Going on a Disney cruise is a dream come true, especially for first-time cruisers. However, packing for the trip can be less than magical. This blog post will help you pack efficiently for your Disney Cruise Line (DCL) adventure, eliminating the guesswork and stress of trip preparation.
You may be familiar with my Disney Park Bag packing list, which is essential for visiting the four theme parks at Walt Disney World. However, packing for a Disney Cruise requires a different approach.
While a Disney World trip focuses on essentials for outdoor activities under the sun, a cruise involves spending significantly more time indoors on an air-conditioned Disney cruise ship with some outdoor activities on the pool deck and at destinations like Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.
For a typical Disney World trip, you prioritize lightweight, comfortable apparel and park bag items to ensure nothing weighs you down during your day at the parks. However, packing for a cruise involves preparing for a range of environments and activities.
Check out my Disney World vs. Disney Cruise blog post to learn more about the differences between the two and to help you decide which Disney vacation is better for you.
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Embarkation Day
The day you have been waiting for since booking your Disney Cruise is finally here - embarkation day!
It is when your dreams become reality as you step across the magical threshold of a Disney ship while a Cast Member announces your family by name. It is an emotional and overwhelming experience, immersing you in the ultimate Disney magic.
However, before you board the ship, you will go through the cruise terminal and present the necessary travel documents. Regardless of whether you are embarking from Port Canaveral or Vancouver, these essential documents are required to board the cruise ship.
- Cruise Booking Confirmation
- Check-In Information / Code
- Passports or Birth Certificates and Government-Issued IDs
- Medications (It is best to keep this on hand to avoid any issues if luggage is delayed or lost)
Ensure you keep these important documents and medication with you, and do not pack them in the baggage you hand over to porters before going through security at the cruise terminal. Without these documents, you will not be allowed to board.
Additionally, when completing your Disney Check-In process before embarkation day (usually done at home), you will receive a Port Arrival Time (PAT). Arriving at your designated PAT, and not earlier, will help minimize lines and ensure a smoother experience at the cruise terminal.
Upon arriving at the terminal during your PAT, park, hand over your checked luggage to the porters, and proceed through security. You will then be able to board the ship.
Many of the cruise ship's amenities will be available then, including a sit-down lunch, buffet, quick service restaurants, and the pool! Therefore, pack these items in a carry-on so you can change into your swimsuit and start enjoying the pool, hot tub, or water slides right away:
- Swimsuit
- Sun Hat
You can fit these items in a day bag, but you can also bring a carry-on bag. Below are other items to pack in your carry-on for your first day onboard.
Usually, you will receive the luggage you handed to the porters once your rooms are available or within an hour or two after. While you do not need to pack everything in your carry-on, consider packing what you need for dinner that evening.
This way, you will not have to worry about when your luggage arrives or rush to unpack it before dinner.
- Pajamas
- Unopened Food and Beverages like unopened bottles of wine
- Any other essentials you and your family members may need that you do not want to include in your checked bag
Clothing
The amount and type of clothing you need to pack depends on your specific sailing and itinerary. Disney offers various sailings, from short 3-night Caribbean cruises to 7-night Alaskan adventures and beyond.
A good rule of thumb is that the attire for the main dining rooms on the first night of a Disney cruise is casual cruise wear. Shorter sailings typically do not have a formal night, while longer sailings may have one or two.
Moreover, there is usually a Pirate Night on board, but themed cruises will feature specific themed nights. For example, they have Pixar Day at Sea Cruises, Marvel Day at Sea Cruises, Halloween-themed sailings, and Christmas-themed sailings.
If sailing in a colder climate like Alaska, you should pack layers to stay warm. Essential items include water-resistant jackets, sweaters, jeans, and wool socks. For more detailed packing advice, combine this list with my Alaskan Cruise Packing List and 10 Outfits to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise to ensure you are well-prepared.
- Formal Night Attire: For men, this includes a dress shirt, dress pants, suit jacket, and tie. For women, a cocktail dress or dress pants with a blouse works well. Remember to bring matching shoes!
Although shorter cruises do not have a formal night, if you plan to dine at one of the specialty restaurants like Palo Steakhouse, you will need a formal outfit as these restaurants have a formal dress code.
- Pirate Night or Other Themed Night Costumes/Outfits: While there is no specific dress code for Pirate Night or other themed nights, it is a fun opportunity to get creative and embrace the Disney spirit.
There are no age restrictions, meaning everyone can join in the fun. Bring your finest pirate attire, or consider acquiring a new costume to participate in these exciting events.
- Princess Dresses and Other Disney Costumes: If you have kids, they will likely want to dress up as their favorite Disney princess or character. Take advantage of being on land to order/purchase the perfect costume for your little one without the higher onboard prices.
- Swimwear: Bring plenty of swimsuits so you do not have to reuse your wet bathing suits. On a Caribbean cruise, especially during the summer, you will be from pool to pool, ocean to ocean, and slide to slide.
If space is tight in your luggage, bring magnetic hooks to help dry your bathing suits. While Disney provides hooks on stateroom doors and walls, additional hooks can help keep things organized and dry.
- Exercise Clothing: The ship has a gym with various cardio and strength equipment, free for guests. There is also a yoga/fitness class studio and a cycling studio.
Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for class schedules and details about whether they are complimentary or have an additional cost.
- Pajamas: After a day full of activities, lounging by the pool, or enjoying relaxation and food, pack your favorite and most comfortable pajamas for a good night's rest while being gently rocked by the swaying ship.
