holiday wish decor disney cruise 2022

Holiday Cheer Aboard the Disney Wish

Is there anything more magical than a Disney Cruise? Prior to my most recent sailing, I would have been quick to answer “no.” Clearly, the combination of sailing on the water, delicious food, and Disney spectacle can’t be beat. However, after experiencing the Very Merrytime Cruise aboard the Disney Wish, it’s clear that Disney found even more ways to sprinkle pixie dust on an already near perfect adventure.

Decorations are the key to any festive occasion and Disney did not disappoint. The Grand Hall is decorated to royal perfection. Vibrant golds, creams, and coppers beautifully compliment the jewel tones of the rich carpeting and wall treatments. Unlike the Disney parks and resorts, I feel the cruise decorations are much more understated but just as beautiful. The pieces of holiday cheer pop up unobtrusively throughout the ship and possess elements and ornamentation reflecting location. Take a look at the pictures below to see some of the festive finds aboard The Wish.

My name in Erin Stough. I’m an avid bookworm and Hogwarts student wannabe. My first trip to “the World” was in third grade and I’ve been hooked since. My love for obscure Walt Disney World trivia, back stories (especially about the resort properties), and details led to my writing for the WDW Radio blog since early 2016. I became a proud Disney Vacation Club member in 2004 and my husband and I discovered (and fell in love with) the Disney Cruise Line in 2013. When my nose is not buried in a book, I love listening to new arrangements of classic Disney songs, watching Disney live action movies from the 60’s and early 70’s, and spending time with family.

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Erin Stough

• December 15, 2022
• Christmas Decorations , Disney Cruise Line , Disney Wish , Very Merrytime Cruise

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• Disney Cruise Line / Disney Wish

Holiday Treats Available on the Disney Wish

by Sarah Grose · November 13, 2022

A whole crew of MickeyTravels agents set sail on the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Wish.  Since this is the first Christmas-themed cruise ever on the ship, we get a glimpse at holiday treats available on the Wish.

Chocolate Treat

First, let’s look at this heavenly chocolate treat.  It looks very rich!

According to the pictures, this chocolate delight is made from dark chocolate.  True, dark chocolate can be an acquired taste, but I love it!  

So, I’m sure that this treat is definitely for chocolate lovers.  Therefore, if chocolate is not your kind of taste, then this is not for you.  

Regardless, you have to admit that this is an adorable presentation.  True, it is on the simpler side, but that is often when a treat tastes the best!

You don’t always need multiple flavors combating for your attention.  Therefore, I imagine this is a delicious sweet treat, because of its simplicity.  

After all, that Santa hat is absolutely precious.  This accessory also has multi-colored dots all over, and it reads, “Merry Christmas” in the festive font.

The right side of the sweet, holiday treat is drizzled with red and green icing.  In addition, it has multi-colored sprinkles, more than just red and green.

Other sprinkle colors include light blue, pink, and white.  This is such a cute little indulgence, and you are one of the first to see it from the Disney Wish ship. 

Chocolate Marshmallows

However, there is another treat that pairs perfectly with this chocolate beauty.  There is also a Christmas, chocolate marshmallow that matches the other treat!

This delight is simple and delicious, as well…marshmallows dipped in chocolate and placed on a stick!  Of course, it’s made festive with sprinkles and multi-colored chocolate drizzle.

Holidays on the Seas

So, these are some great holiday treats available on Disney Wish!  Now, when will you go sailing?

Now, let’s start planning your Disney Cruise Line vacation TODAY! Simply, fill out the form below or send an email to  [email protected]  for a FREE, no-obligation quote to book your next Disney vacation!  As an agent with  MickeyTravels  (a Platinum Earmarked Agency), I will help you with everything…from finding your perfect package to ensuring I meet your specific needs.   Plus, I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best deal available from Disney!   Also, I work with ALL Disney Destinations including Good Neighbor Hotels. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. So, get in touch via email at  [email protected] , by calling or texting  304-920-1998 , or on my  Facebook  page. There, you can stay updated on all things Disney and remain connected with me for promotions and giveaways!  TTFN (ta-ta for now)!

Tags: Disney Cruise Line Disney Wish holiday treats

Sarah Grose

I LOVE Disney! My first trip to Walt Disney World Resort was at four years old, and I have never been the same since! Of all the memories I have of the parks, my favorite is walking into Magic Kingdom for the first time with my husband and all three of my children. It was a dream come true! I am excited to help make your magical Disney dreams come true through MickeyTravels! I have helped many people plan their Disney vacation, and they trust my knowledge and expertise of all things Disney. Everyone needs to take a Disney vacation in their lifetime; I promise it won’t be your only trip! Have you dreamed of a Disney vacation, but was unsure of where to start? Do you long to return to your favorite Disney destination, but dread the planning process? Let me help! Together, we can plan the perfect Disney vacation for you! Planning will be no stress for you and my services are always FREE! Contact me, so we can start talking Disney!

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Disney Cruise Line Announces Halloween and Christmas Cruises for 2022

Celebrate Disney style on these holiday cruises next year.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas… for Disney Cruise Line, at least.

Summer may be in full swing, but the family-friendly cruise line is looking ahead to next year's Halloween and Christmas sailings with magical celebrations, the company shared with Travel + Leisure .

To start, Disney will celebrate "Halloween on the High Seas" with cruises from mid-September 2022 through October, inviting guests to dress up in their spookiest costumes for Mickey's Mouse-querade Party. Passengers will enjoy themed food and drinks and even experience a "ghostly ship takeover" complete with a magical Pumpkin Tree.

In early November 2022 through December, the cruise line will transform its ships to celebrate "Very Merrytime Cruises." Holiday-themed decor and Disney characters decked out in their holiday best will welcome guests while a special visit from the big man himself will ensure everyone's wish gets granted.

As part of the holiday season, Disney plans to sail its brand-new ship, the Disney Wish , on fall voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida, heading out on 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas and stopping at the company's private island, Castaway Cay . To celebrate in style, passengers can book the one-of-a-kind suite in the ship's forward funnel.

"With five ships setting sail in fall 2022 from different homeports around the country, we are excited to offer more ways than ever before for families to make special memories with Disney Cruise Line," Thomas Mazloum, the president of Disney Cruise Line, said in a statement provided to T+L.

Earlier this month, Disney received approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to begin test cruises for volunteers. The company has not announced a vaccine requirement to board its U.S. ships, but will require guests 18 and older to be vaccinated before embarking on its planned UK sailings on the Disney Magic .

In addition to its holiday sailings, Disney has announced it will cruise to new destinations in the summer of 2022, including new ports in Greece, Portugal, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and Dominica.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

NEWS: Disney Cruise Line Releases Details on 2022 Halloween and Holiday Cruises

The magic of the holidays returns to Disney Cruise Line in the fall of 2022 with Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises across the fleet, including the first fall season on the all-new Disney Wish. With cruises departing from Florida, New York, Texas, and California, guests will have many opportunities to experience holidays at sea with Disney Cruise Line. Learn more below.

1 – Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises

“With five ships setting sail in fall 2022 from different homeports around the country, we are excited to offer more ways than ever before for families to make special memories with Disney Cruise Line,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Cruise Line.

Halloween on the High Seas returns to Disney Cruise Line in mid-September through October 2022. On select sailings across the fleet, guests can dress up and join Disney characters in their Halloween costumes at Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party; enjoy themed food, beverages and crafts; and immerse themselves in a ghostly ship takeover with elaborate decor and a magical Pumpkin Tree.

From early November through December, the Disney Cruise Line fleet is decked from bow-to-stern with holiday cheer and entertainment during Very Merrytime Cruises. Holiday magic is unwrapped for the whole family with festive holiday decor, favorite characters in their finest holiday attire and a special visit from none other than Santa Claus.

Bookings open to the public on June 24, 2021. More details can be found on disneycruise.com .

2 – Tropical Escapes from Florida

In fall 2022, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will embark on guest-favorite itineraries out of Port Canaveral, Florida, while the Disney Dream continues to sail from Miami.

The Disney Wish will continue its inaugural season with its first-ever fall and holiday sailings, offering a series of three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas, while the Disney Fantasy will offer six-, seven- and eight-night vacations to the eastern and western Caribbean.

The Disney Dream will take guests on four- and five-night Bahamian itineraries and five-night Caribbean cruises to either Grand Cayman or Cozumel, Mexico.

All sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami will include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise outfitted for family fun and relaxation and brimming with special Disney touches.

3 – Caribbean Cruises from San Juan

The Disney Magic will sail out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for two special itineraries in early November. A seven-night southern Caribbean sailing will visit Antigua, St. Lucia, Aruba and Bonaire, while a following six-night voyage will feature stops in St. Thomas and Falmouth, Jamaica.

4 – Baja Penisula Voyages from California

Spooktacular sailings return to California in late September with Halloween on the High Seas cruises to the Baja Peninsula from San Diego. The Disney Wonder will host three-, four-, five- and seven-night vacations from southern California, allowing guests to celebrate the Halloween season at sea while taking in the mesmerizing beauty of Mexico.

5 – Sailings to Bermuda and Canada from New York

The Disney Magic returns to New York in late September for a series of Halloween on the High Seas sailings to Bermuda and Canada. Guests can visit Bermuda’s pink sand beaches and colorful coral reefs on five-night vacations or set their sights for a special six-night cruise to the Canadian ports of New Brunswick and Halifax that includes a stop in Bar Harbor, Maine.

6 – Vacations to Bahamas and Caribbean from Texas

The Disney Magic will visit Galveston, Texas, in late November for a variety of five- and seven-night Very Merrytime Cruises. Guests can experience the magic of the holidays on western Caribbean itineraries with ports of call that include Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit  disneycruise.com , call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

RELATED ARTICLE: Very Merrytime Cruise – Our Review and What You Need to Know

Unwrap a holiday adventure for the whole family: a cruise aboard the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, all decked out with holiday cheer. From early November through December, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship during Very Merrytime Cruises. These holiday-themed cruises feature exclusive offerings for the whole family to enjoy. We recently enjoyed a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream! Keep reading for what you need to know about these fantastic cruises.

