What to Pack for a Disney Cruise

Now is the time to start thinking about packing. Having the right things with you can make the whole experience feel smoother and more relaxed from the moment you arrive at the port.

Here is what I consider true cruise essentials, along with a few things that are easy to forget but incredibly helpful once you are onboard.

Travel Documents and Essentials

These are the non negotiables. I always recommend gathering these first so nothing important is left behind.

Passports or Birth Certificates

If you are sailing on a closed loop cruise that departs from and returns to the United States, you are technically allowed to travel with a birth certificate. That said, I strongly recommend bringing a passport for every traveler. It makes life much easier if something unexpected happens while you are in port. Before you go, double check expiration dates and be sure everything is valid for your travel dates.

Cruise Documentation

Make sure you have completed online check in and electronically signed all required documents before you arrive at the port. You will need access to your Port Arrival Form QR code. You can save it to your phone, add it to your Apple Wallet, or print a paper copy. I personally prefer a paper copy since it gets checked multiple times and it saves phone battery.

Disney Cruise Line Luggage Tags

Disney might mail you luggage tags before your cruise. Attach these to your bags on embarkation day so porters can deliver your luggage directly to your stateroom. If your tags do not arrive in time or you forget them, do not stress. Porters at the terminal have blank tags and can create new ones for you.

Insurance and Payment Items

Bring your medical insurance card and a copy of your travel insurance policy. Cruise cancellation policies are stricter than most other types of travel, and weather can impact more than just arrival and departure days. It is always better to be prepared.

You will also want to have a credit card and some cash for ports and gratuities.

Phones, Cameras, and Chargers

Your phone will be used constantly for the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, so bring charging cords and a portable battery pack. If you plan to take photos beyond your phone, pack your camera, charger, extra batteries, and an extra memory card.

Medications

Pack all prescriptions in your carry on bag along with common over the counter medications like pain relievers, allergy medicine, cold medicine, and motion sickness remedies. Cruise ship prices can be high, and it is always better to have what you need on hand.

Clothing to Pack for a Disney Cruise

Cruising usually means more outfit changes than a typical vacation. Between pool time, shore excursions, and dinner, you will likely change clothes multiple times a day.

Everyday Clothing

Pack one clean shirt per day. For bottoms, three to four pairs of shorts usually works for a seven night cruise, especially for kids who live in swimwear. I always include at least one pair of jeans, slacks, or trousers since dining rooms, theaters, and outdoor decks can feel chilly at night.

Dresses and Evening Options

Casual sundresses are great for daytime and can easily be dressed up with sandals for dinner. Bring a cardigan, shawl, or light sweater to throw on in the evenings.

Swimwear

Bring multiple swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready. Wet suits take a long time to dry in staterooms. Comfortable coverups are helpful for walking around the ship.

Sleepwear and Layers

Pack enough pajamas for about half the length of your trip. A lightweight jacket or sweater is essential for dining rooms, theaters, and evenings on deck.

Shoes

You will want flip flops for the pool, sneakers for excursions, walking sandals, and dressier shoes for dinner. For kids, pack extra pairs since shoes tend to get wet. Water shoes are also a great idea.

Cruise Specific Essentials

These are items that might not seem important until you are onboard.

Lanyards

Your Key to the World card is used constantly. A lanyard keeps it easy to grab. If you are a Castaway Club member, Disney may provides one in your stateroom.

Reusable Water Bottles

The cups at beverage stations are small. A reusable bottle saves trips and helps everyone stay hydrated.

Sun Protection

Bring plenty of sunscreen and sun hats. Sunscreen onboard is expensive, and some ports require reef safe sunscreen.

Alcoholic Beverages

Disney Cruise Line allows each adult to bring two unopened bottles of wine or six beers onboard. Any liquor purchased in port will be held until the end of the cruise. You can also bring beer or wine back onboard at each port.

Pool and Beach Extras

Goggles and small sand toys are optional but can save money and keep kids entertained.

Toiletries

Pack your everyday essentials including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, skincare, hair products, makeup, contacts, solution, and backup glasses. Toothpaste is the one item many people forget.

Disney Fun Extras

These items are not required, but they add to the fun.

Costumes

If your child loves characters, bring costumes for meet and greets. Princess dresses, superhero outfits, and Jedi costumes are always popular. If you are planning Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, bringing your own costume can save money.

Pirate Night Attire

Pirate Night is a big deal onboard. Many guests go all out. Packing pirate themed outfits helps you feel part of the fun.

Door Decorations

Magnetic decorations help your stateroom stand out and make it easier to find. Many families love personalizing their doors.

Magnetic Dry Erase Boards

These are useful for leaving notes for family members or connecting with new friends.

Autograph Books and Pin Trading

Characters are happy to sign autographs, so bring a book or notebook. If you enjoy pin trading in the parks, bring pins for onboard trading.

What Not to Pack

Disney regularly updates its prohibited items list. Before you travel, review the most current guidelines and leave restricted items like pool noodles and fishing gear at home. Read the most up to date prohibited items here.

Your Embarkation Day Carry On Bag

When you arrive at the port, your luggage will be checked with porters and delivered to your stateroom later in the day. Pack a carry on bag with anything you may need before your luggage arrives.

This should include swimsuits, sunscreen, medications, chargers, and any beverages you plan to bring onboard.

A little planning goes a long way. Packing thoughtfully helps you start your cruise feeling prepared, relaxed, and ready to enjoy every moment onboard.