Celebrating 25 Years of Magic at Sea
The Disney Cruise Line has been a beloved vacation destination for families since its inception 25 years ago. This year, the cruise line is celebrating its Silver Anniversary at Sea, marking a quarter-century of magic on the high seas.
The Disney Cruise Line was founded in 1998, with the launch of its first ship, the Disney Magic. The ship was an instant hit, with its classic design and family-friendly amenities. The Disney Wonder followed in 1999, and the two ships have been sailing the seas ever since. In 2007, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy were added to the fleet, and in 2022, the Disney Wish made its debut.
Over the years, the Disney Cruise Line has become known for its exceptional service, immersive theming, and top-notch entertainment. From Broadway-style shows to character meet-and-greets, there’s something for everyone on a Disney cruise. The cruise line also offers a variety of dining options, including rotational dining, where guests rotate through different restaurants each night.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Disney Cruise Line has planned a variety of special events and offerings. The “Silver Anniversary at Sea” celebration kicked off on May 1st, with a signature song called “Shimmering Seas” created especially for the occasion. The song celebrates 25 years of magic at sea in an upbeat and catchy tune.
In addition to the signature song, the cruise line has also introduced the Shimmering Seas Collection, which includes commemorative merchandise such as pins, hats, and t-shirts. Guests can also enjoy celebratory treats and eats, including a special anniversary cake available at all onboard restaurants.
The anniversary sailings aboard all five Disney Cruise Line ships will feature special entertainment, including a new stage show called “Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic.” The show features classic Disney songs and characters and is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
For those looking to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation during the Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration, there are a variety of itineraries to choose from. The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sail to destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe, while the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The Disney Wish will sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean as well, with its inaugural season beginning this summer.
Special activities, shows, merchandise, and food added to Silver Sea sailings:
01
Fireworks
Silver Anniversary Fireworks at Sea is a new fireworks show created in honor of Disney Cruise Line’s 25th anniversary. The limited-time evening extravaganza will uphold the cherished Disney tradition of fireworks and honor Disney’s continuing legacy of adventure. The dazzling spectacle will be set to the tunes of iconic and beloved Disney music, and anchoring the show will be a brand-new signature song created especially for the “Silver Anniversary at Sea. The 25th anniversary fireworks show will be featured on most Bahamian, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cruises this summer. According to the 25th Anniversary page on DCL’s website, there will be two nights of fireworks. The show will be a part of the Silver Anniversary at Sea Soirée, which is a new onboard celebration featuring a themed menu, drinks, and entertainment.
02
New Broadway-style Shows
Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic is a stage show that debuted in 1998 and is performed on the Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. The story focuses on Anne-Marie, a young child who has trouble getting to sleep one night and even more trouble believing in magic. With the help of the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio and Peter Pan from Peter Pan, Anne-Marie is tasked to find her own magic by the time the clock strikes 6. The show contains an Aesop that dreams are born from within you, and it’s important to hold onto them even after you grow up, for that’s when you need them most. The show features a host of Disney characters, including Snow White and Hercules in earlier versions, but they were dropped over time.
03
New Food & Drinks
Limited-time enhancements, including new onboard treats such as a signature cocktail created especially for the occasion, a 25th cupcake, a Mickey chocolate sphere, chocolate cream cookie, Captain Minnie crisped rice treat, and signature desserts in the family dining venues
04
New Merchandise
Disney Cruise Line has released a new line of merchandise called the Shimmering Seas Collection, which is themed to the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” celebration. The collection includes an assortment of apparel, accessories, drinkware, keepsakes, and more. The merchandise is available on special Disney cruises and can be purchased onboard the ships. The collection features a Loungefly mini backpack, Spirit Jersey, and other items. The Shimmering Seas Collection is available on sailings aboard all five Disney Cruise Line ships from May through September 2023. The merchandise is designed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Disney Cruise Line and features the signature color of the celebration, Shimmering Seas.
05
Cataway Club
New membership tier for Castaway Club, which recognizes returning the cruise line’s guests with exclusive rewards and benefits. Members will now earn the Pearl status after 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations.
Silver anniversary sailing destinations:
The Silver Anniversary at Sea cruises will feature new entertainment, inspired menu items, new Castaway Club gifts, and new merchandise. Commemorative merchandise includes a new line of jewelry, a Shimmering Seas Collection of merchandise, a “Silver Anniversary at Sea” ornament, trading pin, and collectible ship replica. A new fireworks display will also premiere on select “Silver Anniversary at Sea” itineraries, set to the tunes of iconic and beloved Disney music.
01
Magic & Wonder
The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are two of the four ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet that will be sailing to destinations as part of the Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration. The Disney Magic will visit destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean, including Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, departing from Miami from May 24 to September 4. The Disney Wonder will depart on Alaskan voyages from Vancouver, Canada, from May 15 to September 11.
02
Dream & Fantasy
The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are two of the four ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet that will be sailing to destinations as part of the Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration. The Disney Dream will sail transatlantic and European itineraries, including the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, from May 7 to September 17. The Disney Fantasy will sail to destinations in the Caribbean, including the Eastern and Western Caribbean, from Port Canaveral, Florida, from May 28 to September 2.
03
Disney Wish
The Disney Wish will be one of the five Disney Cruise Line ships hosting Silver Anniversary at Sea sailings during the summer of 2023. The Disney Wish will depart on sailings to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay from May 1 to September 8 from Port Canaveral.
04
Castaway Cay
Disney’s Castaway Cay, the private island in the Bahamas owned by Disney Cruise Line, is also celebrating its 25th anniversary as part of the Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration. Castaway Cay will be sporting anniversary decorations, and a new “Silver Anniversary at Sea” ornament, trading pin, and collectible ship will be available for purchase. The island will also offer a picture-perfect backdrop for a commemorative photo.
The Disney Cruise Line has been a beloved vacation destination for families for 25 years, and its Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration is a testament to its enduring popularity. With special events and offerings planned throughout the year, there’s never been a better time to book a Disney cruise and experience the magic for yourself.