1 – Preparing for Your Very Merrytime Cruise

We had a lot of fun getting ready for our holiday cruise. We packed matching holiday shirts and brought our own stateroom decorations, along with ordering an in-room décor package. Check out our article on packing for a Very Merrytime Cruise by clicking here .

2 – Holiday Decorations Around the Ship

When you step aboard the ship during your Very Merrytime Cruise, you’ll find it decorated for the holidays. Decorations include a life-sized gingerbread house that smells amazing, garlands, poinsettias, and lights all around the ship. They really do make the ship even more magical. Finally, you’ll find a 24-foot Christmas tree in the atrium.  The tree stays dark until the first evening, during a special tree-lighting ceremony.

4 – Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic

On the first night of your cruise, you don’t want to miss “Mickey’s Tree-Light Magic,” a short show in the atrium lobby. During the show, Disney characters lead holiday carols and the lighting of the three-deck-tall tree. It was an entertaining show that set the stage for a great holiday cruise.

Click here to see a short video of the tree lighting ceremony!

5 – Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Also on the first night of the cruise, is “Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” in the atrium lobby. In this short show, cruisers welcome the guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The show is a grand celebration featuring Broadway-style entertainment, favorite Disney characters, and classic holiday tunes. This evening is made complete when a particular pair of royal sisters joins the party and causes a flurry of “frozen” fun as a magical snowfall overtakes the atrium.

6 – Dickens-Inspired Carolers

Throughout the cruise, be on the lookout for Dickens-inspired carolers. They carry the spirit of the holidays throughout the ship while singing holiday classics, sometimes with the help of favorite Disney friends. At the end of the cruise, children will have the opportunity to join the carolers onstage for a special farewell show.

7 – Family Holiday Activities

During the cruise, there are plenty of holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy. Chad and our daughter had a lot of fun decorating Christmas cookies. Santa Claus is also available in the atrium for holiday photos with guests. Finally, children and teens have holiday-themed activities in the youth clubs such as decorating stockings and gingerbread men cookies, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.

8 – Holiday Fun on Castaway Cay

9 – Holiday Greetings with Disney Characters

A highlight for many during a Disney cruise is the opportunity to meet your favorite Disney characters. Throughout the cruise, the characters will appear in different outfits. On embarkation day, you’ll usually find Mickey and the gang in their cruising outfits. On Castaway Cay, you’ll find them wearing holiday island attire. During a Very Merrytime Cruise, you’ll be able to meet them in holiday outfits as well! It was so much fun going around the ship to meet them and get pictures. Their outfits are really unique, so a photo with them an extra special keepsake to take home.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DisneyLists.com (@disneylists_com)

10 – Holiday Merchandise

No Disney vacation is complete without shopping for some merchandise, right? Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of items with different themes to guests. During our holiday cruise, I was most looking forward to seeing the Very Merrytime Cruise merchandise items, and I wasn’t disappointed. For the holiday season, they created a small holiday shop. Disney Dream’s Merchandise Manager told us that this was the first year they had dedicated store for the holiday items. You’ll find some items from the parks, but many items are exclusive to the Disney Cruise Line. One difference between shopping on your cruise and shopping at Walt Disney World is that on the ship, they are limited in how much inventory they can store. When something sells out, it will not be restocked during your cruise. So, if you see something you like early in your cruise, best get it then. Disney Cruise Line takes Disney Gift Cards. Disney Vacation Club members receive a 10% discount.

Click here to get a look at the exclusive holiday merchandise on the Very Merrytime Cruises.

11 – Storytime with Mrs. Claus

On the last day of our cruise, we were able to enjoy Storytime with Mrs. Claus. There was a great turnout. Many children were eager to hear from Mrs. Claus, who was sitting in her rocking chair in front of the Christmas tree in the lobby atrium. She read-aloud two stories, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “The Night Before Christmas.” At the end of the storytime, Mrs. Claus was joined by some surprise guests: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy! There was a brief time of mixing and mingling with the characters for photos, including Mrs. Claus herself. It’s a lovely holiday offering, especially for young children.

12 – See Ya Real Soon

On the final night of every Disney cruise, you can enjoy a short farewell show, ‘See Ya Real Soon,’ in the lobby atrium. We enjoyed a special holiday edition of the cheerful farewell celebration with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in a musical finale led by Mickey Mouse. The end of a Disney cruise is always so sad, but the final show makes it a bit easier to say goodbye!

13 – Thanksgiving Day Extras

If your cruise includes Thanksgiving Day, you will enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving Day feast and visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Also, during the special Thanksgiving voyages, NFL football games will be broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screens – Funnel Vision – located near the family pool.

14 – Christmas Day Extras

On Christmas morning at the atrium lobby tree, Santa Claus and his helpers will have a surprise for all the kids, and you’ll enjoy an exceptional musical performance from the children. A traditional Christmas dinner is served that night in the dining rooms. Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah services will be held for eight days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev.

15 – Overall Thoughts

We really enjoyed our Very Merrytime Cruise. The ship was beautiful, and the holiday-themed extras were fun and added extra magic to our cruise. We always love greeting the characters in unique outfits, and so we were thrilled to get photos with them in unique outfits. We would love to sail over Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day one year. I can only imagine how magical waking up on the ship on Christmas morning would be. If you’re looking for some extra holiday magic on an already fantastic vacation, then a Very Merrytime Cruise is for you!

If you’re thinking about booking a holiday Disney Cruise, now is the perfect time to do so! We highly recommend booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to ensure you are well taken care of and get all the discounts available to you. For more details and help booking your vacation, call (407) 442-0227. You can also get a no-obligation, FREE vacation quote by  clicking here . Their services are free to you, and they can answer any questions you may have.

Editor’s Note: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts provided us a complimentary Very Merrytime Cruise and special media-specific events during the cruise. However, as always, the thoughts and opinions contained in this article are entirely our own.

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

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Onboard Gifts - Very Merrytime Christmas holiday 2022

• Thread starter KevinFL
• Start date Sep 21, 2022

• Sep 21, 2022

The Christmas holiday themed gifts are not yet showing available for purchase. If when they become available anyone could pick back up on this thread so we get alerted would be great!  

It's not less monkey, it's Moe Monkey!

They are not showing available in the Onboard Gifts website but the VMT holiday room decorations are currently available over the phone.  

happycamper47

Dis veteran.

runskyhy said: They are not showing available in the Onboard Gifts website but the VMT holiday room decorations are currently available over the phone. Click to expand...

I felt teased this morning checking and seeing that the number of "available" items on my cruise increased from 82 to 85. No dice.  

Mouseketeer

KevinFL said: Awesome thanks for the heads up I was able to call and place an order. All they have right now is the 1 item 'Holiday Wish Decor'. Hopefully they add the little Christmas trees w/ ornaments they have had in years past we love those. View attachment 704033 Click to expand...

Living In A Secret Unused Disney Attraction

What comes with this? Will be sailing on one of those cruises and curious if we should get it  

3 Hobbits 2 Disney

Working our way home.

I called to do some changes today and he could see the holiday package but when I logged in for 12/10 Fantasy I could not.#waiting  

• Sep 22, 2022

Cfudge said: Anyone know why the emails show up like that? QTY 0 but the full price paid as normal? I ordered water and a couple other things and it showed the same way. Click to expand...

<marquee behavior=alternate><font color=blue>♫ Sh

• Sep 27, 2022

katmigordon

• Sep 28, 2022

earfulofmagic

Cranking out magic and assembly line whimsy.

• Oct 10, 2022

I have a cruise in those dates but can’t see any holiday decor in the gifts options… do I have to call? Thanks  

earfulofmagic said: As a heads up, though I think this may be implied in previous posts -- from the person I spoke to it sounds like they do not plan to put these on the website for online ordering at all, so best to call rather than wait and see. Total with tax was $99.51 Click to expand...

• Oct 12, 2022

DianaMB333 said: I have a cruise in those dates but can’t see any holiday decor in the gifts options… do I have to call? Thanks Click to expand...

Earning My Ears

• Nov 7, 2022

Spoke to someone today regarding Christmas decorations at DCL on board gifts. Told me that there are 2 Christmas trees ( approx 36- 40 inches tall) to choose from. Item # 2041 which is Mickey Mouse tree and Item # 2041 DCL which is Christmas nautical theme. Bothe have ornaments of the fab 5. Cost for each tree is approx $ 165.00.. I asked for a picture and they said they could not send to me. We are going on Wish in late December, so i am hoping that someone else buys and can post a picture. Not sure how I will get it home as the person told me that it does NOT come in a box!! THX  

Bobby D said: Spoke to someone today regarding Christmas decorations at DCL on board gifts. Told me that there are 2 Christmas trees ( approx 36- 40 inches tall) to choose from. Item # 2041 which is Mickey Mouse tree and Item # 2041 DCL which is Christmas nautical theme. Bothe have ornaments of the fab 5. Cost for each tree is approx $ 165.00.. I asked for a picture and they said they could not send to me. We are going on Wish in late December, so i am hoping that someone else buys and can post a picture. Not sure how I will get it home as the person told me that it does NOT come in a box!! THX Click to expand...

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The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Onboard Gifts Spotlight: Halloween on the High Seas Stateroom Décor

Enhance your Halloween on the High Seas voyage with a stateroom decor package available for pre-order via Disney Cruise Line’s Onboard Gifts and Amenities website .

