Packing List for a Disney Cruise
What to pack for your Disney Cruise Line vacation.
Maybe you’ve had the trip booked for over a year, and now the countdown is getting closer, but then it hits you, “What am I going to pack?!” As your experienced travel agents specializing in Disney Destinations, we strive to take away your stress and allow you to enjoy your vacation. Here is a suggested packing list for a Disney Cruise.
Carry-on Bag for Embarkation:
I always recommend setting aside a separate packing pile for items you want to have in your carry-on bag. During the embarkation process, you’ll be separated from your luggage for a while, so it is important to have some items packed in a bag that you’ll keep with you. Items such as:
Medications
Passport and/or required citizen documentation
Extra contacts lenses or prescription glasses
Sunscreen
Portable phone charger (I never travel without one now!)
Swimsuit, cover-up, flip-flops, and hat — the pools will be open and if you have these in your carry-on back you can be ready to start your Disney Cruise Line vacation!
Vacation attire:
Although Disney Cruise Line sails to incredible places like the Mediterranean, Alaska, Norway, the South Pacific, and more, the most popular cruise itineraries I book are the Bahamas and Caribbean. With Disney’s private island in the Bahamas (my favorite! And soon to be opening a second one in June 2024!), this list will be focused on packing for that quintessential Bahamian or Caribbean cruise vacation.
Shorts, capris and/or pants
Sandals
Sneakers — there is a walking track around the ship, plus a fitness center, and some Port Adventures will require closed-toed shoes for hikes or tours. Also if you plan to take advantage of the fitness center, fitness classes, etc. pack some workout clothes!
Sundresses
Minnie Ears (I mean how cute are these cruise themed ones?!)
The matching family t’s
Items for autographs — If your kids are into characters they will see a lot on the Disney Cruise Line! Of course Autograph Books are classic, and if you purchase them in advance you can save some money over the ones in the gift shop. Mickey & Friends Autograph Book | Stitch | Princesses
Don’t use the pens that come with them though — the characters prefer the clickable sharpies!
I personally prefer to do some more unique items compared to the autograph books such as a photo frame mat that characters can sign and then you can print off a family photo from the cruise to put in there. Or I’ve seen others sign hats, t-shirts, backpacks, etc. So think about what would be special and fun to your kiddo and get creative with it! Just definitely get those clickable sharpies. You’ll make them so happy.
Sun hat or cap
Beach Bag (maybe doubles as your carry-on for efficient packing!) for getting off the ship at ports of call. Sometimes I will carry it around the ship if I’m going to the pool with a book, sunscreen, my towel clips, etc.
More sunscreen! I always have to remind myself that the Caribbean sun is way different than the sun we see here in Kansas, or even Florida. I also recommend using a Sea Safe Sunscreen - this not only is better for the sea life and environment, but it also provides some protection from jellyfish stings. Large jellyfish are kept out of the lagoon at Castaway Cay so it is rare to experience this at Castaway Cay. However, at other beaches in the Bahamas and Caribbean the peak season for jellyfish is June-August.
I also pack an after-sun lotion that helps keep my skin hydrated after being out in the sun. I use it even if I didn’t get a sunburn, but it does also help with that!
I recommend at least 2 swimsuits per person. There is nothing worse than trying to put on a still-wet bathing suit. This allows you to rotate and keep one hanging so that it is fully dry before putting it back on. (Reminder from above, that one suit I recommend packing in your carry-on and the second can go in your luggage.)
Beach Chair Clips or Towel Bands — it can get breezy on the pool decks, especially on days at sea. This is also just an inexpensive way to keep your towel from sliding down and re-adjusting it all the time. We got the Bands as a Castaway Club sailing gift one cruise and it was amazing — I kept thinking, “why haven’t I had this on my cruise packing list sooner?!”
Waterproof phone case — keep your phone handy and projected if you get in the water. I have these and they are actually completely sealed!
Magnets — to me this is optional, but you will see lots of stateroom doors decorated because they are magnetic. You can theme it to your specific cruise, a birthday or celebration, your favorite characters, etc. Again, not required, but just something fun you’ll see onboard if you’re interested in participating.
