FALL FORWARD: Disney updates 2023 cruise program

Bookings open July 28 for Disney Cruise Line 2023 fall excursions featuring Halloween happenings, holiday cheer, and the fleet’s first-ever departures from Fort Lauderdale. Cruises aboard DCL’s vessels Dream, Magic, Wish and Fantasy, will depart from Florida, California, and New York to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Bermuda, and a special stop in Canada.

Halloween on the High Seas cruises will return from mid-September through October 2023. Aboard these not-so-spooky sailings, guests will eat, drink and be scary with their favourite characters dressed in Halloween costumes, celebrate the season at Mickey’s Mouse-querade party, trick-or-treat at sea and more.

From early November through December, DCL ships will be extra merry and bright during Very Merrytime cruises that celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. On these sailings, Disney magic will take on a whole new meaning with characters dressed in festive garb from head to (mistle)toe, a special tree-lighting ceremony, holiday décor, and special guests – Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“With offerings for the entire family, specially curated activities for both Halloween and the holidays, and a brand-new home port in South Florida, our guests will have more ways than ever to experience the magic of Disney at sea,” says DCL Sr. VP and GM Sharon Siskie.

Among the options:

Disney Dream

The Disney Dream has new destinations on the horizon for the fall of 2023. Following its inaugural season in Europe, the Disney Dream will set sail from New York City for the first time. Families can choose from four-, five- and six-night sailings from the Big Apple to Bermuda, where they will explore the island’s renowned pink-sand beaches, world-class shopping, aquatic adventures and distinctive blend of British and Caribbean culture. Plus, a special four-night voyage on the Disney Dream will include a call in Saint John, NB.

Starting Nov. 20, 2023, Disney Cruise Line will find a new South Florida home in Port Everglades, offering four- and five-night cruises aboard the Disney Dream to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas. Families will enjoy stops in places like Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Nassau from Disney Cruise Line’s second year-round home port, along with visits to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island oasis.

Disney Magic

Beginning in mid-October 2023, the Disney Magic will find its home on the West Coast, setting sail from San Diego for voyages ranging from two to seven nights to Baja and the Mexican Riviera. Guests will experience the sparkling waters and beautiful landscapes of Santa Catalina Island, Calif., Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. An exclusive seven-night Mexican Riviera sailing will feature the breathtaking ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, which are perfect for recreational water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

Disney Wish, Fantasy

In the fall of 2023, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral to tropical destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

The Disney Wish will sail three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, including visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay.

The Disney Fantasy will offer families even more time to experience Disney Cruise Line’s world-class dining, Broadway-style shows, and spaces designed for the entire family during seven-night cruises to stunning destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean.