Ahoy! Are you wondering what to pack for a Disney Cruise vacation? Lucky you – you are about to have a fantastic voyage. Our last cruise was with four neighboring families in 2018, and we had an amazing time! I am packing up for my upcoming Disney cruise from Port Canaveral now, so I wanted to share some of the changes for packing for a Disney Cruise this year. There is nothing quite like a trip on a Disney ship. The perfect Disney vacation, the ultimate in relaxing combined with the incredible Disney service. So, grab your suitcase and let’s get to packing! Make sure to sign up for the ultimate packing list (sidebar on your laptop or down below on mobile) and it will come straight to your inbox!
What do I need for check-in time for my Disney Cruise?
On embarkation day on the Disney Cruise Line, make sure to bring your cruise confirmation documents, along with a charged cell phone and the Disney Cruise Line app loaded on it. Remember your check-in documents like your passport, birth certificate, and/or photo ID. Also, bring your Port arrival time form which shows what time you can enter the port to check in.
Bring along your carry-on bag and any personal items, as your luggage will be taken as you arrive at the port. You will also want to bring something to do, a snack and a drink, as you wait for your Covid testing to be completed at the port. (I would suggest that you might have a test done right before your cruise just to check for a negative result before you leave for your trip.)
How many bags can I bring on a Disney cruise?
You can bring two bags on a Disney Cruise, along with a carry-on bag and a personal item. Your bags should be 50 lbs. or less. Carry-on bags should measure less than 22″x14″x9″, as they will be scanned by security at the port before boarding.
What should I pack in my carry-on bag?
Remember, your luggage may take a couple of hours before it arrives in your stateroom. Be sure to pack what you may need immediately on the cruise in your carry-on. Essential items like your face masks, passport, confirmations, phone, portable charger, prescription medications, swimsuit/cover-up/flip flops, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses should be in your carry-on bag for easy access.
You may also want to carry some gallon zip bags for a wet swimsuit if you anticipate changing after swimming time at the pools. I throw a refillable cup in my bag too so I can grab a fun drink before hitting my lounge chair!
Does Disney Cruise Line provide toiletries?
Ahhh, Disney Cruise Line toiletries are some of my favorites! H2O+ products are provided in each Disney cruise stateroom including bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Hair dryers are also provided in each stateroom. (If you don’t like bar soap, you may want to consider bringing your own pump soap from home. Just be sure it’s sealed so it doesn’t leak in your luggage!)
Do I need to pack beach towels for my Disney cruise?
Beach towels are provided at the ports of call and on the pool deck. As you come off the ship, make sure you grab enough for your family!
What should I bring to Castaway Cay?
When you are packing for Castaway Cay, here are a few great items to include on your Disney cruise packing list. For your day bag, remember:
- water shoes or flip-flops
- beach cover-up
- beach towels
- sand toys
- phone/charger
- Key to the World key card and I.D.
- bathing suit
- Baby powder (to remove sand)
- first aid kit
- Baby food/bottles/diapers (if needed)
- water bottle
- snacks
- sunscreen/bug spray
- phone waterproof case
- camera/charger (if needed)
- snorkeling gear (if needed – you can also rent these)
You do not need to bring credit cards onto the island, as your credit card info can be saved onto your Key to the World Key and you will be able to charge to your room. There is plenty of food at Castaway Cay, but if you have young kids that only love PB&J, you might want to consider ordering an Uncrustable sandwich from room service the night before and pack them for the beach. (This saved our friends on our last cruise because their son only liked PB&J sandwiches and didn’t care for the hamburgers and hot dogs on the island.)
Be sure to throw all of your items into a waterproof bag that you can easily take on the tram and cart around the island. Snorkeling gear, floats, strollers, and bikes can be rented on the island.
Should I bring my own cup to Disney Cruise Line?
I always throw a refillable cup or two in my suitcase. It’s a good idea because although you can get as much to drink as you like, the cups are small. Having a refillable cup with a lid makes it easier to not have to go back and forth to the drink stands. You may also want to bring a small container of dish soap and a sponge to rinse out your cup between servings. Make sure to order one with a lid that closes!
What clothing should I pack for my Disney Cruise?
Wondering what to pack for a Disney cruise? Whether it’s your first Disney cruise or you are a platinum-level Castaway Cay member, packing is part of the fun! For the most part, the dress code is cruise casual for Disney cruise ships. For a traditional Caribbean or Bermuda cruise, I would suggest:
- casual clothing like tank tops, t-shirts, shorts
- jeans/long pants
- sunglasses
- shorts/skirts
- dresses
- sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- swimsuits, cover-ups, flip flops
- light jacket or cardigan
- rain jacket
- Princess dresses for little girls
- pirate costume for Pirate Night
- themed outfits for costume meet-ups
- dressier outfits for formal night (if applicable)
The main dining rooms are cruise casual, with no swimsuits or tank tops allowed. Adult dining at Palo requires no shorts, hats, cut-off clothing, flip-flops or tennis shoes. Jeans are allowed, provided they have no holes. Remy is a fine dining experience that expects more formal wear. Men must wear a jacket with a collared shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes (tie, optional). Women can wear formal clothes like a cocktail dress, evening dress, or formal pants and dress shirt.
Longer cruises lasting more than 7 nights do typically offer a formal night with themed nights on board.
If you are planning family cruises with young children, see if your young kids want to visit Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Pack their princess dresses and prepare to see their transformation.
If you are on board a themed cruise like Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, or Star Wars, make sure to pack your favorite themed outfits!
Can I bring a hair straightener to Disney Cruise Line?
Yes! You can bring hair straighteners and flat irons on board.
What should I pack for Pirate Night?
Pirate Night is always a favorite on the Disney Cruise line. When you pack clothes, make sure to throw in your favorite pirate t-shirt, bandana, or an eye patch. Disney will provide a pirate bandana for everyone in your stateroom, as well. I usually check the Dollar Store or Party City for some pirate attire before we cruise and add those to our family cruise packing list.
What else should I add to our Disney packing list?
A few other things to add to your Disney Cruise ultimate packing list:
- Disney gift cards (buy them at a discount with your Target Red Card)
- Disney autograph book
- playing cards
- books/magazines
- fish extenders (if participating)
- motion sickness medications
- cash for tipping room service
- night light
- dish soap
- laundry detergent and dryer sheets (can be purchased in the laundry room)
- Wrinkle Release spray (irons in laundry rooms)
- door decorations for your stateroom door
I hope this post helps you decide what to pack for a Disney cruise vacation. Get ready to have a fantastic voyage! Remember, to use a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. Our services are free to use, and we can offer our expertise and planning for your trip! Be sure to add your email down below and I will send you my ultimate Disney packing list!
Remember to check out my other posts on Walt Disney World travel:
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