Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime holiday sailings bring tree lightings, Santa, holiday shows and snow on Castaway Cay. Here is what to expect, including a new show on the Disney Destiny.
The holidays are setting sail.
Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises are underway for the 2026 season, with holiday decorations, shows and character greetings on select sailings, according to Disney Cruise Line. The festive sailings run across Disney Cruise Line’s U.S. based fleet this year, including the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, Undercover Tourist reports.
Here is what guests can expect on board and on Disney’s private islands.
What is a Very Merrytime Cruise?
Very Merrytime Cruises are Disney Cruise Line’s holiday sailings. They run on select ships and itineraries during the fall and holiday seasons, according to Disney Cruise Line.
The ships are decked out with a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias and shimmering lights, Disney Cruise Line says. Holiday music plays throughout the ship.
What holiday shows are on Very Merrytime Cruises?
Disney Cruise Line lists several holiday events on its fact sheet:
Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party: A deck party with seasonal music, dancing and appearances by Mickey, Minnie and friends.
Mickey and Minnie’s Merrytime Tree Lighting: Mickey and friends help light the ship’s holiday tree.
Holiday Storytime: A cozy storytelling session for families and young cruisers.
Santa sightings: Guests can meet Santa and take photos with him.
Holiday character greetings: Characters appear in special holiday outfits.
What is new on the Disney Destiny?
The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, adds a new holiday show called Victrophonics, according to the fact sheet. It reimagines holiday songs in a retro jazz and swing lounge style.
The Disney Destiny sails from Fort Lauderdale on four- to seven-night Bahamian and Eastern Caribbean cruises, with select sailings visiting both of Disney’s private islands, Undercover Tourist reports.
What is Castaway Cay like at Christmas?
Disney Castaway Cay gets holiday touches during Very Merrytime sailings, including “snow” flurries, festive decor and a decorated Christmas tree, according to Disney Cruise Line.
Past guests have described sand snowmen, wreaths made with beach pails and buoys, and a reindeer-themed tram on the island. The Christmas tree near the pier is one of the most popular photo spots during the holidays.
What about Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s newer island destination in the Bahamas, also gets festive decor and decorated Christmas trees, Disney Cruise Line says. The decorations are inspired by the beauty, warmth and culture of The Bahamas.
Are there holiday food and drinks on board?
Yes. Very Merrytime Cruises include seasonal food, desserts and specialty drinks, according to Disney Cruise Line. Exclusive holiday merchandise is also sold on board.
Kids and families can join themed holiday activities and crafts, too. Stateroom decorating packages are available for an extra cost, Undercover Tourist reports.
Is a holiday cruise a good fit for families?
For families who want a Disney holiday without the theme park crowds, a Very Merrytime Cruise can be a good alternative. Character meets, shows and activities are spread across the ship, and the warm weather in the Bahamas is a nice change from winter at home.
Holiday sailings tend to book up early and cost more than other times of year. If you are considering a Christmas or New Year’s cruise, check prices and availability soon.
What should you pack for a holiday cruise?
Bahamas weather in December is usually warm during the day and cooler at night. A light jacket or sweater is handy for evening deck parties and the tree lighting.
Many families also pack matching holiday shirts or festive pajamas for character photos. Some guests decorate their stateroom doors with magnets, a long running Disney Cruise Line tradition. Stick to magnets, since tape and other adhesives are not allowed on the doors.
How is Disney Cruise Line celebrating the holidays on land?
Disney Cruise Line’s “Magic Meets the Seas” float is also returning to the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 26, with Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie, as we reported earlier this month.
Have you taken a Very Merrytime Cruise? Tell us your favorite holiday moment at sea.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Disney Cruise Line (2026), the Very Merrytime fact sheet, shows, decor and island details
Undercover Tourist (2026), the 2026 fleet, Disney Destiny itineraries and stateroom decor
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