Celebrating the Holidays on Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise
If you had told me a few years ago that our most magical holiday memory would take place on a ship, I probably would have laughed. I’m a Disney Parks girl through and through, but navigating the holiday crowds with little ones? Not exactly the relaxing, joyful experience I imagined.
Then came November 2017—our first Very Merrytime Cruise with the Disney Cruise Line. And let me tell you: it completely changed the way I think about celebrating the holidays.
Imagine all the magic of Disney during the holidays; twinkling lights, characters in festive outfits, carolers, gingerbread scents but without the wall-to-wall crowds, endless planning, and “I just need five more minutes to sit down” moments. That’s what a Very Merrytime Cruise offers. It’s the holidays, simplified.
So What Is a Very Merrytime Cruise?
Very Merrytime Cruises are special seasonal sailings with Disney Cruise Line that run from mid-November through late December. As soon as you step into the atrium and see that giant Christmas tree, decked with shimmering garlands and oversized snowflakes, you know it’s something special.
From themed décor and festive dining to special holiday shows and characters in cozy winter outfits—it’s like stepping into a floating holiday wonderland.
And the best part? The ship has a set capacity. So while the Disney Parks get busier than ever during the holidays, these cruises can’t get more crowded. That alone is reason enough for me to choose the sea over the sidewalks in December.
Why Families Love It (Especially Moms)
Let’s start with the obvious: Walt Disney World is massive.
One of my biggest holiday stressors? Trying to do everything and make it all magical. Decorating, baking, scheduling, wrapping and somehow staying cheerful through it all.
On a Very Merrytime Cruise? It’s all done for you and beautifully.
No cooking. No cleaning. No traffic. Just quality time with your family, while Disney takes care of the details. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, everyone finds their own kind of magic onboard.
We had moments where my daughter was in the kids’ clubs crafting snowflakes and baking cookies, while my husband and I enjoyed coffee on the balcony with nowhere to be. Those tiny pockets of peace? They’re everything.
What Makes Very Merrytime Cruises Truly Special
Let me walk you through the little touches that make this more than just a cruise with some lights hung up. These are the things that had my daughter wide-eyed with wonder—and me reaching for the tissues (the happy kind).
Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mickey & Friends
It all kicks off with a heartwarming countdown as Mickey, Minnie, and friends light the enormous Christmas tree in the atrium. Watching my daughter’s faces glow in the soft twinkle of the lights? Pure magic.
Santa Claus Meet & Greets
Santa knows how to cruise! And the best part: short lines. The backdrops are festive, and the interactions are so much more personal than the mall ever offered.
Gingerbread House… and Ship!
Each ship features a life-size gingerbread house created by Disney’s pastry team. The scent of warm gingerbread fills the atrium every morning—it’s like stepping into a holiday bakery.
Holiday Crafts in the Kids Clubs
From ornament decorating to cookie-making contests, the kids’ clubs go all in on the festivities. My daughter still talks about the snowflake contest they won—and I still have the glittery evidence.
Characters in Holiday Costumes
There’s nothing quite like seeing Mickey in a red-and-green holiday sweater. We packed matching outfits for photos, and they’re now some of our most cherished holiday cards.
Deck the Deck Party
It’s a high-energy dance party up on the top deck, complete with music, games, and snow flurries. It felt like a North Pole dance-off under the stars.
Festive Dining Touches
From peppermint mousse to adorable snowman-themed desserts, every meal had little holiday surprises. Even the napkins were folded like Christmas trees!
Special Shows & Holiday Music
Carolers in the atrium, Broadway-style holiday shows, and holiday tunes playing softly as you walk the decks—it all adds to the festive feel, without being overwhelming.
Tips to Make the Most of a Very Merrytime Cruise
Here’s what I learned from our 2017 sailing (and from helping many families plan their own since):
Book early: These cruises fill fast—and for good reason!
Choose a 4–5 night itinerary: It’s just enough time to enjoy the magic without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Pack red and green outfits: Character photos are cuter with coordinated outfits—trust me!
Sail before mid-December: Pricing is often better, and the ship is a little quieter.
Use the kids’ club: Let the kids play while you have a moment to yourself. You’ve earned it.
Why It Matters
It’s not just the fun or the photos (though those are wonderful). It’s the moments. The calm. The connection. The way my family came together, unrushed, unbothered, and fully present.
On our Very Merrytime Cruise, I got to be part of the magic instead of the one managing it.
If you’re like me—trying to create a meaningful holiday while juggling work, family, and the never-ending list of December “to-dos”—this cruise is the gift you didn’t know you needed.
Thinking About a Holiday at Sea?
If you’re ready to turn off the oven, skip the mall, and start a new family tradition filled with wonder, I’d love to help you find the perfect itinerary. Let’s make this year the one where you get to enjoy the holidays, too.
Because the most magical memories are the ones we make together.
Do you need help planning your next vacation? Book a FREE Vacation Conversation here.
Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
