Wondering what to pack for a Disney cruise? We have you covered with this Disney cruise packing list! It includes everything from clothing items and important documents to miscellaneous items to pack on a cruise. And stay tuned for a free Disney cruise packing list printable!
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Clothing to Pack for a Disney cruise
Clothing is typically the first thing I get out for any trip, especially when it comes to checking sizes for kids or figuring out we need to buy anything new. If you’re wondering what to wear on a Disney cruise, they tend to be a little more casual than other cruise lines we’ve experienced. You’ll see people wearing anything from Disney t-shirts and shorts to nice dresses and shirts at dinner. That said, just wear what you’re comfortable wearing. If you normally like to dress up a little for dinner on vacation, Disney cruises shouldn’t be any different!
Below is a list of clothing to pack for a Disney Cruise:
- Multiple swimsuits depending on the number of nights you’re cruising
- Swimsuit cover up(s)
- Outfits for dinner: While Disney cruises are more casual, they typically have a formal night for itineraries of 7+ nights and a “dress up night” for itineraries of 4+ nights.
- Casual clothes for daytime activities
- Sweatshirt or light jacket for nighttime/ theaters
- Mickey ears, Disney shirts and any other fun Disney themed items. Shop Disney cruise clothing and accessories from Etsy here.
- Pirate night accessories or outfit (if applicable for your itinerary)
- Fun Disney pajamas for the family
- Mix of shoes- Flip flops, nicer shoes/ sandals for nighttime & sneakers (depending on excursions or if you plan to exercise/ walk on the track.) And don’t forget socks if you plan to do the Incredibles Course on the Disney Wish!
Sailing on a themed or holiday Disney cruise?
If you’re doing a Disney Halloween, Christmas or character themed cruise, don’t forget to dress accordingly! That includes:
- Halloween costumes and attire for Halloween on the High Seas
- Festive Disney holiday clothes for a Very Merrytime Holiday Cruise
- Marvel t-shirts and super hero costumes for Marvel Day at Sea
- Your favorite Pixar movie characters for Pixar Day at Sea
Note: There’s a Disney Cruise Pirate Night on most Bahamas/ Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings. If you’re not sure if itinerary has a pirate night, ask your Travel Agent or call Disney Cruise Line to check! Your room host typically leaves red Mickey bandanas for pirate night in your room that night, and you’ll see people wearing anything from a plain black or white shirt to a full pirate costume.
You can also search more Mickey pirate night t-shirts and accessories here.
Miscellaneous Items to Pack for a Disney Cruise
In addition to figuring out what to wear for Disney cruises, there are several helpful items to pack for a cruise. These additional things to bring on a Disney cruise aren’t all required, but they can help make your time on the cruise ship easier.
- Insulated Water Bottle
- Sunscreen & toiletries (items like shower gel, soap, shampoo & conditioner are provided by DCL)
- Prescription and/or over the counter medicine
- Bonine, non-drowsy Dramamine or sea bands if you’re prone to sea sickness
- ID lanyard for your Keys to the World card (especially great for kids who are coming and going to the kids club independently)
- Small crossbody purse or belt bag to carry necessities around the ship
- Foldable beach bag or carry-on bag
- Autograph Book for character meet and greets
- Beach hat & sunglasses
- Phone & device chargers
- Metal hooks for extra hanging storage
- Fish Extender and/or door decorations like magnets
Additional Disney Cruise hack: Bring an old hotel key card to put in the light switch so you don’t need to use one of your ID cards.
What to Pack in a Carry-On for a Cruise
When you first arrive at port for a Disney cruise, the porters greet you and immediately grab your checked luggage while you board. Luggage is typically dropped off in front of your room (after screening) by early to mid-afternoon. For that reason, it’s important to have most items you need for the first day in your carry-on. Below are the recommended items to have in your carry-on for a Disney cruise (or any cruise, really!)
- Important documents for boarding a Disney cruise must be kept in your carry-on, including:
- Luggage Tags: These are sent to your home a few weeks before sailing and should be added to checked luggage before arriving at port.
- Port Arrival Form with room number & QR code: This is requested several times during the embarkation process for DCL. Print a copy for each adult.
- Passport or alternative ID acceptable for your cruise: An image will be uploaded at check-in & requested several times during the boarding process.
- Cash to tip luggage porters + extra for cruise staff
- Extra outfit (particularly for younger kids in case of messes)
- Makeup & toiletry items
- Swimsuit & cover up
- Sunscreen
- Snacks (see below for more info)
- Bottles of water (see below for more info)
- 2 bottles of wine or 6-pack of beer/ seltzer per adult 21+*
*While Disney offers some wine options for purchase in advance, there is no Disney cruise drink package for alcohol like other cruise lines tend to offer. See below for more guidelines on bringing alcohol onboard for a Disney cruise.
Note: As of November 14, 2022, a negative COVID test and vaccination card are no longer required to sail on a Disney cruise. Always stay up to speed on required documentation for a Disney cruise by reading Know Before You Go.
Bringing Snacks and Drinks on a Disney Cruise
Although most food and non-alcoholic drinks are included on a Disney Cruise, it never hurts to have some snacks on hand with you. (Especially if you’re traveling with babies or toddlers!) Below is additional guidance for bringing snacks and drinks with you on a Disney cruise.
- Snacks: You’re able to bring some snacks onboard a Disney cruise as long as they are packaged and unopened. Since snacks can get confiscated during the checked luggage screening process, these should be packed in your carry-on. You can also bring baby food on board with you, although Disney does provide it as well.
- Bottled Water: You can bring as much bottled water with you as you can carry with your carry-on items. (This is where doing a Disney cruise with a toddler comes in handy since we use the stroller to carry bottles of water!) The water on a Disney cruise is filtered and actually tastes good, so this is really just for nighttime or early mornings in your room.
- Alcohol: Adults 21+ are permitted to bring 2 bottles of wine or a 6-pack of beer or hard seltzer per person. Any alcohol you’re bringing on a Disney cruise must be carried in your carry-on when you board the ship. We typically purchase wine at our destination but have also used these travel bags for wine for transporting wine in a suitcase.
Pro Tip: If you’re flying to your cruise destination, you can place an Instacart order to your hotel prior to embarking.
Additional Items to Pack for Baby or Toddler
If you’re cruising with a toddler or baby, some of the items below will also come in handy during your trip.
- Wipes, diapers and swim diapers (you can typically get these on the cruise ship if you run out)
- Sippy cup or water bottle
- Small travel toys or activities for time in the cabin or at dinner. (The Target dollar spot always has some good ones, and we love this Disney travel game.)
- Umbrella Stroller or small travel stroller like this one
- Thin muslin blankets and loveys
- Sound Machine (Ideally a newer model that has a removable cord- Disney can confiscate old sound machines if deemed unsafe)
- USB rechargeable Stroller Fan for port and beach days
- Travel potty training seat like this foldable one
Note: You do not need to bring a travel crib with you, since Disney supplies pack-n-plays and bed rails upon request. They also will bring a Diaper Genie into your room if you’re cruising with a baby or toddler in diapers.
Have you cruised on Disney Cruise Line before? We’d love to hear any Disney cruise packing tips you have!
Related Blog Posts
- Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Tips & Itinerary
- One Day at Disney World: Tips to Prepare
- Cruising with a Toddler or Baby
- The Best Things to Buy Before Disney World
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