Disney Cruise Line announces Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday plans
Disney ships set sail with holiday cheer during Very Merrytime Cruises
The seasonal atmosphere and holiday celebrations take place aboard the DCL ships through the new year. DCL notes that included among the special activities, experiences, decorations and details are the following:
“King Triton’s Tree Lighting Ceremony” in the atrium lobby on the first night of the cruise, where a young guest helps Disney characters light the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
Family holiday activities including building gingerbread houses and meeting Santa Claus and his elves.
Youth holiday crafts such as decorating stockings and gingerbread men cookies, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
Holiday storytellers sharing tales of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Plus, a story just for Disney Cruise Line guests about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.
“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.
“Til We Meet Again” features a special holiday edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.
Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, also embraces the spirit of the season with “snow flurries” (perfect for those who want a white Christmas without the cold), a Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday island music.
DCL’s winter holiday sailings even look ahead to the new year, as guest can enjoy a New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2014 that features music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown.
DCL observes Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Disney guests sailing with DCL over the holidays proper will find the ships adds some of the classic comforts and American traditions to a sailing during Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas.
Thanksgiving Day will include a hearty feast, while Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other Disney characters are dressed for the occasion. And because it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a turkey, guests will find a special turkey “towel animal” in their staterooms after turndown service.
Wondering about that other American Thanksgiving tradition, football? Fans will be able to catch the big NFL games live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screen located near the family pool.
Christmas morning at the atrium lobby tree Santa Claus and his elves will have surprises for all the kids. Later in the day, guests will enjoy caroling from the crew choir plus a special musical performance from the children. A traditional Christmas Dinner will be served that night in the dining rooms.
Holiday religious services are also available on the DCL voyages. Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah services will takes place each day from Nov. 28 – Dec. 5.
Disney guests can also help Santa bring the holiday to their stateroom through ordering special holiday touches prior to sailing. Available options include holiday-themed packages or baskets, decorated miniature Christ trees, and DCL’s holiday merchandise collection with such options as ornaments (merchandise is available in the onboard gift shops as well.
Very Merrytime Cruises join DCL’s other holiday sailings for 2013. Disney recently announced new Halloween-themed happenings for 2013 cruises, notably the “Halloween on the High Seas” experiences aboard the Disney Dream.
To learn more or to book a vacation, visit the Disney Cruise Line website, call 888/DCL-2500 or contact a travel agent that specializes in Disney Travel.
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