Halloween on the High Seas Stateroom Décor (ITEM 1240) – $97.00

Conjure up spook-tacular stateroom decorations to keep your grim grinning ghoulies howling in delight on the haunted high seas! Frightfully delightful décor includes a comfy Sherpa blanket featuring Mickey Mouse and friends bedecked in their bewitching best, a vampire pumpkin Mickey pocket pillow, a trick-or-treat felt bag, Happy Halloween door magnet—plus 2 hanging banners sure to keep your Halloween spirits up!

Sailing on an upcoming Very MerryTime cruise? It may be worth calling to inquire about a Very MerryTime offering as this Halloween decor package was available via phone before it appeared on Disney Cruise Line’s Onboard Gifts & Amenities page .

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7 Replies to “Onboard Gifts Spotlight: Halloween on the High Seas Stateroom Décor”

As of today it is still not listed on the website. I cruise in a couple weeks so I will have to call.

Disney Cruise Line consultant told me today that they require you to call for this special package. 🙂 I was able to order one today!

That is a steep price for a little decoration

I agree which is why I bought mine on Hallmark. It is the same quality or better than all the ones I have from Disney and is Haunted Mansion Glow in the Dark, only 39 bucks. I was so impressed with the quality I ordered them for my kids too. 3 for the price of one of the ones on Disney. I have always ordered on Disney and normally love the quality however the ones I purchased on the Maiden Voyage, the Inaugural one and the Wish one were not of the same quality at all. Very thin..

What the ?….. I’ve been on 10 Disney cruises. I know what these cruises cost and what all the incidentals cost. I believe that I’ve traveled everything from Concierge to category10A on cruises with lengths of 4 to 12 days. Why would you spend your time and valuable suitcase space to save $60.00? There are better ways to save your money. Limit alcohol, select less expensive shore excursions, maybe limit internet access and be present on your vacation! Doing just one of these would save you even more!

What the?… right back at ya. I guess because I have cruised 8-10 times a year since 2015 and own all the blankets and when compressed they take no space at all. Every cruise I have been on I take one of them. Also I don’t feel the need to limit anything internet, alcohol or shore excursions. I really would like to know why you would assume having internet means not being present? I am not looking to save money. I am just looking not to be taken advantage of with inferior goods. I was stating what I do and what my feelings are not looking for tips from you. Oh and by the way we always cruise concierge and many times do a back to back eastern, western and I have my packing down to a science. I also drive to the port so I don’t need to save space. Maybe think about how your comment sounds before pressing send.

Sorry for any offense. Not all of us have the ability to drive and must fly. I wasn’t suggesting anyone scrimp on what is important on their vacation. I was just pointing out that those of us who don’t have the same opportunities as you could make 1 small change and still have the ability to have their room decorated. Vacations are made to be special.

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How to Order Disney Cruise Line Room Decor and Onboard Gifts

By: Author tanialamb

Posted on Published: November 7, 2022

Sailing on Disney Cruise Line is so much fun! You can decorate your Disney Cruise Line stateroom with your own decor or you can order room decor through Disney Cruise Line, so your room is already decorated when you walk in for an even bigger wow factor!

Photo: Disney

How to Order a Disney Cruise Line Room Decor Package

If you want to add a little extra pixie dust to your Disney Cruise Line room, you can order a Disney Cruise Line room decor package through Onboard Gifts . 

And it’s not only room decor! You can order Birthday Cakes, jewelry, sweets and snacks, alcohol, Star Wars and Marvel themed gifts and more. if you’re not the one sailing, you can also surprise a friend or family member with any of these options!

All packages and gifts must be ordered at least 3 days in advance of sail date. You can browse gift and room decor options with a reservation number or by port as some options may be different. 

Personally I’d rather spend my money on a room decor package to take home some souvenirs, because there is so much food and desserts on board the ships! Or I’d splurge on Palo Brunch as it’s my favorite meal.

Birthday Celebrations on Disney Cruise Line

There is also a birthday room package for Disney Cruise Line to help celebrate a birthday. Or again, you can also bring some of your own room decorations from home.

We did order my daughter a birthday cake in January of 2022 while we were onboard, and it was a fun surprise for her! We had to order at least 24 hours in advance at Guest Relations and they delivered it to her during our main dining room time. We were so full and had so much cake leftover!

Disney Merrytime Cruise Room Decor Packages

How cute is this Merrytime Cruise Christmas Decor package? For some reason it’s not showing up online through Onboard Gifts, but many guests have said you can order it by calling Disney Cruise Line directly. 

You’ll receive the room banners, blanket, pillow, and Goofy scarf all for around $100. 

All aboard for holiday fun!

This Santa Mickey pillow is adorable!

There are so many magical ways to surprise and delight guests on Disney Cruise Line. You could also make a reservation at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or buy your teens Disney Cruise Line wifi 😉  Or how about running the Castaway Cay 5k together?

No matter what your family’s love language is, you’re sure to have a great time on board. Bon voyage!

Halloween and Christmas on Disney Cruise Line: Here’s What You Need to Know

Disney Cruise Line offers a number of special sailings, with enhancements above and beyond the normal cruise experience. Two of the most popular special sailings are Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime.

