It’s no surprise that Santa Claus and Mickey make a winning combination
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus has decided to partner with Mickey for Christmas cruises onboard Disney Cruise Line. Taking place from November through the end of December, the Very Merrytime Cruises bring reindeer, gingerbread houses, characters in special costumes, and much more to the Disney Magic, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish.
If you are a fan of Christmas celebrations, you’re sure to have a blast. And if you’re a fan of both Disney and Christmas, then it’s time to start booking your trip now!
What we like about the Very Merrytime Cruises
Well, it’s Christmas and you are enjoying it inside one of the best cruise lines in the world. Pat yourself in the back, it’s going to be an amazing time. Can we finish the review here? No. Fine.
One of the best things about the Very Merrytime Cruises is that they include special presentations and décor as a fun bonus to Disney’s usual offerings. You won’t miss out on any stage shows or dining experiences; instead, you’ll enjoy beautiful new additions on top of everything else! These special events include the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party, Disney characters dressed in their Santa outfits, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, new themed activities for kids, and exclusive holiday merchandise.
The new additions are perfect for families and guests of all ages. Highlights include gingerbread houses created by the crew and beautiful traditional Christmas decorations throughout the ship. The main Christmas tree is located in the atrium, but most restaurants also feature their own smaller, cute decorated trees. Everything has that magical feel, and kids can join in nightly activities like singing Christmas carols (or Disney songs) and simply have a ton of fun.
Keep in mind that these special cruises focus more on the festive atmosphere than the bonus events themselves. The new presentations are usually brief and, as I mentioned earlier, are meant as fun little extras. For example, the Tree Lighting Ceremony lasts only a few minutes, but it’s cool to watch as the tree comes to life and snow falls across the atrium. These moments may be short, but they create wonderful memories and provide amazing photo opportunities that your kids will treasure forever.
What we don’t like about the Very Merrytime Cruises
For starters, these cruises are more expensive than a typical Disney cruise. That’s something important, especially since Disney Cruise Line is already known for its premium pricing, and you’ll need to pay extra for these special holiday sailings.
The second issue is something we hinted at earlier: there aren’t any major new surprises unique to these cruises. If you’re booking a Disney Christmas cruise, you’re probably already expecting festive characters in costume, Santa Claus, and plenty of fun decorations, right? While you do get the Tree Lighting Ceremony, some characters singing Christmas songs, and Santa appearances, that’s about the extent of the new features. The private island of Castaway Cay also has a few Christmas themed decorations, but lacks any meaningful new activity.
I can’t help but wish these cruises offered a truly blockbuster addition, perhaps a brand-new stage show exclusive to the season or a big, Broadway-like presentation lasting around half an hour that becomes the highlight of the holiday experience. As it stands, most of the new events are short, charming, and enjoyable, but they don’t go much beyond that.
The menus also remain the same unless you’re traveling on December 25, which is typically more expensive than other Very Merrytime Cruises. It would be great if Disney introduced special drinks and food items to celebrate the holiday season. Some guests have also noted that the holiday merchandise selection is fairly limited, and Disney could enhance the experience by offering some fresh and exciting new options.
So, in the end, would I recommend the Very Merrytime Cruises? Sure, but only if you’re a fan of classic holiday songs and decorations. There are a few charming shows, including the Tree Lighting Ceremony, but I wish there was more integration of Disney magic with Santa Claus, perhaps in the form of longer, more elaborate performances. Still, if you love the holiday season, you really can’t go wrong with this experience.
Very Merrytime Cruises FAQ
Which ships offer the Very Merrytime Cruises?
The Very Merrytime Cruises are available on the Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish.
When do Very Merrytime Cruises take place?
These special Disney cruises are offered exclusively in November and December.
Are Very Merrytime Cruises more expensive than a traditional Disney Cruise?
Yes, these cruises are generally more expensive due to the special Christmas-themed events and atmosphere.
Is there new themed food and drinks during the Very Merrytime Cruises?
A special dinner menu is available on December 25. However, aside from that, there aren’t any significant new food or drink offerings onboard a Very Merrytime Cruise.
