disney cruise xmas 2023

New Entertainment for 2023 Very Merrytime Christmas Sailings on Disney Cruise Line

Very Merrytime Christmas sailings return to Disney Cruise Line with brand new entertainment and offerings in November and December 2023. This post shares all of the news, plus quick thoughts from our last experience during the holiday season special event.

According to DCL, the Christmas 2023 ‘Very Merrytime’ cruises will bring back more guest-favorite offerings, while adding two brand-new entertainment experiences, characters dressed in jolly new looks, fun-filled activities for the whole family, and elaborate décor and themed food and beverage items. During these limited-time Disney Cruise Line voyages, the high seas will be brimming with the spirit of the holidays later this year.

Disney Cruise Line will offer Very Merrytime Christmas cruises from Texas, Florida and California, offering adults and children alike the ability to discover the wonder of the holidays at sea in 2023. The   Disney Magic will set sail to Baja and the Mexican Riviera from San Diego for holiday sailings before wrapping up the season in Galveston, Texas with Very Merrytime cruises to the Western Caribbean.

DCL ships will set sail from a new South Florida home in Fort Lauderdale, offering 4 and 5-night Very Merrytime cruises aboard the Disney Dream to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas. Also from Florida, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Caribbean.

If you set sail on one of the Very Merrytime cruises during the Christmas 2023 season, here are the new additions you can expect to experience on-board the ship…

New Tree Lighting Ceremony – On the first night of all Very Merrytime sailings, you can gather around the three-deck-tall tree in the ship’s atrium for a brand-new tree lighting ceremony.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy will invite your family to sing along to classic holiday tunes, followed by a countdown that will not only make the tree merry and bright, but also introduce the guests of honor for the cruise.

“Deck” the Halls at Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party – This new deck party is another brand-new experience for Christmas 2023 on the Very Merrytime specialty sailings, will invite your family to the upper decks for a one-of-a-kind celebration at sea filled with tidings of good cheer.

This high-energy deck party is thrown by Mickey and Minnie and will feature favorite Disney friends as they celebrate friendship, love and family with a fresh mix of classic and original holiday songs.

In addition to these new entertainment offerings, the Disney Cruise Line decks and halls will be filled with holiday décor and boughs of holly from bow-to-stern during Very Merrytime Christmas cruises.

Aboard these seasonal sailings, guests will also find characters debuting new holiday attire, themed Very Merrytime activities for the entire family, carolers singing contemporary versions of songs that celebrate the holiday season, commemorative merchandise, and festive food and beverage items.

It’s never too early to start planning for next Christmas, and Disney Cruise Line has also confirmed that the holiday magic of Very Merrytime cruises will also return as part of the just-announced itineraries in Late 2024.

From mid-November through December 2024, you will be able to spend the most wonderful time of the year with Disney Cruise Line from two home ports in Florida, as well as a selection of cruises from Galveston, Texas.

Short holiday getaways will be offered from both home ports in Florida, with a selection of 3 and 4-night Bahamian Very Merrytime voyages on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral and 4 and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale aboard the Disney Dream. The Disney Fantasy will embark on a variety of four-night Very Merrytime sailings to The Bahamas, along with longer 6 and 7-night itineraries in November and late December.

Cruises from Galveston aboard the Disney Magic will range in length from four to six nights, allowing your family the chance to celebrate the holiday season together while visiting tropical ports of call throughout the Caribbean.

Turning to what’s new for 2024, select voyages on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will include a day of fun in the sun along the white sand beaches of Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination at Lighthouse Point during the holiday season. Located on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point, this vibrant beach retreat will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.

There’s almost certainly more to come for Very Merrytime Christmas cruises next year. The sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure, will set sail in 2024. We’re still awaiting more details about this ship, but suspect that DCL will give the current ships a couple months to fill Late 2024 itineraries before the big reveal. In any case, the Disney Treasure should also offer Very Merrytime Christmas sailings next year.

In terms of commentary, we’ve previously done one of the Christmas sailings aboard Disney Cruise Line, and it was a bit underwhelming. (See our Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise Review .) At least, it was  at the time.  That was the culmination of a big year of Christmas fun for us, which included great new additions at Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort. Comparatively, the Very Merrytime offerings were a bit of a letdown.

However, in reviewing all of Sarah’s photos and hearing what she had to say about Halloween on the High Seas last year, it made me eager to give the Very Merrytime cruise a second chance. (And also experience the Halloween cruise, since I wasn’t invited and/or declined my invitation last year.) So, we were going to do precisely that for Christmas 2023…until life had other plans for us.

Not that you care, but we actually would’ve been on a Mediterranean Greek Isles cruise right now for our anniversary–booked with the generous discount from having our original Disney Wish sailing cancelled.

No complaints here–we’ll take sitting at home over doing either of those cruises in a heartbeat, especially given the circumstances. Now we can do the Very Merrytime cruise for Christmas 2024 as a party of 3 on a brand new ship and research activities for small children. Win-win!

But I digress. When it comes to our first and only Very Merrytime Christmas cruise thus far, it was probably a matter of unrealistic expectations. My memories of the Very Merrytime Christmas cruise have grown fonder over time–rereading my review today sounds quite harsh as compared to what I remember!

Ultimately, we’re very excited to give the Very Merrytime cruise a second chance, and we are glad to see Disney Cruise Line confirming that it’s coming back for this year and Christmas 2024. We will absolutely be “disregarding” our own opinion of the experience, and booking next year, hopefully on the brand-new Disney Treasure. Although pricing may bring that dream back to reality, and we may find ourselves on one of the cheaper legacy ships!

Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive  Disney Cruise Line Guide   to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise! If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more,  click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think of these Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Christmas sailings? Any of the special offerings appeal to you? Looking forward to the new tree lighting, deck party, or character costumes? Any other tips to add or recommendations for Very Merrytime Christmas cruises? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Just completed the Merrytime Cruise on the Wish. I was incredibly disappointed in the deck “Christmas” party. The music and performances were very meh. I expected cookies and hot cocoa – something to make it more of a party. But, the lackluster performance was the real bummer. I agree with your previous post about it feeling like it was a regular cruise with a splash of Christmas. Even the Christmas music that played over the speakers around the ship was not great. Felt like the same 10 songs on a loop. However, I wouldn’t avoid these sailings, as suggested, I would just temper my expectations. It is YOUR family that will make this trip special. Wear holiday attire…I even recommend jammies one night!

We are doing the 7 day cruise out of Galveston on Dec 2023 and can not wait! We are going all out! We are a large family of 6 (mom, dad, 21, 18, 15 and 9) lol Reading that there is going to be even more entertainment and activities is very exciting! I plan on taking lots of photos and videos so I can put something together to help show others what to expect (not in a blogger sense, I’ll leave that to y’all lol) We have exciting outfits and costumes and just can not wait!! This will be our first cruise and know the whole family is going to remember it forever! ️

We just did a cruise on the Magic with our 4 year old and can confirm that cruising is the best way to “do Disney” with small children! I am genuinely excited for you to experience it as a family of three, and for all of your advice on that front going forward!

Cruises indeed provide a convenient and baby-friendly environment, allowing you to set a relaxed pace and easily access your room if needed. It’s amazing how your first cruise with your seven-month-old created lasting memories filled with pure joy for everyone involved. Cherishing those special moments and experiences is what makes vacations like these so unforgettable.

Hi I live in the uk I’m waiting to get my MVMCP Ticket do you think they will be available soon , it helps with planning my days

“Now we can do the Very Merrytime cruise for Christmas 2024 as a party of 3 on a brand new ship and research activities for small children. Win-win!”

Oh man, cruises are the best baby vacation. It’s so much easier to set a baby friendly pace on a cruise than at the parks. And the room is always right there should you need to pivot away from activities. We took our first kid on a cruise when she was about seven months old and that will likely be *the* vacation I remember for the rest of my life. Seven months is right around when their personality starts to emerge and it was clear then that she was ready to play hard. Pure joy for her, pure joy for us.

Thanks for sharing that. As is probably obvious from the reviews and other posts (as well as the lack thereof), I am way less enthusiastic about DCL than Sarah.

Based on everything we’ve heard from everyone, this is probably the biggest viewpoint change I’m expecting to have with a kid. Heard nothing but exceptional things about DCL on that front!

Exciting to read this. We are trying DCL for the first time on a Very Merry Christmas cruise from Fort Lauderdale on 30 November of this year. As a bonus, Southwest dropped a 40% off discount yesterday (through this Thursday) and our itinerary is part of the discount (that discount made me wonder if there is seriously soft demand on the horizon). I’ll be sure to add a comment once we return.

Yes! That Southwest 40% sale has been HUGE for us, too. I haven’t added up the total, but we saved a ton of money booking and/or rebooking family flights for the fall.

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Our Review & 13 Tips & Tricks for the Best Very Merrytime Cruise on Disney Cruise Line

With holiday décor, favorite characters in their finest festive attire, themed activities that are merry and bright, and celebrations on deck that are full of holiday spirit, taking a Very Merrytime cruise is a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays! We have enjoyed two Very Merrytime cruises, most recently in early December 2023. If you’re looking to make your own Very Merrytime cruise extra special, keep reading for our tips and tricks for the best Very Merrytime cruise on Disney Cruise Line.

Before You Sail – Preparing for Your Very Merrytime Cruise

There are some things we recommend doing before you leave home. Learn more below!

1 – DYI In-Room Holiday Decorations

Disney Cruise Line cruisers are known for decorating their doors and even hallways. But what about inside your stateroom? For our cruises, we’ve brought small holiday items to bring a little bit of extra holiday spirit to our stateroom. First, we’ve bought with us some of our stockings to hang on the wall. Since the walls are magnetic, we use magnetic hooks to hang the stockings. Then, I’ll go through our Christmas decorations and pull out some small items that are packed easily to add to the desk. I make sure to bring nothing fragile and nothing that I would be too upset with if something happened to it. On this most recent cruise, I brought some small items I purchased from Target that only cost $6, including a small tree tin that we used for our tree. On our first cruise, I brought along a tree Christmas tree popcorn bucket from Walt Disney World!

Tip! – Pack these items in your carry-on bag so you can decorate your room right away! Your luggage won’t be delivered to your room until later in the afternoon!

2 – Have Disney Decorate Your Room!

In addition to the few decorations that I bring, I also love having Disney decorate the room! Disney Cruise Line Onboard Gifts has a wide variety of items that can be purchased for your stateroom up to three days before your cruise! There are a few different In-Room Décor packages available, including a holiday-themed package during the holiday season. You can find Onboard Gifts on the Disney Cruise Line website. You can search for items based on your reservation number or departure port. These items will not be available for purchase once onboard, so be sure to take a look! The In-Room Décor package will be delivered and set up in your stateroom on Embarkation Day! It’s so fun walking into a room that is already decorated for the holidays!

In 2023, we received the “Season’s Greetings! Room Décor” package and loved it! Here is the description from Onboard Gifts:

Anchors aweigh on a holly-jolly adventure at sea when you transform your stateroom into a festive wonderland. This merry room decor gift set includes a “Goofy on deck” bendable plush, a cozy holiday blanket with some of your favorite Disney pals, a Mickey Mouse-shaped pillow with a sewn-in advent calendar (includes a stick to mark the date), 2 felt ceiling banners with removable felt ornaments and a handy storage bin.

Tip! – These room décor packages are great but do take a lot of room in your luggage when returning home. Be sure to have the space needed when returning home, like an extra duffle bag or other small piece of luggage.

Check out the Instagram post below for a video of the items! Best of all, we have the items to use at home after our cruise!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DisneyLists.com (@disneylists_com)

3 – Pack Some Holiday Apparel and Accessories

Disney Parks fans can really come up with some amazing, themed outfits, and Disney Cruise Line is no different. During our two Very Merrytime cruises, we saw many families dressed up for the holidays in a variety of ways. Whether it was dresses and suits for a family photo, everyone in Christmas jammies, or even coordinated holiday t-shirts, many brought with them different outfits to wear during the cruise. We brought two sets of matching Mickey Santa t-shirts, Minnie headband ears, and even a Santa hat! Like going to the parks, you’ll want to pack some fun items to get in the holiday spirit. Of course, there is exclusive-themed merchandise is available during the cruise. Still, it’s great to have some items on hand as the cruise begins!

Tip! – Plan to wear your first matching outfit on Embarkation Day! We saw many families with coordinated outfits on the first day! It’s a fun way to start the cruise!

Holiday Offerings During Your Very Merrytime Cruise!

In addition to all the regular cruise offerings, during Very Merrytime cruises, guests can enjoy a tree lighting ceremony, an all-new deck show, and more! Learn more below!

4 – New! Tree Lighting Ceremony

On the first night of your Very Merrytime cruise, you’ll be able to enjoy an all-new tree lighting ceremony. Disney Cruise Line ships have enormous three-deck-tall trees in the ship’s atrium. The show is a great way to start the cruise. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy invite guests to sing along to classic holiday tunes, followed by a countdown that will not only make the tree merry and bright but also introduce the guest of honor for the cruise, Santa Claus.

Tip! – Arrive early! During our most recent cruise, there was space dedicated up front near the stairs (on Deck 3) for children to sit so they could see. The adults lined up behind them. Space on the railings looking down on Decks 4 and 5 was also completely full. If you want an unobstructed view, arrive at least thirty minutes before the tree-lighting ceremony!

5 – Disney Cruise Line Holiday Merchandise!

What would be a Disney vacation without Disney merchandise? During your Very Merrytime cruise, expect to find a variety of holiday-themed merchandise from apparel, to mugs, Tervis’, Minnie ears, and more! We couldn’t resist and got the mug, the trading pin, and this year’s t-shirt. I have heard of some items selling out, but on our cruise, everything was available; however, certain sizes may sell out. If you want the best selection, we highly recommend checking out the stores on the first evening of your cruise!

Tip! – If you are a Disney Visa cardholder, you’ll receive a 10% discount. I had my card as my card on file, which was noted on the account, so I did not have to have the card with me to receive the discount.

6 – Character Greetings in Exclusive Holiday Outfits

During your cruise, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to greet many Disney characters. During a Very Merrytime cruise, you’ll also have the chance to meet them in new and exclusive outfits that debuted in 2023. We took the time to greet almost all of the characters in their holiday gear during our most recent cruise, and while it can be a challenge and somewhat time-consuming, it was worth it to us. We always get a photo with Mickey during every cruise, and we wanted to get our photo with him in one of our holiday outfits!

The key to managing meeting them all is using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and talking to character handler Cast Members. While the app does give a schedule of when and where the characters will be greeted, it does not say which outfits they will be wearing. During day 2 of our cruise, we were able to greet the characters in holiday outfits during the afternoon and evening. I wasn’t sure when they would be making another appearance, so I asked a character handler. She checked the schedule and told me they would be out again on day 4, but only in the morning. Because we had brunch plans on the morning of Day 4, we had to make sure we saw them all on Day 2. If greeting the characters in certain outfits is important to you, talk with a character handler on Day 1 so you can make your plans for your cruise.

Tip! – The areas where characters greet are usually poorly lit, making many photos too dark. While you can always use your own camera, take advantage of Disney Cruise Line photographers and have them take your photo!

7 – Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus!

