Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise – Holiday Magic On The High Seas

Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise: four words that describe a holiday themed vacation unlike anything you will ever experience. Yes, I am a little biased when it comes to the topic of all things Disney. I freely admit to that. However, even those who are not so enamored with the House of Mouse (yes, I am talking about my husband) found that celebrating the holidays on the high seas aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship was, to put it bluntly, magical. ♥

Welcome Home

Last month my family and I were given the privilege of sailing on the Disney Dream, one of the four ships that currently comprises Disney Cruise Line. From the moment we stepped into the cruise terminal in Port Canaveral, the excitement of sailing was infused with the holiday spirit. From the brightly coloured balls dangling from garland draped Mickey gloves to the giant Christmas tree with nautical themed ornaments, my already giddy self was hard-pressed to control my emotions. And that was just check-in!

The next step on any Disney cruise is to be welcomed onto the ship and Disney does this by introducing your family, over the microphone as crew members applaud your entrance. It is quite a regal feeling! And even though my daughter Emily and I were well prepared with our Christmas Minnie ears, the crew was way ahead us, decked out in their crisp white and black uniforms with red and white striped Christmas scarves and stocking caps. Regal, did I say? Yes, it fits. I felt like Disney royalty.♥

Disney in the Details

Part of the magic of sailing with Disney Cruise Line is that your eyes never stop feasting, never mind your stomach. From the massive Art Deco chandelier that hangs in the atrium lobby, to the characters embossed into the trim and outlining each floor, Disney is in the details. Hidden Mickeys are everywhere! And during Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise those details are accentuated with gorgeous garlands of shimmering lights, beautiful wreathes adorned with ribbons and bows and not one, but two centerpieces; a life-sized gingerbread house (made from real gingerbread) and a 24-foot tall Christmas tree! The scents that fill the air are divine. 🙂

Knowing how meticulous the Disney parks are when it comes to Christmas or even Halloween decorations, I was determined to find and photograph as many as I could on the ship. I certainly didn’t have far to look. My Instagram feed is proof of that. 🙂 The smaller trees that were found in the lobbies and hallways were often adorned in reds and golds, while those that flanked the main restaurants were dressed to suit the theme of that establishment. At the entrance to the Enchanted Garden, the tree was full of pretty flowers and fruit, while at Animator’s Palate the Christmas tree displayed paint palettes even my little artist appreciated. Disney in the details.

Not to be overlooked, the nautical theme was built into many of the Very Merrytime Cruise decorations. From the red and silver ship’s wheel found on trees in White Caps to the seahorses and seashells in, wait for it… Sea Treasures!

Very Merrytime Merriment

Disney Cruise Line sets itself apart with the way it entertains it’s guests and keeps them happy. For guests sailing on a Very Merrytime Cruise the list of holiday-themed activities will not only keep you busy, but charm and delight every member of your family. Whether you enjoy shows, dancing, character interactions, crafts, shopping or all of the above, a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise has you covered.  Check out some of the onboard festivities: 

Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony

Each Very Merrytime Cruise is kicked off in true Disney style; with music, a special family and some pixie dust! The tree lighting ceremony takes place in the atrium where the main three-deck tall tree is. Mickey and Minnie are there with their friends, dressed to impress in their holiday attire. The atmosphere is truly joyful as carols are sung and children, both young and old alike, get ready to light the beautiful tree. 

You can not help but join in the count down with Mickey, the family chosen to help light the tree and everyone else on the ship. It is truly a magical moment when the pixie dusted tree erupts with thousands of sparkling white lights and all of the garland surrounding the atrium does as well. The whole room just glows! (You can watch a bit of it on my Instagram Highlights entitled Disney Merrytime.)  

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Special guests abound at this winter celebration with the first appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus! Cruise guests are treated to Broadway caliber entertainment with lots of dancing and singing along to classic holiday tunes. And it wouldn’t be a Disney party without our beloved characters joining in, this time dressed in cute winter wear. Chip n’ Dale are adorable in their matching hats and Goofy looks grand in plaid pants. 🙂 The big surprise comes when Frozen’s Elsa and Anna put in an appearance and make it snow!  The ensuing dance party in the snow is definitely a Very Merrytime Cruise highlight.

