way to celebrate the festive season.
If you’d like to give it a try this year, give me a call!
At Travel by Maeghan, I help families plan the perfect holiday cruise.
From choosing the best itinerary to finding the right stateroom, I take care of the details.
Let me help you experience a stress-free, magical Disney Christmas cruise.
Contact Travel by Maeghan today to start planning your celebration on the sea!