Pack These Items Before You Board
Disney provides towels, basic toiletries, and room linens, but you will need to bring clothes, medications, documents, and personal items. The ship's cabin is small—roughly the size of a hotel room—so pack only what fits in two medium suitcases per person without overstuffing. Disney allows you to check bags at the terminal; they arrive in your cabin by evening, so you do not need to carry everything aboard.
Bring a valid passport or passport card for every family member, even if you are a U.S. citizen sailing to Caribbean ports. Disney requires proof of citizenship at minimum, but a passport is the fastest document to present. If anyone in your group has a prescription medication, pack the original labeled bottle—not a pill organizer—because the ship's medical staff needs to verify the prescription. Bring enough for the entire cruise plus a few extra days in case of delays.
Pack one outfit and toiletries in a small carry-on bag that stays with you during boarding. You will not reach your cabin for several hours, and you may want to change or freshen up before dinner. Include phone chargers, any glasses or contacts you need, and a light jacket—the ship's air conditioning runs cold, and the upper decks are windy.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid passport or passport card for every passenger, even for Caribbean cruises, because Disney requires proof of citizenship and a passport is the fastest option.
- Pack prescription medications in their original labeled bottles and bring enough for the full cruise plus extra days, since the ship's medical staff must verify prescriptions.
- Bring one change of clothes and toiletries in a carry-on bag for the hours before you reach your cabin, because checked luggage does not arrive until evening.
- Pack a light jacket, phone chargers, and any glasses or contacts in your carry-on, because the ship is cold and you will not have access to your main luggage when ready.
- Leave valuables like jewelry and large amounts of cash at home; the ship has a safe in your cabin, but theft from cabins does happen.
Documents and Money You Cannot Forget
Bring your cruise documents—the confirmation email from Disney and your boarding pass, which you can print or show on your phone. Have your credit card and a small amount of cash ($50 to $100 per person is typical). The ship charges everything to your room account using your room key card, so you will not need much cash, but some ports have vendors who do not take cards, and tipping crew members is easier with cash.
If you are traveling with children who are not your own, bring a notarized letter from their parent or guardian giving you permission to travel with them. Disney does not always ask for it, but U.S. Customs can require it, and having it prevents delays at the port. If a child's last name differs from yours, bring their birth certificate as well.
Clothing for Different Ship Activities
Pack clothes for warm weather, even on winter cruises—the Caribbean and Mexico stay warm year-round. Bring 5 to 7 days of casual clothes: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and lightweight pants. Include one pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair of sandals or water shoes. The deck is wet and slippery, and water shoes prevent slips and protect your feet from hot surfaces.
Pack one nicer outfit for formal or semi-formal dining nights. Disney's formal nights require men to wear dress pants and a collared shirt (no jeans, no t-shirts) and women to wear a dress, skirt, or dressy pants. You do not need a full suit or evening gown—business casual is acceptable. If you do not want to dress up, you can eat at the buffet or order room service instead, so formal wear is optional but recommended for the main dining room experience.
Bring a light rain jacket or poncho. Caribbean weather changes fast, and afternoon showers are common. A packable rain jacket takes almost no space and saves you from being soaked during a port excursion. Avoid packing a heavy winter coat unless you are boarding in a cold port—it wastes suitcase space and you will not wear it once you are at sea.
Toiletries and Medications to Bring
Disney provides shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion in your cabin, but bring your own if you have sensitive skin or a preferred brand. Pack deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, and any face products you use daily. The ship's pharmacy stocks common items like sunscreen, pain relievers, and antacids, but prices are high—a small bottle of sunscreen costs $15 to $20. Bring your own sunscreen in a checked bag, not your carry-on, because TSA limits liquids to 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags.
Pack all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take regularly. The ship has a medical center, but it is expensive and slow—a doctor visit costs $150 to $200, and you may wait hours. Bring allergy medication, pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, and any other over-the-counter drugs you use. Include seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness; the ship rocks less than you might expect, but some people feel it, especially in rough seas.
Electronics and Entertainment Items
Bring your phone and a charger. The ship has WiFi (sold separately or included with some cabin packages), and you can text and call using apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime over WiFi. Cell service at sea is expensive and unreliable, so rely on WiFi instead. Bring a portable phone charger or power bank because outlets in cabins are limited, and you will want your phone charged for photos and navigation at ports.
Pack a camera if you prefer it to your phone. The ship's photographer takes photos throughout the day and sells prints and digital copies at high prices, so bringing your own camera lets you capture memories without paying extra. Bring a waterproof phone case or bag if you plan to take photos near the pool or during water activities.
Bring books, a tablet, or a laptop if you like to read or work during sea days. The ship has a library with a small selection of books, and the internet is slow for streaming, but you can read shows or books before you board. Bring headphones so you can watch or listen without disturbing your cabin mates.
Items to Leave at Home or Buy Onboard
Do not pack large amounts of jewelry or cash. The ship has a safe in your cabin, but theft does happen, and you do not need expensive items at sea. Leave your good jewelry at home and bring only what you wear daily. Bring one nice watch or piece of jewelry for formal dining if you want, but nothing irreplaceable.
Do not pack a hair dryer, iron, or other electrical appliances. Your cabin has a hair dryer, and the ship's laundry service will press clothes for a fee. Bringing extra appliances wastes space and may violate fire safety rules. Do not pack candles, incense, or anything with a flame—they are fire hazards and are not allowed.
Do not pack your own snacks or alcohol. Disney allows you to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per cabin (sealed, not opened), but beer, liquor, and outside alcohol are prohibited and will be confiscated. You can bring snacks like granola bars or crackers, but the ship has 24-hour room service and multiple restaurants, so you will not go hungry. Snacks take up space and are not necessary.
Preparing Your Home and Finances Before You Leave
Tell your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling. Charges from the ship may look unusual, and your bank might block your card thinking it is fraud. A quick call to your bank prevents your card from being declined when you need it. Bring two credit cards in case one is lost or damaged.
Arrange for someone to collect your mail and check on your home while you are away. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to pick up packages, bring in trash cans, and make sure nothing looks obviously empty. If you are gone for a week, ask them to check on your home every few days.
Set your phone to airplane mode or turn it off before you board. The ship charges high rates for cell service, and you may accidentally use data or make calls without realizing it. Use WiFi instead, which is much cheaper. If you need to make an emergency call, ask the crew to use the ship's phone system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food or snacks on the Disney cruise?
Yes, you can bring snacks like granola bars, crackers, and dried fruit in your checked luggage. However, the ship has 24-hour room service and multiple restaurants, so snacks are not necessary. Do not bring alcohol, fresh fruit, or anything that requires refrigeration—these items will be confiscated at boarding.
What happens if I forget something important?
The ship has a small shop that sells basics like sunscreen, medications, phone chargers, and toiletries at high prices. If you forget something critical like a medication, tell the crew when ready—the medical center can help, though it is expensive. For future cruises, use a packing checklist to avoid forgetting items.
Do I need travel insurance for a Disney cruise?
Disney offers its own travel insurance, but it is optional. Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. If you are traveling with young children or have health concerns, insurance may be worth the cost. Read the policy carefully to understand what is covered.
Can I bring a power bank or portable charger?
Yes, power banks are allowed and useful because cabin outlets are limited. Bring a power bank with enough capacity to charge your phone multiple times. Make sure it is TSA-approved and does not exceed airline limits for lithium batteries.
What should I pack for a formal dining night?
Pack one outfit that is business casual or dressier: dress pants or a skirt with a collared shirt or blouse for men, and a dress, skirt, or dressy pants for women. You do not need a tuxedo or evening gown. If you do not want to dress up, you can eat at the buffet or order room service instead of the main dining room.