Last week we spent sailing on the Disney Fantasy. We started planning the trip over a year ago and, only after booking, learned it was a Star Wars Day at Sea cruise! As the title implies, a full day is devoted to all things Star Wars – characters, activities, even foods. Our “day” was actually spread across 3 days in order to help guests social distance and gave us lots of opportunities to enjoy the many special activities.
Curious about what happens on a Star Wars Day at Sea (SWDAS) cruise? Here’s a taste of what we experienced:
Characters
Characters from Star Wars movies and tv shows roamed the ship throughout the day. While a couple general times were noted in the app, some where completely unexpected – like the moment Rey walked up to our daughter eating a snack on the pool deck and started talking to her. These are priceless moments you just can’t create.
We found Jawas roaming the atrium after dinner looking to make a trade. I’m not sure if they were ever successful, but it was amusing watching them scurry around and interacting with guests.
A few of the more popular classic characters (Darth Vader, Chewbacca, C3-PO, and R2-D2) had reserved timeslots which helped manage the crowds and also ensured you could meet your favorites easily. Our app notified us when it was time to head to the designated spaces to meet them.
As with all character meets right now, you can’t get too close. There was a marker on the floor at each photo spot to note where to stand. Even Darth wants to stay safe from COVID.
Non-Character Photo Opportunities
There was a large SWDAS backdrop in the atrium most of the week. Initially the title section was covered and simply read “Disney Cruise Line.” Later in the week, the cover was removed and the lighted “Star Wars Day at Sea” was prominently displayed. Professional photographers were on hand here several times during the cruise. You can also choose to take photos with your own camera. We found it open and available later in the evenings.
Youth Club Events
Our kids participated in special themed events in the youth clubs. The Oceaneer Club & Lab (ages 3-12) featured a variety of crafts including making their own lightsabers and paper plate Millennium Falcon spaceships.
Edge (tween club) posted a daily schedule of planned activities throughout the cruise. Naturally, they were all Star Wars themed on our official SWDAS day. Our son enjoyed playing trivia and droid racing.
Animation Class
There were multiple animation class options (even one just for tweens in Edge). I attended a class offered in the afternoon while the rest of the family enjoyed other activities. I arrived early, snagged a prime seat in the D Lounge and learned how to draw a Porg. So fun and I think it turned out pretty cute. I extracted it and added the drawing to my scrapbook page layout next to the photo.
Credits: Center collaboration kit by designers at The Lilypad; Project Mouse (Galaxy) Artsy, (Vibes) Artsy, and Artsy No 1 kits by Britt-ish Designs and Sahlin Studio.
Porg Scavenger Hunt
If you were walking along decks 3 through 5 on SWDAS, you might notice something new on some of the walls that didn’t exist the day before. Beyond that, the Porg Scavenger Hunt was not a well advertised activity. We would have missed it entirely if we had not spotted another guest holding the Porg cutout and asked about it. If you’re sailing on a SWDAS cruise, head to the Port Adventures desk to pick up your Porg.
Then search the decks and locations noted in the map on the back. You’ll want to find all 9 clues to solve the puzzle.
Star Wars Merchandise
Mickey’s Mainsail gift shop had a small section devoted to Star Wars merchandise – hats, toys, and stuffed animals. There were also a few items featuring the SWDAS name and/or logo. These included t-shirts (one style for kids and one for adults), lanyard, and a trading pin.
Themed Food
We quickly started noticing menu changes and labels as the week progressed – all featuring Star Wars.
The dinner menu on our official SWDAS day was entirely Star Wars themed and, honestly, one of my favorite Disney Cruise Line themed menus. Most impressive design wise? The Princess Leia’s Warm Apricot Pudding dessert option. My husband ordered this and I had to get a photo. By far one of the cutest desserts we had during the week. I love how they captured her hair style.
Live Shows
Instead of a pirate night fireworks show, our SWDAS cruise featured a Star Wars themed fireworks show – appropriately named Fireworks at Sea. It was offered the night before and included video on the Funnel Vision screen as well as a fireworks presentation with Star Wars music.
The following night, a second live show, Summon the Force, took place on the pool deck. It featured video clips from movies on the Funnel Vision as well as live character interactions. Thankfully everyone sat down for the show so it made it easy to see – even for the little cruisers. We were about halfway back which worked out well as our youngest wasn’t too keen on being closer to the action.
Both of these shows were fairly short (under 30 minutes), but a nice way to end the evening.
This was our second themed cruise with Disney Cruise Line. Our first being a Very Merrytime Cruise in December 2019. Both were a lot of fun. We enjoyed the decorations, different twists on activities and menus.
