Want to know the secret to packing for a luxury cruise? You need key wardrobe pieces and beauty items that elevate your look from your comfy everyday. You’ll feel extra special on your dream vacation, creating memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

It’s a challenge, especially if you’re like me and your closet isn’t full of designer dresses and special occasion gowns. For my first Danube River cruise, I stared at my empty suitcase for weeks, wondering what to bring for busy touring days and candlelight dinners.

Essential Luxury Cruise Fashion

Chic Trade for a Tee Dress

An equestrian-inspired floral print linen midi dress from Vanner House is a high-end swap for your basic black knit t-shirt dress. You can wear it day and night. Pair it with sandals and shades for a café lunch. Dress it up for dinner with a glam bracelet stack.

European-Inspired Swap for a Suit Set

Trade your favorite matching jacket and pants for an upscale two-piece combo in classic black. The sophisticated flare-legged pants and wrap-style jacket from Elegance Miss feature a breathable, forgiving fabric. You can easily change the look with different necklaces. Outfits that work more than once are the key to packing success, I’ve discovered.

Replace Knits with Luxe Linen

For basics to replace your favorite knit tees and sweats, go with washable linen separates from Cali 1850. The Malibu laid-back look works perfectly when cruising the Med. Even on the hottest days, breathable linen helps you stay cool.

The brand’s pull-on linen pants come in 15 different print options. Pair any of them with their relaxed, crinkle gauze button-down for a coastal-chic outfit that will feel fabulous all day.

Leave Your Hoodie at Home

We all love our sweatshirts, but a classic, contemporary blazer is what you need on a luxury cruise vacation. Choose a neutral option from Crescent to get the most flexibility out of this wardrobe basic. It’s an effortless way to elevate your look. Put your own style spin on this classic, minimalist design.

Water, Water Everywhere

Having a collection of beachwear is the key to your luxury cruise. Depending on your trip, you’ll need options for pool, beach and boat. I like to pack a one-piece in a solid neutral as my go-to suit. Flattering swimsuits from La Blanca fit like a dream and have glam details like dramatic plunging necklines.

The removable cups in WET Swimwear swimsuits help you get the fit right for you. Mix and match their swim separates in bold colors like poppy red, tangerine and lipstick pink.

Pack at least two cover-ups. An oversized button-down from Maxine of Hollywood in basic black will work with almost every bathing suit. It works as a wardrobe piece too – pair it with white jeans for a classic combo.

Treat Yourself to Luxurious Skincare and Toiletries

When you’re splurging on a luxury cruise, bring skincare essentials that match the vibe. The premium and natural beauty brand Lea Black Beauty®  offers a spa-at-home bundle so you can indulge in mini treatments right in your ship cabin.

Dedicated to natural, cruelty-free skincare made with quality ingredients, Lea Black Beauty® also utilizes the rejuvenating power of CBD in their aloe-based after-sun & shave treatment. It’ll take your own personal cruise spa day up a notch!

If you have sensitive skin, try one of the Korean sunscreens from LA-based EYURS. Their protective sticks, serums and creams feel great on your skin.

This 5-step skincare routine bundle at EYURS includes everything you need for glowing skin from a few different popular brands, packaged perfectly for travel:

• Centella Cleansing Foam
• No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner
• Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics

A dazzling smile is the perfect accessory. Be sure to pack Davids Toothpaste. The good-for-you ingredients deliver superior whitening results. And they’re available in travel-sized tubes that meet TSA carry-on regulations.

The Little Extras

Special touches are needed to complete your luxury cruise looks. A pair (or two!) of movie star sunglasses offer glam and eye protection. Brighton features an extensive selection of styles, from classic aviators to retro oval shapes featuring silver-plated accents.

I don’t routinely wear jewelry, but I always pack necklaces, bracelets and earrings when I’m packing for a special cruise. Every outfit deserves a little sparkle. Everyone’s taste in jewelry is different, but we all need a way to pack it safely. The ideal jewelry travel case will have numerous compartments to keep everything organized and untangled.

