What to Pack for a Disney Cruise: The Complete First-Timer’s Guide

After multiple Disney cruises (and learning a few lessons the hard way!), I’ve fine-tuned what actually earns a spot in my suitcase and what I can safely leave at home. To save you the guesswork, the team at Be Prepared Vacations and I put together a Disney Cruise packing list that covers it all.

If you just want the printable version, click here to download it.

But if you want my insider tips, then keep reading!

Important Things to Consider When Packing for a Disney Cruise:

I tried to include everything you might need below. You’ll still want to adapt it to your family, your itinerary, and the kind of cruiser you are. Begin with these three questions:

When are you sailing?

Caribbean and Bahamian cruises are warm year-round, but evenings on deck can get windy and surprisingly cool. Alaska cruises require layers, waterproof gear, and warm clothing. Holiday sailings might include themed nights or dressier events. Check your itinerary and pack accordingly.

Who’s sailing with you?

Packing for adults is easy… then come the kids. Think about their swimming habits, downtime needs, and bedtime routines. If grandparents or other family members are joining you, make sure everyone is covered with documents, medications, and layers.

Which ship and itinerary?

Each Disney ship is slightly different, and ports can vary widely. Some excursions require water shoes or reef-safe sunscreen. Some itineraries include themed nights or formal evenings. And all ships have chilly theaters and dining rooms – layers are your friend.

Clothing

• Shirts and tops: One clean top per day. Cruises feel casual, and you’ll often change before dinner.
• Shorts: Great for warm sailings and sea days.
• Pants/jeans/trousers: Pack at least one pair for cooler nights, theaters, and breezy decks.
• Dresses: Easy options for daytime or dinner. Bring a cardigan or wrap for cold dining rooms.
• Swimsuits: Bring multiple suits. I hate putting on a wet swimsuit! They never dry as fast as you expect.
• Cover-ups: For walking around the ship between pools, lunch, and activities.
• Underwear
• Bras (including sports bras)
• Pajamas: Pack at least one fun pair if you plan to attend the PJ party.
• Light jacket or sweater: You’ll want this every evening.
• Shoes: Flip-flops, sneakers for excursions, and a pair of comfortable flats or dressy sandals for dinner.
• Water shoes: Helpful for some ports and excursions.
• Hats and visors
• Jewelry: A few simple pieces if you like to dress up at dinner.
• Small day bag or belt bag for around the ship

Important Documents and Essentials

• Passports or birth certificates: For closed-loop cruises, birth certificates are allowed, but I always recommend passports. They make unexpected situations MUCH easier.
• Cruise documentation: Complete online check-in, sign required forms, and screenshot or print your Port Arrival Form QR code.
• DCL luggage tags: Attach them before embarkation; porters will deliver your bags later in the day.

• Medical insurance card
• Travel insurance policy: Always a good idea for cruising.
• Cash and credit cards: For gratuities and when visiting ports.
• Phones and chargers: You’ll use the Navigator App constantly. Battery drains fast – bring portable chargers.
• iPads, tablets, or Kindles: Load entertainment before you leave home.
• Headphones
• Camera + charger + extra batteries + memory card
• Medications and prescriptions

Cruise-Specific Essentials

• Lanyard: You’ll use your Key to the World card constantly. Returning Disney cruisers often receive them complimentary in their stateroom.
• Reusable water bottle: Beverage station cups are tiny; your own bottle saves time. They are also great to take with you on shore excursions.
• Sunscreen: Bring more than you think you need. Reef-safe sunscreen is required at many ports.
• Sun protection gear: Hats, sunglasses.
• Alcoholic beverages: Disney allows each adult to bring two bottles of wine or six beers. If you pick up alcohol in port, Disney will hold it until the final morning.
• Goggles or sand toys: Optional, but helpful if your kids love the pool or beach.
• Magnetic hooks or clips: Stateroom walls are magnetic. Hooks help with lanyards, hats, or drying swimsuits.
• Beach bag: For pool decks and port days.
• Wet/dry bags or Ziploc bags: Great for swimsuits, phones, or sandy items.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush or comb
• Deodorant
• Moisturizer and lotion
• Shampoo, conditioner, and hair products
• Skincare and makeup
• Contacts, solution, and backup glasses
• Makeup remover
• Razor and shaving cream
• Lip balm with SPF
• Over-the-counter meds: Pain relievers, allergy meds, motion sickness remedies, and children’s meds if needed.

Disney Fun

• Princess dresses and costumes: Characters meet guests throughout the ship, and costumes make it extra magical. If using Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, bringing your own saves money.
• Pirate Night attire: People go ALL OUT. Bring something fun so you don’t feel underdressed. These parties happen on Bahamas/Caribbean cruises.

• Magnets for your stateroom door: A classic Disney Cruise tradition, and it makes your door easy for kids to find.

• Dry erase board: Leave notes for family or new friends you meet onboard.
• Autograph book and pens: Characters sign on the ship just like in the parks.
• Pins for trading: If you enjoy pin trading, bring your lanyard and pins. Many cruisers will have a board on their stateroom door, full of pins for trading.
• Movie snacks: Theater snacks cost extra. Bring your own candy from home.

Kids’ Items

• Swimsuits (and extras)
• Sand toys or pool toys
• Goggles
• Favorite stuffed animal or blanket
• Books, games, or tablet entertainment
• Autograph book
• Light jacket for cold theaters
• Extra shoes or sandals
• Diapers/pull-ups and wipes if needed
• Sippy cups, bottles, formula, or baby food
• Small toys for downtime in the stateroom

Carry-On Bag for Embarkation Day

This part is important because you won’t see your checked luggage for several hours after boarding. Pack a small bag with:

• Swimsuits and cover-ups
• Sunscreen
• Medications and prescriptions
• Electronics and chargers
• Passports and travel documents
• Alcoholic beverages allowed per Disney’s rules
• A change of clothes, if desired
• Snacks and drinks for the kids
• Anything you absolutely must have for the first few hours onboard

Final Thoughts

Packing for a Disney Cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. With the list above, you’ll have everything you need for comfort, convenience, and a whole lot of magic at sea.

Be prepared, stay flexible, and remember: the sooner you’re packed, the sooner the vacation anticipation kicks in.

And now… who’s ready for unlimited soft-serve on the pool deck?