Packing checklists tailored for families, adults-only cruisers, and themed sailings
Getting ready for a Disney Cruise is exciting — but figuring out what to pack can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re sailing with little ones, enjoying a romantic getaway, or joining one of Disney’s special themed cruises, having the right essentials makes your vacation smooth and magical.
We’ve put together packing checklists tailored for families, adults-only cruisers, and themed sailings, so you can stress less and focus on the fun.
General Packing Essentials (For Everyone)
No matter who you’re traveling with, these are your must-haves for any Disney Cruise Line adventure:
- Passport/Photo ID & cruise documents
- Travel insurance info
- Day bag (for boarding day)
- Comfortable shoes (walking + poolside sandals)
- Swimsuits & cover-ups
- Sunscreen, aloe, and sunglasses
- Pirate Night outfit (yes, it’s a tradition!)
- Light sweater/jacket (ships can be chilly indoors)
- Refillable water bottle
- Medications & basic first aid items
- Power strip/USB hub (non-surge protected, cruise-approved)
- Lanyard for Key to the World card
- Cash for tips and small purchases at ports
Packing for Families with Kids
Sailing with kids is magical, but it requires extra prep. Here’s what to bring to keep everyone happy:
- Autograph book & pens for character meet-and-greets
- Costumes for themed nights (princess dresses, superhero outfits, etc.)
- Stroller (lightweight, collapsible)
- Reusable snack containers
- Kids’ medications & sea bands for motion sickness
- Waterproof phone case (for pool/shore excursions)
- Favorite comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal, bedtime book)
- Extra swimsuits — kids never want to leave the pool!
- For babies (milk, snacks/ baby food, diapers, etc.)
- When checking in for your cruise, you can request diaper genies, cribs, bed rails, bottle sterilizers, and bottle warmers. Note: Request these items early, as they are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pro Tip: Pack a small backpack for each child with activities for downtime (coloring books, iPads, puzzles).
Packing for Adults-Only Cruises
If you’re sailing without kids, you’ll want to lean into relaxation and Disney’s premium experiences:
- Dressier outfits for adults-only dining (Palo, Remy, or Enchanté)
- Resort casual outfits for lounges and evening entertainment
- Refillable wine tumbler or corkscrew (DCL allows limited alcohol to be carried on)
- Spa/daywear (flip-flops, comfy robes if you prefer your own)
- Books, Kindle, or headphones for quiet time on deck
- Formal night attire (many adults like to go all out — optional but fun!)
Pro Tip: Adults-only areas like Serenity Bay (Castaway Cay) and Quiet Cove Pool are amazing — pack accordingly for maximum chill.
Packing for Themed Sailings
Disney Cruise Line is famous for its themed cruises (Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime Cruises, Marvel Day at Sea, and more). Here’s what to bring to get the most out of them:
- Costumes (Halloween, Marvel, Star Wars, etc.)
- Festive accessories (Santa hats, Mickey holiday sweaters, themed t-shirts)
- Light-up jewelry/toys for deck parties
- Treat bags for Halloween sailings
- Special autograph items (Marvel posters, themed photo mats, etc.)
- Matching family shirts for group photos
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t go all out, a few themed touches make you feel part of the magic — glow necklaces or Mickey ears go a long way!
Packing for a Disney Cruise doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s all about planning for fun, comfort, and a little Disney magic. Use these checklists as a guide, and you’ll be ready to sail away without the “Did I forget something?” worries.
Want help planning your next Disney Cruise Line vacation? Our travel experts at Academy Travel make it stress-free — from stateroom selection to dining reservations. Click here to book your vacation.
