Disney Cruise Line Creates Winter Holiday Magic

If you love the idea of Disney for Christmas, but want to skip the high crowds that can descend on the parks, why not take a trip this holiday season, give a gift that's both nautical and nice: a Disney Cruise!

Disney Cruise Line Holiday Logo
I'm an advocate for a Disney Cruise any time of the year, but from Thanksgiving through the New Year, Disney's classically styled ships are decked to the "raft-errs" with holiday cheer. While many of the holiday themed arts and crafts are geared towards kids, us Grown Ups know that the best gift might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow. For something truly special, grown ups can enjoy a magnificent Gala at Sea on New Years Eve, while secure in the knowledge that the kids are having just as much fun doing their own celebrating at the youth clubs. There's a little something for everyone during the wonderful holiday cruises from DCL.

Pluto Castaway Cay Meet & Greet
Special stem-to-stern holiday events begin in December during each of the cruises and include:

• "King Triton's Tree Lighting" 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.
• Christmas morning in the maginificent the atrium Santa Claus and his elves will have surprises for all the kids under the tree, along with cookies and milk.
• Family holiday crafts such as decorating stockings, building gingerbread houses, 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.
• Traditional holiday feasts are created by the Chefs and served in the Disney Cruise Line main dining rooms.
• "Til We Meet Again" (on Disney Magic/Disney Wonder only) 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.
• Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah services will be held each day, Dec. 8-16.
• The big NFL football games broadcast live on the ships' outdoor, jumbo LED screen " Funnel Vision!

Castaway Cay for the Holidays
Even Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is full of winter wonder during the holidays, the celebration continues with "snow flurries," decked-out Christmas trees, Disney character meet-and-greets, holiday carolers, and holiday-themed activities and crafts. All this just enhances the regular tropical escape that makes Castaway Cay so wonderful, I'd love to enjoy my eggnog swinging in a hammock at the adults only Serenity Bay.

New DCL Holiday Merchandise
Plus for the first time ever holiday 2012 includes Disney Cruise Line's special holiday merchandise collection, along with the ever-popular Disney Cruise Line ornaments, will be available onboard in the gift shops. Who wouldn't love to spend Christmas morning in snuggly DCL jammies?

Be sure to stop by the Disney Cruise Line website to see if there's a holiday cruise that will fit your schedule! I think it may be one of the most magical trips ever sailing for the holidays on the Disney Cruise Line. Have you ever considered taking a Disney Cruise? What would your holiday port of choice be? leave a comment and let us know!