Don’t Leave Home Without It

Don’t get caught posing poolside at golden hour with a dead phone. Even in the most luxurious ship cabins, there are never enough outlets. A multi-port travel charger goes with me everywhere. The HyperJuice 100W USB-C GaN Charger has 4 ports for all your devices.

Read More:

• Essential Honeymoon Packing List for Couples
• 10 Must-Have Items for Your Tropical Vacay
• AmaWaterways Danube River Cruise Review
• Burgundy by Barge: Escape the Crowds Aboard a Wine Country Canal Cruise
• Which Small Ship Cruise Line Best Matches Your Personality?

The post Luxury Cruise Must-Haves: Chic Essentials for Sailing in Style appeared first on She Buys Travel.

We’ve got the Disney packing list you need! It’s filled with all of the things you’ll want to bring to the parks with you and what items you can leave behind.

And, yes, you can buy just about anything you forget once you get to Disney, but that’s the expensive way to go. I prefer to spend my money on Disney souvenirs, not deodorant.

Disney Packing List: Must-Haves for Magic

As Walt Disney himself said, “Adults are just kids grown up, anyway.” That includes how we accessorize while we’re on vacation. When my family is at the Disney parks, we wear the pin trading lanyards and we rock our mouse ears!

Don’t forget to pack these favorite Disney must-haves:

Disney Princess Mystery Pin Set

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Marvel Lanyard 2" Rubber Charm Pendant with Raised Script and 2 Sided Vintage Comic Strip Pattern

$12.15

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11/03/2025 11:08 pm GMT

Kids Princess/Superhero Costumes

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Disney Parks Exclusive - Wait Disney World Official Autograph Book - 50th Anniversary

$24.05

Buy Now

10/15/2025 12:00 am GMT

Sharpie 32707 Retractable Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Assorted Colors, 12 Count

$20.15 $18.57

Buy Now

11/03/2025 11:09 pm GMT

Mickey Ear Headbands

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Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger, Ultra-Compact

$25.99

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11/04/2025 04:05 am GMT

https://youtu.be/DICdkFhopWM

Read More: Buy these 22 Disney essentials BEFORE your Disney vacation to save a boatload of money!

Disney Pins for Trading

Pin trading is a great way to entertain kids while you’re waiting for rides. We started my boys pin trading when our youngest was about 3.  In the months leading up to our trip, I often stop at our Disney outlet store to search for heavily discounted pins that we can use for trading purposes.

Before our last trip, I bought six of the same Star Wars pin because they were only $1.99! You can also choose to buy packets of 25, 50 or 100 pins from Amazon. Just be sure you’re buying official Disney pins with the Mickey-shaped backing. Pins that don’t have Mickey backing cannot be traded in the parks.

What to Pack for Disney Princesses

If you have a princess fan in your traveling party, I highly recommend buying and bringing a princess dress (or five) with you. For that, Disney Store is a lifesaver! You can often find costumes on sale at far cheaper prices than you’ll find in the parks.

If you have kids who prefer to dress up like their favorite superheroes, shopDisney also has Marvel and Avengers costumes such as the Black Panther, Captain America and Black Widow.

Read More: 27 Things to Pack for Disney with a Baby

When It’s Time for Autographs…

Meeting characters is a Disney World vacation ritual for my family. We make sure our Disney packing list includes a mat for a picture frame, like this one. Plus, we bring a Ziploc bag full of retractable sharpies in a variety of colors (but plain black works just fine too). These markers are easier for most characters to use  — they aren’t able to pull off the caps of regular markers and pens.

We have the characters sign the mat around the edges. When we get home, we add one of the family photos we shot in the park and frame the whole thing for an instant memory of another fabulous Disney vacation.

The No. 1 Disney Must-Have!

Whether you choose the iconic Mickey ears or the Minnie headband ears, don’t forget to pack those!

Again, I like to swing into my local Disney outlet to hunt for official Mickey ears and Minnie headband ears on clearance or check shopDisney for a variety of cute options.

