Jedi training, light sabers and Star Wars-themed cocktails are just a few of the perks to be offered on board the 5,336-bed Disney Fantasy, which sails the Western Caribbean on a seven-night itinerary. Disney Cruise Line will be offering Star Wars Day at Sea occurring one day during each of the eight Disney Fantasy sailings in 2016—perfect for groups looking to avoid the typical Disney character themes.
The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, Jedi training sessions, meet-and-greets with Star Wars characters, unique food and beverage offerings and at-sea screenings of the Star Wars films and the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels, in the onboard theater. While Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Boba Fett and Stormtroppers will be roaming the deck, attendees are also encouraged to dress up in their own costumes.
In the evening, the onboard nightclub will take form of the Mos Eisley cantina scene from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Characters and cantina music will set the mood as Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails are served. A themed deck party will also take place, filled with music, dancing and games, as well as a fireworks show with lighting, sound effects and lasers.
Apart from participating in the Star Wars-themed festivities, meeting planners can plan teambuilding activities while in port. While visiting Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, attendees can go on a fly-fishing excursion or a snorkeling expedition where they will encounter colorful fish, queen conch and even sea turtles. More low-key attendees can rent bicycles or paddleboats. Anne Hamilton, vice president, resort sales and services for Disney Destinations, says that meeting planners can also organize private events on the island.
“Like the ship, Castaway Cay has separate areas for adults, families and children,” she adds. “The adults-only Serenity Bay has its own dining, recreation rentals and spa cabanas.”
Back on board Disney Fantasy, meeting planners can organize a dine-around experience in which attendees rotate among three of the ship’s restaurants—Animator’s Palate, Royal Court and Enchanted Garden—for a completely different dining experience, says Hamilton. Attendees will feast on dishes such as smoked salmon tartare and beef tenderloin at Animator’s Palate, decorated with character sketches and film strips from the classic animator’s studios; or French cuisines in the Disney princess-inspired Royal Court; or prime rib and sea bass in The Enchanted Garden, featuring glass flower light fixtures and a terrace fountain. The dining rooms on board can seat about 696 attendees and provide an ideal event space for award ceremonies and other events.
Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on Jan. 9 and 23; Feb. 6 and 20; March 5 and 19; and April 2 and 16 in 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., the itinerary includes stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Castaway Cay.