Halloween on the High Seas Cruises

Halloween on the High Seas sailings take place on every Disney Cruise Line ship. Halloween-themed cruise typically take place from mid-September until the ship’s sailing that includes October 31. You can search for Halloween sailings by visiting the “Our Ships” tab on the Disney Cruise Line website and scroll down to the “Themed and Holiday Cruises” section.

You can verify that a cruise will be Halloween-themed by looking for the Halloween banners on the sailing listing.

Components of Halloween Cruises include:

• Changes to ship decor. Each ship has version of a “pumpkin tree” that fills much of the lobby atrium. There will often be one night with a ceremony that brings the tree to “life.” Often ship portholes are filled with Jack-O-Lantern faces and the atrium railings are festooned with orange and black bunting.
• Changes to ship music. Instead of standard Disney tunes, you’re likely to hear songs like “Monster Mash” piped into the ship’s public areas.
• Characters. Many of the Disney characters on the ship will appear in costume. (I’m going to pretend you didn’t just think to yourself, “Aren’t they always in costume?”) Some variations occur from year to year, but often Mickey and Minnie are dressed as a wizard and witch, Goofy is often King Tut, Chip & Dale are often comical thieves.
• Onboard activities. Some of the normal onboard craft sessions will have a Halloween twist. For example, a character drawing class will have the character in a Halloween setting. Trivia sessions might include a Halloween trivia game. There might be face painting or temporary tattoos available.
• Guest costumes. Typically one day of the cruise will have a costume party or parade called something like a “Mouse-querade party.” Kids and adults are welcome to dress up, but there are a bunch of rules about acceptable costuming. For example, you’re not allowed to carry anything that looks like a weapon, you can’t dress exactly like a regular character (no Cinderella replicas, for example), and you can’t wear non-medical masks when you’re walking around. Be sure to check the DCL website for specifics. Costumes are absolutely NOT required. If dressing up is not your thing, you don’t have to participate in dress-up activities.
• Trick or Treating. Kids will be invited to visit trick-or-treat stations during one day of the sailing.
• Food and drink. The drink-of-the-day will likely have spooky name and a few of the offerings in Cabanas (or Marceline Market on the Wish) might include pumpkin.
• Movies. The selection of films shown on the Funnelvision screens or in the onboard theaters typically includes Halloween-themed Disney films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas , Halloweentown , or Hocus Pocus .
• Merchandise. There will be some Halloween-themed merchandise for sale in the onboard shops.
• Photo backgrounds. Some of the onboard photo backgrounds will have Halloween themeing.

Very Merrytime Cruises

Fun fact: the word “merrytime” in the Very Merrytime name for DCL’s holiday cruises is a play on the word “Maritime” meaning “connected to the sea.”

Merrytime cruises typically start in mid-November and end with the last sailing of each ship that includes December 25. If you’re on a New Year’s Eve cruise, the Christmas decor will still be up, but it won’t have the Merrytime designation. You can verify that you’re booking a Merrytime cruise by looking for the ornament and light illustrated banner on the listing for your sailing.

Components of Merrytime Cruises include:

• Changes to ship decor. Each ship will have a giant Christmas tree that fills much of the lobby atrium, which will also feature a life-sized gingerbread house. The atrium railings are festooned with faux pine boughs and holiday ornaments. Additional trees will appear in nearly every public corner of the ship – and even on Disney’s private island Castaway Cay.
• Changes to ship music. Instead of standard Disney tunes, you’re likely to hear songs like “Jingle Bells” piped into the ship’s public areas.
• Characters. Many of the Disney characters on the ship will appear in wintery variations of their usual clothes – think cozy scarves and hats. On some sailings, you may have the opportunity to meet Santa.
• Onboard activities. Some of the normal onboard craft sessions will have a Christmas twist. For example, a character drawing class will have the character in a Christmas setting. Trivia sessions might include a Christmas trivia game. There will often be one night with holiday storytelling.
• Stateroom gifts. For sailings that actually include Christmas day, guests will likely receive a small gift in their stateroom such as candy or a print of the ship.
• Food and drink. The drink-of-the-day will likely have festive name and a few of the offerings in Cabanas (or Marceline Market on the Wish) might include red and green embellishments.
• Movies. The selection of films shown on the Funnelvision screens or in the onboard theaters typically includes Christmas-themed Disney films such as Mickey’s Christmas Carol .
• Merchandise. There will be some holiday-themed merchandise for sale in the onboard shops.
• Photo backgrounds. Some of the onboard photo backgrounds will have Christmas themeing.
• Religious observances. The ship will typically hold a midnight mass on Christmas Eve as well as Catholic and non-denominational services on Christmas morning, all in the Walt Disney theater, check your Navigator app for exact times. The ship lobby will have a Jewish menorah and a Kwanzaa Kinara placed somehere and there will be brief lighting events during sailings that include these holidays, but expect that these celebrations will be dwarfed by all things Christmas. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, you’ll have to consider how you’ll feel about the pervasive merriment.

What is the Pricing Like?