It’s not just Disney characters you’ll find on your Very Merrytime cruise! Santa and Mrs. Claus can be seen during the tree lighting show and also greet guests during the cruise. Be sure to check your DCL Navigator app for greeting times. There is also a “Storytime with Mrs. Claus” that took place twice on our four-night cruise. Mrs. Claus reads to the children for a while in front of the Christmas tree. Be sure to stick around to the end because some special guests may come to visit!

Tip! – Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet guests in front of the Christmas tree, so this may be the perfect time to get that holiday family photos!

8 – Holiday Movies on Funnel Vision

The holiday fun extends to the pool deck! During our cruise, several beloved Disney holiday movies and specials played on the Funnel Vision so that you can enjoy your holiday specials while you swim! Some of our favorites, such as “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas,” “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas,” and the Santa Claus movies were shown.

Tip! – Check the Navigator app once onboard for the schedule and make plans with your family so that if there is a “must-see,” you won’t miss it while you swim!

9 – Festive Food and Beverage Items

There’s also no shortage of extra holiday magic to be found with an assortment of food and beverage items that can be purchased throughout the ship. On our cruise, Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats had several food items available. Chad really enjoyed a Mickey Christmas Shortbread Cookie! You’ll also find specialty holiday coffee drinks for purchase. Finally, there are plenty of Disney Parks novelty items available to purchase, including sippers, popcorn buckets, and cups.

Tip – During the late afternoon on our second day, there was a table with free chocolate cookies and hot chocolate (on deck three near the gingerbread house) that guests could enjoy while waiting in line for the characters!

10 – Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party

Another great offering during themed cruises is an exclusive deck show. In 2023, Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party debuted. This high-energy deck show will pull at your heartstrings and remind you of what’s important during the holiday season. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Chip ‘n Dale, Goofy, and a surprise guest sing a mix of classic and original holiday songs. Knowing this is Disney, don’t be surprised when you get a bit emotional. Thankfully, the show has a happy ending with snoap (fake soapy snow)! Disney Cruise Line shared with us that the show is the first time they have used snoap during a deck show! We really enjoyed the show, and you won’t want to miss it!

Tip! – Arrive early-at least 30 minutes if you want a good spot! Again, during our cruise, there was a children’s section where they sat down in front near the stage on Deck 11. This time, anyone behind them also needed to be seated. If you can’t sit for that long, then you may want to consider Deck 12, where you view the show from above in a standing position.

11 – Disney Cruise Line Gingerbread House

If you’ve visited Walt Disney World and Disneyland, you may know that certain resorts put out elaborate gingerbread displays during the holiday season. Disney Cruise Line also takes part in the fun with gingerbread houses on the ships. These make great photo spots, and they’re pretty amazing to look at.

Here is a description of the Disney Dream Gingerbread House:

The Gingerbread House was developed and created by our Executive Pastry and Pastry Chefs onboard the beautiful Disney Dream.

Approximately 230 hours were spent in the development and completion.

Our ship’s carpenters completed the framework, meanwhile, the pastry and bakery team baked the gingerbread cookies.

Please find below listed details on our gingerbread house.

• 750 lbs. of gingerbread dough
• 3,500 gingerbread bricks
• An additional 1,900 gingerbread bricks on the roof
• 160 lbs. of icing sugar
• Total working hours – 10 days

Each brick had to be individually aligned and stuck to the frame with icing.

We certainly enjoyed designing and building our gingerbread house for your viewing pleasure. We hope you enjoy this fine work of our talented chefs!

We wish you happy holidays!

Disney Dream Culinary Team

Tip! – DCL Photographers will take your photos in front of the gingerbread house during select times of the day. Check the Navigator app for times.

12 – Holiday Activities for Everyone

Guests can also experience more holiday fun in the kid’s clubs, including themed activities and crafts, and during other activities offered for the whole family. We’ve seen cookie decorating, gingerbread house decorating, and other fun activities offered. Check the DCL Navigator app for activities to enjoy!

Tip! – Review the holiday activities offered in the kid’s clubs with your children on the app on the first day of your cruise. Let them know their choices and help them plan which activity to attend. This will give them something to look forward to in the kid’s clubs!

13 – Holiday Decorations on Castaway Cay

During Very Merrytime Cruises, when visiting Castaway Cay, you can enjoy the island’s holiday decorations. While you won’t see a lot of decorations, there is a Christmas tree near the ship and a snowman photo op next to that. You’ll also see wreaths and garland decorations throughout the island. It’s not much, but it’s a nice addition when visiting during the holiday season.

We expect to see decorations at the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in 2024! The new island destination welcomes guests in June 2024, so if your 2024 itinerary includes Lookout Cay, expect to see all-new decorations!

Very Merrytime Cruises on Disney Cruise Line

Very Merrytime cruises are typically offered from mid-November through December. There’s still time to enjoy a Very Merrytime cruise in 2023! With cruises from Florida and California, adults and children alike will discover the wonder of the holidays aboard Very Merrytime sailings in 2023 .

From mid-November through December 2024 , the Disney Cruise Line fleet will be decked from bow to stern with holiday cheer and entertainment during Very Merrytime Cruises. Families who want to spend the most wonderful time of the year with Disney Cruise Line will have opportunities to sail from two home ports in Florida, as well as a selection of cruises from Galveston, Texas.

If you’re considering booking a Disney Cruise, now is the perfect time to do so! We highly recommend booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to ensure you are well taken care of and get all the discounts available to you. For more details and help booking your vacation, call (407) 442-0227. You can also get a no-obligation, FREE vacation quote by clicking here . Their services are free to you, and they can answer any questions you may have.

Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream

Learn about Very Merrytime Cruises and learn cruise tips and advice in our travel logs below!

Travel Log Articles with Cruise Tips

Follow us on Instagram, where we continue to share more about our cruise!

Follow Along on Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 1 – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 2 – Packing for a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 1-Part 1 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL DAY: Day 1-Part 2 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 2-Port Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 3-Castaway Cay & Pirate Night – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 4-Sea Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVE LOG: Day 5-Debarkation – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

Instagram Story Highlights

Click here for our Day 1 Instagram Story Highlight for photos and videos from our first day! 

Click here for our Day 2 Instagram Story Highlight for photos and video from Day 2 of our Very Merrytime Cruise!

Click here for our Day 3 Instagram Story Highlight with photos and videos from Day 3 of our Very Merrytime Cruise!

Click here for our Day 4 Instagram Story Highlight with photos and videos from Day 4 of our Very Merrytime Cruise!

Click here for our Day 5 Instagram Story Highlight with photos and videos from Day 5 of our Very Merrytime Cruise!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.

Editor’s Note: Disney Cruise Line provided a complimentary Very Merrytime Cruise and special media-specific events during the cruise. However, as always, the thoughts and opinions about Disney Cruise Line contained in this article are entirely our own.

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

Frequently Asked Questions

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Your Complete Guide To A Disney Christmas Cruise

Embarking on a Disney Christmas Cruise is like stepping into a holiday storybook where festive cheer meets the magic of Disney on the high seas. A Very Merrytime Cruise with Disney Cruise Line is not just a journey; it’s an immersive holiday experience! These cruises offer families a unique way to spend the holiday season with their favorite Disney characters and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself! Whether it’s your first cruise or a cherished family tradition, a Disney Christmas Cruise promises to be an extraordinary holiday adventure. That’s why we have created this helpful guide to give you the tools you need to have a magical adventure to remember!

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Walt Disney World vacation packages!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disney World check out our Disney Crowd calendar!

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Complete Guide to a Disney Christmas Cruise

Sailing on a Disney cruise ship is an experience drenched in the enchantment of Disney. From the intricately themed staterooms and dining venues to the exclusive character encounters. But what truly sets Disney cruises apart are their special-themed sailings! Guests can immerse themselves in the festive spirit with Very Merrytime Cruises.  My first cruise with DCL was a Halloween-themed voyage back in 2019, I can confidently say that it was a spellbinding adventure. And as a former Cast Member and someone who loves cheap tickets to Walt Disney World , it was the most magical vacation I’ve ever had. In this post, I’ll provide helpful information for those considering a Very Merrytime Cruise . Helping you decide if this holiday-themed journey is the perfect fit for your family’s festive celebration.

What Are Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Holiday Cruises?

Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises transform the already magical voyage into a winter wonderland at sea. These cruises, scheduled around the Christmas season, offer guests a unique blend of Disney’s enchanting entertainment and the festive spirit of the holidays. Imagine boarding a ship adorned with holiday décor, complete with a giant Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and garlands galore, setting the scene for a truly memorable Christmas experience.

Related Post: What are the Best Disney Cruise Rooms

When Are the Very Merrytime Disney Cruise Dates?

Now that we know what a D isney Christmas cruise  is, we can start to uncover more details on these cheerful sailings! The V ery Merrytime Disney Cruises  sail dates are November 8th – December 28, 2023. And November 4th – December 29th, 2024. These dates are chosen to maximize the holiday experience, allowing guests to soak in the Yuletide spirit throughout the entire holiday season. When booking a Disney Cruise , one of the first things you should look at is the sailing calendar. This will help determine where you’re sailing from, sailing to, and on what ship you’ll be sailing on. This is also where you can see if your vacation will line up with any specialty cruises!

What are Disney Merrytime Cruise Sail Dates?

• 2023 : November 8th – December 28th
• 2024 : November 4th – December 29th

Christmas Disney Cruise Ships 2023/2024

Disney Magic:

• Sail Dates : December 17, 2023 – December 28, 2023 & November 21, 2024 – December 23, 2024
• Sailing From : Galveston, Texas
• Ports of Call : Progresso & Cozumel, Mexico, & George Town, Grand Cayman

Disney Dream:

• Sail Dates : November 20, 2023 – December 23, 2023 & November 14, 2024 – December 21, 2024
• Sailing From : Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Ports of Call : Nassau, Bahamas,  Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , Disney Castaway Cay, & Cozumel, Mexico

Christmas on the Disney Fantasy:

• Sail Dates : December 2, 2023 – December 23, 2023 & November 10, 2024 – December 22, 2024
• Sailing From : Port Canaveral
• Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay , Lighthouse Point, George Town Grand Cayman, Falmouth Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico, Tortola British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands

Disney Wish:

• Sail Dates : November 20, 2023 – December 11, 2023 & November 4, 2024 – December 23, 2024
• Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay

Related Post : Discounted Disney Cruise Line Staterooms

What is the Cost of a Disney Christmas Cruise?

You might be wondering if the extra activities and unique experiences of a Very Merrytime Cruise come with a higher price tag compared to regular Disney cruises. While themed cruises may sometimes carry a slightly higher cost, the final price is influenced by several factors beyond just the theme. With Disney Cruise Line, the key elements determine the cost of your cruise . These factors include the sailing date, selected ports of call, and stateroom occupancy. Therefore, it’s possible that your Very Merrytime Cruise could align in price with a standard cruise, or even be more budget-friendly.

How Much is a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise?

• $1,004 – $3,059 per person

It’s worth noting that If you’re looking to sail on a themed Disney cruise, we suggest the Halloween on the High Seas cruises for the price point. The Halloween period overlaps with Hurricane Season. This is often met with lower cruise prices. However, the Holiday sailings tend to be a peak time for travel, potentially impacting the cost and availability.

Related Post :   How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost Per Person?

Very Merrytime Cruise Activities

The distinctiveness of the Disney Very Merrytime Cruises  lies in the complete transformation of the ship to embody the festive theme. This type of comprehensive thematic overhaul is exclusive to the Halloween and Christmas seasons. During other times of the year, Disney cruises showcase the natural elegance and charm of the Disney fleet without any specific themes. But for Very Merrytime Cruises, the experience is entirely different. The ships are adorned with Christmas decorations, including sparkling lights, festive wreaths, and towering Christmas trees. In addition to the visual transformation, these cruises feature an array of themed activities, entertainment, and special appearances by beloved Disney characters in holiday attire. This level of detailed theming is consistent across all ships that host the Very Merrytime Cruises. With each vessel offering a uniquely immersive holiday experience at sea.

Very Merrytime Cruise Info & Entertainment

• Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic

Characters Wearing Christmas Outfits

• Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball
• The Gingerbread House
• Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Deck Party

Meeting Santa Claus

• Storytime with Mrs Claus
• One of the highlights of the Disney Christmas Cruises is the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters donning their festive holiday attire. It’s a perfect chance for memorable photos and a unique way to interact with these iconic characters in a Christmas setting.
• No Christmas celebration is complete without Santa Claus, and Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruises make sure of that. Children and adults alike can meet and take photos with Santa, adding an extra layer of holiday cheer to their sea voyage.

Related Post : When is the Cheapest Time to Go on a Disney Cruise?

Is Disney Cruise Christmas Worth It? – V ery Merrytime Cruise Review

Having experienced the magic of a themed Disney Cruise, I wholeheartedly would recommend it to everyone. Especially when you can seize the opportunity to book discounted staterooms through The Park Prodigy. These cruises encapsulate the wonder of the holidays with a unique Disney twist. And offer an array of festive activities, enchanting entertainment, and unforgettable character encounters. The convenience and savings provided by The Park Prodigy make the experience even more enjoyable ensuring a stress-free booking process! This cruise is not just a vacation; it’s a festive celebration that brings the joy of Disney and the spirit of Christmas! Together in a way that’s unparalleled to what you can experience in the theme parks.

Which Cruise Line Is Best for Christmas?

When considering a Christmas cruise, Disney Cruise Line stands out for its unparalleled combination of holiday festivities and Disney magic. From the festive decorations and unique holiday-themed entertainment. Disney offers an experience that’s hard to match. The attention to detail, quality of service, and overall atmosphere make it a highly recommended choice for families seeking a special way to celebrate the season.

Related Post : Enjoy Thanksgiving at Sea!

Disney Christmas Cruise FAQ

Q: Does Disney Do a Christmas Cruise?

A: Yes, Disney Cruise Line offers special Christmas cruises known as Very Merrytime Cruises. These cruises are specifically designed to celebrate the holiday season, featuring festive decorations, themed entertainment, and unique activities that embrace the spirit of Christmas.

Q: Is There a Pirate Night on Disney Christmas Cruises?

A: While Pirate Night is a beloved staple on many Disney cruises, its inclusion on a Disney Christmas Cruise can vary. These themed cruises focus more on holiday festivities. So it’s best to check the specific itinerary of your Very Merrytime Cruise for any themed nights, including Pirate Night.

Q: Do Disney Cruises Decorate for Christmas?

A: Absolutely! Disney cruises are renowned for their elaborate decorations, and this is especially true for the Very Merrytime Cruises. The ships are transformed into a holiday wonderland with Christmas trees, lights, garlands, and other seasonal adornments, enhancing the festive atmosphere onboard.

Q: Can You Do a Disney Cruise in December?

A: Yes, December is a prime time for Disney Very Merrytime Cruises. These special holiday cruises are scheduled throughout the Christmas season, including the month of December, offering guests a unique opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a magical Disney setting at sea.

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Kurt Gillman

Kurt is a former Disneyland Cast Member and seasoned explorer and is your trusted guide to the world of theme park travel. With countless visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Tokyo Disneyland, and even aboard the Disney Cruise Line, Kurt's expertise and passion make him the perfect companion for your enchanting adventures. As the Multi-Media Manager, Content Creator and Writer for The Park Prodigy, Kurt hopes his experience and knowledge of the theme park industry can not only save people money, but give them the stress free vacation of their dreams. If he isn’t found trying the newest treats in Disneyland, Kurt enjoys relaxing at home with his dog Sam and playing video games with friends in his free time.

