Holiday Decorations, December Weather

[Paula H]

Just booked the Wonder 3-day for Dec. 8-11. Will the ship be decorated for the holidays? Are there any special holiday events that early in December? We've been to WDW that same week, so I have a handle on the Florida weather, but what can we expect for cruising weather - will we swim at CC????

 

[BethC1952]

The ship is beautifully decorated at that time! There are several holiday themed events on board. I don't want to give anything away, but the Christmas Tree lighting is a lot of fun!

The weather seems to be pretty good. We've cruised three years in a row at that time (this year we're cruising two weeks earlier, for Thanksgiving). Last December, the weather was a bit nasty on our last day and night, but still much nicer than back home in New Jersey!

We've gone swimming each year, including getting in the water at CC. Two cruises ago (Dec. 2003) it was actually hot the day we were on CC. In 2002 and 2004 it was a bit chillier. DH wouldn't get in the water, but I did, and found it very enjoyable.

Beth

 

[Ariel&Flounder'sMom]

Good question! We're thinking about Dec. 2006, and I was wondering the same thing.

It's past hurricane season, right? And yet it's still warm enough to swim in the Bahamas?

We were thinking about doing the 7 night on the Magic, and the idea of seeing all the characters in Holiday dress brings a tear to my eye... well, almost.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We too are thinking about Dec. '06, a 3 night. I'm so happy to hear that you were able to swim at CC then. I'm pretty sure I can talk DH into a birthday cruise for me.

Bobbi

 

[jghra]

Paula H - We will be on that same Dec 8-11 cruise with you!!!!

I can't wait this will be my first cruise ever!!

"G"

 

[FFerret]

Good question! We're thinking about Dec. 2006, and I was wondering the same thing.

It's past hurricane season, right? And yet it's still warm enough to swim in the Bahamas?

We were thinking about doing the 7 night on the Magic, and the idea of seeing all the characters in Holiday dress brings a tear to my eye... well, almost.

Hurricane season ends in November. I'm from Galveston; trust me, I know

We're doing our first cruise the first week of December and it's taking forever!!!! I think it'll be great to see the holiday characters, too--the only other time we were at WDW was Halloween 2003--saw Chip, Dale, Pluto and Minnie in scarywear at Liberty Tree Tavern and it was a hoot!

 

[Tricialiv]

We're on the boat too. DH, DS (turning 8) and DD (4) our first cruise also! Can't wait.

 

[keishashadow]

We too have this cruise booked (1st timers) in one of the "secret porthole" cabins. Trying not to get too excited .

We were unable to get confirmation of vacation time in February 06 for the L/S pkg we originally booked. Decided to cancel and book this date, which is much more expensive than the last week in February I might add...oh well.

We still need to get all our ducks in a row, waiting for WDW to pass on a DVC resale. If all goes well, and there's still availability in the Villas before the cruise, we'll see you there!

By the way, how is the weather @ WDW during this time (and crowds?)

 

[Paula H]

Wow, at least I now know we won't have to whole ship to ourselves!! Keishashadow - I found it interesting the cruise "our week" is more expensive than the last week of Feb. For DVC points, it's during the most economical time to cruise. We went to WDW this same week last year - weather was outstanding - we expected cool evenings and moderate temps., but we wore shorts all day everyday! I do understand from others, though, that isn't always the case. Crowds were wonderful, too. Rarely waited more than 5-10 mins. (if at all) for all rides and you won't want to miss Mickey's Very Merry Xmas Party. It gets pretty crowded for the party, but nothing beats seeing it snow on Main Street USA. My favorite WDW attraction, though, was the Osbourne Festival of Lights at MGM.

 

[alwayslisad]

Good question! We're thinking about Dec. 2006, and I was wondering the same thing.

It's past hurricane season, right? And yet it's still warm enough to swim in the Bahamas?

We were thinking about doing the 7 night on the Magic, and the idea of seeing all the characters in Holiday dress brings a tear to my eye... well, almost.

I am booked in for 12/02/2006 and when I spoke to a few people that had cruised at that time - they all felt it was fine - that MAYBE Key West and CC were a tad chilly - but that they all swam!

I can't wait to see decorations and then swim too!

 

[keishashadow]

We're part way there. . .found out we passed ROFR on DVC, waiting to close & get in system since we need to book a room on banked points (Not holding our breath for home resort of VWL though-I assume it books quickly during this time of year. Since we'll probably be past the 11 & 7 month windows, we'll be happy to get any room).

We'd still have to get our vouchered air comp (as a result of a luggage snafu from last trip) booked to coincide with the above plans. If this all works out, I truly will believe in the Disney magic.

 

[4nana]

Our family did a Magic 7 day family reunion cruise mid December a couple yrs ago. The ship was beautifully decorated, with lots of holiday spirit, surprises in store and nice weather. We made some special memories.

 

[pjew]

Hello jghra, Paula H, and Tricialiv,

Glad to hear that we all will be sailing on the same day.
This too is my first time cruise ever. I hear we picked a wonderful time
to cruise. I am looking forward to it - and can't stop being on this website.
Doesn't time go by really slow --

Let's hurry up and sail!!

See yall there!!

 

[Denise Escola]

The decorations are wonderful. We cruised the Christmas cruise last year and really enjoyed it. As for our cabin I took in my suitcase a small pine wreath and some window cling decorations. Our cabin hostess enjoyed the smell as did we. She hadn't smelt the aroma of fresh pine in quite a while. At the end of the cruise I used the pine to decorate the presents for our wait staff and cabin hostess. I know people had trees and floral arrangements delivered to the ship for their cabins, we were cat 10 so had to keep it small. Don't forget the outside of your cabins too. It made walking down the halls alot of fun. Consider a ornament exchange if you all are on a thread for your trip. Good memories.
D

 

[goofyforlife]

Paula,

I cruised on the Wonder last Dec with Beth. (hi Beth )

The weather was beautiful and sunny in the Bahamas.

I got in the water at CC. It wasn't too cold. (and I know cold because at home here none of our pools are heated. Try swimming in spring water sometime. )

The weather was windy, cold, and cloudy the last day though....

We stayed in FL the day before and after the cruise. The first night it was so cold I was glad I brought my hooded winter jacket and gloves. The last night we went to MVMCP and it was warmer.... think just a sweatshirt)

We went in the hot tubs at WLV and BWV but it was a little too chilly to swim.

BUT the christmas/holiday atmosphere was well worth it.

 

[BethC1952]

Hi, Kristina

The weather outside here today is exactly like it was that last day on the cruise...except, of course, that now I'm on land! I could see the ocean on my way to the office, and the waves are pretty rough. I'm glad I'm not cruising on that!

Beth

 

[nluvwithmickey]

The ship is breathtaking and the decorations are magical!

The giant x-mas tree in the atrium is a great photo op. The gingerbread house ( giant sized ) smells wonderful.

At CC the decorations are all up, they even serve egg-nog and cookies! Watch out for the snow falling once you get off the ship!!!!

The characters are all dressed in their holiday wear too!!!

Ok I have said enough!!!! You have a great time!!