Ahoy there and welcome to planDisney, Judith. We're so glad you sailed on over to share this question with us. A cruise with a visit to the Disneyland Resort before and after?! Well, that just sounds like an absolutely magical vacation sandwich.
You are correct that all days from
multi-day tickets must be used within 13 days of first use. I'm so sorry to hear that this unfortunately won't work with your cruising plans. Instead of purchasing a 5-day theme park ticket, you could purchase two separate multi-day tickets to cover the days that you will visit the theme park. Although it may not be ideal, it could be the solution that works to make sure you get to visit the parks before and after your cruise. Depending on your timeline, you could also purchase the 5-day theme park ticket and only use the days that you are able to. In this situation, I would probably price out both options to see which one makes the most sense for my budget and plans.
No matter what you end up doing, there's one thing for certain. You will be visiting during the
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort which will be especially magical. Nothing gets me in the holly jolly spirit like walking down
Main Street, U.S.A. under all of the twinkling lights. And I can't forget to mention the seasonal eats and treats. Let's hope the ever-popular and adorably iconic Mickey gingerbread cookies make their triumphant return.
Judith, I'm sorry I don't have a better answer to share and I hope the information I've provided is still helpful. I hope everything works out to make this magical vacation sandwich happen. Here's wishing you a merry time at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Michelle