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Very Merrytime Cruises – Disney Cruise Line

Special days at sea and holiday cruises.

• Halloween on the High Seas Cruises
• Marvel Day at Sea

The most wonderful time of the year will be even more joyful this holiday season as Disney Cruise Line unwraps new festivities for the whole family aboard Very Merrytime cruises. With two brand-new entertainment experiences, Disney characters dressed in jolly new looks and celebratory activities for the whole family, Disney Cruise Line will be filled with the spirit of the holidays this year.

In addition to these new holiday entertainment offerings (described below), the Disney Cruise Line decks and halls will be filled with boughs of holly from bow-to-stern during Very Merrytime cruises. These guest-favorite sailings will also include:

• Beloved Disney characters debuting new holiday attire;
• Themed Very Merrytime activities for the entire family;
• Carolers singing contemporary versions of songs that celebrate a myriad of holidays; and
• Commemorative merchandise and festive food and beverage items.

VERY MERRYTIME DISNEY CRUISE DATES

Very merrytime cruise activities.

These seasonal cruises include a sleighful of holiday magic at sea! Enjoy themed entertainment, activites, a life-sized gingerbread house, a huge Christmas tree, garland, poinsettias, festive lights, and more.

Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party , a brand-new experience on these special sailings, will invite families to the upper decks for a one-of-a-kind celebration at sea filled with good tidings and cheer. This high-energy deck party – thrown by Mickey and Minnie – will feature favorite Disney friends as they celebrate friendship, love and family with a fresh mix of classic and original holiday songs during this special time of year.

On the first night of all Very Merrytime sailings, guests will gather around the three-deck-tall tree in the ship’s atrium for a new tree lighting ceremony . Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy will invite guests to sing along to classic holiday tunes, followed by a countdown that will not only make the tree merry and bright, but will also introduce the guest of honor for the cruise, Santa Claus.

ARTICLE: Halloween on the High Seas vs. Very Merrytime Cruises ARTICLE: Unique Disney Cruises

Throughout your cruise, enjoy hugs and photos with the beloved Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, plus a chance to meet Santa and give him your Christmas wish list. Not to be left out, Mrs. Claus will host storytime in the atrium, sharing some well-known Christmas tales.

Kids can also take part in themed crafts like decorating stockings and festive cards. There’s also a holiday scavenger hunt! Teens and tweens will have some fun of their own with holiday parties in their clubs.

Of course, the onboard shops will be filled with exclusive holiday merchandise to help fill your holiday shopping list.

For sailings that visit  Castaway Cay , look for holiday fun there, too, as the island paradise is transformed with “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree, and a Mr. & Mrs. Snowman photo opportunity. The island’s tram even gets in the spirit with reindeer antlers and a tail.

If you’re sailing on December 24th and 25th, you’ll enjoy cookies on Christmas Eve, special holiday towel animals, and a chance for the kids to go caroling with the crew.

VERY MERRYTIME CRUISE VIDEOS

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Disney Cruise Line Christmas Entertainment and 2024 Itineraries

The Disney Cruise Line has shared details about the 2023 Christmas entertainment that guests can look forward to during their Very Merrytime holiday cruises later this year, along with new Disney Cruise Line Christmas itineraries for late 2024. Disney Cruise Line also announced itineraries for 2024 that will explore rarer destinations, including Hawaii and the South Pacific, during special sailings.

Keep reading for more information on the brand-new entertainment for the 2023 Very Merrytime holiday sailings and the newly announced holiday, Christmas, and special itineraries for 2024!

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In this planning guide:

Disney Cruise Line Christmas Very Merrytime 2023 Sailings

The Very Merrytime sailings offer holiday-themed decorations, activities, and characters dressed in festive attire. For this year's Very Merrytime holiday sailing, two new entertainment experiences will be offered:

• A new tree-lighting ceremony will be offered on the first night of Very Merrytime sailings in the atrium. Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy will be there to sing classic holiday tunes with guests and light the giant tree after a countdown. Santa will also be introduced during this ceremony! This is a great addition that kicks off the adventure with a healthy dose of holiday spirit.
• A new Mickey and Minnie Party , a “one-of-a-kind celebration at sea filled with tidings of good cheer,” will also be offered. The deck party, hosted by Mickey and Minnie, will feature a mix of classic and original holiday songs.

Returning experiences for the holiday sailings include the following:

• The ships will be adorned with special holiday decorations for the Very Merrytime sailings, including a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias, and lights
• The holiday cruise will also feature characters in holiday outfits, along with Santa Claus, who will greet guests and take pictures with them
• Carolers will sing contemporary songs in celebration of multiple holidays
• Holiday merchandise, activities, themed food items, and merchandise will also be available

For 2023, the Very Merrytime holiday cruises include four and five night sailings to The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and Disney Castaway Cay, with itineraries departing from San Diego, California and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

New 2024 Disney Cruise Line Christmas Itineraries

New itineraries have been announced for the holiday season of 2024 for mid-November through December. Select cruises will stop at Disney's new Lighthouse Point during the holiday season.

• On the Disney Wish, there will be short holiday sailings offered in late 2024, with three and four night Bahamian destinations departing from California
• On the Disney Dream, there will be four and five night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean departing from Florida
• On the Disney Fantasy, there will be four night sailings to the Bahamas and six and seven night itineraries in November and late December
• On the Disney Magic, there will be cruises ranging between four and six nights in length headed to tropical ports of call across the Caribbean

You can read more about Disney World's Christmas celebration and Christmas at Disneyland for more information on what to expect for their celebration of the holidays this year! Disney also just announced their holiday treats to look forward to this year as part of Halfway to the Holidays, which you can take a peek at in our Disneyland Christmas food guide and Disney World Christmas Food Guide.

Halloween on the High Seas 2024 Disney Holiday Sailings

In addition to the Very Merrytime sailings, Halloween on the High Seas will return during mid-September through October of 2024, offering cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

• On the Disney Wish, there will be three and four night Bahamian sailings
• On the Disney Fantasy, Halloween cruises are offered for four, six, and seven nights. Four night sailings will take guests to the Bahamas, and six and seven night sailings will take them to destinations across the Bahamas and Caribbean
• On the Disney Magic, there will be sailings ranging from three to five nights with destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean

You can read our guide on this year's Halloween on the High Seas for more information on what to expect from these themed sailings! 2023 holiday sailings are available to book now .

2024 Disney Sailings to Hawaii and the South Pacific

Special sailings will be offered in 2024 to Hawaii and the South Pacific. During these exciting, rarer itineraries, guests can look forward to the following:

• On the Disney Wonder, guests will sail in late September from Vancouver, Canada to Honolulu, Hawaii, stopping at Kauai, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Oahu.
• The Disney Wonder will also go through the South Pacific to Sydney, Australia, stopping at destinations including Fiji, American Samoa, and New Caledonia.

Bookings for fall 2024 itineraries are NOW AVAILABLE. In addition to these exciting offerings, there are also other Disney sailings available in 2024. You can read our 2024 Disney Cruises guide for information about all itineraries next year!

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The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Disney Cruise Line Announces Fall 2023 Itineraries (September – December)

Disney Cruise Line released their Fall 2023 itineraries today for the fleet, but NOT the Disney Wonder. Celebrate the holidays through Fall 2023 with themed cruise vacations including the return of Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises. Departing from a variety of popular ports with sailings from Florida including Disney Cruise LIne’s newest homeport in Fort Lauderdale, California or New York. Cruise to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, experience the beauty of Baja, explore the Panama Canal, or drop anchor in Bermuda or Canada.

Disney Cruise Line is loading the fall 2023 sailings so this remains a work in progress and will be updated multiple times today.

Today’s release extends the available sail dates through the end 2023.

While Fall 2023 dates were announced today, general booking will not open until Thursday July 28th . The tiered booking period will begin Monday July 25th for Castaway Club Members and some others.

• Monday July 25th – Platinum Members, Golden Oak Club Members and Club 33 Members
• Tuesday July 26th – Gold Castaway Club members
• Wednesday July 27th – Silver Members, Disney Vacation Club Members and Adventures by Disney Insiders
• Thursday July 29th, first time cruisers will be able to book.

If you’re an existing Castaway Club member, simply log in to your account now to verify your Castaway Club status, so you’ll be all set to book on your designated date. Alternatively, you can call (800) 388-4513 starting at 8:00 AM Eastern Time or contact your travel agent.

Castaway Club members can book online beginning Monday! The only caveat is that this is for new bookings only as the website is still not set up to move a placeholder to a new booking. Those types of bookings will still require a phone call.

The following bears repeating, please do NOT try calling today to book; this will just clog up the phone lines and bog down the reservation cast members. There may be people attempting to book an available cruise vacation today.

For those looking for Early 2024 dates, we anticipate the next release to occur sometime in the fall sometime in September or October based on the historical itinerary release cycle .

Below you will find a breakout by ship, but this is a WORK IN PROGRESS AND INCOMPLETE UNTIL THIS MESSAGE IS UPDATED Disney Cruise Line is still loading the sailings. I will be updating the website throughout the day as I load the sailings and upload the new itinerary maps. The best way to be alerted to updates is by following me on Twitter  @TheDCLblog  – I will tweet updates as I add the sailings to the website and update this article . At the very end, you will find Disney Cruise Line’s Summer 2024 Itinerary Announcement press release .

Please note, the port order may be different and will be adjusted once the full detailed itineraries are available to view on Disney Cruise Line’s website.

A summary of Fall 2023 opening day prices can be found here .

Disney Magic Fall 2023 Sailings

The Disney Magic will return to the West Coast for the first time in well over a decade departing Miami in October for a 14-night Halloween on the High Westbound Panama Canal cruise to San Diego. Once in California, the Magic will sail a mix of 2-, 3-, and 5-night Baja Cruises as well as a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise before sailing Galveston, Texas on a 14-night Very MerryTime Eastbound Panama Canal cruise. IN total, there are 13 new sail dates between September 30 and December 3, 2023. Here is a PDF of DCL’s website showing the new sailings. Please note, there appears to me a 5-night gap beginning November 6, 2023, this could be a chartered cruise such as a 2023 DVC Members Cruise from San Diego.

Miami, Florida

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami Miami, Florida • At Sea • Grand Cayman • At Sea • Castaway Cay 9/30/23 ?

14-Night Westbound Panama Canal Cruise from Miami Miami, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • At Sea • Cartagena, Colombia • Panama Canal • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea 10/5/23 ?

San Diego, California

2-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico 11/11/23

3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico 10/19/23 ?,  10/26/23 ?

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea 10/22/23 ?,  11/25/23 ?,  11/29/23 ?

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea 10/29/23 ?,  11/2/23

5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico 11/13/23 ?

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Mazatlan, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea 11/18/23 ?

14-Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego ending in Galveston San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • Panama Canal • Cartagena, Colombia • At Sea • Grand Cayman • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea 12/3/23 ?

Disney Wonder Fall 2023 Sailings

The Disney Wonder, we don’t talk about the Wonder…

Disney Dream Fall 2023 Sailings

The Disney Dream will home port in New York, San Juan, and for the first time Fort Lauderdale, which Disney Cruise Line recently signed an agreement to make the Port Everglades their 2nd permanent year round Florida port. In total, there are 21 new sail dates between September 17 and December 23, 2023. Here is a PDF of DCL’s website showing the new sailings.

Southampton

11-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in New York Southampton • At Sea • Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • King’s Wharf, Bermuda • At Sea 9/17/23

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea 11/30/23 ?,  12/14/23 ?

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with 2 stops at Disney Castaway Cay Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Castaway Cay 12/28/23

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea 11/20/23 ?,  12/4/23 ?,  12/18/23 ?

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Grand Cayman • At Sea • Castaway Cay 11/25/23 ?,  12/9/23 ?,  12/23/23 ?

4-Night Bermuda Cruise from New York New York • At Sea • King’s Wharf, Bermuda • At Sea 10/3/23 ?,  10/13/23 ?,  10/27/23 ?,  10/31/23 ?

4-Night Canadian Cruise from New York New York • At Sea • Saint John, New Brunswick • At Sea 10/17/23 ?

5-Night Bermuda Cruise from New York New York • At Sea • King’s Wharf, Bermuda • King’s Wharf, Bermuda • At Sea 9/28/23

6-Night Bermuda and Eastern Caribbean Cruise from New York to San Juan New York • At Sea • King’s Wharf, Bermuda • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands 11/4/23

6-Night Bermuda Cruise from New York New York • At Sea • King’s Wharf, Bermuda • King’s Wharf, Bermuda • King’s Wharf, Bermuda • At Sea 10/7/23 ?,  10/21/23 ?

San Juan (Pan American Pier)

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from San Juan ending in Fort Lauderdale San Juan (Pan American Pier) • At Sea • Castaway Cay 11/17/23

7-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan San Juan (Pan American Pier) • Basseterre, St. Kitts • St. John’s, Antigua • At Sea • Oranjestad, Aruba • Willemstad, Curaçao • At Sea 11/10/23

Disney Fantasy Fall 2023 Sailings

The Disney Fantasy will continue to sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral with 13 new sail dates between October 7 and December 23, 2023. Here is a PDF of DCL’s website showing the new sailings.

Port Canaveral, Florida

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay 10/14/23 ?,  10/28/23 ?,  11/11/23 ?,  11/25/23 ?,  12/9/23 ?,  12/23/23 ?

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay 10/7/23 ?,  10/21/23 ?,  11/4/23 ,  11/18/23 ?,  11/30/23 ,  12/2/23 ?,  12/16/23 ?

Disney Wish Fall 2023 Sailings

The Disney Wish will continue to offer 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral sailing to Nassau and Castaway Cay. There is one 3-night sailing that will visit Castaway Cay and offer a day at sea. In total, there are 26 new sail dates from October 2 to December 29, 2023. Here is a PDF of DCL’s website showing the new sailings.

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay 10/6/23 ?,  10/13/23 ?,  10/20/23 ?,  10/27/23 ?,  11/3/23 ,  11/10/23 ,  11/24/23 ?,  12/1/23 ?,  12/8/23 ?,  12/15/23 ?,  12/26/23

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea 11/17/23 ?

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea 10/2/23 ?,  10/9/23 ?,  10/16/23 ?,  10/23/23 ?,  10/30/23 ?,  11/6/23 ?,  11/13/23 ?,  11/20/23 ?,  11/27/23 ?,  12/4/23 ?,  12/11/23 ?,  12/18/23 ?,  12/22/23 ?,  12/29/23

Fall 2023 Onboard Booking Blockout Dates

This list will be updated as soon as we learn which sailings are excluded.

Disney Magic Sailings

Disney Wonder Sailings

Disney Dream Sailings

Disney Fantasy Sailings

Disney Wish Sailings

For a complete list of onboard booking blockout dates check this page . Please note, these dates are subject to change without notice.

Updated 2022 – 2023 Itinerary Brochure

For those interested in a brochure, Disney Cruise Line published an updated 2021-2023 Sail Dates & Itineraries brochure. Click the image below to download the brochure as a PDF. A slimmed down version with just the new fall 2023 dates is also available as a  PDF .

Full Disney Cruise Line Press Release

Below is the copy of the press release issued along with the new sail dates.

