Cruising over Christmas???

[PrincessTess]

Well, we just found out that this Christmas will be spent with only 3/6 of the usual crew, as this year different plans were made. That being said, of course I search for a Disney Cruise over Christmas. We have done the Fantasy for the last 8 cruises, and to cruise the Fantasy over the holidays would be a HUGE price tag. BUT, we found the Magic out of Miami (7 night caribbean) and the Wonder out of Galveston (7 night bahamas). We love our cruises, but can't help but wonder if we would be feeling weird spending it on a cruise instead of at home. Has anyone cruise over christmas? (these both leave the 23rd of December) And, can anyone offer their experiences and regrets if any. Thanks!

 

[scjo68]

We cruised last Christmas. We were on the Dream, it left on the 24th. Our extended family of 11 went together- my parents treated the whole family. It was the only time of year we were all available. It was wonderful, but it was very different. We were in the D lounge listening to karaoke around midnight Christmas eve, and it did feel kind of weird- not like a traditional Christmas. The ship was gorgeous- full of Christmas cheer and holiday decorations. We signed up for the gingerbread house making class as soon as we got on board-the tickets go fast. We did the gingerbread class on Christmas day as a family which was fun. We also had a special Christmas menu Christmas night. We received a holiday Disney print and a box of chocolates in our room as well.

We had our traditional Christmas --opening presents, stockings, etc., after we got home. It just extended the holiday.

If money were no object (sailing over Christmas is not cheap!) I'd love to do it again. You just have to go into it knowing that-although Christmas theming is everywhere- it won't be your traditional Christmas.

 

[TrySomethingNew]

We did this on the Dream in 2011 with 2 kids (5 and 13). It was fun! Different than being at home, but very nice. We had stockings with us that we hung up in the room and Santa filled them for the kids with a not saying the rest were at home. We also received gifts in the room (box of chocolates and a litho). I recall a special menu also. Christmas Eve was CC and Christmas Day was a sea day.

 

[Laundress]

While it won't be traditional it will probably be one of the most memorable Christmas.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We spent Christmas on the Magic several years ago. On Christmas Eve the Fab 4 came down the grand staircase in the atrium and they were dressed in Victorian Christmas outfits. And it snowed in the atrium. Unexpected and so magical.

We exchanged small gifts -- it's not like a bicycle or pony will fit in your luggage. And if you fly, your gifts can't be wrapped when they go through security. So when we travel over the holidays we pack gift wrap and tape as well as the gifts, and find a spare/private few minutes to put the presents under wraps. Gift bags would work too, unless you have kids who would love to sneak a peek.

One bro-in-law is really a home body and doesn't like to be away from his fireplace and his own bed during the holidays, but the rest of the troops had a great time.

 

[Disneymadhouse]

We were on the Dream last Christmas ( same cruise as pp above) It was fantastic! The ship is decorated beautifully, and there really is a magical feel about it all! Our first night there was a tree lighting ceremony in the lobby with the characters, carols etc. That night they also had a table out for you to collect milk and cookies to leave out for Santa. ( on the subject of Santa, I believe they close over one of the pools so Santa can land his sleigh. That's how he was able to deliver a few small stocking gifts for DD )
It won't be traditional at all, ( we had pizza by the pool for lunch on Christmas day!) but we are not so patiently waiting to see how the prices are looking for Christmas 2018! Christmas day dinner wasn't at all like we have at home in the UK ( we have a full roast dinner, turkey etc) but still very nice.

Claire

 

[aggiedog]

We cruised over Christmas last year. I quite enjoyed not having to cook, clean, make a big holiday dinner, etc. A christmas present to myself! I have to say my kids (ages 10-16) were a bit discombobulated about being away for the holidays, which surprised me. We all had fun, but they all requested we stay home this year.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

2014 was our first and only cruise over Christmas. And I would have no problem doing it again. I did have a couple people in my family say they could never leave home over Christmas and thought we were a little crazy for doing it. But it will go down as one of the best cruises and Christmas's we have ever had. The show and snow in the atrium was fantastic.