Disney Cruise Line Sails to a Galaxy Far, Far Away During Star Wars Day at Sea

Star Wars fans, this is the cruise you're looking for. If setting sail with Darth Vader and dodging Imperial stormtroopers on the pool deck sounds like the cruise of your dreams, a Disney Cruise Line Star Wars Day at Sea itinerary could be the ticket. From character meet-and-greets you won't find anywhere else to unique food and drink offerings and exclusive shows, this is one epic space-meets-sea extravaganza.

Star Wars Day at Sea takes place on select seven-night Disney Cruise Line sailings to the Caribbean aboard the Disney Fantasy, and while the Force is strong throughout the cruise, with atrium decor, photo ops and merchandise available every day of the itinerary, most of the intergalactic festivities are limited to a single themed day. But, if you were hoping to live your Star Wars dreams all cruise long, don't despair. We had the same concern, but celebrating Star Wars in one epic day really makes it special, ensuring that the whole ship is in on the fun while also keeping travelers who aren't as into Star Wars from feeling like this sailing isn't for them.

In the days leading up to Star Wars Day at Sea, rumors of a takeover begin to swirl. The Dark Side is strong on the ship and servers and other crew members begin suggesting that guests may want to make their way to the ship's atrium at a predetermined time the night before Star Wars Day at Sea.

Digital Imperial flags are unfurled, John Williams' "Imperial March" begins to play, and Darth Vader-flanked by Imperial stormtroopers-appears, letting passengers know the ship is under the control of the Empire now.

Guests return to their staterooms the night before the big day to find a commemorative Star Wars Day at Sea banner and their own lightsaber.

On the big day, the Disney Fantasy gets a full overlay. Throughout the hallways and common areas, Disney melodies are replaced by iconic Star Wars tunes. Crew members don costumes and play the part: Dining room servers bear the mark of the Empire and even our cruise director was dressed as a Jedi.

There's no pressure for passengers to dress up but it's more fun if you do! Passenger attire runs the gamut from Star Wars T-shirts to Comic Con-level cosplay. Don't have a costume? Head to the ship's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for a Star Wars makeover. Kids get transformed into Kylo Ren, Poe Dameron, Rey or Princess Leia, and adults can channel Rey or Kylo Ren with a costume T-shirt and wig or make-up job.

Take a stroll around the ship's atrium and you won't get very far without bumping into a character. These are some of the most unique Star Wars character interactions you'll find anywhere-and that includes in the parks. Boba Fett roams the hallways in search of his next bounty (and talks-so be ready to capture the moment with your phone); a Gamorrean Guard patrols the ship like it's Jabba's palace; Ezra, Sabine and Ahsoka Tano from 'Star Wars Rebels' look for sympathizers to their cause; and Imperial officers stare down those looking for trouble.

Up on the pool deck, Imperial stormtroopers periodically appear on stage to remind passengers whose control the ship is under before patrolling the deck-and pausing for guests to snap photos.

Three of the most coveted meet-and-greets-Darth Vader, Chewbacca and C-3PO and R2-D2- are ticketed events, so guests should make sure to snag reservations for these as soon as they are available for their sailing. If there's one of the three experiences fans shouldn't miss, it's meeting the droids. C-3PO walks and talks and can't be found anywhere in the theme parks.

Young Padawans age 4 and up get to channel their inner Jedi during Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. This experience is very similar to the Jedi training offered at Disney's Hollywood Studios but takes place on the big stage at the Walt Disney Theatre. The theater's excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art lighting enhance the drama as kids learn to wield a lightsaber before facing off against either Darth Vader or Kylo Ren. This is another ticketed experience so be sure to sign up in advance.

On this year's Star Wars Day at Sea sailings, it's no surprise that the day's main film event is "Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker." The film is shown twice in the ship's impressive movie theater. Refillable souvenir Star Wars popcorn buckets and a range of souvenir sippers like BB-8, Vader and Jango Fett are sold at the theater's concession stand throughout the cruise. In addition to "The Rise of Skywalker," a steady rotation of Star Wars film favorites is shown in the theater and on the massive "Funnel Vision" screen on the ship's pool deck.

Nearly all of the day's programming gets a Star Wars overlay. Test your knowledge during Star Wars trivia and even an epic game show that crowns the ultimate Star Wars fan; show off your droid-controlling skills during BB-8 races; and learn how to draw favorite Star Wars characters during animation classes.

Star Wars takes over in the ship's kids clubs, with most of the scheduled activities for the day getting a Star Wars theme as well. Not limited to Star Wars Day at Sea, the Oceaneer Club, one of the two main clubs for kids ages 3-12, has a large Star Wars-themed area where kids can try their skills behind the controls of flight simulators, participate in Force training, get a visit from stormtroopers and even meet BB-8.

Hardcore Star Wars fans will go crazy for the night's themed dinner menu, served in all three of the ship's main dining rooms. Start with an appetizer like the Padmé Amidala Soufflé or the Gungan City Dumpling Soup before tucking into entrees like Lord Vader's Nerf Steak or the plant-based Sheev Palpatine Bowl. End on a sweet note with Han Solo's Frozen Carbonite Sundae or Princess Leia's Warm Apricot Pudding.

For an Instagrammable pick-me-up all cruise long, the adults-only coffee bar, Cove Café, serves specialty coffee drinks that you can order imprinted with your favorite Star Wars character. Did someone say Baby Yoda coffee?

To close out the night, everyone heads up to the pool deck for Summon the Force, a Star Wars-themed show and fireworks spectacular. Similar to "A Galaxy Far, Far Away" at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the show rolls out a nonstop lineup of characters to a dramatic voiceover and iconic soundtrack that culminates in a battle between Rey and Kylo Ren. Fireworks to the tune of John Williams favorites end the show with a bang. If the day hasn't tired you out too much, a Galactic Dance Party and late-night Star Wars-themed buffet keep the fun going into the wee hours.

If you experience Star Wars Day at Sea and don't buy the T-shirt to prove it, were you even there? If you have your heart set on exclusive Star Wars Day at Sea merchandise, from clothing and pins to ornaments and coffee mugs, be sure to visit the gift shop early in your cruise, as items and sizes can sell out quickly.

Star Wars Day at Sea takes place January through March on select seven-night sailings to the Caribbean aboard the Disney Fantasy. There are a few more sailings still to come in 2020.

Looking ahead, the following 2021 Itineraries offer Star Wars Day at Sea:

Departing Jan. 2, Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27: Western Caribbean with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay

Departing Jan. 9, Jan. 23 and Feb. 20: Eastern Caribbean with stops in Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay

Departing Feb. 6: Eastern Caribbean with stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay