large party dining
  • On Mar 13, 2026
    Kim from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I have a reservation for a cruise from San Diego on March 27. A member of my party is having a birthday on the 27th (day of departure). What options do we have to celebrate?

    Ahoy, Kim!

    Thanks for stopping by to visit us here at planDisney!  A birthday celebration at sea sounds absolutely magical!  Since you're setting sail next week, let's quickly chat about options to help you prepare for your cruise.

    My first suggestion is to check out the Onboard Gifts available for your cruise.  Here you'll find options for celebration cakes and cupcakes as well as birthday decorations for the stateroom.  You can also take a look at special food and beverages available for delivery to your stateroom on your departure day.  It's important to note that most Onboard Gifts can be ordered up to 3 days before your sailing date, but cakes and cupcakes must be ordered at least 7 days before your cruise.

    Once you board the ship, you can visit a Cast Member at Guest Services to pick up a "Happy Birthday" button so that everyone knows that you have a special celebration in your party.  When we celebrated my boys' birthdays on previous cruises, we also informed our serving team at dinner, and they joined us in singing "Happy Birthday" during dessert that evening.  If it's an adult celebrating their birthday, you may also want to check availability for adult-exclusive Onboard Activities, such as dining at Palo, a beverage tasting, or a visit to Senses Spa & Salon. These "extras" are a great way to add a pinch of pixie dust to any birthday celebration!  

    Finally, I'd like to share a pro tip that helps my embarkation day feel a bit more relaxed.  As you are boarding, check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to confirm available lunch options.  You'll typically find that one of the three main restaurants is open for a sit-down lunch rather than heading up to the pool deck for buffet dining.  We find this to be a great way to catch our breath after a busy morning in the cruise terminal and truly celebrate the fact that vacation has started!  Since your party will be celebrating a birthday as you board, you may find this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some quality time together before everyone starts exploring all the ship has to offer.

    No matter how you choose to celebrate, I'm sending lots of pixie dust for a WONDER-ful time on your upcoming cruise!  If you have any other questions, Kim, please stop by to see us again here at planDisney!

    SEA ya real soon!
    Kristi  
thumbnail image for Kristi

Meet the Panelist: Kristi, Maryland

Hi! I'm Kristi and I've been making magical memories at the Walt Disney World Resort since my first visit in 1989. While I cherished my childhood visits, my favorite memories have come sharing all of the excitement and wonder of a Disney Parks vacation with my husband and three boys. Whether you're planning a runDisney racecation, a trip with little ones, a land and sea adventure, or anything in between, I'm ready to help you make some bibbidi-bobbidi-beautiful plans for your next Disney Parks vacation! Learn More About Kristi

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