Portable Phone Charger

OK, a portable cell phone battery charger may not feel like it belongs on the same Disney packing list with Mickey ears and princess dresses, but having plenty of phone juice is a definite Disney must-have. Why? Because walking around Disney parks quickly sucks the life out of your phone.

Between taking lots of photos and videos of everyone having fun and constantly consulting the My Disney Experience app to check ride wait lines, order quick service dining and more, my phone is in constant use in the parks. Having an extra power pack ensures I will still have enough battery life to shoot video of the gorgeous Disney fireworks at the end of a long, wonderful day in the parks.

Disney Packing List: Nice-to-Haves

Disney MagicBand+

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Disney Gift Card

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You certainly can do Disney World just fine without a MagicBand or a Disney gift card. But they make a Disney vacation that much more magical for visitors who are staying at a Disney World hotel.

Disney MagicBands

MagicBands literally can be used for everything — to unlock our hotel room, to buy souvenirs without pulling out our credit cards, to redeem Dining plan entitlements and to get into the parks!

Until recently, MagicBands were sent free to people who booked rooms at Disney World resorts. They are no longer an included perk, but I think they’re still worth the price. You can also reuse a MagicBand from a past trip. And Disney Store offers so many cute ones, including character-themed MagicBands my kids love.

Disney Gift Cards

Since Disney is a pricey vacation, we like to pre-pay as much as possible. In the months leading up to our trip, we buy lots of Disney gift cards. Make sure to check that those have made it into your bag. There is nothing worse than buying Disney gift cards in advance and then realizing that you’ve left them at home on your dresser.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you shop at Target with a Red Card, you can get 5% off Disney gift cards! We also like to ask the grandparents for Disney gift cards for holiday and birthday gifts in the months leading up to our vacation.

You’ll Be Happy to Have…

Tide Load Liquid Detergent, 3-Count

$7.73

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11/03/2025 11:10 pm GMT

Ziploc Storage Slider Gallon Bags

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WipeEssentials Hand Sanitizer Wipes, Hand Wipes for Adults and Kids - 360 wipes - 12 Packs of 30ct Hand Sanitizing Wipes, Travel Essentials

$39.26

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11/02/2025 02:05 am GMT

Rain Ponchos Family Pack

$9.99

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11/04/2025 05:03 am GMT

Disney Backpack

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Disney Refillable Water Bottle

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Because Spills Happen…

I don’t always do laundry during a Walt Disney World trip, but when someone (who shall not be named) dropped an entire ice cream cone on his shirt, I was thankful for the option.

I usually pack a few travel things of Tide and a couple of dryer sheets. Even if I don’t use them, they don’t take up much space.

Tide pens and Shout wipes go in the day bag I take with me into the park. That way, if it’s just an ice cream drip — vs. the whole cone! — I can fix it on the spot.

Wet wipes are another important clean-up tool to carry into the parks with you. These can be used to wipe off a table and are generally handy when your whole family is hot and sweaty!

Don’t Do Disney without Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags are so handy to have on hand! I have used them on water rides to keep my phone dry. I have used them to save cookies and treats that no one could finish that otherwise would have been thrown away.

And I have used them AFTER my sunscreen leaked in my park bag to prevent it from happening again. (Note to self: Next time put the sunscreen in the bag BEFORE it leaks!)

When it Rains at Disney: Pack These Items

Yes, sometimes it rains on your Disney parade. While this is a less common occurrence at Disneyland in Anaheim, expect at least a brief rain shower most afternoons in Orlando. It pays to be prepared.

Ponchos at Walt Disney World are expensive. Save money by hitting up your local dollar store to stock up on throw-away ponchos instead of doling out big bucks when you’re already soaked.

Another benefit of buying these before you get to Disney: you already have them so you can protect yourself faster. While everyone else is running for shelter or waiting in very looooong lines to buy ponchos in the park, your family can head to the next ride!

If you’re not “poncho people” you can also pack a rain jacket or an umbrella. I like to have a combination of rain protection gear. Ponchos are much easier for my kids, but if the rain is light, I prefer an umbrella.