Disney Cruise Line Offers Holiday Fun for Families with New Fall Itineraries in 2023

Halloween and holiday vacations with Disney Cruise Line include fleet’s first departures from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

CELEBRATION, Fla.  – Disney Cruise Line will offer enchanting fall vacations that take families coast-to-coast in 2023, including special sailings with spook-tacular surprises, holiday cheer and the fleet’s first-ever departures from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With cruises from Florida, California and New York, adults and children alike will discover the wonder of the holidays aboard Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises. 

“We are excited to provide families with experiences that create lasting memories,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. “With offerings for the entire family, specially curated activities for both Halloween and the holidays and a brand-new home port in South Florida, our guests will have more ways than ever to experience the magic of Disney at sea.”

Halloween on the High Seas cruises will return from mid-September through October 2023. Aboard these not-so-spooky sailings, guests will eat, drink and be scary with their favorite characters dressed in Halloween costumes, celebrate the season at Mickey’s Mouse-querade party, enjoy trick-or-treating at sea and more. 

From early November through December, Disney Cruise Line ships will be extra merry and bright during Very Merrytime Cruises that celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. On these sailings, Disney magic will take on a whole new meaning with characters dressed in festive garb from head to (mistle)toe, a special tree-lighting ceremony, holiday décor, and special guests – Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

Bookings open to the public on July 28, 2022. More details can be found on disneycruise.com.

New Adventures Aboard the Disney Dream 

The Disney Dream has new destinations on the horizon for the fall of 2023. 

Following its inaugural season in Europe, the Disney Dream will set sail from New York City for the first time. Families will enjoy four-, five- and six-night sailings from the Big Apple to Bermuda, where they will explore the island’s renowned pink-sand beaches, world-class shopping, aquatic adventures and distinctive blend of British and Caribbean culture. Plus, a special four-night voyage on the Disney Dream will transport guests to the charming Canadian seaport city of Saint John.

Starting Nov. 20, 2023, Disney Cruise Line will find a new South Florida home in Port Everglades, offering four- and five-night cruises aboard the Disney Dream to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas. Families will enjoy stops in places like Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Nassau from Disney Cruise Line’s second year-round home port, along with visits to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island oasis. 

Mexican Riviera Adventures from California 

Beginning in mid-October 2023, the Disney Magic will find its home on the West Coast, setting sail from San Diego for voyages ranging from two to seven nights to Baja and the Mexican Riviera. Guests will experience the sparkling waters and beautiful landscapes of Santa Catalina Island, Calif., Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. An exclusive seven-night Mexican Riviera sailing will feature the breathtaking ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, which are perfect for recreational water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Tropical Vacations from Port Canaveral, Florida 

In the fall of 2023, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral to tropical destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

The Disney Wish will sail three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, including visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay. 

The Disney Fantasy will offer families even more time to experience Disney Cruise Line’s world-class dining, Broadway-style shows and spaces designed for the entire family during seven-night cruises to stunning destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean. 

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

What do you think of Disney Cruise Line’s Fall 2023 itinerary announcement? Which sailing do you want to book?

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17 Replies to “Disney Cruise Line Announces Fall 2023 Itineraries (September – December)”

It’s nice the Disney Dream is coming to New York City

We are booking the fantasy for Halloween 🙂

I was just noticing in the PDF that DCL referenced in their email this morning that the Wonder was not mentioned at all, then I saw your comment that “we don’t talk about the Wonder”. Is there something up with the Wonder they aren’t telling us?? Or could the rumor of DCL registering at some Australian ports indicate it could be headed there and just not announced yet?

Not gonna lie…I don’t like the Dream taking over the fun one-off cruises like NYC or San Juan that used to belong to old ships.

You cannot escape that ship…its the Thanos of ships.

Very curious about the Wonder. Time for it to head to Asia?

Wonder dry dock??

There is a big announcement coming.

❤️❤️ So exciting!!!

So the Wonder may be heading to that country down under after all. If so, it makes sense to delay the announcement a) to give the other itineraries a chance and b) I could see the phone lines being clogged even more following such announcement. Or maybe it is more Hawaii sailing. I can’t see a doubling of the shipsnin San Diego but who knows right now… Interesting to speculate though…

Australia is one of the lesser opened country right now, Covid wise. Not that it would be impossible for the Wonder to be reassigned there, but I cannot really picture DCL having such a hassle when it can « easily » sail to Hawaï or any closer destinations with cheaper flight destinations for its core customer-base.

There are a number of legal moves that Disney or should we say the Magical Cruise Company have made recently, such as registering the company in Australia and have been issued an ABN# by the Australian Government, the filing of taxation documentation and that an unknow ship from and unknown cruise line will be calling Sydney home from October 2023 to Feb 2024. It all points to the Wonder sailing south and into Sydney Harbour.

I am cruising in September. Would the early booking price be less than the discount on a future cruise that I can get while on the ship?

It will depend on sailing. I’ve had one that worked out cheaper and one that was a lot more expensive. I’d say book then re look at it once onboard

Australia would make sense since its summer foe rhyme in the Southern Hemisphere .

I hope Wonder is going to get a substantial upgrade/refurb before heading off to Australia (or some other new location) but I doubt it. Given how profit hungry Disney has become and they way they are nickel and diming everyone to death in the Theme parks and resorts just to eke out a few extra dollars in profits I honestly would not be surprised to see them retire Wonder rather than putting in the $$ to upgrade her. I’ve expected at least one of the classic ships to be retired since Disney first announced that they were going to build 3 new ships instead of just the 2 they originally announced. With the post-COVID contraction of the cruise industry and Disney’s focus on profit, profit, and more profit this just seems even more likely.

That’s gloomy thinking ! The nickel and diming is certainly a reality though. I did some comparison of prices we paid in 2011 for WDW and 2014 for DCL and prices have tripled in both cases. Unfortunately my income has not.

When was the last time you were on the Wonder? My last time was Oct 2019 and she was beautiful at that time. The Promenade Lounge had been redone into the French Quarter Lounge and one of the restaurants was redone into Tiana’s. I’m just wondering if she’s gone downhill since then or if maybe you haven’t been on her since before these changes? She’s my favorite ship and I’m so disappointed she won’t be sailing out of San Diego next fall but I am excited to hear whatever announcement is coming. : )

All the ships got a nice refurb during the hight of the pandemic. Why would they do another so soon?

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• CruiseMapper
• Disney Cruise Line christmas cruises

Disney Cruise Line Christmas and New Year

Christmas cruises 2024 new year's eve.

All Disney Cruise Line Christmas and New Year cruise offers listed here are just itineraries and not cruise deals for sale. Vessels are ordered alphabetically. Comparing all the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet is a most convenient way to select the best for you Holiday voyages as departures (homeports, dates), destinations (regions, visited countries), itineraries (ports of call, arrival dates, port times) and also to compare cruise prices.

CruiseMapper shows cruise prices per person. These are only indicative fares on the ship's lowest category staterooms. All rates are based on double occupancy (twin share) and don't include cruise line or travel agency promotions, group booking rates or any other special offers and discounts.

See here the Walt Disney's cruise line's Christmas and New Year's Eve special offers of the "Mickey Mouse ships" as itineraries and departure dates, and compare DCL tickets prices per person.

DCL-Disney Cruise Line's December Holiday deals are in the "must-do" list of all vacationers with fun-loving kids, and plenty of money to spend on their Xmas extravaganza. DCL's Christmas and New Year prices listed here are only suggestive, in US dollars, per person. These are the company's min fares (cheapest Inside cabins, based on double occupancy). All itineraries listed here include only information, and they are not deals for sale. December and January dates of arrival in ports of call are shown in brackets. 