Multi Charger Block — Everything needs to be charged these days - e-Readers, iPhones, tablets, DisneyBand+, and more. Power strips are not allowed on Disney ships. By bringing a multi-charger block, you can charge 6 devices from one outlet. The Wish staterooms now have several USB charging outlets at the desk and next to the bed, including two USB-C ports. Some of the older ships though have the usual plug-ins.
Sweatshirt, jacket, or sweater to layer. Although you’re probably going to a warm destination, many areas of the ship are very air conditioned. I hate to be cold in the theatre or restaurants, so I always bring a jacket that is easy to layer over dresses, shirts, etc.
Pajamas
Dinner outfits (see next)
Dining Attire:
Dining aboard the Disney Cruise Line can be an opportunity to get the family dressed up! They have a number of areas each evening where photographers and backgrounds are set up to capture beautiful family photos. Know that you don’t have to dress up, but it can make it fun. For the main dining rotations, the only dress-code requirement is no swimwear or tank tops. Otherwise nice sundresses, slacks, polos, etc. — what they call “cruise casual” — is completely acceptable.
If you’re on a 7-night or longer sailing, they will also have additional themed nights. This could include a formal night where guests are encouraged to dress up (tuxes or suits for men, fancier dresses for women). Most of the Caribbean itineraries will also included a pirate-themed night and some guests will go all-out for this!
I always remind my Guests to check the Disney Cruise Navigator app because that will have more details pertaining to your specific sailing.
Additionally, if you’ve selected to dine at one of the adults-only restaurants on board your Disney ship, they have an elevated dress code. According to the Disney Cruise Line website, “Adult-exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line ships are elegant dining experiences and Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s ambiance. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress-casual attire with a polished look is permitted (such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts and blouses, and lifestyle shoes). Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire is not permitted.”
Alternative cruise itinerary packing lists:
If you’re traveling in the winter time, you may want to bring additional pants/slacks, jackets, sweaters, and closed-toed shoes.
Disney has a lot of themed cruises such as Marvel Day at Sea, Pixar Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime sailings. Pack your son’s favorite Marvel costume and wear it to meet all the extra characters on board the Marvel Day at Sea! Or there is tick-or-treating on Halloween on the High Seas so pack those fun matching Disney family costumes! We plan to have some festive shirts for the Very Merrytime one and I want to get our family Christmas card photo taken with the decor on this sailing so we’ll be packing some outfits for that — check back soon for photos!
Alaskan Cruise Itineraries should also consider packing a heavier coat, gloves, hat, boots, and sweatshirts. They also recommend packing an umbrella or poncho, waterproof/windproof coat, and binoculars.
For many of the European ports of call or Transatlantic itineraries, it is encouraged to bring long skirts or pants and shirts that cover the shoulders as this is required in some religious venues.
Always double check the details of your Port Adventures to ensure you have any thing that may need to be brought with you for that. This could include boots or rubber-soled shoes, cash, rain jackets, etc.
Prohibited items on a Disney Cruise:
Do NOT pack these items with you for your Disney Cruise Line vacation. It will either be confiscated and/or you could be denied boarding or even have legal penalties in some cases.
Firearms and ammunition, weapons of any kind such as knife, sword, dagger, etc.
Homemade, pre-cooked or other perishable items. You’re also not allowed to bring coolers. (Exceptions being for medical purposes or approved dietary constraints.)
Irons, bottle warmers, sporting equipment, balloons, candles, musical instruments — leave them at home!
Illegal drugs inclusive of medically prescribed and synthetic marijuana
Check out Disney’s list of Prohibited Items FAQ if you have further interest. By booking your Disney Cruise Line vacation, you’re agreeing to the code of conduct and cruise contract, so please follow the rules and be respectful of others.
Now that you’ve got your packing list for a Disney Cruise you’re ready to sail and just enjoy!
I will mention this again — please remember your passport and/or required citizen documentation (listed in the carry-on section). If you forget to pack clothes, toothbrush, etc. you can buy once aboard the ship, but without your documentation, you can’t get on the ship!
If you have questions about what to pack for a Disney Cruise or any thing about sailing with the most magical ships on the seas - please let me know!
I hope you love your Disney Cruise Line vacation as much as I do! “Sea” ya real soon!
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