Cruise & Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Unveils ‘Very Merrytime’ Holiday Season Programming

Image: Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party aboard Disney Cruise Line. (Source: Disney Cruise Line)
Image: Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party aboard Disney Cruise Line. (Source: Disney Cruise Line)
Laurie Baratti
by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 8:15 PM ET, Wed June 14, 2023

For those celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with Disney Cruise Line’s series of Very Merrytime’ cruises for the 2023 holiday season, the company has just released the particulars of its onboard Yuletide programming. 

During its end-of-year Very Merrytime sailings from both Florida and California, DCL will unwrap new festivities for the whole family, including two brand-new entertainment experiences, appearances by beloved Disney characters, dressed in their brand-new holiday best, and Christmassy activities for family and friends, young and old.

The first night of every Very Merrytime sailings will see staff and guests gather in the ship’s atrium around the three-deck-tall holiday tree for a brand-new tree lighting ceremony. Hosts Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy will lead guests in singing along to a series of classic holiday songs, followed by a countdown to a brilliant illumination of the tree itself and an introduction of the sailing’s guest of honor, Santa Claus.

Another brand-new Christmastime presentation, Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party will invite guests to join Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along with other favorite Disney friends on the upper decks for a high-energy deck party—featuring a mix of classic and original holiday tunes—in a celebration of the special spirit of love, family and friendship during this magical time of the year.

Mickey and friends in their holiday finest

Mickey and friends in their holiday finest (Photo via Disney Cruise Line)

On top of this pair of brand-new holiday offerings, DCL will be once again decking the decks (pun intended) and halls from bow-to-stern with boughs of holly and other gorgeous holiday décor with a distinctly Disney twist to it. As in years past, these guest-favorite departures will include:

  • Beloved Disney characters debuting some brand-new holiday attire
  • Themed Very Merrytime activities for the entire family to enjoy
  • Carolers singing contemporary versions of melodies that celebrate a myriad of end-of-year holidays
  • Commemorative merchandise, and festive food and beverage items

Four- and five-night Very Merrytime departures aboard the Disney Dream, headed for the western Caribbean and The Bahamas, will set sail out of South Florida from a new homeport in Fort Lauderdale. Also operating from the Sunshine State, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue to offer sailings from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Caribbean.

Meanwhile, from its in Southern California base in San Diego the Disney Magic, will also offer Very Merrytime sailings to Baja and the Mexican Riviera before wrapping up the holiday season sailing festive season cruises to the Western Caribbean out of Galveston.


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Laurie Baratti

Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.

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