The Right Disney Day Bag

I have found myself in Disney parks staring at people who casually walk around with nothing more than a phone in their pocket, and wonder how they do it?

But I wasn’t built like that; I need a day bag. I like this Vera Bradley option because the straps are padded and there are outside pockets handy for a refillable water bottle. (Ask for free ice water from any Disney quick service restaurant.) My husband also carries a park bag. He loves his North Face backpack for Disney. This model has been very durable through multiple trips and barely looks worn.

You’ll want a day bag that is comfortable while walking for hours in the park. I have tried multiple different bags and now warn people against drawstring options. After walking miles in the parks with a fully stuffed drawstring bag, the strings cut into my shoulders.

Choose a day bag that isn’t too big but can still carry everything from a phone charger to granola bars. You’ll also want one that is washable. For convenience, choose one that has an outside pocket for a water bottle — you’ll be reaching for that regularly throughout the day.

Shoes for Disney

adidas Women's Cloud foam Pure Running Shoe

$70.00 $38.00

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11/03/2025 05:05 pm GMT

KEEN Women's Whisper Sport Sandal

$119.95 $69.90

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11/04/2025 11:06 am GMT

There’s a reason I list shoes before clothes: Comfortable walking shoes are the key to a happy day in the parks. You’ll log 20,000 or more steps during a day at Disney. Blisters and sore feet are a recipe for disaster.

For more than two park days, I always like to have at least two shoe choices: comfortable sneakers and walking sandals. On a recent summer trip to Walt Disney World, I wore these Vionic slip-ons all day. They go with every summer outfit and I was happy with the arch support. For sneakers, we love Adidas Cloudfoam. So comfortable for walking but also light and easy to clean!

Also, I have had great luck with these Keen sandals. I’ve worn them all over the Disney parks. They dry quickly when wet and, even at the end of a long day, my feet aren’t aching.

Toss in some moleskin pads in case someone’s shoes start rubbing a blister. They’re much easier to pack than another pair of shoes!

SheBuysTravel Tip: These are our favorite theme park walking shoes.

Best Clothing for Disney (Because You Need More than Mickey Ears!)

Pack one of these clothing items per person per day of your Disney vacation.

• Shorts and/or pants
• Socks
• Shirts (+ 2 extra)
• Underwear

Pack at least one of each of these per person:

• Nice outfit
• Sweatshirt/sweater
• Swimsuit (more if you plan to visit the Disney water parks)
• Pool cover-up
• Water shoes
• Swim goggles
• Sunglasses for kids and grownups
• Hat
• Pajamas

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you are checking your suitcase, ALWAYS pack at least one clean pair of underwear, one clean shirt, and a bathing suit for everyone in your carry-on bags. On one trip to WDW, my suitcase didn’t make it to my hotel room on that first night. I was very thankful to have a change of clothes!

Dress for Comfort

My typical dress style for a Disney vacation is casual and comfortable. However, if you are planning on any Signature Dining experiences, particularly those in the resorts, check the dress code and pack accordingly. One of my favorite restaurants, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, does not allow diners to wear tank tops or flip-flops.

We also like to buy some Disney-themed shirts in advance for the whole family. While we don’t often have matching shirts, we do pick outfits that fit the park we’re visiting that day. My go-to for affordable Disney shirts is ShopDisney.

SheBuysTravel Tip: When packing for children, I like to roll shirts, shorts and undies all in one, secured by a rubber band. It helps younger ones dress faster in the morning so you can get to the Magic Kingdom before rope drop!

Summer Extras to Pack

• Misting spray fan
• Cooling towel(s)
• Water bottle
• Anti-chafing products

Orlando gets HOT in the summertime. But that’s no reason to stay home from Disney World! Instead, we beat the heat with misting fans that keep everyone cool while we’re waiting in ride lines.

We also like cooling towels. Just rinse them in cool water and lay them across the back of your neck. It’s amazing how quickly that cools down even the crankiest overheated kid.

