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The Disney Cruise Packing List of Your Dreams



This is the most complete Disney Cruise Packing List anywhere!

This guide has everything you need to know about packing for your Disney Cruise vacation, including the all important question "what to wear on a Disney Cruise?"

Disney Cruise Packing List

Wondering what to pack?


You might be asking:
"What do I need to pack for a Disney Cruise?"
No sweat.
We got this.

There's a lot to think of when planning a Disney Cruise so I put together the most complete Disney Cruise Packing List anywhere to help you decide what to take with you.

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Disney Cruise Packing Tips

Dining Room Dress Code

Disney Cruise ships have dress codes. Here's what you need to know:

Dinner in the Main Dining Rooms

Most nights it is “cruise casual”. Jeans, pants, capris, dressy shorts and sundresses are acceptable. No tank tops or swimsuits.

I usually pack outfits that I would wear to a dinner out with friends --- something a little dressier than what I'd wear to the grocery store.

Adult Dining at Enchante, Palo, PALO Steakhouse and Remy (Specialty Restaurants)
Enchante, Palo Steakhouse, Palo & Remy are for adults only and have stricter dress codes to preserve their ambiance.

REMY

Remy offers brunch, dessert, and dinner reservations.

At dinner, this is the dress code:

  • Men: Jacket (such as a sports, suit or tuxedo jacket) is required, with dress pants/slacks and shoes. Ties are optional. No jeans, shorts, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.
  • Ladies: Cocktail dress, evening dress, pant suit or skirt/blouse are required. No jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

During brunch and dessert, this is the dress code:

  • Men: Jacket is optional but dress pants and a nice shirt are required. No jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.
  • Ladies: Dress or pantsuit is required. No jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

PALO

  • Men: Jacket is optional but dress pants and a nice shirt are recommended. Jeans in good condition (no holes) are also okay. No shorts, hats, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.
  • Ladies: Dress, skirt or pants are recommended. Jeans in good condition (no holes) are also okay. No shorts, hats, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

Dress-Up Nights


Here is the typical schedule of "Formal Nights" and "Pirate Nights" on most Disney Cruise sailings:

3-Night Cruises:

  • One "Cruise Casual" night
  • One Pirate Night
  • One Formal Night (jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women)

4-Night Cruises:

  • Two "Cruise Casual" Nights
  • One Pirate Night
  • One Formal Night (jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women)

7-Night Cruises:

  • Four "Cruise Casual" Nights
  • One Pirate Night (or other theme, such as Star Wars or Marvel)
  • One Formal Night (jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women)
  • One Semi-Formal night

Is It Required to Dress Up for Formal Night or Pirate Night?

No, both are optional. In my experience, however, most people do participate in some way! On Formal Night, some cruisers go all out and wear tuxedos and ball gowns. Others put on khakis and polo shirts. There are definitely those that don't, and that is totally fine.

If you just want something simple, try a bandana.

I definitely recommend joining in the fun!

What I Wear Each Day


When I’m on a tropical cruise, I pack the following for each day:

  • Day Outfit: shorts and a t-shirt or a sundress.
  • Pool Outfit: swimsuit with coverup
  • Night Outfit: either nice jeans/blouse, a casual dress/sundress, or a pant jumpsuit - all with a sweater to keep me warm. (Of course if it’s a dress up night or formal night, I'll wear a pirate outfit or formal attire.)

It's Easy to Do a Quick Change


I love cruises because you are always less than 5 minutes away from your stateroom. Because it’s so close, it’s easy to run back to your room for a quick change or refresh.

Mix and Match


The trick is to not over-pack and still have plenty of options. This is where mix and matching comes in handy.

Example: You could wear your day sundress as a swim cover-up and then a day or two later wear that same sundress as a night outfit with a cute sweater.

I try NOT to do laundry when I’m on vacation. So...

I tend to wear a pair of shorts or a pair of jeans a couple of times during the week with different tops. Since I change often during the day (see above), I'm only wearing an outfit for 3-5 hours and not the whole day. You can get away with wearing them twice without washing in between. The same goes for tops too.

I pack 3 swimsuits so I can let my damp suits dry for a day. I was surprised how often I put on a swimsuit. A lot of excursions at tropical spots are water based and we often like to lay out by the pool, take a dip in the hot tub, or float down the Aquaduck.

I also like to bring several different swimsuit cover-ups (you know, just to mix things up).