DCL's Xmas and New Year specials are a good choice for uniquely themed sailings on all four Disney ships. Families are able to enjoy their vacation in the company of Mickey and Minnie, all their good friends and all the bad villains in the immense family of Disney fun characters. The Walt Disney company's product combines traveling fun family, the Xmas fun itself, the New Years' Eve fireworks at sea, and not to forget the special dinner menus on the ship. All Disney ships are also full to their top decks with themed activities and modern technological innovations.

Excepting only Alaska (as a summer destination), DCL's Caribbean Holiday deals are among the most popular. On each of these voyages, passengers will be visiting the most famous of all private islands in the world - the line's Castaway Cay island in The Bahamas. Being an exclusive island for Disney ships and passengers only, Castaway Cay has all that children need for one unforgettable Xmas Disney-style vacation. 

The Caribbean is operated by Disney with regular roundtrip departures from Florida (Miami, and Port Canaveral/Orlando). The Caribbean packages as destinations visit The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean. When sailing to the Western Caribbean, the itinerary visits Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya) combined with Grand Cayman (where are available a large number of shore excursions for booking). The Eastern Caribbean also voyages visit the islands St Thomas (USVI) and St Maarten (Netherlands Antilles).

Walt Disney's "merry time maritime" itineraries

During the Walt Disney Xmas-themed "Merrytime Voyages", passengers on each ship can enjoy the following "bow-to-stern" theme events:

• On the voyage's first night, guests can enjoy “Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic”, celebrated in the atrium lobby. Disney characters will be around the 3-deck-high Xmas tree and singing holiday carols.
• “Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” also takes place in the atrium's lobby. The guests of honor - Santa and Mrs. Claus - are welcomed with a Broadway-style show, traditional holiday tunes, and all-favorite Disney characters.
• There's a holiday storytime under the giant Xmas tree, where kids gather to hear all the classic Christmas tales, including the storytelling with the charming Mrs. Claus.
• Kids can join on the stage numerous Dickens-inspired carolers, sometimes accompanied by Disney characters, for a farewell show at the end of the cruise itinerary.
• Family-themed Disney holiday cruising activities, such as meeting Santa Claus and building gingerbread houses, are also offered fleetwide.
• Traditional for the Disney line kids holiday crafts activities are offered. Among those are decorating gingerbread men cookies and Xmas stockings, creating holiday animations, making holiday cards.
• “Deck the Deck Holiday Party” is a tropical-themed celebration hosted by Disney friends who lead signature games, such as limbo and hula hooping, along with dances enjoyed by all family members - conga line around the pool and the “Yuletide Slide”.
• A special holiday farewell celebration event is offered on the last night of each Xmas voyage. All the most popular Disney characters together with the ship's crew will perform in a musical finale. It will be guided by the mouse of all times - the Mickey Mouse.
• Santa Claus and his helpers will surprise kids at the atrium's lobby tree on Christmas Day morning. There will also be a musical performance by children and a traditional Christmas Dinner served in all the ship's dining room restaurants.
• When Disney ships visit the Bahamas and stop at the line's private island Castaway Cay during the Christmas holidays, passengers will be greeted by holiday island music, a decked-out Xmas tree, “snow flurries" (Bahamian) and Disney character meet & greets.
• On the cruise liner, expect special amenities (must be purchased in advance of sailing) available for stateroom delivery. These include holiday-themed treat baskets, gift packages, mini Xmas trees (decorated with red berries, mini carnations, ornaments, bow topper). During the Disney line's holiday cruises, the themed merchandise collection and ornaments will be available for purchase in the ship's gift shop.
• A midnight mass will be held on Christmas Eve.
• Disney sailings over Christmas will also include a special New Year's Eve party. It will feature music, sparkling wine, and the traditional midnight countdown.

Next tables show all DCL-Disney Cruise Line's Christmas New Year itineraries as ships, departure ports, call ports (dates and arrival/departure times), and deployment/regions.

Very Merrytime Disney Christmas Cruise Review

Are you looking for reviews from a Disney Very Merrytime Christmas sailing? My family and I sailed during the month of December on the Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Magic.

Since this itinerary was themed as one of the Very Merrytime cruises, we were able to experience extra special Christmas decorations and activities while onboard. Sailing on one of these Merrytime voyages is a great way to experience the magic of the holidays.

With festive holiday decor, themed food, Christmas activities, holiday merchandise, and more, the Disney Christmas cruises in November and December are a great time of year to set sail.

In this post, I’ll walk you through all the fun entertainment options that go along with Disney Cruise Line’s Christmas cruises so that you can enjoy a magical holiday too. We’ll discuss the Christmas decor, shows, and activities you’ll find while cruising with Disney on a Very Merrytime Christmas cruise during the holiday season!

Disney Christmas Cruise Information

Before you book a Disney Christmas cruise, you may be wondering what happens on the Very Merrytime cruises. Disney Cruise Line goes all out in their holiday decorations and entertainment.

They even turn their private island in the Bahamas into a winter wonderland! While on a Disney Christmas cruise, some of the themed activities you could find include:

Disney Characters in Holiday Attire

Guests on a holiday themed Disney cruise are able to enjoy their favorite Disney characters dressed up in their holiday best. You’ll have lots of opportunities to pose for photos with Mickey Mouse and the gang in their festive Christmas outfits no matter which of the Disney ships you choose to sail.

Holiday Fireworks

Disney Cruise Line provides so many magical moments at sea, but one of my family’s favorite things is the fireworks show. During the Christmas cruise sailings, DCL features a festive fireworks display complete with Christmas music that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Christmas Stories with Mrs. Claus

Story Time with Mrs. Claus is a super cute event that occurs on select days of the Disney Christmas cruise. Kids love sitting in the beautifully decorated atrium near the ship’s Christmas tree to listen to Mrs. Claus read a Christmas story.

Christmas Crafts

If you check out your personal navigator or Disney Cruise Line app while on the ship, you should see lots of options for holiday crafting like creating gingerbread houses. And don’t forget to check out the life-sized gingerbread house in the atrium!

Christmas on Disney Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t just go all-out on the Christmas decoration on the ship, they decorate their private island too! As you disembark in Castaway Cay, you’ll notice a giant Christmas tree, snow flurries, wreaths, and snowmen.

Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony

During the first night of our cruise, guests were welcomed into the lobby atrium for the official tree-lighting ceremony. Mickey and friends dance and sing to popular holiday songs as the giant tree is lit.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball typically occurs later in the evening on holiday cruises. Cruisers will get to experience Mickey and friends introducing their special guests. Santa Clause and Mrs. Claus, to the ship.

Santa Meet and Greet

Another special holiday extra is a special visit from Santa Claus himself! You’ll want to get in line early for this character meet and greet as the lines get long quickly. It’s all worth it once you meet Santa though.

Caribbean Weather in Winter

You may be wondering what the weather in the Caribbean is like during the Disney Christmas cruises. The truth is that the temperature can fluctuate each day, but we’ve always lucked out with warm weather.

↓↓ Visit My Etsy Shop ↓↓

Although the temps are obviously cooler during the months of November and December, you can still often swim and sunbathe without feeling cold. In fact, I strolled my toddler around the Disney Magic jogging track at around 5:30 each morning of our last December cruise.

The temperature was perfect (around 70 degrees) outside during these walks even though the sun hadn’t even come up yet. Additionally, our stops at Castaway Cay and Grand Cayman both produced sunny skies with temps in the mid 80’s and really warm ocean water.

Is a Disney Christmas Cruise Worth It?

We always have an amazing time on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The Very Merrytime Christmas activities made the trip even more special. The Disney Magic cruise ship looked so magical lit up with holiday decor.

And the Christmas decorations at Castaway Cay were icing on the cake! No matter which ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet you are sailing, the whole family will have a blast experiencing the Christmas season with a hint of tropical flair.

Since we lucked out with balmy temperatures and beautiful weather in December, we totally think a Disney Very Merrytime Christmas cruise is worth it!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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