And, of course, anti-chafing cream. This is one of those secrets Disney regulars know and don’t like to share. Chafing happens in the heat! But friends don’t let friends chafe! These are our favorite anti-chafing products:

Stick: Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

Cream: Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe Cream

Powder: Anti Monkey Butt

Winter Extras to Pack

• Gloves
• Warm hat
• Scarf
• Jacket

It can get chilly in the evenings. And winter can bring some surprisingly cool days. Always check the weather forecast (not just the calendar) the day before you leave for Disney to make sure you’ll have the right clothes for the trip.

A winter visit to Disney World might require shorts one day and a winter jacket the next. Florida weather is notoriously fickle in the wintertime!

Fun Extras to Pack for Disney

In the past when we have visited Disney over Halloween or Christmas, we all dressed the part. So, if you’re traveling in the fall or over Christmas, don’t forget these:

• Halloween costumes
• Christmas sweaters
• Princess dress(es)

SheBuysTravel Tip: Think about the weather before you pack your costumes. Halloween at Walt Disney World starts in August. A hot and heavy costume in the Florida summer sun would not be comfortable. I would encourage lightweight costumes or costume t-shirts!

Toiletries for Disney

When my family and I are at Disney, I still like to have most (not all) of my toiletries on hand. For instance, I use waterproof mascara every day in the parks, but don’t use much else in the way of makeup. If you do full makeup plan to pack and use a setting spray. It will help keep you looking fresh all day, through the humidity.

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Face wash
• Moisturizer
• Waterproof mascara
• Lip balm
• Make-up
• Tampons/pads
• Hairbrush
• Hair product
• Accessories for hair
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Razor(s)
• Contacts/glasses

Medicines/First Aid Kit

• Prescriptions
• Pain relievers
• Motion sickness meds
• Allergy tabs
• Band-Aids
• Antibiotic ointment
• Aloe vera gel to treat sunburn
• Hand sanitizer
• Visine/eye drops

If you are walking through the parks and not quite feeling yourself, it’s helpful to at least have the basics on hand. Keep in mind that there are First Aid Stations located at each of the four Disney World theme parks. But if you already have a blister, you won’t want to limp to the nearest station. It’s much better to have a Band-Aid in your Disney day bag.

Packing Tips for Baby at Disney

• Diaper bag
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• Bottles/pacifiers
• Baby food
• Baby carrier/ sling
• Sleep machine

Both of my kids went to Walt Disney World before they turned 2. We loved every second. The key is to have your essential items for littles on your Disney World packing list.

One item that we found to be the most helpful was having their sleep machine at nighttime. This was and continues to be our go-to for getting the kids to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings.

Need help planning your Disney trip? Get all your questions answered from our Disney Planning & Fun Facebook Group!

Just for Fun

• Extra snacks
• Pennies for the Coin Press (and quarters to pay for the press)
• Disney word search books/MadLibs
• Glow sticks/necklaces

Packing Checklist for Your Day Bag

• Wallet/ID
• Phone
• Portable power bank
• Wet wipes
• Small first aid kit (pack ibuprofen, Dramamine, Band-Aids and antibiotic cream)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Water bottle
• Tide Stick
• Poncho(s)
• Ziploc bags
• Light sweatshirt
• Pennies
• Activity books
• Autograph mat & sharpies

9 Things That Don’t Need to Be on Your Disney Packing List

• Stroller
• Hand sanitizer
• Basic first aid products
• Insect repellent
• Shampoo, conditioner and soap
• Snacks
• DSLR camera equipment

OK, I know some of these things are already on our Disney packing list. But if you’re a committed light packer, skip these things because:

• You can get them for free from a Disney First Aid Station (hand sanitizer and basic first aid products such as Band-Aids and ibuprofen) or from bottles throughout the park (insect repellent)
• Your hotel will have these in the room (shampoo, conditioner and soap)
• They are easier to rent than bring (strollers) unless you have a really little one and will need the stroller for your travel to Disney
• You can order them from Amazon or Walmart and have them delivered to your hotel (snacks)
• You simply won’t need it (camera equipment) because you can order Disney Memory Maker or take perfectly fine photos with your phone!

