What should I pack for a Disney Cruise Line cruise vacation?

If you are planning to cruise aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships then make sure to read this quick guide to make sure you don’t’ forget to pack the essentials.

Packing for a family cruise is an exciting and challenging experience. Keep it simple and in no time, you will be unpacking your bags aboard some of the most family-friendly vessels at sea.

Tip: Pack for the destination. There is no sense in over packing.

Essential Packing Items for a Disney Cruise

• • Travel documents: passports, government-issued photo IDs, and your boarding documents you printed in advance from the airline and cruise line. Tip: use sites like Google Travel or Tripit.com to help you keep track of travel details.
  • Luggage: When packing your suitcases, think about choosing clothes you can layer. You can find a “cruise packing list” that includes other necessities in our Cruise Packing List post. Consult that checklist to make sure not to forget essentials and what to wear. However, when you are traveling on a Disney Cruise Line ship, chances are you have younger children in tow, which means you need to be prepared.
  • Specialty items to pack for infants and toddlers: Diapers, wipes, formula, bottle, sippy-cups, bottle brush, Travel pack of paper towels that have dish soap inside, small zip-top baggies or a little container to put snacks into when you journey off the ship. And don’t forget a stroller –a compact umbrella stroller is the easiest to maneuver around the ship.

  

Items you will be glad you brought onboard

• Pirate Costumes for “Pirates in the Caribbean” theme night. For that matter, any costume that your children are into like Star Wars, or Marvel Superheros. Check this link to see a list of special deck party themes on Disney Cruise Line.
• Take a Lanyard to put your cruise keycard into … your kids will want one from the gift shop though.
• Autograph book for the Characters to Sign
• A shoe rack to put over a door to organize items.
• Magnets to stick things to the door
• A couple books or other activities to keep kids busy while transitioning to the ship (travel days are hard for everyone).

Tip: Spot the Hidden Mickeys aboard every Disney Cruise Line ship.

• Bring some beach toys
• Pack for the beach if you are cruising the Caribbean. Sun protection is a priority. Bring extra bathing suits, rash guards, sunscreen, SFP hats, and water shoes.

The list above is how I survived my Disney Cruise Line experiences traveling with my two kids. You are going to have a blast! If I missed some essentials (I know I did) leave a comment and share your tips, too.