Welcome aboard! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re about to embark on a magical journey at sea with Disney Cruise Line.
But before you set sail, it’s important to make sure you’ve packed all the essentials. After all, you don’t want to be caught without your Mickey ears or sunscreen when you’re lounging on the sundeck.
So before you head on out to your Disney Cruise, take a look at this packing list and get ready to make some room in your suitcase for all the Disney-themed goodies you’re going to bring back home.
It’s time to set sail and let the fun begin! Plus, there’s even a free printable checklist at the end of this article.
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What to Pack for a Disney Cruise
What to pack for a Disney Cruise? This is by far one of the most common questions for people planning their upcoming Disney Cruise vacation. Here are all of the must-bring items on my Disney Cruise packing list:
1. Swimsuit
A swimsuit is by far one of the most important things to pack when going on a cruise due to the sheer amount of pools, slides, and hot tubs that are available on every Disney Cruise ship.
Even if you’re going to Alaska or Norway, it’s always great to have a bathing suit especially if you plan on hopping in the hot tub. Not to mention, it’s important to pack one if you plan on using some of the amenities inside of the onboard Senses Spa.
2. Refillable Water Bottle
Unless you’re staying in a Concierge Stateroom, I recommend that you bring your own refillable water bottle and cup with lid so that you can take advantage of the complimentary foundation soda, coffee, tea, and and drinks on the pool deck.
3. Portable Battery Pack
Although you have to pay for a wifi package when onboard, there’s now an even greater chance that you’ll be on your phone during your cruise. That’s why it’s great to always stay charged and connected during your onboard activities and even Port Adventures (excursions).
4. Day Bag
A day bag or pool bag is a great way to have all of your poolside and beachside essentials on you such as sunglasses, sunscreen, extra clothes, books, goggles, etc.
Not to mention a day bag will come in handy during certain Port Adventures.
5. Lanyard
If this is your first ever Disney Cruise, you’ll want to be sure to bring your own lanyard for your Key to the World Card, which acts as your room key and room charge card.’
6. Hand Sanitizer
Besides the wipes they give out before you enter any rotational dining restaurant, hand sanitizer has become less and less available throughout the cruise ship. That’s why I recommend that you bring your own for just a little extra protection.
7. Pepto Bismol or Tums
You’re more than likely going to be eating A LOT during your cruise so it’s always great to have some Tums or Pepto on your just in case something doesn’t sit right.
8. Liquid IV
Although Disney Cruises aren’t huge drinking cruises (at least compared to Royal Caribbean or Carnival) it’s still great to have a Liquid IV on hand just in case you have a little bit too much fun.
9. Sunscreen
The sheer amount of sun you’d experience on the pool sundeck and even Castaway Cay is quite significant.
10. Toiletries and Cosmetic Products
I’m 1000% sure that you won’t leave home without these but I’ll just throw this on here just in case. I would double check to make sure that you have enough toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, cologne/perfume, makeup, feminine hygiene products, razors, and shaving cream. Yes, some of the shops sell these products on board, but it’s always great to have your own stash especially if you’re particular about the brands that you use.
11. Comfortable Clothes
I’m all about dressing for comfort during your cruise, especially on Sea Days. Unless you have some special activities or photo ops, it’s totally fine to dress down a bit while on your vacation.
12. Travel Documents
Before you leave home to set sail, make sure that you have all of your import travel documents like passports (if your cruise requires one), drivers license, health insurance card, etc.
13. Diapers and other Baby Essentials
Although you can find diapers and wipes inside a couple of the stores on board the ship, it’s always great to have your own packed in your suitcase for your trip. Plus, don’t forget to pack any formula that your child may need.
And on the topic of diapers, don’t forget to pack any swim diapers if your child needs them.
14. Mini Stroller
There’s no crime in rolling around a stroller on a cruise ship, especially with how large some of these ships are getting.
15. Electronics
Be sure to pack your phone chargers, cables, laptop chargers, iPads, cameras, and other tech products and essentials that you may need during your vacation.