Themed Activities and Crafts

The first event my family and I participated in together was the Character Animation classes in the D Lounge. While technically not a themed event (they have these classes during every cruise,) it was well suited to my kiddos because one is a budding animator and the other is interested in learning to draw. Hosted by an engaging crew member named Harlequin (who we ran into everywhere!), the classes are for everyone, no matter your skill level. We had a lot of fun learning to draw Donald Duck and Harley even gave my son William a bunch of drawing outlines to take back to his drawing club at school. 

Right after the drawing class we participated in a holiday themed craft session. The selection of supplies allowed you to make holiday cards, small ornaments and decorations. My husband and teen were not as thrilled with this class as the crafts were geared toward a younger age, but it was still a lot of fun. I found that doing things with my family that we would not usually do was the best part. ♥

Santa and Mrs. Claus Events

While my children opted not to participate in the following, you do have the chance to have a meet and greet with Santa Claus during your Very Merrytime Cruise. You can take your own photos or have ship photographers take them for you. You can even view them at Shutter’s before deciding what photos you want to purchase, if any.  Mrs. Claus loves to share her time with everyone too and you can join her for story time by the main tree in the atrium.

DCL for Kids

While on the Disney Dream, I had a wonderful opportunity to check out some very special places – the youth clubs. Let’s face it, even though you are on a family vacation your kiddos probably would like to get away from you, even for a little while. Disney takes care of that by providing safe and entertaining spaces for kids and kids alone. They are designed around age groups and, with the exception of “it’s a small world” nursery, are included with your cruise ticket. 

Talk about a little slice of heaven! The youth clubs are incredible! Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab were created for kids ages 3 to 12 and include everything from themed rooms (think Pixie Hollow, Andy’s Room and the Millennium Falcon) to  spaces for crafts, holiday parties, conducting science experiments, practicing cooking skills, drawing and SO MUCH MORE! I will elaborate on the youth clubs in a new post soon! 

For the older kiddos in your family there is Edge for the tweens (ages 11-14) and Vibe for those who are 14 to 17. While the spaces differ the object is the same – provide children with a place to meet, hang out and interact with other kids their age. The genius behind the Disney Cruise Line Youth Clubs is that your own child will come back to you happy with the opportunity for freedom, but ready to hang with the family. 

Castaway Cay

Disney has this very special place in the Bahamas – their own private island. Yes, you are reading that correctly and when your Very Merrytime Cruise itinerary takes you to the Bahamas, it will take you to Castaway Cay. And you will never want to leave. 🙂 Just imagine, waking up to the beautiful turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches; all reserved just for Disney Cruise Line guests! Remember? It’s a private island. 

Now, imagine all of that decked out for the holidays! From the moment you step off the ship, you once again enter a magical world that is imbued in holiday spirit – island style. Guests are greeted by a huge Christmas tree covered in wonderful treasures one might fancy finding on a private Bahamian island scavenger hunt. Things like sand sculpture ornaments shaped like starfish and crabs, along with bright and beautiful tropical flowers and all topped with a Hidden Mickey. Take a step to the side for warm greetings from two friendly sand snow-people and their ride; a candy cane red sleigh! If you’re lucky you will even get snowed upon again and this time Queen Elsa is nowhere in sight! 

The peace and calming quiet of Castaway Cay beckons to you to venture further onto her land and trust me, you do not want to say no. You can spend the entire day soaking up the sun, swimming in the soothing salt water or partaking in one or more fun activities the island has to offer. Whatever you choose to do, keep your eyes open for those special Very Merrytime Cruise touches.

Missed Merrymaking 

With everything there is to do on a Disney cruise you are bound to miss out on some things, right? If I ever have the chance to take another Very Merrytime Cruise I would definitely plan to do the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating, Stocking Decorating and the holiday themed scavenger hunt. Oh, and make more time for getting those special character photos with Mickey, Minnie and the gang. Our favourite mouseketeers change outfits a few times on this sailing so the photo ops are plentiful. Add in using the pools, sports deck, the AquaDuck, dining, perhaps a spa hour or two and and the incredible shows that play each night and there really is plenty of reasons to book another holiday on the high seas. 🙂

Stay tuned for more Disney Cruise Line details. There is so much more I would love to share with you and as hard as it is to believe from this post, I have barely brushed the surface. 🙂 

Have you cruised before or plan to? What interests you the most about a Very Merrytime Cruise? Please share your thoughts and any questions you might have, in the comments and I promise to get back to you! Thank you for following along!

FT&PD

Suz

**Disclosure: A very warm thank you to Disney for inviting us to sail on Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise this past November 2019 and experience all it has to offer. All opinions expressed are our own.