There is no specific upcharge for the enhancements on these cruises. With a tiny handful of exceptions, all the holiday perks are included with the price of your cruise. Prices related more to the date of the sailings rather than the holiday overlay. For example, sailings during the first two weeks of December include all the Christmas decor, music, food, and more, but the prices are very reasonable. Rates go up as more children have their holiday school vacations and the cruises that actually include Christmas can be quite pricey.

If you need assistance with deciding whether a holiday sailing on Disney Cruise Line is right for your family, contact one of our specialist travel agents for consultation and free quote.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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Disney Wish

Disney Wish is the newest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line family, having first set sail in Summer 2022.

Combining inventive design, cutting-edge technology and classic storytelling, the Disney Wish seamlessly brings Disney magic to life in new and unexpected ways, while creating the next generation in family entertainment.

Imaginative Dining

Dining meets storytelling aboard the Disney Wish. Step into the magical worlds of some of your favourite Disney stories and feast upon delectable, gourmet specialities at 3 all-new, upscale family restaurants.

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure - Be a part of the world's first Frozen-themed, theatrical dining experience as you're magically transported to the enchanting Kingdom of Arendelle aboard the Disney Wish.

Worlds of Marvel - Join Ant-Man and the Wasp during "Avengers: Quantum Encounter"-a demonstration of powerful Super Hero technologies. Leap into your own heroic role using an interactive Quantum Core at your table to shrink and grow objects at the push of a button as you take part in an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around you. All the while, enjoy a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring a range of delicacies from classic all-American fare to rich African flavours.

1923 - Named after the year The Walt Disney Studios was founded, this sophisticated dining establishment celebrates the unwavering spirit of the original studio that started it all. Travel back in time as you dine amid storyboards, sketches and props that illustrate the early animation process, while delighting in some of the tantalizing flavours found throughout the Golden State.

Innovative Experiences

AquaMouse - The adventures of Mickey and friends will be brought to life like never before on AquaMouse - the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. Complete with show scenes, lighting and special effects, this first-of-its-kind water ride will send you on a fun family adventure through 760 feet of winding tubes providing breath-taking views of the ocean, before splashing down into a lazy river.

Disney Unchartered Adventure - A first-of-its-kind interactive experience that takes classic Disney storytelling to new heights! Join some of your favourite Disney Characters on a multidimensional search to find fragments of a shattered Wishing Star, navigating across Disney storybook worlds throughout your cruise. Using your mobile device as an “enchanted spyglass”, embark on quests that let you interact with the ship in new and exciting ways.

The Walt Disney Theatre - Sit back and get lost in Broadway-style live shows - including Disney's Aladdin - a Musical Spectacular plus 2 all-new, original productions.

Movies & Live Entertainment - Enjoy live music, comedy acts and family game shows at Luna, an all-new entertainment venue featuring family fun by day and elegant entertainment at night. Or catch first-run films inside Wonderland Cinema and Never Land Cinema, 2 lush screening rooms inspired by Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland offering the latest visual and audio technology.

Watery Delights - Make a splash! Sunshine meets fun time on the upper decks of the Disney Wish, home to 10 pools and water play areas-inspired by Mickey and his pals. Or toy around at Toy Story Splash Zone, featuring larger-than-life rubber bath toys and the Slide-a-saurus Rex family slide.

Hero Zone - Game on! Action-packed physical challenges and game-show-style competitions can be found at this groundbreaking recreation space where families are invited to play together. Sports court, game floor, playground, movie theatre-Hero Zone is all of those and more!

Cool Kids' Clubs

Multiple themed spaces bursting with Disney storytelling and packed with fun-filled activities hosted by specially trained counsellors await children inside Disney's Oceaneer Club aboard the Disney Wish.

Marvel Super Hero Academy - Young Avengers, stand ready! Children ages 3 to 10 are invited to spring into action and train alongside some of their favourite Marvel Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, Black Panther, Ant-Man and The Wasp!

Walt Disney Imagineering Lab - Imagine what it would be like to create your own Disney attraction. At Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, kids can do just that! Through exciting hands-on activities, children will get a unique behind-the-scenes peek and discover how Disney magic is made.

Fairytale Hall - Young royals can craft floating lanterns at Rapunzel's Art Studio, act out their favourite stories in Belle's Library, and even create their own ice magic at Anna & Elsa's Sommerhus.

Mickey & Minnie Captain's Deck - Designed for the littlest cruisers, this nautically themed space is complete with activities and games, including pipe slides, ship's wheels and more. Plus, for even more fun, kids can hang out with Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie when they stop by!

Edge & Vibe - Relax, make friends and play games at Edge, a colourful New York inspired hangout for tweens. Teens can chill out at Vibe, where they can watch movies, enjoy games and take the occasional selfie. Older teens and young adults can check out The Hideaway, an all-new space designed just for them.

“it's a small world” Nursery! - In this whimsical daycare centre inspired by the beloved Disney attraction, little cruisers 6 months to 3 years of age can relax and play, while being looked after by specially trained counsellors and visited by some special Disney friends.