16. Autograph Book
There are so many fun character meet and greet opportunities onboard that.
17. Gum
Just like at any Disney World park or resort, you won’t find gum on any Disney Cruise ship.
18. A Nice Outfit
If you plan on dining at one of the adult exclusive restaurants onboard like Palo Steakhouse, be sure to have a nice outfit since these restaurants have a dress code.
You may even need a nice outfit if your cruise has a formal night.
19. Alcohol
As a guest 21 years or older sailing on a Disney Cruise, you are allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine or champagne or 6 beers at the begging of the voyage and at each Port of Call.
20. Jacket or Sweater
Even if you’re sailing in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, it’s always great to have a light jacket or sweatshirt with you since it can get surprisingly chilly and breezy at sea.
21. Dramamine
If you’re prone to sea sickness or even as a precautionary, I recommend that you pack some with you. You never know how choppy it could get out there.
Disney Cruise Packing List
Here’s my complete list of items that you should pack for a Disney Cruise, regardless of what destination you’re sailing to:
Clothing and Accessories
Some clothes like heavy jackets and sweaters could be subjective to where you’re sailing (i.e. Alaska, Norway, etc).
- shorts
- t-shirts
- tank tops
- sundresses
- light jacket or sweatshirt
- hat
- 2 or more swimsuits
- swimsuit coverup
- slippers or sandals
- sneakers
- pirate costume (for adults and kids)
Adult-Only Restaurant Clothing
If you’re dining at Palo, Remy, or Enchanté, then you’ll need the following articles of clothes:
- dress pants
- collared shirt for men
- dress
- skirt
- pants
- blouse
- dress shoes
- jeans (no holes)
The other main dining rooms do not have a dress code.
Toiletries
Every Disney Cruise does have a shop that sells toiletries with select medicines, soap, lotion, aloe vera, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, and other similar items.
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- floss
- mouthwash
- lotion
- contact solution
- baby powder
- sunscreen
- aloe vera
- makeup (and other cosmetic items)
- lip balm
- diapers
- medicine (motion sickness, Tylenol, TUMS, Pepto Bismol, etc)
Electronics
Here are a few of the electronic devices to pack:
- camera with extra batteries
- phone charger
- charging cables and power block
- GoPro or any waterproof camera
Alcohol
Disney Cruise guests 21 years or older can bring two bottles of wine or champagne or 6 bottles of beer.
- wine
- champagne
- beer
- hard seltzer
Miscellaneous Items
Here are a few extra things that you can consider to pack:
- character autograph book
- lanyard
- stateroom door decor or magnets
- snorkel gear and goggles
- reading materials or Kindle
- cash (for tips or port of calls)
- beach bag
- hand sanitizer
- wipes
- old gift card to activate the power in your stateroom
What you have with you on Embarkation Day
Here are all of the things that you should have with you when you’re boarding the cruise ship on the first day:
- medication (in their original containers)
- passport or other required citizenship documentation (don’t know if you need a passport for your cruise? check this out)
- extra prescription glasses or contact lenses
- sunscreen
- hat
- swimsuit and coverup
Typically, we bring a small backpack or weekender bag to store this stuff in if we checked out bag at the cruise port terminal.
Day Bag Essentials
I usually tend to bring a day bag like a small tote bag or crossbody/sling bag to hold some items, especially if I plan on going to the pool or lounge on the sun deck.
Here’s what I usually pack in a day bag:
- sunglasses with case
- chapstick
- battery pack
- hand sanitizer
…
Hopefully this checklist will help you pack all of the important things you’ll need on a Disney Cruise.
If there’s anything that I missed, please let me know in the comment section below, thanks!
Also, if you’re looking for some additional Disney Cruise tips, please check out my Disney Cruise bucket list for when you’re onboard, as well as some resources to help you save money on a cruise.
Print the Packing Checklist
Here’s a free printable download of my Disney Cruise packing checklist:
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