Ahoy there, Juan! Welcome to planDisney! Thanks for sailing my way with your question about your 5-Night Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami on the
Disney Dream! I've only sailed out of Miami once - and that was on the Disney Magic - but it was such a memorable cruise I've definitely planned to get back there eventually! I could go on and on about my own experience on a 5-Night Western Caribbean itinerary, but it looks like your sailing is just about a month and a half away, so let's get right to it!
One of my favorite things about Disney Cruise Line is rotational dining, where you show up for your first evening's dinner in the main dining rooms and meet the dining crew members that will rotate with you throughout your cruise. That first night, the dress code will be "Cruise Casual" which will allow you to concentrate on settling into what I like to call "vacation mode" without having to worry about any theme nights or dress code specifics.
By the second night, don't be surprised if your new cruise family knows how you take your coffee or tea, what you'd like to drink, or whether you'll be ordering multiple entrees (planDrew-approved tip: you really can do that!) If you ask me, it's one of the most magical parts of a Disney Cruise Line vacation!
Now, if you're like me and mostly reserve dressing up for business travel, you can keep to Cruise Casual each night, but on your itinerary, you're likely to have at least a semi-formal night, as well as a Pirate Night! In fact,
most itineraries four nights and longer currently are scheduled to have a Pirate Night! For specifics on which nights will be which, be sure to check your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once you board! For Pirate Night, many guests choose to lean into the theme by dressing up in their best pirate garb, and it's a good thing, too: I hear the pirates don't take too kindly to obvious landlubbers!
Don't fret if you don't have any pirate outfits, at the very least a bandana will be waiting for you in your stateroom the night before pirate night!
That reminds me, all these themes are subject to change, so be sure to check your Navigator app throughout your cruise and listen to any special onboard announcements!
When it comes to packing, you're in luck:
Disney Cruise Line has suggested packing lists separated out by destination! After reviewing this list, you should have a good idea of what to pack, but remember, your checked luggage may not arrive at your room until later on embarkation day. With that knowledge, I find it's best to keep your
Travel Documentation and other important items like medication and sunscreen in a carry-on bag! Oh, and while you're at it, it's always a good idea to pack a swimsuit if you think you'd like to hit the pools on the top decks after snagging lunch at Cabanas!
I hope that helps you set a course for an incredible voyage for you and your crew, Juan! Thank you so much for your question, and if any others surface as you continue planning, please drop me another line here at planDisney!
Until then, may your anchor be tight and your compass true. Happy planning!
Andrew