If you’ve been looking for a way to make the holiday season a little more magical, there’s still time to add a little Disney magic to your plans!
Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises bring the spirit of the season to select sailings throughout November and December, transforming the ships into festive holiday destinations filled with dazzling decorations, seasonal entertainment, beloved Disney Characters in their holiday best, special activities, festive treats and plenty of opportunities to make unforgettable memories.
And if you thought you had to start planning next year’s holiday vacation already, think again. There are still Very Merrytime sailings available for the 2026 holiday season, and select sailings currently have special offers available.
So whether you’re looking for a pre-holiday getaway, a festive family vacation or simply a chance to experience Disney magic during your favorite time of year, it’s not too late to book a Very Merrytime Cruise for this holiday season.
What Is a Very Merrytime Cruise?
Very Merrytime Cruises are select Disney Cruise Line sailings that take place during the holiday season, bringing Christmas magic onboard without requiring you to spend Christmas Day at sea.
From November through December, select Disney Cruise Line ships are transformed with beautiful holiday décor and special seasonal experiences.
You’ll find everything from towering Christmas trees and elaborate gingerbread displays to holiday-themed entertainment, seasonal treats and opportunities to meet Santa and your favorite Disney Characters in festive attire.
And because it’s still a Disney cruise, you’ll also enjoy all the experiences that make Disney Cruise Line vacations so popular, including rotational dining, Broadway-style entertainment, family activities, youth clubs, pools, character experiences and exciting ports of call.
It’s a Disney cruise with an extra dose of holiday magic.
Step Aboard a Christmas Wonderland
The holiday magic begins as soon as you step onboard.
Disney Cruise Line goes all out with its seasonal decorations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the ship. Guests can enjoy sparkling lights, beautiful Christmas trees and impressive holiday displays as they explore the ship.
One of the highlights is the incredible gingerbread displays found onboard during the holiday season. Depending on the ship, guests can see elaborate gingerbread creations that become some of the most memorable photo opportunities of the cruise.
Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, grandparents or just looking for a festive getaway with friends, the holiday décor makes simply being onboard feel like part of the celebration.
Mickey & Minnie’s Merrytime Tree Lighting
One of the signature Very Merrytime experiences is Mickey & Minnie’s Merrytime Tree Lighting.
Mickey, Minnie and their friends help bring the ship’s magnificent Christmas tree to life in a festive celebration filled with holiday music and Disney magic.
It’s the perfect way to kick off your Very Merrytime experience and get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Mickey & Minnie’s Holiday Party
Get ready for a festive celebration with Mickey & Minnie’s Holiday Party!
This special event brings Disney Characters and guests together for holiday entertainment, music, dancing and plenty of seasonal fun.
On select sailings, the celebration can even include a magical snowfall at sea.
Yes, you can experience snow on a Disney Cruise Line ship!
It’s one of those uniquely Disney experiences that makes a Very Merrytime sailing feel unlike any other holiday vacation.
Meet Santa Claus
Of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without Santa!
During Season’s Greetings with Santa, families have an opportunity to meet Santa Claus and take photos together.
It’s a wonderful way for children to share their Christmas wishes and create a special holiday memory without having to wait until Christmas Day.
And if you’re traveling with little ones, those photos can become some of your favorite vacation memories.
Your Favorite Disney Characters Get Festive
Mickey, Minnie and other favorite Disney Characters join in the holiday fun, too!
Throughout your Very Merrytime sailing, you’ll have opportunities to see Disney Characters dressed in festive holiday outfits.
That means even your character photos can get a seasonal makeover.
From holiday dresses and accessories to festive costumes, these special appearances are another reason Disney fans look forward to Very Merrytime Cruises every year.
Holiday Entertainment
The entertainment onboard gets a seasonal twist during Very Merrytime Cruises.
In addition to Disney Cruise Line’s regular entertainment, including Broadway-style stage shows, live performances, family activities and movies, select sailings feature special holiday entertainment and programming.
You can enjoy festive shows, seasonal music and holiday-themed movies while still having plenty of opportunities to experience everything else your Disney cruise has to offer.
