Ahoy Joan,
Thank you so much for coming to planDisney with your question. Packing for a cruise can be different from packing for other types of trips. Let me offer you some thoughts on things to bring with you for your magical sailing!
First, check out these
suggestions for what to pack for a cruise from Disney Cruise Line. This will give you a good idea of where to start with your packing list. As mentioned in this list, no matter which itinerary you are sailing on, it is very important of course to pack your identification and citizenship documents. Also be sure to have with you any medication that you need. These are things that I am very sure to keep in my backpack and with me at all times. When we arrive at the ship, we do not check this backpack - it stays with me at all times during the boarding process! It also might be helpful to check out this
required document list.
Next, your packing list will vary depending on your itinerary. If you are heading to a tropical location, you will want to pack your swimsuit and t-shirts. Heading somewhere chillier, like Alaska? Long pants and jackets will be needed. I suggest that you check the weather forecast for any ports of call you will be visiting. Regardless of your destination, I find that packing layers is a good idea. Even if you are heading to the Caribbean, it can get chilly on deck at night on the ships!
Basic toiletries, such as shampoo and soaps, are provided by Disney Cruise Line so you do not need to worry about bringing those. If there are any special products that you use on a regular basis, of course bring those with you.
You also might want to consider the
different themed nights and dining that will occur on your cruise. While not necessary, I enjoy dressing up for dinner on the cruise, so I will tend to bring many Disney-inspired dresses. I definitely want to bring my Ms. Marvel-inspired dress from Her Universe the next time I cruise on the Disney Wish to wear to dinner at Worlds of Marvel! You might want to bring special clothes for pirate night, semi-formal, or formal night, if your cruise includes these. The adults-only dining venues do have a dress code, so please do check out the link I provided earlier in this paragraph if you have questions about that.
Finally, do review the list of
prohibited items from Disney Cruise Line. Be sure to stay away from packing any of these items.
I hope that this gives you a place to start with your packing, Joan! Please feel free to sail back over to planDisney if you have any further questions in preparing for your magical sailing!
~ Mona Leigh