Read More:

• Planning a Disney World Vacation
• Free Things at Disney World

The post The Ultimate Disney Packing List – What to Bring and What NOT to Bring appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Disney cruises are incredible vacations. It’s like getting the best of both — a Disney Parks vacation and a cruise — all wrapped into one easy package.

However, unlike a Disney Parks vacation, what and how much you pack for a Disney Cruise will depend on your cruise itinerary and the length of your cruise. Sailing to Alaska for a week requires different clothes than a 5-day sail through the Caribbean.

And of course, there is limited space aboard the ship. Even the most spacious Concierge Suite on each cruise ship is still limited in size and storage space. I urge you to mix and match your attire as best you can to save room in your suitcase (and stateroom)!

Here we give you the details on everything you need on your Disney cruise packing list, and everything you should leave at home!

Read More: What to Bring on a Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Embarkation Day

The day you board your Disney cruise ship for the first time is called “Embarkation Day.” It requires a packing strategy all its own. That’s because you will be separated from your luggage for most of the day.

Here’s how it works:

When you get to the cruise terminal in Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line luggage handlers will take that heavy suitcase off your hands and deliver it straight to your cabin. (Just one of the ship terms you’ll want to learn before your cruise, a cabin or stateroom is cruise lingo for your room onboard.)

That’s the good part. The bad part: You don’t know what time you will see your suitcase again. It could be way past the kids’ bedtime before the bags show up.

That’s why it’s important to also pack a roll-aboard suitcase or day bag with a few necessities.

Read More: Disney Wonder Review: A Most Magical Adventure at Sea

What to Pack for Embarkation Day

Depending on how early you board on Embarkation Day, you’ll have time to explore the ship and eat lunch before you will be invited to head to your stateroom. So you’ll want to have a few things with you.

These are items you must pack in the carry-on you will keep with you throughout the day:

• Cruise and travel documents
• Passport or birth certificate and government-issued ID
• Prescription medications
• Cash/credit cards
• Cell phone
• Unopened drinks or alcohol (more on this in a minute)

Next are some items that are nice to have with you, but not always necessary. The pools will be open when you arrive on board, but they can be crowded. On some previous cruises, we have gone to the pool. Other times we opted to forego the pool and spend the time exploring the ship. If you want the option to go to the pool, then move your swimsuits to the “must take” pile for your carry-on.

• Swimsuits
• Sunglasses/hat
• Swimsuit cover-up
• Sunscreen
• Motion sickness medication (such as Sea Bands)
• Portable charger
• Reading material (books, magazines, Amazon Kindle)
• Camera
• Towel clips (these come in handy on the pool deck)
• Lanyard (this is great for holding your Key to the World cruise card)

Disney Cruise Line Food and Beverage Policy

If you choose to bring food or drinks onto Disney cruise ships, they MUST go in your carry-on. DCL limits guests 21 and older to two bottles of unopened wine/champagne or six beers at the beginning of your sailing. Don’t forget your own corkscrew if you plan to open your wine in your stateroom!

Wine/champagne may be brought to the main dining rooms. There is a $25 corkage fee per bottle, and the Cast Members will store your bottle for you to drink each night at dinner.

As far as other food goes, the DCL website states that guests MAY BRING:

• Nonperishable snack foods in sealed, original packaging. All items must either be consumed prior to returning to your home port or remain unopened.
• Breast milk, in carry-on luggage only.
• Coolers no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″, as carry-on luggage for storing medications, baby food or items related to dietary restrictions only.

One of the perks of sailing on a Disney cruise ship is that all sodas, coffees and teas are included in the cost of the cruise with meals and at the beverage stations. Bar drinks, beer, wine, smoothies, specialty coffees and bottled water are an additional charge.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to the Disney Wish Restaurants – Everything You Need to Know!

Disney Gear to Pack

Next, let’s talk about the all-important Disney gear you will need to pack. The kids will want their princess dresses and every Disney cruise has a Pirate Night, so you’ll definitely want to pack your pirate best!

Plus, dressing up just ramps up the fun for everyone. Even adults can get into the act with some cute Mickey ears and Minnie-inspired polka dot dresses. Or make it a family affair with matching t-shirts for everyone! Check out Etsy for some really cute Disney cruise gear, from t-shirts to Disney cruise nail decals.

We’re Amazon Prime members, so one of our favorite places to get pirate gear is Amazon when we need the gear to arrive quickly. Amazon sells several pirate costumes, accessories and shirts. If you don’t wait until the last minute (like I do), shopDisney.com is also a great place to look for more official Disney pirate gear, but quick shipping will cost you extra.

Additionally, your children may wish to participate in the makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or the Pirates League. Save yourself an extra expense by bringing a princess dress or pirate costume from home for this experience.

Disney Door Magnets

These magical magnets are fun and also serve a real purpose: They can help you and the kids easily find your cabin door from among the loooooong hallway of cabin doors.

Mickey Ears with the name of each member of your family are a popular option. We even have a SheBuysTravel tutorial on how to make them with templates!

Just remember: Only magnets are allowed. No tape or glue of any kind can be used to adhere the decorations to your cabin door.

Do I Need Formal Clothes for a Disney Cruise?

Disney cruises are, for the most part, casual affairs. Sundresses or collared shirts are about as dressy as most people get and some will spend the entire week wearing t-shirts and shorts.

There are only two times when shorts and t-shirts won’t do: When dining at the adults-only restaurants, Remy and Palo. They have stricter (but not all that formal) dress codes. Shorts, capri pants, tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats, cut-offs, torn clothing, t-shirts, flip-flops and tennis shoes are no-nos at Palo and Remy.

Palo

This restaurant, which offers dinner and brunch, requires the following:

• Men: dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt; jacket is optional
• Women: dress, skirt or pants with a blouse

Jeans may be worn if they are in good condition and have no holes.

Remy

This restaurant, which offers brunch, dessert and dinner on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy only, is the most formal of all the Disney Cruise dining options. It requires the following:

Brunch & Dessert

• Men: dress pants and a shirt are required; jacket optional
• Women: a dress or pantsuit is required

Dinner

• Men: a jacket (sports, suit or tuxedo jacket) is required with dress pants/slacks and shoes; ties are optional
• Women: Cocktail dress, evening dress, pantsuit or skirt/blouse are required

What Should I Pack for Castaway Cay?

A fan favorite stop on most Disney Cruise Line vacations is Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

A beautiful island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay has so many great amenities, you won’t need to pack much in your beach bag. However, it is a long walk/tram ride from the ship to the beach area of the island, so you won’t want to go back and forth to your stateroom if you forgot something!

Castaway Cay supplies items such as swim goggles, snorkels, life vests and towels (so leave the towels in your stateroom).

Have everyone put on their swimsuits and cover-ups before you leave the ship and pack these things in your day bag for Castaway Cay:

• Sunscreen/Sunglasses/Hat
• Sand toys
• Water shoes
• Portable charger (outlets are not plentiful on the island)
• Towel clips
• Reading material
• Dryer sheets (they magically remove sand from little bodies!)

Also consider bringing a refillable water bottle as it does get hot at Castaway Cay. There is food available (included in your cruise fare) as well as drink stations. But if you plan on spending the whole day at the beach, you won’t want to go back and forth from those areas to the beach every time someone gets thirsty.

What to Pack for Port Excursions

In addition to Castaway Cay, Disney cruises visit some amazing ports of call. Again, what you need to pack for port excursions will vary. For cruises to Alaska, packing a poncho is probably more important than packing multiple bathing suit choices. However, Caribbean cruises might call for more swimsuit options because putting on a wet swimsuit isn’t easy!

You will definitely want to bring along your beach bag or day bag to keep clothing or bathing suit options at your finger tips. Appropriate shoes for each activity are a must. Flip flops are great for the beach, but more adventurous excursions such as biking or zip lining, call for sturdier closed-toe shoes.

