Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruises: Everything You Need to Know About Sailing During the Holidays
There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than aboard a Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise. Combining the signature Disney experience with festive decorations, seasonal entertainment, and special holiday events, these sailings transform an already magical vacation into an unforgettable Christmas celebration at sea.
Available on select sailings from early November through the end of December, Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises offer families the opportunity to experience beloved holiday traditions while visiting tropical destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Mexico, and beyond.
Whether you’re planning your first Disney cruise or looking to experience the holidays in a new way, here’s everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruises.
What Is a Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise?
A Very Merrytime Cruise is a seasonal Disney Cruise Line sailing featuring exclusive holiday-themed entertainment, festive décor, character experiences, specialty treats, and family activities. Every ship is beautifully decorated from bow to stern, creating a Christmas atmosphere that begins the moment guests step onboard.
The ship’s atrium or Grand Hall becomes the centerpiece of the celebration, featuring a towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments. Guests will also discover elaborate gingerbread displays, garland-lined staircases, sparkling wreaths, and holiday décor throughout the ship.
While the decorations set the stage, the holiday entertainment and special events are what truly make these sailings unique.
When Do Very Merrytime Cruises Sail?
Disney Cruise Line offers Very Merrytime Cruises on select itineraries beginning in November and continuing through late December.
Depending on the season, guests can depart from several homeports, including:
Port Canaveral, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Galveston, Texas
San Diego, California
Cruise lengths range from short three- and four-night getaways to longer Caribbean itineraries, giving families plenty of options to celebrate the holidays at sea.
What’s Included on a Very Merrytime Sailing?
One of the best parts about sailing during the holiday season is that all of the festive entertainment and décor are included with your Disney Cruise fare.
Guests continue to enjoy everything Disney Cruise Line is known for, including rotational dining, Broadway-style productions in the Walt Disney Theatre, pools and splash areas, youth clubs, character meet-and-greets, soft-serve ice cream, room service, and exceptional Disney service.
Very Merrytime Cruises also include exclusive holiday offerings that are only available during these seasonal sailings.
Mickey & Minnie’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
One of the signature events aboard every Very Merrytime Cruise is Mickey & Minnie’s Merrytime Tree Lighting.
Families gather in the ship’s atrium as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their Disney friends welcome everyone to the holidays with music, storytelling, and a festive celebration before illuminating the magnificent Christmas tree.
The ceremony is one of the most memorable experiences of the cruise and often becomes a favorite family tradition.
Mickey & Minnie’s Holiday Party
The holiday festivities continue with Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party on the upper decks.
Guests can dance alongside Disney characters dressed in their holiday outfits while enjoying festive music, snowfall effects, and an energetic celebration of family, friendship, and the holiday season.
It’s one of the most popular entertainment offerings during the voyage and provides incredible photo opportunities.
Meet Santa at Sea
No Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus.
Throughout the sailing, guests have opportunities to meet Santa, take family photos, and spend time with one of the most beloved holiday characters. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once onboard for appearance times and locations.
Holiday Crafts & Family Activities
Very Merrytime Cruises feature additional seasonal programming designed for guests of all ages.
Families can participate in holiday-themed arts and crafts, Christmas games, trivia, storytelling, and interactive activities throughout the voyage. Children visiting Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab may also enjoy special holiday programming during select sailings.
These experiences provide even more opportunities for families to create lasting vacation memories together.
Seasonal Food & Holiday Treats
Holiday flavors can be found throughout the ship during Very Merrytime Cruises.
Guests will discover festive desserts, specialty beverages, seasonal baked goods, and other limited-time treats inspired by the holidays. Complimentary hot chocolate is available during select events, making it easy to enjoy a warm drink while taking in the festive atmosphere.
Specialty cocktails, coffees, and holiday-inspired beverages may also be available for purchase.
Characters in Their Holiday Best
One of the highlights of sailing during Very Merrytime is seeing Disney characters dressed in exclusive holiday costumes.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and many other Disney favorites appear throughout the cruise in festive seasonal attire, making holiday character photos even more memorable.
These limited-time outfits are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line’s holiday sailings and are a favorite among returning guests.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Very Merrytime Cruise
Holiday sailings include additional entertainment throughout the day, making it worthwhile to plan ahead.
Before boarding, download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app so you can easily view daily schedules, character appearances, holiday activities, dining information, and entertainment once onboard.
Be sure to arrive early for popular events like the tree lighting ceremony and deck parties, as these experiences often draw large crowds.
Take advantage of the beautifully decorated ship by scheduling family photos throughout the cruise. From the grand Christmas tree to elegant holiday backdrops, there are countless opportunities to capture memorable vacation photos that are perfect for holiday cards and family keepsakes.
Don’t forget to slow down and simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re relaxing with a cup of hot chocolate, listening to holiday music in the atrium, or watching the sunset from the deck, these quiet moments often become some of the most treasured memories of the vacation.
Is a Very Merrytime Cruise Worth It?
For families who love both Disney and the holiday season, a Very Merrytime Cruise offers one of the most immersive Christmas vacations available.
With stunning holiday décor, exclusive entertainment, festive character experiences, seasonal treats, and Disney’s signature storytelling, these limited-time sailings combine everything guests love about Disney Cruise Line with the magic of Christmas.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, kicking off the holiday season, or planning a Christmas vacation before the end of the year, a Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise creates unforgettable memories for every generation.
If you’re hoping to sail during the holidays, booking early is recommended, as these festive itineraries are among Disney Cruise Line’s most popular sailings each year.
Book Your Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise with Academy Travel
A Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise is one of the most magical ways to celebrate the holiday season, and planning early gives you the best selection of sailings, staterooms, and pricing. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical Christmas getaway, a festive Thanksgiving cruise, or simply want to experience Disney’s incredible holiday entertainment at sea, Academy Travel is here to help every step of the way.
As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Academy Travel provides complimentary Disney Cruise Line vacation planning services, including personalized itinerary recommendations, expert advice, dining and activity guidance, and assistance before, during, and after your cruise. Best of all, their planning services are completely free when you book your Disney Cruise Line vacation through them.
Ready to Celebrate the Holidays at Sea?
Don’t wait to book—Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruises are among the most popular sailings of the year and often sell out well in advance. Click the link below to request your FREE, no-obligation Disney Cruise Line vacation quote, and let the Academy Travel team help you plan a holiday cruise your family will never forget.
