July 17, 2026
Deck the (Grand) Hall! Go ahead and trim the (palm) trees! It’s time for the most wonderful voyage of the year.
If your are already dreaming of making waves, and your holiday list includes things like “more days at sea,” then, oh does Disney Cruise Line have the itineraries for you. It’s never too early to get into the spirit of the season and book a Very Merrytime cruise for you and your loved ones this year.
A Very Merrytime sailing differs from a sailing during any other time of the year because, first of all, way more Christmas trees , along with festive holiday décor, holiday-themed entertainment, Mickey Mouse and the gang wearing their holiday best, and sweets that will be dancing in your clients head as they drift off to sleep after a sea day.
It’s always a rush to enter the atrium or Grand Hall, but now imagine your client doing so and being immediately greeted by one of the most marvelous Christmas trees you’ve ever seen, and a pretty epic gingerbread house, too.
You deserve a Halfway to the Holidays treat, and now’s the perfect time to start looking at dates: Very Merrytime cruises start sailing in November and run through the end of the year.
What is a Very Merrytime Cruise?
A Very Merrytime Cruise is Disney Cruise Line’s way of bringing the joy and warmth of the holiday season to the high seas. The ships are transformed into a festive celebration filled with sparkling décor, seasonal entertainment, and magical touches around every corner.
Available on select itineraries, guests can find ships sailing from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Galveston, Texas; and San Diego, California.
What’s Included on a Very Merrytime Cruise?
First of all, magic. That’s what your client will find on every Very Merrytime cruise. Just stern-to-bow magic.
Very Merrytime cruises include everything guests know and love about a Disney cruise. They’re going to get your nightly themed rotational dining, along with Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, plus a pool deck that has fun for all ages. Endless hot chocolate, and all the beloved soft-serve ice cream your client can enjoy to their festive heart’s content is also included. And that’s just the start – Very Merrytime sailings add even more included comfort and joy including special deck parties, themed activities and crafts and a chance to meet the “big guy” himself.
The Very Merrytime cruises have dialed the holiday magic up to a solid 25, as the ships are fully decked out (no pun intended) with Christmas trees and decorations, characters in their merry best, and specialty snacks, food, and drinks throughout the voyage.
Mickey & Minnie’s Merrytime Tree Lighting
Gather round for a heartwarming, traditional celebration where Mickey Mouse and friends help light the ship’s holiday tree. It’s one of those quintessential Very Merrytime moments—equal parts cozy and spectacular—that sets the tone for the entire sailing.
Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party
Join Disney friends on the upper decks for good tidings, music and cheer as guests celebrate friendship, love, and family during this special time of year. Expect a lively atmosphere, festive décor, and a high-energy celebration.
Themed Activities and Crafts for Kids
Have some festive fun and get creative with Christmas cheer for the young and young-at-heart. Throughout the sailing, families can drop into holiday-themed activities that add a hands-on, memory-making element to all the magic happening around the ship.
How to Make the Most of Very Merrytime
Everyone has different holiday traditions, and it might be time to blend the old with the new on a sailing. What new memories will your client create?
There are plenty of picture spots where guests can take next year’s holiday card. Or, if just sippin’ on hot cocoa and chatting it up with grandma is more your client’s thing, there are plenty of cozy nooks to get comfortable. And if guests want to see the big guy in red, Santa makes frequent stops onboard.
One of the best ways to get ready for a Very Merrytime cruise is simply to familiarize your clients with the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app ahead of time, so when they’re onboard, they don’t miss a second of the magic. They will also be able to see additional services available (like recreation and the spa) if that’s a key factor of your clients trip.
