Celebrate Christmas at sea on a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise! A Disney Very Merrytime Cruise is a special holiday sailing from Disney Cruise Line offered during November and December, featuring Christmas decorations, seasonal entertainment, holiday activities and Disney Characters in festive attire.

The season is already special, but now it’s time to make way for family fun and a whole new way to celebrate the holiday season while visiting destinations in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and beyond.

In this guide, we’re sharing Very Merrytime Cruise dates, ships and destinations, what’s included, holiday activities and everything you need to know before booking a Disney Christmas cruise.

Disney Very Merrytime Cruises set sail throughout November and December each year, giving families plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holidays at sea. Choose from short getaways to week-long cruises, including sailings over Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.

Very Merrytime Cruises are available on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries throughout the holiday season. Exact sail dates, cruise lengths and availability vary by ship and itinerary, so we recommend comparing several dates when planning your trip.

If your travel dates are flexible, take a look at different Very Merrytime sailings to compare current prices, itineraries and stateroom options. You may find that moving your cruise by just a few days or choosing a different ship gives your family more options.

Get Away Today Cruise Savings Tip: Use our cruise search portal to filter for Very Merrytime sailings. Add November and December, choose Disney Cruise Line and hit search. Then look for the “Very Merrytime” distinction label on the top right.

Disney Very Merrytime Cruises are offered aboard several Disney Cruise Line ships, with itineraries ranging from quick Bahamian getaways to week-long Caribbean vacations.

Choose your Very Merrytime Cruise aboard select Disney ships, including:

• Disney Destiny
• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Magic
• Disney Treasure
• Disney Wish

Depending on the ship and sail date you choose, Very Merrytime itineraries visit destinations throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean, with select cruises stopping at Disney Castaway Cay and/or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

From Fort Lauderdale, Florida explore destinations including:

• Bahamas
• Eastern Caribbean

From Port Canaveral, Florida sail to destinations including:

• Bahamas
• Eastern Caribbean
• Western Caribbean

From Galveston, Texas explore destinations including:

• Bahamas
• Western Caribbean

NEW! Disney Cruise Line now offers Very Merrytime Cruises from San Diego, California which makes it possible to combine a Disneyland vacation and a Disney Cruise during the holiday season.

Sail aboard the Disney Wonder from San Diego, California to:

• Baja Mexico
• Mexican Riviera

Remember, cruise lengths and destinations vary, so this is a great place to compare your options. A shorter Bahamian cruise can be an easy way to experience the Very Merrytime festivities, while a longer itinerary gives you more time aboard to enjoy your Disney Christmas cruise.

A Disney Very Merrytime Cruise includes the same dining, entertainment, recreation and family activities you’ll find on a traditional Disney Cruise, plus special holiday experiences offered during Very Merrytime sailings.

Many of the Christmas activities and entertainment are included with your cruise fare, so you can enjoy the extra holiday magic without purchasing a separate event ticket.

What’s Included on Every Disney Cruise?

Your Disney Cruise fare includes many of the essentials for your vacation, including:

• Dining: Enjoy rotational dining, casual restaurants, poolside eats, snacks and 24-hour room service.
• Disney Entertainment: Watch Broadway-style shows, enjoy deck parties and see Disney Characters throughout your cruise.
• Kids Clubs: Kids and teens can enjoy age-specific spaces, activities and entertainment.
• Pools and Recreation: Cool off in pools, splash areas and waterslides, with offerings varying by ship.
• Adult-Only Areas: Adults can enjoy dedicated pools and spaces, while select dining, beverages and other experiences are available for an additional charge.
• Disney's Private Island Destinations: On select itineraries, enjoy included amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas and lunch when visiting Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide to what’s included on a Disney Cruise.

What makes a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise different from a traditional Disney Cruise? The ships transform for the season with Christmas decorations, festive entertainment, holiday activities and special appearances from Disney Characters and Santa Claus.

Exact entertainment and activities can vary by ship and sailing, so check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once onboard for the schedule during your cruise.

Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party

Celebrate the season with Mickey, Minnie and their friends during a festive holiday party at sea. Expect Christmas music, Disney Characters and plenty of holiday cheer as families come together for this special Very Merrytime celebration.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

One of the signature Very Merrytime traditions happens around the ship’s towering Christmas tree. Gather with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and fellow cruisers as the tree comes to life with sparkling lights—a fun way to kick off your holiday vacation at sea.

Disney Characters in Holiday Outfits

Very Merrytime Cruises offer some of the cutest Disney Character photo opportunities of the year. Look for Mickey, Minnie and other favorite Characters dressed in festive holiday outfits throughout your cruise.

Meet Santa Claus at Sea

Santa makes time for Disney Cruise Line during the busy holiday season too! Families can visit Santa aboard select Very Merrytime sailings for a special Christmas-at-sea experience and family photo opportunity.

Holiday Crafts and Family Activities

Christmas activities continue throughout the cruise with festive crafts and other seasonal activities designed for kids and families.

Christmas Food, Treats and Drinks

Very Merrytime Cruises also bring seasonal flavors onboard with Christmas-inspired desserts, treats, beverages and other limited-time menu items available at select locations.

Some specialty food and alcoholic beverages may cost extra, so check menus for availability and pricing during your sailing.

A Disney Merrytime Cruise isn’t just a vacation. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays and Get Away Today can help take you there.

A Disney Very Merrytime Cruise is worth considering for families who love celebrating Christmas at Disney and want to expand those offerings to new destinations.

You’ll enjoy the dining, entertainment, kids clubs and activities of a traditional Disney Cruise, plus holiday decorations, seasonal entertainment and special Christmas experiences—all during the same vacation.

Very Merrytime Cruises are especially worth it if holiday activities and Disney Character experiences are an important part of your trip. They’re also a fun alternative to spending the holidays at a theme park, with plenty of Christmas magic built into your days at sea.

Remember, travel dates and budget should still be part of the decision. If you’re flexible about when you cruise, compare Very Merrytime sailings with other Disney Cruise dates and consider the itinerary, ship, stateroom and total price—not just the holiday offerings.

Ultimately, the best Disney Cruise is the one that fits your family’s vacation priorities. If Christmas at sea is high on your wish list, a Very Merrytime Cruise adds an extra layer of holiday fun to an already magical Disney vacation.