Disney4me Posted 1 hour ago Report Posted 1 hour ago Deck the (Grand) Hall! Go ahead and trim the (palm) trees! It’s time for the most wonderful voyage of the year. If you’re already dreaming of making waves, and your holiday list includes things like “more days at sea,” then, oh sugarplum, does Disney Cruise Line have the itineraries for you. It’s never too early to get into the spirit of the season and book a Very Merrytime cruise for you and your loved ones this year. As an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast, do I find myself dreaming of sailing away with the smells of gingerbread and hot cocoa wafting through the atrium or Grand Hall all the way up to the upper decks? Absolutely, I do. I’ve previously embarked on a Very Merrytime sailing, and I’m eager to sail on one again, and soon. (If any family member of mine is reading this right now, just say the word, and I’ll book!) But just how does a Very Merrytime sailing differ from a sailing during any other time of the year? Well, first of all, way more Christmas trees (seriously, more than I could even count, on both land and sea), along with festive holiday décor, holiday-themed entertainment, Mickey Mouse and the gang wearing their holiday best, and sweets that will be dancing in your head as you drift off to sleep after a sea day. It’s always a rush to enter the atrium or Grand Hall, but now imagine doing so and being immediately greeted by one of the most marvelous Christmas trees you’ve ever seen, and a pretty epic gingerbread house, too. You deserve a Halfway to the Holidays treat, and now’s the perfect time to start looking at dates: Very Merrytime cruises start sailing in November and run through the end of the year. Whether this is a bucket-list item or just a way to get the whole family together on one ship, this is why you want this vacation neatly packaged under the tree. What is a Very Merrytime Cruise? A Very Merrytime Cruise is Disney Cruise Line’s way of bringing the joy and warmth of the holiday season to the high seas. The ships are transformed into a festive celebration filled with sparkling décor, seasonal entertainment, and magical touches around every corner. Available on select itineraries, you can find ships sailing from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Galveston, Texas; and San Diego, California. What’s Included on a Very Merrytime Cruise? First of all, magic. That’s what you’ll find on every Very Merrytime cruise. Just stern-to-bow magic. But, OK, if you’re looking for tangible things that you can snap pictures of to post to social media, Very Merrytime cruises include everything you know and love about a Disney cruise. You’re going to get your nightly themed rotational dining, along with Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, plus a pool deck that has fun for all ages. Let’s not forget the endless hot chocolate, and all the beloved soft-serve ice cream you can enjoy to your festive heart’s content. And that’s just the start – Very Merrytime sailings add even more included comfort and joy including special deck parties, themed activities and crafts and a chance to meet the “big guy” himself. The Very Merrytime cruises have dialed the holiday magic up to a solid 25, as the ships are fully decked out (no pun intended) with Christmas trees and decorations, characters in their merry best, and specialty snacks, food, and drinks throughout the voyage. Mickey & Minnie’s Merrytime Tree Lighting Gather round for a heartwarming, traditional celebration where Mickey Mouse and friends help light the ship’s holiday tree. It’s one of those quintessential Very Merrytime moments—equal parts cozy and spectacular—that sets the tone for the entire sailing. Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party Join your Disney friends on the upper decks for good tidings, music and cheer as you celebrate friendship, love, and family during this special time of year. Expect a lively atmosphere, festive décor, and a high-energy celebration. Themed Activities and Crafts for Kids Have some festive fun and get creative with Christmas cheer for the young and young-at-heart. Throughout the sailing, families can drop into holiday-themed activities that add a hands-on, memory-making element to all the magic happening around the ship. Holiday Merchandise ‘Tis the season to pick up exclusive, holiday-themed Disney Cruise Line gifts for family and friends—and make Christmas wishes come true. Whether you’re looking for keepsakes or just something cozy to wear onboard, these limited-time offerings make it easy to bring a little Very Merrytime magic home with you. This also extends beyond the ship, because if you’re sailing to one of Disney’s island destinations — Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — you’ll find that the yuletide cheer extends there, too. Have you ever seen a tropical Christmas tree before? Do you want to see a tropical Christmas tree? You will at both locations. On my sailing, I also couldn’t help but notice some fitting nautical background music, including a song I’m still humming to this day about having a “Beach Christmas.” How to Make the Most of Very Merrytime Everyone has different holiday traditions, and it might be time to blend the old with the new on a sailing. What new memories will you create? If your family loves to lounge around in matching pajamas, bring them! There are plenty of picture spots where you can take next year’s holiday card. Or, if just sippin’ on hot cocoa and chatting it up with grandma is more your thing, there are plenty of cozy nooks to get comfortable. And if you want to see the big guy in red, Santa makes frequent stops onboard, so get your list ready. One of the best ways to get ready for a Very Merrytime cruise is simply to familiarize yourself with the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app ahead of time, so when you’re onboard, you don’t miss a second of the magic. You’ll also be able to see additional services available (like recreation and the spa) if that’s a key factor of your trip. Why I Love Very Merrytime Cruises I’ve had the opportunity to sail on a variety of different ships, all with different itineraries, and visits to both island destinations, but there’s something about my Very Merrytime sailing that has stayed with me. During the holidays, rather than doing the usual “drive around and look at light displays,” I thought, why not spend a few days at sea, soaking in the festive atmosphere all while sailing through the Caribbean? I packed festive outfits and honestly shrieked out loud when I saw Daisy Duck’s holiday fit (seriously, she’s so fabulous). I insisted that my boyfriend take my picture in front of the atrium Christmas tree every single night because it was so impressive. I also freaked out every time I came across a new Christmas tree onboard, since they were all perfectly themed for their designated spaces. I watched my favorite holiday movie, The Muppet Christmas Carol, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying banana soft-serve ice cream. So, if you’re ready to set sail, you know what to do. Sleigh on over to Disney Cruise Line and hopefully I’ll see you at sea this holiday season. Pixar Stories Come to Life at Pixar Days at Sea READ MORE Your Guide to Halloween on the High Seas READ MORE We’re Going Below Deck on the Disney Destiny READ MORE The post Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises: The Most Magical Holiday at Sea appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. 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