Disney Cruise Packing List Suitcases

It Gets Chilly at Night


If you're like me and you get cold easily, I can’t emphasize enough to pack a couple of sweaters or jackets.

Even my husband (who doesn’t tend to get cold) thinks it’s a bit chilly at night. I suggest taking a sweater with you once you get dressed up for dinner and keep it with you for the rest of the evening.

Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!


Shoes take up a lot of space, so minimize! Again, mix and matching is your friend.

You can change up your outfits with the type of shoes you wear with it. You could dress up your night sundress with a pair of heels instead of sandals or flip flops.

  • Ladies: I suggest 1-2 pairs of dressy shoes, 1-2 pairs of sandals, a pair of flip flops, and a good pair of walking/tennis shoes.
  • Men: I suggest packing 1 pair of dress shoes, 1 pair of flip flops, a pair of sneakers and/or comfy walking shoes.

The Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List

Everyone is different. You won't need everything that is listed here. I recommend you print this list, highlight each item you will need, and then check them off as you pack.

Clothes


  • Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Pants/Jeans
  • Sweater/Jacket
  • Sundresses
  • Pajamas
  • Underwear/Bras
  • Socks
  • Swimsuits/Coverups (more than one - I suggest 2-4)
  • Workout Clothes (for the ship's gym)
  • Race Gear (if running Castaway Cay 5k)
  • Sandals
  • Flip Flops
  • Dress Shoes
  • Palo or Remy Outfit (if booking reservations)
  • Formal Night Outfit
  • Pirate Night Outfit
  • Costume (if sailing on a themed cruise such as Halloween on the High Seas, Star Wars Day at Sea, or Marvel Day at Sea)

Toiletries


  • Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss
  • Deodorant
  • Perfume/Cologne
  • Make-up
  • Make-up Remover/Face Wash
  • Skin Creams/Moisturizers
  • Razors/Shaving Cream
  • Hairbrush/Comb
  • Hair Products (gel, hairspray, heat protectant)
  • Curling Iron/Straightener
  • Contacts/Solution/Case + extra set of contacts in case the first pairs gets lost or ripped
  • Glasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm
  • Hand Sanitizer, pocket-sized
  • Feminine Products
  • Motion sickness remedies

Laundry


Accessories


Electronics


For the Fun of It


Documents


  • Proof of Vaccination or COVID-19 Negative Test
  • Folder/accordion to keep documents like papers/tickets (see my fav)
  • Official Cruise Documents Booklet (received in the mail with luggage tags)
  • Printed Online Check-in documents
  • Passports (do you need them?)
  • Birth Certificates for kids (copies okay but must be state-issued)
  • Flight Boarding Passes (if flying)
  • Transportation & Hotel Confirmations (rental cars, shuttles)
  • Copies of passports, birth certificates, driver's licenses and front and back of credit cards (in case originals are misplaced)
  • Fish Extender group info with stateroom numbers
  • Travel Insurance info

In Your Purse/Wallet


  • Cash (including small bills for tipping)
  • Coins for toll roads (there are toll road between the Orlando airport and the port - approx. $2 ea way)
  • Credit Cards (including one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees if going out of country)
  • Drivers License
  • Insurance Card
  • Gum (to pop ears on airplane and for fresh breath after those buffets)

Nice to Haves (But Not Essential)


  • Refillable mugs/water bottles

    To use at the complimentary beverage Stations which includes soda, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate

  • Dish soap

    To clean your refillable bottles

  • Highlighter

    To mark the Navigator with things you want to do

  • Ponchos

    From your local dollar store

  • Water Shoes

    For the pool deck and your Port Adventures

  • Ziplocs of all sizes

    Many uses -- think open snacks, toys with lots of pieces, shells, wet swim suits

  • Bottles of Water

    Bottles of water are not available for free. Handy to have in your room and for shore excursions.

  • Alcohol

    See the full explanation about alcohol below

  • Snacks

    You may bring unopened prepackaged nonperishable snack foods onboard the ships: candy for movies, granola bars, fruit snacks, goldfish, crackers for nausea, cheerios

  • Shoe Organizer with zip ties

    Use zip ties to hang a shoe organizer in bathroom or on hooks in room (you are not allowed to hang the organizers over the doors because it scratches them

Additional Packing Lists For Special Situations

Embarkation Day Bag


There is a lag between the time you board the ship and when your luggage is delivered to your stateroom. Luggage isn't delivered until much later in the afternoon. These are the items you might want with you during the hours you are separated from your bags.

