One random afternoon last year, I get a midday call from bestie.
“What are you doing?”
“Working… you?”
“Looking at options for a besties cruise!”
“Besties as in just us? No parents? No kids?”
“Yep. There’s one out of Galveston… and it’s a Marvel Day at Sea cruise.”
“When are we going?”
And just like that, we were booked on the Disney Magic for January 2026 — the first Marvel Day at Sea sailing of the season.
If you know me, you know this was basically destiny. I am fully obsessed with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Early in our friendship, bestie casually mentioned the only Marvel movie she’d ever seen was Avengers: Endgame. Obviously unacceptable. We fixed that with multiple sleepover weekends and a full MCU watch-through that ended with Black Widow in theaters.
So yes… this cruise was meant to happen.
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| I got to hold Cap's shield! |
What Is Marvel Day at Sea?
Before sailing, I’d heard of Marvel Day at Sea but didn’t really know what to expect beyond characters and themed events. What I learned quickly:
✔ It happens on a sea day
✔ It takes over the entire ship
✔ It is PACKED with experiences
✔ It is a must-do for Marvel fans
Naturally, I needed outfits. I grabbed a couple Marvel shirts, a Captain America PopSocket, and found an Avengers Loungefly crossbody on Poshmark. Priorities.
I was ready.
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| Dressed for the day! |
Starting the Day: Marvel 101
Marvel Day at Sea was our first sea day, and we started bright and early with Marvel 101. Since I’m an MCU girlie more than a comics expert, this was the perfect kickoff. It was fun, informative, and got the energy going for the day ahead.
Pro tip: Start early. The schedule fills FAST.
Ticketed Character Events — And a Near Miss
Because we were sailing concierge, we asked the team to book every Marvel event available. Best decision ever.
Our first ticketed experience was a Guardians of the Galaxy photo op in Animator’s Palate where we met Gamora and Groot.
Groot was SO tall. And those long fingers tapping my shoulder? Slightly terrifying. Completely amazing.
Next, we tried to meet Steve Rogers Captain America in Fathoms. The line was… epic. Think across the room, out the door, down the hall long. After 30 minutes we weren’t even close and our second ticketed event was coming up.
Bestie ran ahead to check what we might miss.
She came back wide-eyed:
Spiderman. Black Panther. And… IRONMAN.
Cue internal meltdown.
But thanks to some Disney magic and a very helpful cast member, we made BOTH events. The character interactions were incredible — immersive, funny, and surprisingly personal.
Yes, Ironman talked to bestie more than me. I’m still processing.
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Afternoon Highlights: Trivia, Loki, and Masks
After lunch we tried Marvel trivia. Let’s just say… there were some serious superfans in that room. We did not win. We did laugh a lot.
Following afternoon tea in the concierge lounge (highly recommend), we met Loki. He immediately noticed he was missing from my Avengers shirt and was not pleased. He did, however, pose for photos and shared his efforts to be nicer to Thor. Progress.
Then we headed to 3D mask making where we created Ironman masks — which led to one of the funniest moments of the trip.
Our concierge host suggested cutting mouth holes so we could drink with them on. Genius.
So yes… we wore Ironman masks to dinner.
And yes… it was hilarious.
Especially because our “besties-only cruise” had quietly turned into besties + my mom + her boyfriend + bestie’s parents about four weeks before sailing. Surprise! They were already seated and absolutely lost it when we walked in.
Worth it.
Evening Magic: Characters Everywhere
Back in our stateroom we found the best towel animal of the cruise — Mjolnir. Perfection.
That evening the ship transformed again with Marvel-themed appearances from Mickey and friends. We met Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip, and Dale in their superhero gear.
And just when we thought the night was over…
Ironman Goofy appeared near the elevators. No photos, but the sighting alone was iconic.
Is Marvel Day at Sea Worth It?
Absolutely yes.
Marvel Day at Sea on the Disney Magic exceeded every expectation I had. The energy, the characters, the creativity, the humor — it was nonstop fun from morning to night.
We purchased the photo package and I cannot recommend that enough. The photos from this day alone made it worth it.
What surprised me most:
✔ The character interactions feel personal
✔ The schedule is full but never overwhelming
✔ There’s something for every level of Marvel fan
✔ Even one day feels like a full event experience
And honestly? There were still characters and activities we missed. I would sail again in a heartbeat.
Planning a Marvel Day at Sea Cruise?
If you’re considering this sailing, here’s my quick advice:
⭐ Book character events early if possible
⭐ Wear Marvel gear — characters notice
⭐ Plan breaks (you’ll need them)
⭐ Get the photo package
⭐ Bring your sense of humor
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