Complete Disney Cruise Packing List

We’ve covered packing needs for different parts of a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Now it’s time to wrap it all up into one comprehensive packing list. We’ve broken it down by sections to help you navigate the list without being overwhelmed.

Must-Pack Items

• Cruise/travel documents
• Driver’s license
• Passport or birth certificate
• Prescription medications (definitely carry-on with you)
• Cash/credit card
• Travel insurance information

Clothing

• Shirts
• Shorts
• Pants/Jeans
• Undergarments
• Casual dresses
• Pajamas
• Swimwear
• Cover-ups
• Sandals/flip flops/water shoes/tennis shoes
• Dress shoes
• Socks
• Cocktail or Formal attire (for Remy/Palo or Formal Night)
• Costumes (for themed sailings, such as Halloween on the High Seas)
• Pirate night attire

Toiletries

• Sunscreen
• Razor/shaving cream
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Make-up
• Make-up remover
• Hairbrush
• Hair products (hairspray, gel, hair ties, etc.)
• Toothbrush/toothpaste and floss
• Contacts with solution and case
• Glasses/sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer
• Sea Bands or other motion sickness products

Accessories

• Beach bag or day bag
• Hat
• Belt
• Jewelry
• Lanyard (makes it easy to access your Key to the World card)

Electronics

• Cell phone
• Charger
• Portable charger
• Camera
• Headphones
• Laptop/tablet with charger
• Kindle

Nice to Have, But Not Must Have

• Refillable mug/water bottle (great for shore excursions)
• Zip top bags (great for wet swimsuits or sand toys)
• Alcohol or bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks in their unopened containers
• Laundry items (pods, dryer sheets, etc.)

Bonus Category: Baby Items

Diapers and other common baby supplies are sold onboard, subject to availability. But bringing your own will definitely save you money!

Depending on your child’s age, you may or may not need the following:

• Bottles/sippy cups
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Pacifier
• Baby food
• Breastmilk/formula
• Swim diapers
• Regular diapers
• Night light and/or white noise machine
• Baby carrier
• Stroller

What NOT to Bring on a Disney Cruise

Some of the items listed below and strictly prohibited. In other cases, leaving the stuff at home will save room in your suitcase for the souvenirs you’ll want to buy and bring home!

• Weapons (guns, knives, ammunition, swords, etc.)
• Weapon replicas are not allowed EXCEPT store-bought light sabers, plastic “pirate’ swords, and plastic ‘“Mjolnir” hammer (Thor’s hammer)
• Homecooked, premade or perishable foods
• Illegal drugs (including medically prescribed marijuana)
• Power strip/surge protector (banned because they could overload ship circuits and cause a fire)
• Drones
• Irons
• Bottle warmers
• Sports equipment
• Balloons
• Candles
• Musical instruments
• Beach towels (provided for you by DCL)
• Hair dryer (available in your stateroom)
• Pack and Play/Crib for baby (available onboard)

For a full list of prohibited items, make sure to check out the DCL website before you start your packing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I wear on a Disney cruise?

A: Dress codes vary depending on the type of dining experience you choose. For casual dining, comfortable clothing is appropriate. For formal dining, a cocktail dress or suit and tie are recommended. For themed nights, such as Pirate Night, costumes or themed clothing are encouraged.

Q: What kind of weather should I expect on a Disney cruise?

A: The weather can vary depending on your cruise itinerary and the time of year you are traveling. For Caribbean cruises, expect warm and humid weather with occasional rain showers. For Alaskan cruises, expect cooler temperatures with the possibility of rain or snow.

Q: Are there laundry facilities on board?

A: Yes, there are self-service laundry facilities available on all Disney cruise ships. There is a fee for using these facilities.

Q: Can I bring my own alcohol on board?

A: No, Disney Cruise Line does not allow guests to bring their own alcohol on board. However, alcohol can be purchased on board at various bars and lounges.

Q: Are gratuities included in the price of my cruise?

A: No, gratuities are not included in the price of your cruise. They are automatically added to your onboard account and can be adjusted at the guest services desk if necessary.

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