Holiday Crafts and Activities
Want to get creative?
Very Merrytime Cruises offer seasonal crafts and activities for families to enjoy throughout the sailing.
These activities give everyone an opportunity to slow down, spend some quality time together and create something they can take home as a holiday keepsake.
It’s just one more way Disney Cruise Line turns the entire sailing into part of the holiday celebration.
Festive Food and Seasonal Treats
If holiday treats are one of your favorite parts of the season, you’ll find plenty to enjoy onboard.
Very Merrytime Cruises feature seasonal food, sweets and beverages that add a festive touch to your cruise experience.
And, of course, you’ll still have access to all the dining experiences and included food and beverages that are part of your Disney Cruise Line vacation.
Imagine enjoying a festive treat while relaxing on deck, watching the ocean go by and knowing you don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning up.
That sounds like a pretty magical way to enjoy the holiday season!
Holiday Merchandise
Want to bring some Disney Cruise Line holiday magic home with you?
Very Merrytime sailings feature special seasonal merchandise that you won’t find during regular sailings.
From holiday-themed Disney Cruise Line souvenirs to festive apparel and keepsakes, there are plenty of opportunities to find something special to remember your Very Merrytime vacation.
And yes, it also makes shopping for the Disney fans on your holiday list a little easier!
The Holiday Magic Extends Beyond the Ship
The Very Merrytime experience isn’t limited to the ship.
On select itineraries, guests can visit Disney Cruise Line destinations such as Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, where the holiday season gets a tropical twist.
Festive decorations and seasonal touches bring the holiday spirit to these beautiful Bahamian destinations, giving you the opportunity to combine a tropical getaway with the magic of the season.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Next Year
If you’ve been thinking about booking a Very Merrytime Cruise but assumed it was already too late for 2026, there’s still time.
Disney Cruise Line has Very Merrytime sailings scheduled throughout the 2026 holiday season, giving you multiple opportunities to experience the festivities before Christmas.
And right now, select sailings have special offers available, which means it’s worth having an Academy Travel advisor check current availability and promotions before assuming the vacation is out of reach.
Offers can vary based on the sailing, stateroom category, itinerary and eligibility, and availability can change quickly.
That’s why this is the time to start looking.
Why Book Your Very Merrytime Cruise With Academy Travel?
Finding the right holiday sailing can take some work.
Which ship should you choose? Which itinerary works with your schedule? What stateroom makes sense for your family? Are there any current offers that apply to the sailing you’re considering?
That’s where an Academy Travel advisor can help.
Our Disney Cruise Line specialists can:
- Search available Very Merrytime sailings
- Compare ships and itineraries
- Help you find the right stateroom
- Check current promotions and special offers
- Help you understand the differences between sailing options
- Answer questions about dining, entertainment and onboard activities
- Help you plan the rest of your Disney Cruise Line vacation
And perhaps most importantly, there is no extra cost to use an Academy Travel advisor.
Instead of spending your free time searching through dozens of sailing options and trying to determine which offers apply, you can have an experienced Disney travel professional help you navigate the process.
Make the 2026 Holiday Season a Little More Magical
You don’t have to wait until Christmas Day to enjoy the magic of the season.
A Very Merrytime Cruise gives you the opportunity to take a break from the busy holiday season and enjoy a festive Disney vacation with your family.
Picture yourself surrounded by Christmas decorations, enjoying seasonal treats, watching Disney Characters celebrate the holidays, meeting Santa, participating in festive activities and relaxing as you sail to beautiful destinations.
And you can do all of that before Christmas even arrives.
If a Very Merrytime Cruise has been sitting on your holiday wish list, now is the time to check what’s still available.
There’s Still Time to Book for 2026!
Don’t assume you’ve missed your chance to experience Very Merrytime this year.
There are still 2026 holiday-season sailings available, and current special offers may provide an opportunity to save on select departures.
But holiday sailing availability won’t last forever.
The holiday season will be here before you know it. Why not add a little Disney magic to it?
Special offers, pricing, itineraries, stateroom availability and onboard activities are subject to change. Restrictions apply. Contact Academy Travel for current availability and applicable offers.