Additionally, bring a pair of pajamas suitable for public wear to enjoy a Midnight's Kiss in the atrium of the Disney Wish at midnight every night.
- Cruise Casual Clothing: Most of your cruise will involve wearing casual clothing, so pack accordingly for the days you will be onboard. Consider packing an additional outfit or two for a few outfit choices during your cruise.
Casual cruise wear includes shorts, pants, short-sleeved shirts, polo shirts, tank tops, Mickey Ears, sandals, sneakers, and dresses. Also, remember to pack a lightweight jacket in case you feel chilly during Broadway shows or other indoor activities onboard.
- Undergarments: Regardless of the activity, weather forecast, or day, pack enough undergarments for the entire trip. That includes underwear, bras, and socks.
A good rule of thumb is to bring about double the amount you need, allowing you to change after a shower, the beach, or a gym workout. The last thing you want to do on vacation is wash your underwear or socks.
Disney has laundry facilities onboard that guests can use if needed. However, these facilities come at an additional cost, and sometimes the dryers are not very good.
The laundry rooms also have irons and ironing boards available for use, as these items are not provided in Disney Cruise staterooms and are not allowed in the rooms.
Ports of Call
Depending on the port of call and your sailing itinerary, you will have various Port Adventures available, which will determine what you need to bring.
For a Caribbean cruise, typical activities include ATV adventures, jet skiing, dolphin tours, chocolate or rum tasting tours, cooking or dancing classes, and many water activities.
One of the most important things to pack is lightweight apparel since it will be hot during your adventure.
The second most important thing is your swimwear to enjoy the beautiful blue oceans and white sandy beaches. In addition to those two, here are other must-bring items for these ports of call:
- Cell Phone
- Beach Toys for Young Kids
- Hat
- Day Bag
- Swimsuit Cover-Up (previously listed)
- Flip-Flops (previously listed)
- Sunscreen (previously listed)
Optional Items for your Disney Cruise
If I could, I would pack my entire house to take on board, but that is not feasible. The items listed above are essential, but here are some optional items to consider.
Depending on your situation, some may be essential for you, especially if you have kids or specific needs.
- Lanyard for Your Key to the World Card: It is crucial to have your Key to the World Card with you on a Disney ship since it is your room key, credit card, and means to get on and off the vessel, along with a government-issued ID.
- Autograph Book: Ideal for kids to collect autographs from their favorite Disney characters during the character meet and greets onboard.
- Sea Bands or Other Motion Sickness Remedies/Medications: If you are prone to seasickness, pack motion sickness remedies and medication to prevent discomfort.
- Cabin Door Decorations: On a Disney Cruise, many guests enhance their doors with magnet decorations, adding a touch of extra magic to the experience.
![Fish Extender Disney Cruise Fitted - Hanging Pockets [3 Pocket] for Fish Exchange Extender Gifts on Disney Cruise Line Cabin Door in 2024 & 2025](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/763b22_bb9959c9972a425ca33098172ff987fe~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_97,h_250,al_c,q_30,blur_30/763b22_bb9959c9972a425ca33098172ff987fe~mv2.jpg)
![Fish Extender Disney Cruise Fitted - Hanging Pockets [3 Pocket] for Fish Exchange Extender Gifts on Disney Cruise Line Cabin Door in 2024 & 2025](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/763b22_bb9959c9972a425ca33098172ff987fe~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_189,h_487,al_c,q_90/763b22_bb9959c9972a425ca33098172ff987fe~mv2.jpg)
- Fish Extenders: Used for exchanging gifts among families from different cabins. Usually, you will find designated fish extender groups within your cruise's specific Facebook group.
- Laundry Bag: Keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes.
- Hanging Toiletry Bag: Conveniently keeps your basic toiletries in one place and can be easily hung in the bathroom.
- Aloe Vera: Essential for after-sun skincare.
- Ponchos: Useful for rainy weather in the Caribbean and lighter than carrying an umbrella.
Things to Not Bring on a Disney Cruise
For a comprehensive list, visit the Disney Cruise Line website. However, here is a brief overview of items you should leave at home:
- Body Wash: Disney provides body wash in the stateroom bathrooms, along with shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.
Only bring your own if someone in your party has sensitive skin and needs a specific type. While Disney’s toiletries are convenient, I prefer to pack my shampoo, conditioner, and lotion instead of using theirs.
- Perishable Items: Perishable foods such as deli meat and frozen food are not allowed. With the wide variety of food options available on the ship, you will not miss them.
- Hair Dryer: Hair dryers brought from home are typically not permitted onboard and might be confiscated. Each cabin has a hair dryer, so packing your own is unnecessary.
- Iron: Irons are not allowed onboard. However, Disney offers public irons in the laundry facilities for guests.
- Power Strips: Most power strips are prohibited. However, some power cords are allowed. Check the DCL website for more information.
Complete Disney Cruise Packing List Printable
Did you find this article helpful and want to download a printable checklist version? Submit your first name and email address below to receive the link for a free downloadable PDF version of this listing that you can print out and treat as a checklist.
For additional Disney Cruise Tips, check out my other blog posts:
The Magic Awaits!
Packing for a Disney cruise can seem daunting, but with this ultimate packing list, you will be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure.
Whether it is your first cruise or you are a seasoned traveler with Disney or other cruise lines, having the right items on hand is the best way to enjoy your time on the high seas!
From essential documents and clothing to fun items and optional extras, being prepared allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of your Disney cruise vacation.
Is there anything you think is missing from this Disney Cruise Packing List? Let me know in the comments below! Share this article with the person or people you want to go on your next adventure with! Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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