  • Cruise & Travel documents (in the accordion folder mentioned above)
  • Drivers License/Passports
  • Prescription medications (in their original container)
  • Seasickness remedies
  • Cash
  • Phone
  • Swimsuits
  • Sunscreen/Sunglasses
  • Reading material (books, magazines)
  • Camera
  • Towel Clips
  • Water bottles or alcohol (if you decide to bring these you must carry them on)

For the Baby/Toddler


  • Clothes
  • Pirate Costume
  • Bottles/Sippy Cups
  • Dish Soap and Scrubber
  • Pacifier/Pacifier Clip
  • Baby Food/Formula
  • Plastic Bowls/Spoons
  • Disposable Bibs
  • Diapers/Pull-ups
  • Swim Diapers
  • Baby Wipes/Diaper Cream
  • Changing Pad
  • Baby Monitor (If you have connecting rooms or want to be out on the verandah while kids sleep)
  • Night Light
  • Baby Blanket
  • Sling/Baby Carrier
  • Favorite Toy/Stuffed Animal
  • Children’s Medicine

For Alaska Cruise


This list is in addition to the above packing list.

The average summer temperatures in Alaska can range from a high of 62 degrees Fahrenheit to an average low of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Layering is recommended, so pack accordingly. The pools aboard the cruise ship will be open and are heated if the temperature falls below 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

FYI - There are no fireworks on Alaska sailings.

  • Gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Coat
  • Fleece jacket
  • Fewer shorts, more pants/jeans
  • Layers: Sweaters, sweatshirts or pullovers
  • Sturdier footwear
  • Umbrella and poncho (it may rain a lot)
  • Binoculars

For Europe Cruise


This list is in addition to the above packing list.

  • Long and short-sleeve tops
  • Long skirts (required for entry into some religious venues)
  • Light coat
  • Casual dress
  • Fewer shorts, more khakis and jeans

Free Download: Disney Cruise Packing List

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Alisha's Favs:
My 7 Must-Haves for any Disney Cruise

My must haves for any Disney Cruise


These are my go-to items. You won't find me on any Disney Cruise without them.

1. Accordion Document Organizer

Why I love it?
Everyone needs an accordion document organizer.

No more of this..."Which pocket did I put that in?"

Keep all of your important documents in one place. While on the trip, you'll always know where your passport, reservation numbers, and other travel papers are located. No more stress of digging through your suitcase, searching for a particular document.

Add your keepsakes such as nightly Navigators, Animators Palate drawings, etc in one folder without getting wrinkled or folded.


2. Official Disney Character Autograph Book

Why I love it?
If you have young kids you need this Disney Character Autograph Book!

Character Meet and Greets are such a fun part of your Disney Cruise. Goofy, Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Ariel, Belle, Elsa, Cinderella, Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain America, Captain Hook (that's a lot of Captains!), you name it! Your favorite Disney character will probably be on-board with you.

Take advantage of the chance to meet your favorite princess or hero while on the ship. Character lines are much shorter on DCL than in the parks.

Have an autograph book and sharpie for each child. Each Disney character has a distinct signature and having them sign your autograph makes such a fun keepsake from your Disney vacation.


3. Towel Clips

Why I love it?
It's so relaxing to bask in the sun at the pool deck on a Day at Sea.

In my experience, however, it gets a little windy up there.

Throw a few of these towel clips into your beach bag and you'll easily secure your beach towel to your deck chair, no problem!

If you plan on spending any time in a beach chair, you'll be very glad you have these.


4. Beach Tote Bag

Why I love it?
You're going to need a beach-worthy tote bag to carry some sunscreen, sunglasses, bottle of water and maybe a magazine or two.

Material is premium leatherette with a top zip closure and inner zip pocket to keep the sand of Castaway Cay out of unwanted places.


5. GoPro

Why I love it?

A Disney Cruise will most likely be one of the highlights of you life! Plan ahead to document all those wonderful memories.

My husband takes both his digital camera (Canon 60D) and a GoPro on our Disney Cruises. He uses the DSLR camera for more staged photo opportunities (like Formal Night family portraits).

Most of the time, however, he prefers to carry the GoPro with him because it is so much lighter, compact and more versatile.

It is easy to pack due to its size and weight. You can strap it to your head, chest or put on a selfie stick for live action video. The wide angle of the GoPro makes it great for family selfies.

If you're going underwater (swimming with sting rays, snorkeling, etc), a GoPro with the right accessories is the ideal choice.

