7 reasons to love a Disney Star Wars cruise

Maybe you’re a Star Wars fanatic and maybe you’re not (the numbers say you probably are). But whether you know the difference between a TIE Fighter and a Rebel X-Wing, Disney Cruise Line has a vacation option that you definitely want on your short list when considering to book a cruise.

We were fortunate enough to be on the inaugural sailing of Disney Cruise Line’s Star Wars Day at Sea cruise. We’re far from Star Wars super fans, but we had no problem identifying seven reasons why we think anyone would love this unique travel option.

Episode 1: The fans. If you’re a big Star Wars fan, you’ll feel like you’ve finally found your tribe. If you’re not a fan yet, you certainly will be by the end of cruise, because the energy and enthusiasm on board is so infectious. You would have to be as empty as a hologram to not want to be part of the excitement.

Viewfinder Tip: Want more details about what to expect on Disney’s Star Wars Day at Sea? See more here.

Episode 2: The movies. On these special sailings, Disney shows all seven Star Wars movies multiple times, including 3-D viewings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in the majestic Walt Disney Theater. As far as we know, this is the only place that you can binge watch all seven episodes on the big screen.

Episode 3: The menu. Many people take a cruise for the copious amounts of great food. So imagine all of the cuisine you’ve come to expect and a day full of Star Wars–themed offerings. We loved the presentation (and flavor) of Princess Leia’s Warm Apricot Pudding.

Episode 4: The costumes. We already said the fans are hardcore. Their devotion was most apparent when they donned their costumes—many homemade and most shockingly on point. Roaming around the ship, it was almost impossible to tell the difference between fans in costumes and Disney’s expertly outfitted characters.

Episode 5: The characters. Speaking of expertly outfitted characters, Disney Cruise Line and Lucasfilm collaborated to bring many of the movies’ characters on board for interactive, themed experiences. Guests could choose from three different character meet-and-greet photo options: The Dark Side, Tatooine, or Bespin. Our Tatooine experience was with R2-D2 and C-3PO (with a red arm, no less), both of which seemed to have walked directly out of the screen. Additionally, characters roamed the ship; imagine stormtroopers on the lido deck and Darth Vader in the atrium.

Episode 6: The festivities. Star Wars Day at Sea is chock full of themed events. From Star Wars 101 for newbies to Jedi training, a Padawan mind challenge, a galactic dance party, and guest speakers, there really is something for everyone. The highlight, though, is the Summon the Force stage show that concludes with a special Star Wars edition of Disney’s signature, spectacular fireworks at sea. Boom!

Episode 7: The cruise. Let’s be honest, Star Wars Day at Sea wouldn’t be nearly as fun if the entire cruise experience didn’t live up. This is where Disney Cruise Line really shines. Industry-leading levels of service, innovative dining experiences, expertly curated adult-only options, and kids and youth programming that will make you envious of your children can be found on every Disney cruise.

Would you take a movie-themed cruise?

Tile, header, and pudding photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.