Disney Cruise Packing List
We’re a mere two days away from boarding our flight to New Orleans for our Disney Cruise, and I have not started packing yet. That’s why I’m writing this Disney Cruise packing list so I can feel like I’ve at least started. Sometimes the planning is more work than actually doing it.
As much as I travel, the packing never really gets easier… or any more fun. And the kids grow so darn fast; it seems I’m always making last-minute Target runs for sandals or bathing suits or anything else they’ve managed to grow out of since last season.
I do make the kids get involved in the packing process–if this makes you cringe, don’t worry; I check and re-check their work. But I call it a packing party. I look at the Disney cruise packing list and then shout out an item like: two pairs of pajamas. They go to their rooms, retrieve the items, and then report back for the next task: 7 pairs of underwear, and so on and so forth.
Here are the essentials I’ve added to my Disney cruise packing list for this upcoming trip, which will be a warm-weather cruise, leaving from New Orleans during Spring Break.
All the Disney Cruise Essentials:
- Pajamas (1-2 pairs for adults, 2-3 for kids) — this packing plan is different from a standard vacation, so match clothing to your itinerary weather.
- Underwear (about 1 per day, plus a couple extra per kid)
- Bathing suits (3-4 for a week-long cruise)
- Cover up for me/ rash guards for the kids
- About 1.5 outfits per person per day with at least one shirt for every day of the trip
- About 1.5 outfits per person per day with at least one pair of shorts for every day
- For colder destinations, replace shorts for pants
- Socks (3-4 pairs; my boys prefer sneakers over sandals–insert eyeroll)
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- A light sweater or light jacket for cool indoor spaces on the ship
- Comfort items for kids or a baby at sleep time or during downtime
- Bras – strapless and regular (the right essentials matter more than overpacking)
Specialty Attire for Your Disney Cruise Packing List:
- Nice dinner attire – if you’re planning to eat in the main dining room or in the specialty restaurants, you’ll want a dinner outfit for the number of nights you’re on the ship (minus one, because of Pirate night)
- Nice shoes/ sandals
- Pirate night attire – we’re keeping Pirate Night simple on this cruise, with a white tee, black pants or shorts, a red sash, eye patch and bandanas, but themed costumes definitely make the event more fun
- Disney shirts for getting on the cruise – a comfy option for embarkation day, especially if this is your first Disney cruise
- Any character outfits/ shirts or princess dresses you’re bringing for meet-and-greets; also check your itinerary for special theme nights like Halloween on the High Seas
- Workout outfits – in case I hit the gym while on the ship; basketball shorts and sneakers for the boys to play basketball on the ship
- Hats — I get lots of compliments on this summer hat
- Sunglasses
- Beach bag/ backpack to use on excursions
- Mix-and-match outfits that work for warm weather at sea and easy transitions between pool time, port days, and dinner
Toiletries:
- Make-up bag w/ make-up must haves
- Brush
- Shampoo and conditioner, if bringing your own, since Disney provides basic toiletries like shampoo and soap in the stateroom
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- A hanging toiletry bag can help you stay organized in the bathroom
- Face cleanser
- Curling iron
- Tampons, if that might be an issue
- Motion sickness remedies, in case anyone starts wondering if they feel seasick
- Medications in original containers, packed in your carry-on
- Blow dryer (Disney also provides a hair dryer in the stateroom)
Travel Entertainment for Your Disney Cruise Packing List:
- Tablets w/ headphones
- Phones w/ chargers: You’ll likely use the DCL Navigator app often to check schedules, activities, and plans during the cruise, so keep devices charged.
- USB charging hub: Helpful for letting multiple devices charge at once in the cabin.
- Books
- Activity books for kids
Other must-haves:
- Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Medicines — any prescriptions and inhalers, but also Tylenol and cough medicines
- Passports/ important travel documents and cruise documents
- Camera (if you still use a real one)
- Portable phone charger
- Smart watch charger
- Room key lanyard
- Luggage tags from the cruise line
- Reusable water bottle — helps everyone stay hydrated and avoid dehydration on board
- Disney trading pins — a fun way for kids to make new friends onboard
- Autograph book — essential for character signatures and character meetings onboard
- Leave prohibited items at home, including irons, surge protectors, and candles
- Small extras that can save space and make the trip easier
If you want more information about Disney Cruises, check out my other popular posts:
- Disney Cruise Tips for 1st Time Disney Cruisers
- Are Disney Cruises Worth It?
- 5 Disney Cruise Extras That Are Worth the Splurge
- Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean
- Best Time to Book a Disney Cruise
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Jaime
Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.
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