By Jeffrey Epstein
Guests who have sailed on one of Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises know that these voyages have an extra sprinkling of pixie dust (or perhaps it’s snow!) that take an already incredible vacation experience and make it even more, well, merry. The ships offer a tree-lighting event with Mickey Mouse, Dickens-inspired carolers singing through the voyage, visits with Santa, gingerbread house building, a “Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party,” and much more. “Our cast and crew members are dedicated to creating unforgettable vacation experiences for our guests year round, and the holidays are no exception,” Lisa Borotkanics, manager of Holiday Services, says. “It’s an exciting and festive time aboard each of our ships.” We got the scoop from Lisa, whose team helps ensure the holidays are a flurry of fun, to discover how Disney Cruise Line makes the sea-son bright on its fleet.
Making Merry
The holiday season on the ships may last from just early November through the New Year, but for the creative team who puts together the magical festivities, the work starts anew as soon as the trimmings are off the tree. It’s a year-round process to plan, design, create, and install the holly jolly fun.
Overnight Magic
Speaking of installing, Disney’s Holiday Services—Disney Cruise Line’s answer to Santa’s Elves—makes each ship a winter wonderland with timing that would impress Santa himself. “We’re able to ‘deck the halls’ and make yuletide magic for our Very Merrytime Cruises aboard our ships in approximately seven hours, while the ship is in port and before we welcome our first guests onboard,” says Lisa. Pretty amazing when you…
…Count It Down
All together, the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Dream have a workshop full of seasonal sprigs. By the numbers?
- 402 garlands totaling 3,768 feet
- 126 wreaths ranging from 24 to 60 inches
- 130 trees ranging from 24 inches to 8 feet
- Four 20-foot lobby trees
- (And a partridge in a pear…)
A Castaway Holiday
In order to “deck the beach balls” on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay—including “snow flurries,” a tricked-out Christmas tree, and special holiday character meet-and-greets—the Holiday Services team camps out on the beautiful island for four days and three nights.
Unique Trimmings from Sea to Shining Sea
Each of the four ships’ three-deck-tall trees—located in the main atrium lobbies—is uniquely decorated to complement the existing colors and overall theme of each lobby, including a custom star that is as unique as the ship. “It’s important for our team to create a magical setting,” Lisa explains. The lobby is also the site for holiday carolers, the lighting of the tree, and special visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
While you may have your holiday plans set for the season, it’s never too early to start thinking about what you’d like to find under your tree next Christmas… And wouldn’t a little sea, sun, and sand make the perfect gift? Seasons Sailings!