Elevated Adult Escapes

Adults can dine, relax and immerse themselves in magical settings designed just for them on the Disney Wish - from upscale restaurants and sophisticated lounges to an expansive pool area.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge - You are invited to experience this interstellar watering hole during the day, but at night, the lounge jumps to light speed and becomes a haven for adults only, offering interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by the hit films.

Quiet Cove - Retreat to this relaxing, adults only refuge featuring an infinity poor, bar and poolside lounge - dedicated to swimming, savouring drinks and soaking up the sun.

Palo Steakhouse - Prepare to be pampered at this elegant, adults-only restaurant inspired by the lovable pomp and circumstance of Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. An evolution of the Palo restaurant that Disney cruisers already know and love, Palo Steakhouse offers a scrumptious selection of premium steaks and exquisite Italian dishes

Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement - Inside this opulent adults-only restaurant inspired by Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, innovative international cuisine crafted by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement and spectacular ocean views evoke a certain "je ne sais quoi."

The Rose - Sip a cocktail surrounded by antique mirrors and floating rose petals at this elegant, adult-exclusive lounge reminiscent of the enchanted castle from Beauty and the Beast.

Quiet Cove - Retreat to this relaxing, adults-only refuge-featuring an infinity pool, bar and poolside lounge-dedicated to swimming, savouring drinks and soaking up the sun.

Artful Accommodations

Overflowing with Disney enchantment, staterooms aboard the Disney Wish are a luxurious, peaceful hideaway at sea designed for families, featuring ample space, plenty of storage and upscale amenities.

Verandah Staterooms - Spectacular ocean views are yours to enjoy in this redesigned home-away-from-home on the high seas that includes a private verandah, a queen-size bed, a pull-down bed, a sitting area with a convertible couch, and a split bathroom-plus a variety of upscale amenities.

Concierge Staterooms - Disney storytelling soars to new heights inside these rooms that feature a premium level of service. Stay in a Tangled-inspired cabin, or rest in one of 7 special The Little Mermaid-themed spaces featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to sea.

Royal Suites - First-class amenities, extravagant details and plush furnishings inspired by Sleeping Beauty abound in our 4 Royal Suites-2 of which feature 2 levels, a spiral staircase and a stained glass work of art. It's a royal welcome they'll never forget!

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News and Review: Moscow Mule Mocktail Float at Sprinkles in Disney Springs in July

By AJ and the DFB Team Leave a Comment

You guys! Run! Run to Sprinkles right now!

Because in addition to selling awesome Cupcakes  and Frosting Shots and Cookie/Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches , for the month of July, Sprinkles is also serving up truly refreshing Moscow Mule Mocktail Floats !

That’s right. We’ve all come to know and love Sprinkles in Disney Springs, with its cheerful decor and hyper-cool Cupcake ATM . But we’ve discovered that it’s so much more than a sunny place to grab a cupcake.

In fact, we’ve devoured just about everything on the menu with reckless abandon, stopping in to see what’s new in the dessert case and on the menu every chance we get. Because Sprinkles is always cooking up (or churning out!) something new and interesting. Back in May, they offered a Margarita Cupcake , which we thoroughly enjoyed.

So when we saw that they were offering Moscow Mule Mocktail Floats , we ordered one STAT!

Sprinkles Cast Members Making Magic

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Special Days at Sea and Holiday Cruises

Disney Cruise Line names its newest cruise ship

I t was bound to happen sometime, but Disney Cruise Line waited until its last of three new sister ships to name one Disney Destiny.

The sister ship to Disney Wish, which debuted out of Port Canaveral in 2022 and the soon-to-debut Disney Treasure arriving in Central Florida this December, the third ship in what was originally called the Trident class had its keel laying ceremony Wednesday at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

It won’t start sailing until 2025, and its home port has yet to be named, but among the details revealed for what will be the eighth ship in the cruise line’s fleet was the theme of the vessel, “Heroes & Villains.”

As such, the filigree artwork for the bow will be of Minnie Mouse wearing a superhero-style outfit complete with a cape.

The cruise line said among the characters from which it will mine features on board will be classic Disney animation films, “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.”

Disney of course owns plenty of good vs. evil intellectual property including Star Wars and Marvel.

“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager for the cruise line, in a press release. “As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising.”

Just like Disney Wish and Treasure, Disney Destiny will be powered by liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel that’s part of the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce emissions.

All three are the 144,000 gross-ton, 1,254-stateroom vessels but still targeting the 4,000-passenger capacity of its older ships, 2011’s Disney Dream and 2012’s Fantasy. The line’s first ships are the smaller Disney Magic that debuted in 1998 and Disney Wonder in 1999. They come in at 84,000 gross tons with 875 staterooms.

The line also is finishing construction for an Asia-bound cruise ship named Disney Adventure that will be the largest in the fleet at 208,000 gross tons.

Disney Wish became the line’s first new ship in more than a decade. It continues to do short three- and four-night Bahamas sailings while Disney Treasure will pick up seven-night trips to the Caribbean.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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