Ahoy, Robert!
Welcome back to planDisney, and thank you for the question! What a fantastic European sailing you have planned for June on the beautiful
Disney Dream. Although my family's interests have changed as my children have aged, I love being challenged to plan the perfect balance of fun and relaxation on our Disney Cruise Line vacations. I always consider a few things when picking our Port Adventures, including duration, activity level, and mode(s) of transportation. If your son is a foodie, I suggest at least one food experience, such as a cooking class, possibly in
Mykonos. I made pizza in Rome with Adventures by Disney, so you may want to select another option since you'll have that to look forward to after the cruise. With your late departure in
Santorini, I recommend one of the sunset cruise options. Even on a cruise ship vacation, I love the more intimate feel of a small vessel. A catamaran excursion is also a great option. If you're looking for an adventurous activity, I suggest the 4x4 Adventure to the White Mountains and Cretan Villages in
Chania. For the
Naples stop, I'd look into one of the Port Adventures that takes you to the stunning Amalfi Coast, or combine that with Pompeii if that's on your must-see list. I always like to have 2-3 Port Adventures in mind when my
booking window opens, in case the excursion is sold out or the time doesn't work for my family. I also suggest checking back up to three days before you set sail to see if sold-out options become available again. With these fabulous ports of call, I know you'll love whatever you select to experience!
Packing for a long vacation overseas can be overwhelming. I suggest using compression packing cubes or vacuum-sealing your clothes to maximize your space. With
laundry options on board, you can mix and match to save room in your suitcase. On my last few 7-night cruises, a "Wash and Fold" offer has been available for up to 30 items. You'll place your items in a laundry bag, and they'll be laundered and returned within 48 hours. This may be something your crew wants to take advantage of, since you'll be busy in ports during the day and have an ABD to enjoy after the cruise. I'd plan on packing light, breathable fabrics, as it will be warm when you're off the ship during the day. You'll also want this type of clothing for Rome. On the ship, you can expect five cruise casual nights, one semi-formal night, and one formal night. For the
dressier nights, you'll see a variety of attire, so pack what's comfortable. As for shoes, be sure they are comfortable, and have a couple of options, as it's nice to switch to another pair if your feet need a break or your shoes get wet!
Thank you again for continuing to visit planDisney! Please keep us posted on any other questions you may have about your magical vacations!
Nancy