All in all, I love the GoPro to help make the perfect Disney Cruise travel video.

6. Mickey Mouse Luggage

Why I love it?

American Tourister meets Mickey Mouse!

If you're going to pack up the kids and get on a big floating shrine to Mickey Mouse, what better way to do it than with some Mickey Mouse luggage.

There are also some cute Minnie Mouse luggage options too!

PS - get more Disney luggage ideas here.

7. Power Bank / Portable Charger (for my phone)

Why I love it?

This handy-dandy little gadget will charge up to three devices (in my case, my iPhone, my husband's iPhone, and one more iPhone). 

Not only does it charge them. It charges them FAST!

What NOT to Pack for Your Disney Cruise


Now that I told you what to pack, here’s what NOT to pack. Everyone on-board a Disney cruise must comply with specific safety guidelines mandated by U.S. Customs and Port Security.

Please do NOT bring:

  • Weapons

    Firearms, ammo, knives, swords, whips or any other types of weapons are off limits.

  • Perishable Food

    Homemade, precooked or other perishable items are not allowed.

  • Illegal Drugs & Marijuana

    Illegal drugs inclusive of medically prescribed and synthetic marijuana are prohibited.

  • Some Other Random Stuff

    Don't bring drones, irons, bottle warmers, sporting equipment, balloons, candles, musical instruments. No coolers, except for those carrying medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints.

  • Beach Towels

    DCL will provide beach towels to take at every port and at the pools.

  • Hair Dryer

    A hair dryer is provided in your stateroom.

  • Pack and Play Crib / Stroller / Diaper Genie

    Disney Cruise Line provides all of these. Read this article for all the details.

  • Power Strip

    I guess they don't want us blowing the circuits in our staterooms.

  • Soap, Shampoo & Conditioner

    Disney Cruise Line has its own line of hair care and soap. Called H20 Plus. It's awesome. They provide these free in your stateroom.

Read Disney's Full List of Banned Items
This is not a comprehensive list. Please read Disney's complete list of prohibited items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Travel Documents Do I Need for a Disney Cruise?

It’s best to travel with your US passport if you are leaving from a U.S. port and then returning to that same port.

You can use a birth certificate to board the ship, but if you have an emergency in a port of call in a different country (like the Bahamas, for example), you’ll need a passport to travel home. Obviously, this isn’t a likely scenario, but I like to carry my passport just in case.

Disney Cruise Line puts specific passport guidelines on their website for each sailing/destination. It’s always a good idea to read their advice.

Do I need a passport for a Disney Cruise?

How Many Pieces of Luggage Can I Bring?

Each guest is allowed two pieces of luggage plus one additional carry on (about the size of an airline carry-on).

The less bags the better, as you have to store your suitcases in your stateroom.

There is ample room beneath your bed for a reasonable number of suitcases, even the large size. Under the bed clearance is a little more than 13 inches. I have found that all of our luggage (4-5 big pieces) will fit comfortably under the bed.

You can stack suitcases inside each other if you have bigger and smaller luggage.

Under the bed clearance is about 13 inches.

Can I Bring Alcohol on a Disney Cruise?

Thinking about saving some money on booze by bringing your own alcohol on the ship? Here I'll explain the basics, but I've made a full guide that can be found here.

Each guest 21 years or older can bring up to 2 bottles of wine/champagne (must be unopened) or six beers on board at the start of your sailing. The guest is able to bring the same amount on the ship at each port of call as well.

All alcoholic beverages must be carried-on, not stowed in checked luggage. Alcohol found in your checked bags will be removed and stored by the Disney Cruise Lines staff. Hard liquor and spirits aren’t allowed.

You can bring your own wine/champagne to the main dining rooms. The staff will charge a corking fee of $25 per bottle and will store it for you to drink each night at dinner.

Read our guide to bringing alcohol on a Disney cruise

Learn the tips and tricks when it comes to bringing alcohol aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship and how you can save money on drinks.

Read it here

Free Download: Disney Cruise Packing List

Get the above Disney Cruise Packing List sent to your email in a handy printable checklist.

Get your free checklist

Can I Ship Supplies to Port Canaveral to Pick Up?

It used to be that you could mail a package to yourself at Port Canaveral. Disney’s stewards would then deliver it to your stateroom. There used to be a limit of one mailed box per stateroom. Your package had to arrive 24 hours before your sail-away time.

Unfortunately, this service is no longer available.

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