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We just returned from our first Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Wish. This was our second Disney cruise, but our first time on the Wish. We specifically booked the cruise to get into the holiday spirit, so I thought I would share our experience for anyone else who might be interested in going on this special cruise. If you’re looking for some outfit ideas, you can check out our video and blog on some cute family coordinating outfits!
For reference, we were on a 4 night Bahamian cruise from November 11th through November 15th. Different ships have different itineraries, so make sure to check yours or check with your travel agent for specifics. Very Merrytime Cruises tend to be more expensive, so here are 5 things to know before you go!
Santa Will Be There
During any Very Merrytime Voyage, Santa Claus is there to help kick off the holiday season. We saw him multiple times during our cruise. He made an appearance during our tree lighting ceremony and then met with families during the day for photos. He also held a storytime at night, but we somehow missed it! This is a great opportunity to knock out photos with Santa and avoid mall crowds during the season. The lines were a bit long as expected, but they served free hot chocolate and cookies while you waited in line!
It’s Not Christmas Every Day
So, this was probably the most shocking thing to me about the cruise. I had assumed that every day on the ship would be filled with Christmas music and activities. It’s why we booked the cruise. Christmastime at the Disney parks is truly magical, even when it’s 90 degrees in the Florida sun.
And, that’s largely due to the theming. When you step inside Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom, it’s like you’ve stepped inside a Hallmark Movie with the music, decor, treats, and entertainment. The details are INCREDIBLE, such as theming decor and music to each section of the park.
With our cruise, this was not the case. While the decor is up throughout your entire cruise, such as the Christmas tree, garland, and even a gingerbread house, all other Christmas activities were held on one day: our day at sea.
We woke up to Christmas music, which was fun, but after hearing the same 15 songs all day, it grew a little tired. Characters were also dressed in their holiday attire all day, and there were some holiday themed crafts and trivias. We were hoping to decorate gingerbread men, but that wasn’t available on our cruise.
During the evening, there is a holiday themed show on the deck (weather depending), and it snoaps, which is so fun! Santa also read the kids a story at the end of the night, but somehow we missed that on the schedule. It was a parent fail. But, overall, I had expected a little more for the Christmas experience.
Pirate Night Still Happens
Pirate night is infamous on a Disney Cruise. So, those of you who love this night or want to experience it, rest assured. On our 4 night Very Merrytime Cruise, we still indeed had Pirate Night. If you’re not familiar with Pirate Night, it’s an evening dedicated to all things pirates.
People on board dress up, your food that night is pirate themed, characters dress in special costumes, unique characters are available such as Captain Hook and Smee, and of course, there are the fireworks. If you’re looking for pirate night themed outfits, you can check out our Template Shop!
Castaway Cay & Lookout Cay are Decorated
If you are on a Bahamian cruise, you will be happy to know that Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is decorated for the holidays. I think we were a little early for most of the decor, but the garland and wreaths that were up were beautiful! And, thanks to Becky Gandillon , author of the The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, we know that Lookout Cay also has some decor as well!
If you’re wanting to see other decorations that will probably be available during later cruises, check out this post from Disney Cruise Planning. This blog is actually a wonderful resource if you’re looking for more info on Disney cruises in general. There wasn’t any Christmas music during our day, but I would have loved to hear some island holiday tunes. Characters are also still in their island best, as Mickey met us in his adorable beach outfit.
It’s Windy Season in the Bahamas
If you’re cruising in November and December to the Bahamas, hold on to your hats, and ears. This is windy season for this part of the world. Why is this important? Well, for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that if it’s too windy, Disney cannot dock at Castaway Cay.
This is a policy year-round, but feels like it’s more typical during these months. We were very lucky and still got to go to the island, but know that this is a possibility during your cruise. It was still windy, so our chair clips came in handy on the island for keeping our towels in place! The weather can be chilly too because of the wind, so make sure to bring a layer or two. In the evening on the deck, it was super windy and I needed a jacket and a hair clip!
The second reason is for my friends who are worried about sea sickness. On our first cruise, which was on the Disney Dream in September, I never felt the waves! I was so stressed about getting sick because after I had my daughter, motion sickness became a problem.
I had zero issues during that cruise, but this one was different. The water was VERY choppy so every single time we were moving, I felt the rocking of the boat. Now, I was able to still have a wonderful time because I brought sea bands, but just be advised that you might need some reinforcements if you’re prone to motion sickness!
Despite my disappointments, did I still have a wonderful time? YES! Disney Cruises are truly magical. The service, quality, and entertainment are top-notch. My family and I will continue to cruise with DCL for as long as my kiddos are willing. But, would I book another Very Merrytime Cruise? Probably not. For the additional cost, I am not sure I would want to spend my money on the experience. I’d rather stick to the parks, resorts, and parties offered at Walt Disney World.
However, I believe each ship and sailing is different. Becky also shared that her 6 night Very Merrytime Cruise had carolers during most evenings, which is a really fun addition. Be careful when reading about different activities that are offered on a Very Merrytime Cruise. I made the mistake of thinking that all offerings such as Mrs. Claus and gingerbread decorating would be offered on every Merrytime Cruise, which was not the case.
Will you be cruising on a Very Merrytime Cruise anytime soon? Let me know!
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