Disney Cruise Line recently updated their website with the specific sail dates for the 2016 Very MerryTime cruises. The Very MerryTime sailings will begin on the Disney Magic November 5, 2016, a couple days later it will debut on the Disney Dream. The Disney Wonder will begin holiday sailings on November 10th (her potential first cruise following re-imagination) and over a week later on the Disney Fantasy (November 19th).
On Thanksgiving Day, guests will enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving Day feast and visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Also during the special Thanksgiving voyages, NFL football games will be broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screens – Funnel Vision – located near the family pool.
Disney Cruise Line’s Very MerryTime cruises promise to offer seasonal magic at sea with a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor. Guests may enjoy the festive onboard decorations that include a life-sized gingerbread house, a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias and shimmering lights, and experience numerous merriments sure to warm the hearts of the entire family, including:
- “Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic” in the atrium lobby on the first night of the cruise, where Disney characters lead holiday carols and the lighting of the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
- “Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” in the atrium lobby, where Disney cruisers welcome the guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a grand celebration featuring Broadway-style entertainment, favorite Disney characters and classic holiday tunes. This evening of enchantment is made complete when a special pair of royal sisters joins the party and causes a flurry of “frozen” fun as a magical snowfall overtakes the atrium.
- Dickens-inspired carolers carrying the spirit of the holidays throughout the ship while singing holiday classics, sometimes with the help of favorite Disney friends. At the end of the cruise, children will have the opportunity to join the carolers onstage for a special farewell show.
- Family holiday activities including building gingerbread houses and meeting Santa Claus.
- Youth holiday crafts such as decorating stockings and gingerbread men cookies, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
- “Deck the Deck Holiday Party,” a tropical celebration with Disney friends leading games such as hula hooping and limbo under oversized candy canes, along with dances for the whole family like the “Yuletide Slide” and a conga line around the pool.
- A special holiday edition of the cheerful farewell celebration on the final night of the cruise, with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.
Christmas morning at the atrium lobby tree Santa Claus and his helpers will have a surprise for all the kids, and guests will delight in a special musical performance from the children. A traditional Christmas Dinner will be served that night in the dining rooms. Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah services will be held each day, Dec. 24 to Jan. 1.
To ring in 2017, voyages during the holiday include a special New Year’s Eve party, complete with music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown.
Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
A winter wonderland awaits guests on Castaway Cay! The island is transformed with snow flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island’s tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.
Below you will find the Very MerryTime sail dates for the fleet.
Disney Magic Sailings
- November 5, 2016 – 6-Night New York to San Juan Cruise
- November 11, 2016 – 5-Night San Juan to Miami Cruise
- November 16, 2016 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami
- November 20, 2016 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami
- November 27, 2016 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Miami
- December 4, 2016 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami
- December 11, 2016 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Miami
- December 18, 2016 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami
- December 23, 2016 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Miami
Disney Wonder Sailings
- November 10, 2016 – 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
- November 14, 2016 – 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
- November 18, 2016 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston
- November 25, 2016 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston
- December 2, 2016 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
- December 9, 2016 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston
- December 16, 2016 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
- December 23, 2016 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston
Disney Dream Sailings
- November 7, 2016 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- November 11, 2016 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- November 14, 2016 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- November 18, 2016 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- November 21, 2016 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- November 25, 2016 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- November 28, 2016 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 2, 2016 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 5, 2016 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 9, 2016 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 12, 2016 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 16, 2016 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 19, 2016 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 22, 2016 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Disney Fantasy Sailings
- November 19, 2016 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
- November 26, 2016 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 3, 2016 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 10, 2016 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 17, 2016 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
- December 24, 2016 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
For more details check out DCL’s dedicated Very MerryTime page.
Hey Scott,
By chance, do you happen to know what changes are in store for the Disney Wonder during her re-imagination?
Thanks
Hi Scott,
When do they have Castaway Cay done up for Christmas? I am on the Fantasy Nov. 5th sailing. It’s not a VMT cruise would love to see the Island decked out.
Cheers
Jeannie, it coincides with the VMT sailings.
Does pirate night and fireworks still take place on the VMT sailings?
Will the Broadway style musical productions still occur on the MerryTime cruises along with the special Christmas events?
Yes, the Very MerryTime ‘shows’ occur in the Atrium.
Less than a week before or first Disney Cruise!