Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime Cruises Return for the Holidays: What to Expect Onboard
Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime sailings return from November through the end of the year, adding Christmas trees, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday deck parties, seasonal food and drink, and characters in festive costumes. The holiday theming extends to Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime sailings return this holiday season, decking out ships across the fleet with Christmas trees, seasonal shows, characters in their holiday best, and festive food and drink. The sailings run from November through the end of the year on select itineraries.
Key Details
- What: Very Merrytime Cruises
- When: Select sailings, November through December
- Departure ports: Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Galveston, Texas; San Diego, California
- Island stops: Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, decorated for the holidays
- Plan at: DisneyCruise.com
What a Very Merrytime cruise is
A Very Merrytime cruise is Disney Cruise Line's holiday overlay on its regular sailings. Ships are dressed with seasonal decor, from oversized Christmas trees in the atrium or Grand Hall to a large gingerbread display, and the entertainment and menus shift to match the season.
What is included onboard
Very Merrytime sailings keep everything guests expect from a Disney cruise, including nightly rotational dining, Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, and a pool deck for all ages, then add holiday-specific touches such as deck parties, seasonal activities and crafts, and a chance to meet Santa. Expect plenty of hot chocolate and soft-serve alongside the festive extras.
Mickey and Minnie's Merrytime tree lighting
A traditional tree-lighting ceremony brings Mickey Mouse and friends together to light the ship's holiday tree, one of the signature moments that sets the tone for the sailing.
Mickey and Minnie's holiday party
Guests gather on the upper decks for a lively celebration of music and holiday cheer with the characters, with festive decor and a high-energy atmosphere.
Themed activities and crafts for kids
Throughout the sailing, families can drop into holiday-themed activities and crafts, adding hands-on moments to the schedule for younger guests.
Holiday merchandise
Limited-time, holiday-themed Disney Cruise Line merchandise is available onboard, from keepsakes to cozy apparel for anyone who wants to bring a little of the sailing home.
Holidays on Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay
The seasonal touches extend to Disney's private island destinations. Guests sailing to Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will find holiday decor there too, including tropical Christmas trees and fitting nautical music.
How to make the most of a sailing
Families can blend their own traditions into the trip, whether that means matching pajamas for a holiday-card photo or a quiet spot with hot cocoa. Santa makes frequent stops onboard, so it is worth having a list ready. Reviewing the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before departure helps guests keep track of showtimes, activities, and services like recreation and the spa.
Why fans book Very Merrytime
For guests who would rather spend the holidays at sea than driving around looking at light displays, a Very Merrytime sailing packages the season into a few days in the Caribbean, complete with characters in holiday costumes and perfectly themed trees in nearly every room. Booking early gives families the widest choice of dates before the November and December sailings fill in.