Ahoy, Amanda! Thanks so much for sailing by planDisney with your question. A
Very Merrytime cruise on the
Disney Dream is such a special way to kick off the holidays, and I’m happy to help make sure your sailing is picture-perfect!
The exact nights and times for the holiday photo ops can vary by sailing, so once you’re onboard, check your
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for the most accurate schedule. In general, the night of Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Deck Party tends to be one of the best nights for holiday photos because the characters appear in their Christmas outfits. On most 3-night itineraries, Pirate Night usually falls on night 2 and the Holiday Deck Party often lands on night 3, but there can be exceptions. For example, a recent 3-night Very Merrytime cruise on the Disney Wish had both Pirate Night and the Holiday Deck Party on the same evening, just at different times, so that’s a possibility on the Dream as well. Your Navigator app will confirm the exact schedule once you’re onboard.
Another helpful thing to know is that the holiday-themed backdrops, like snowy scenes and festive props, are usually available during the day, while the photos by the big Christmas tree in the atrium are typically scheduled in the evening when everyone is dressed for dinner and the darker lighting feels extra festive. But again, this may vary by ship
If your itinerary includes Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, both islands get their own holiday decorations during Very Merrytime sailings. Photographers are often stationed there, and those outdoor shots make gorgeous holiday cards!.
When it comes to purchasing photos, you can stop by
Shutters on Deck 4 Midship to view everything and decide whether you want individual prints or a package. You certainly don’t need the unlimited package unless you know you’ll want a large number of photos. Just make sure to do this before you get off the cruise. And if you’re thinking about outfits, even simple coordinated colors like red and green look great in holiday pictures. I often see families getting photos done in matching pajamas!
I hope this helps give you an idea of what to expect, Amanda. I wish I could tell you the exact night ahead of time, but your Navigator app will be your best friend once you’re on board.
Sea ya real soon,
Eean