Disney Cruise Line Enhances Themed Holiday Sailings

Disney Cruise Line sailings departing over the holiday season are getting even more festive this year, according to a recent release from the family-centric cruise brand. Guests looking to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas on the ocean can look forward to additional holiday-themed parties on select cruises, plus enhanced decor and added live entertainment.

From Sept. 2 through Oct. 31, Halloween on the High Seas programming will take place on most sailings onboard Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic. There will be The Pumpkin Tree, which will magically transform throughout each cruise; Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, a costume bash for cruisers and characters; and a Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream event, featuring an interactive screening of the film and character meet-and-greets. Mask-making and themed drinks and treats in various dining rooms will add to the haunted vibe of the itineraries.

The winter holidays will bring more fanfare to the ships, as well. Starting in early November, the Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic event will take place on the first night of each cruise. A three-deck-tall tree will shine brightly while bedazzled characters sing holiday carols in the atrium. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus are invited to the party. Other themed additions to these itineraries include gingerbread-house-making sessions; holiday craft- and card-making; stocking decorating; festive deck parties and Charles Dickens-inspired carolers wandering the ship. 

Cruisers onboard on the exact day of each holiday will be privy to one-time special events. On Thanksgiving, clients can expect a celebratory feast, as well as visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse adorned in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Live broadcasts of NFL football games will be on televisions around the ship, including the jumbo FunnelVision screen above the family pool.

On Christmas morning, families will want to head to the atrium lobby tree to see what Santa Claus and his elves have left for them. There will also be a special musical performance and traditional holiday dinner in the dining rooms that evening. A midnight mass will be held onboard on Christmas Eve, and additional services on Christmas day. Hanukkah services will be held daily from Dec. 24, 2016, to Jan.1, 2017. Voyages that extend over the New Year holiday will offer a deck party with music, a countdown and toasts and treats at midnight.

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