Oh Deborah! What an adventure you and your husband have ahead of you on your very first Disney Cruise - and in only a few short days! You're going to love the magic of being out at sea. I'm so thrilled for you both!
Thank you so much for sailing by with your question. Some of my favorite ways to prepare for an upcoming Disney Cruise are planning my outfits and dreaming about what to pack, so I think we just became best friends.
First, let's start by checking off essential items from the
Packing Lists created by Disney Cruise Line. You'll notice, Deborah, that the lists vary depending on your itinerary. Based on your travel dates, however, I'm guessing you're headed to the Bahamas and one of Disney's private tropical destinations. Dreamy!
Next, when you arrive for your cruise on Embarkation Day, you'll check most of your luggage, but make sure to pack at least one day bag to keep with you, as your luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until a few hours after the ship leaves the port. My day bag has any medication we may need, our passports (and/or other required documentation), phones with chargers, sunglasses, and sunscreen. My family likes to take a dip in the pool right away, so we pack our swimsuits with some cover-ups and sandals, as well. (Towels are provided!)
In my checked luggage you'll find the most useful item I pack for my stateroom - little magnetic hooks. The walls in a Disney Cruise ship stateroom are magnetic so these hooks help to keep our family's stateroom organized. We hang up our Key to the World lanyards, so they're always ready to go. We also hang up bags, hats, and anything else we want out of the way.
Deborah, some items you do not have to worry about packing are toiletries like shampoo and soap, as these high-quality products are provided by Disney Cruise Line. The scents are something I dream about long after my time on the ship is over. So, save that room in your luggage!
Lastly, let's talk outfits! You may want to consider the different themed nights and dining locations on your particular ship, as well as
dress codes and guidelines. Most itineraries have an optional dress-up night and a Pirate Night. Buccaneers are encouraged to dress up in their finest pirate-wear on Pirate Night. Our Stateroom Host left us bandanas and eye patches, which was a very nice touch. We purchased matching pirate-themed shirts for our group beforehand, but some Guests go all out! Do what feels most comfortable for you and your husband! Even just a black and white striped shirt with the provided bandana is perfect!
Be sure to check your Disney Cruise Line Navigator App once onboard for details on when themed nights are scheduled during your sailing. Speaking of, you'll definitely want to have the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App downloaded and ready to go before you embark, Deborah, as it will be your best pal while aboard your cruise - besides Mickey Mouse, of course! The entire list of daily activities, from bingo to trivia, movie showings to dance parties, will be in the app. You'll be able to easily scroll through and give a little "heart" to anything that interests you or your husband, and it will automatically create your personal itinerary with all your favorite picks! It's an easy way to keep track of all the fun happenings offered on the ship.
I hope that this information has been helpful in your planning, Deborah, but more than that, I sincerely wish you and your husband the most magical voyage. There's really nothing like a Disney Cruise.
Magic awaits,
McCayla