My merriest vacations are on a cruise ship. And no cruise line does merry quite like Disney. When you visit the theme parks over the holidays, you know how much detail goes into decorating those parks. Now imagine it on a more personal scale. The ship becomes your home for the duration of your vacation. Imagine getting Disney to come and decorate for you in your actual home. That would be incredible, right? That is how it feels to sail on a Merrytime Cruise. As if you get to live inside a Christmas card for a few days or weeks, if you’re lucky!
Holiday Décor
I have sailed a two-week long very merrytime cruise on the Disney Magic through the Panama Canal. In fact, it was my honeymoon and that trip was magical. The atrium was decked out in garland and Christmas lights. The massive tree is a star attraction. You will also find very large and authentic gingerbread house that features so many tiny details you will find something new every time you look at it.
Merrytime Events
My two weeks on board felt like I had a full immersive Christmas experience. We attended every Christmas event on board that was possible. The tree lighting ceremony was kicked off with carolers from the main stage productions. They sang plenty of Christmas hits and ended the show with Santa Claus and brought out Mickey and Pals to light up the tree. The white twinkling lights lit up the entire atrium.
On top of Disney’s normal deck parties, they had a Christmas deck party. The deck show we saw had a storyline of Goofy missing his son Max at Christmas. It was a sweet little story that ended with snow falling all over the crowd.
Over in the Buena Vista Theater aka the movie theater, plenty of Christmas movies were being played during the cruise. They were also playing up on the pool deck. We watched movies like The Santa Clause, A Muppets Christmas Carol and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas.
Seasonal Drinks and Snacks
Seasonal drinks were available in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety. Cove Café had a few holiday inspired coffee beverages and hot chocolates. Alongside some holiday pastries in their bakery case. My husband enjoyed the holiday rice Krispie treats.
The bars and restaurants have holiday cocktails and mocktails if you feel like a festive beverage! I had a cranberry inspired mocktail that was deliciously tart.
Merrytime Characters
If you are a fan of character meet and greets, Disney cruises have the best offerings. You’ll see them in specialty clothing throughout your voyage. For a Merrytime cruise you will see Belle in her burgundy gown from Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas. Mickey and friends will have Christmas sweaters and attire. There are also special meet and greets with Santa Claus which was adorable to walk by and see the kids excited to meet him.
Room Décor
If you don’t want the festivities to stop, you can opt to have your room decorated for the holidays as well! For additional fees, you can have Christmas pillows, a blanket, a tabletop Christmas tree, banners, stockings and more! Whatever you choose to buy, you get to keep them and take them home. But they will be set up for you when you arrive if you are purchasing them before you set sail. The offerings can change from year to year, and you can pick and choose what you would like. You’ll find them on the website, or you can ask your travel agent about your options.
Shopping
Holiday merchandise is in abundance in the shops on board. Everything from sweaters to socks will have your clothing desires met. There were also holiday ears, backpacks, cups, blankets, toys and jewelry.
Over at Preludes, we purchased a Christmas popcorn bucket that was a real working music box! It was my favorite Christmas item.
Weather
Sailing in December, we had rougher seas. The last 2 days of our trip had us sailing across the Gulf of Mexico from Cozumel to Galveston, Texas. There was a storm with the worst waves I’ve experienced, and I worked on a cruise ship!
We had little issue with the waves over in the Pacific Ocean or in the Caribbean when we were heading to the Gulf. You do run the risk of bad weather, but you should be good with Caribbean or Mexican Riviera cruises. The weather was warm at our Mexico destinations, Colombia and at Grand Cayman.
How to Book A Very Merrytime Cruise
Very Merrytime Cruise can be found on any itinerary across Disney’s fleet of ships in the November and December months. They will be labeled as such and span many different itineraries. If you are looking to go on a Very Merrytime Cruise, be sure the itinerary you book has that labeling. Just because you sail in November, it doesn’t guarantee you will have a merrytime cruise.
If you find yourself on a Very Merrytime Cruise, I hope you fully embrace the holiday and Disney magic. Enjoy your vacation, have smooth sailing, and make memories that last a lifetime. Have a joyous journey!
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