How A Disney Cruise Packing List Is Different From Any Other Packing List

You’ve been on many a Disney trip. You’ve honed your packing list on your handy, dandy Excel spreadsheet.

What to take for a summertime Disney trip? Check!  Are there special things you should pack for your baby? Got it. Can’t decide? You have a stockpile of ideas. You even know what not to bring.

But now, you’re going on a cruise. What to pack? Oh, what to pack?

Take half of what you think you’ll need. I know you’ve heard it before but for a cruise? It’s never more true. Storage in your room is tight. You’re going to be in a suit and a cover-up (for those warmer climes) most of the time. Even on the cooler cruises, layers will be key and top layers can be….recycled. And if you get desperate, there’s always laundry service and laundry rooms.

But bring multiple swim suits. There is nothing worse than squeezing into a wet, clammy suit. You’ll thank me later.

Don’t forget your passport. You’re not in Kansas anymore. Even if you do a shorter 3-day cruise, and don’t plan on leaving the ship (advice someone gave us for our first cruise) there are always the what-ifs. If there’s an emergency, and you need to get home, you won’t be allowed back in the US without it. Passports are a must-pack.

Wrinkle release spray. You won’t find an iron in your stateroom and you can’t bring a steamer. (Although, I did hear of someone using her straightening iron successfully.) Wrinkle release spray is the next best thing to make your wardrobe presentable.

Take in the views with a pair of binoculars. A cruise is an opportunity to see things in a different way, different vantage point, different perspective.

Formal wear for formal nights. On the longer cruises (more than 4 nights) you’ll find formal wear on the last night is popular attire. Even on the shorter cruises, you’ll find guests dressing up. Sure, you’ll find dressy casual or even same old, same old. Do what is comfortable for you, but putting on a little bling is a nice way to end to a special vacation

Bring all medications (in their original bottles), your favorite pain reliever and motion sickness meds. Sure, the infirmary will have many over-the-counter options, but if they think you’re suffering from anything other than motion sickness, you’ll be quarantined. Green apples and crackers are another trick to use once symptoms start, but why risk it? Be prepared. Take Dramamine (or its equivalent) a day before and as needed on your trip.

For a good night’s sleep you’ll need a “sleep maker” (sleep machine) or sleep app for your phone. While the rocking ship may lull you to sleep, there are noises and bumps in the night that we’re not used to. Not to mention, thin walls and late night/early morning neighbors.

Magnetic hooks will help keep your tight quarters organized. The walls are metal. Hooks held our lightweight bags, dried suits and towels. And if you’re an uber-organizer and love the “over the door organizer” trick for your toilettries and such, you’ll need to do some pre-planning. Using these organizers in the standard “over the door” way is forbidden. So….you’ll have to get crafty. Attach magnets. Thread through some kitchen twine and attach to the wall with a magnetic hook. You get the idea. Just don’t hang over the door. They can scratch the door and  you may get fined.

An extra card will keep the electricity activated in your cabin. Just bring any old hotel room key from a previous vacation. Your stateroom’s lights are activated once you insert your room key into a slot by the door. If you’d like to charge your electronics while you’re enjoying the pool you’ll need an extra “key” to keep the electricity activated.

A nightlight will make midnight trips to the bathroom safer for your toes.  To help conserve energy, you can use a battery powered tealight (we’ve found them at Dollar Tree) or even a glow stick will work.

With a few added touches, your Disney cruise packing list only looks slightly different from your usual Disney list. But small things can make a big difference.