Disney Wish’s Very Merrytime Cruise
I really enjoyed the Marvel Day at Sea cruise that I had done and wanted to do another themed Disney cruise. I did book a Halloween on the High Seas cruise for mid September 2025 but had to reschedule it to a Very Merrytime cruise for mid December 2025 due to a friend’s medical emergency. It was a 4 night cruise on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral for December 10 to 14.
Christmas tree and decorations in the Grand Hall
A Very Merrytime cruise offers special themed activities, entertainment, and merchandise. They really help you get into the holiday season but they also come with a higher price tag. I will just focus on the Christmas exclusives for a Very Merrytime cruise and review the Wish ship itself on a separate post.
Decorations
As soon as we got on the ship, we noticed the big Christmas tree with gold trimmings with some garland hanging on the railings. They did have a giant Gingerbread house but it isn’t life size anymore like they used to do. There weren’t really any decorations on the upper decks or restaurants either. Christmas music is playing in the speakers of the ship instead of the usual Disney songs.
giant Gingerbread house but not life sized like it has been
Both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay had very minimal decorations as there were only a small Christmas tree at each private islands. I feet that my visit to Disney World in November 2021 and my recent visit to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party had more decorations and a more festive mood to it than this Very Merrytime cruise.
on the dock of Castaway Cay
Food and Merchandise
None of the food in the main 3 restaurants nor Marceline Market buffet had any Christmas themed food or drink items. The Joyful Sweets shop did have a few baked goods that were Christmas themed but they are all extra charge items.
some of the Christmas goodies at the Joyful Sweets shop
There were actually a few merchandise including popcorn buckets and a few clothing and souvenirs. The selection isn’t really huge compared to the rest of the merchandise that they sell. Both of the private island shops were not selling any Christmas merchandise.
Mickey Mouse Santa sipper
Entertainment
At least there were some good Christmas entertainment on a Very Merrytime cruise worth checking out. On embarkation night, we saw the second showing of Mickey and Minnie’s Merrytime Tree Lighting at 9:15 PM at Grand Hall on deck 3. It was timed perfectly after the 8:30 PM show of Disney Seas: The Adventure.
accessible seating at the front for shows at the Grand Hall on deck 3
This 10 minute holiday show features Mickey, Minnie and pals singing classic Christmas carols and counting down to the lighting of the Christmas tree. There is even fake snow falling from above and a special appearance by Santa Clause. Shows do get very busy and crowded but they all have special seating for ADA wheelchair guests.
Mickey and Minnie’s Merrytime Tree Lighting show
On the second night, due to weather, Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party at 7:30 PM was moved from the top deck to the Grand Hall. This show was about 18 minutes long and timed so we could watch The Little Mermaid at 8:30 PM.
Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party at 7:30 PM was moved from top deck to Grand Hall deck 3, lasted about 18 minutes
The holiday party has cast members along with Mickey, Minnie and friends sing different Christmas songs. There is a mini sub plot story involving Goofy and Max and about celebrating the holidays with family. It was another great show that is worth watching.
Goofy and Max storyline
The third night was Pirate Night so there was no Christmas themed show. For the final night, the short 10 minute See Ya Real Soon at 10:15 PM was the typical good bye show with the characters in Christmas outfits with Christmas songs in the background. This show would happen on every cruise so it’s not exclusive. We skipped it to watch the new Avatar movie instead. That was it for the holiday shows.
Pirate Night still happens on themed cruises
Activities
There are Christmas and holiday movies playing at select times at the theaters, Funnel vision and room TV. There were also activities like trivia, arts and crafts making ornament and cards. We didn’t do any of these.
Characters
Taking pictures with characters is a fun thing to do no matter what the time of year it is. I love to see what outfits they would be wearing depending on the day. During a Very Merrytime cruise, characters were wearing Christmas jumpers, tropical holiday beachwear, and even for Christmas attire. The characters all wear their standard outfits that you would see on any cruise like their sailor clothes, Pirate costumes and formal night wear.
Donald Duck in his Christmas vest
Santa and Ms. Claus also had a few meet and greet for photos but one time when we went, the line was very long and closed. Another time when we saw them, we were on the way for our scheduled dining time.
Belle in her holiday dress
Final Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoyed my Disney Wish Very Merrytime cruise. The Christmas themes and celebrations weren’t really overbearing and the few exclusive Christmas shows were worth watching. All elements of a regular cruise are still there like the Broadway shows and Pirate night plus we get the extras of Christmas.
some shows can get crowded but so worth it
Themed cruises do cost more but I think it’s worth it if you can get a price not too much more. I am wanting to go on a Disney Halloween cruise next. Have you been on a Halloween or Christmas Disney cruise? Comment or share your thoughts below.
