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Planning for a Disney Cruise is somewhat different to other cruise lines, thanks to the fun atmosphere, fantastic on board activities and some ports of call. Following our very first Disney Cruise, there were a number of items we took with us which really enhanced our overall enjoyment of the experience, and others I wished we'd known to purchase before we embarked.
Here, we'll highlight our top suggestions in the hope it helps you have the most magical time at sea.
For use around the ship
1. Lanyard for Key To The World Card
Even before we'd set foot on the ship, we discovered having a lanyard at the cruise port when we checked in would have been handy, especially for the children.
Returning passengers automatically become Castaway Club members, which entitles them to a complimentary lanyard, issued when checking in at the port. As first time cruisers this didn't apply to us, so we had to find other ways to keep our Key To The World Cards safe.
As these cards act as identification when embarking, disembarking, and whilst on board the ship, plus as stateroom keys and charge cards, it's obviously important to keep them safe. A lanyard with a pouch is ideal.
Although these are available to buy from the on board shops - something we ended up doing. It's far easier to purchase a lanyard beforehand and place the cards straight in the holders, as you need these on a number of occasions prior to the time when the shops open.
2. Trading Pins
Lanyards also come in useful for carrying trading pins, if you're planning to engage in this during your cruise. Just like the Disney Parks, there are various Cast Members around the ship with pins available to trade, plus a large trading book usually located on the counter of some shops.
One event not to be missed is the Officers Pin Trading Night which tends to take place on the final evening of your cruise, where you have the opportunity to meet some of the ship's officers, who will all be wearing lanyards laden with pins to trade. They're a friendly bunch, who were keen to chat and find our about our whole cruise experience.
Pins are available to purchase on the ship, but as many of these are unique to the Disney Cruise Line, with a price tag to match, you probably won't want to trade these. Therefore, we suggest taking some you're willing to trade with you.
3. Autograph Books
Another similarity to the Disney Parks is the opportunity to meet with some of your favourite Disney characters whilst on board. At the official Meet & Greets, characters will pose for photographs and sign autograph books, so make sure you take one with you.
For recreational activities
1. Beach Bag
Pool towels are provided, both on the ship and if visiting Castaway Cay, therefore you won't need to bring these with you. However, a beach bag to carry and store other items - such as sun lotion, reading books, sunglasses etc - proved extremely useful throughout the cruise.
We would also recommend bringing your own sun tan lotion with you. Although this is available to purchase on the ship, we noticed the shop selling it wasn't always open.
2. Snorkelling Gear
If your itinerary includes a trip to Castaway Cay (and you have enough room in your suitcase) consider taking some snorkelling gear with you. Swimming around the snorkelling lagoon, admiring all the relics and creatures below the surface, is a wonderful activity to participate in during your day on the island, but hiring the necessary equipment can become expensive - as we discovered.
As long as you wear one of the yellow snorkelling vests provided, you're welcome to swim in the lagoon using your own equipment.
For your Stateroom
1. Door Magnets
A fun and unique Disney Cruise activity is most noticeable as you wander down the corridors of the ship - decorating your stateroom door with Disney magnets. The effort some guests had gone to was amazing, and we enjoyed admiring the various designs.
Although ours was a little understated compared to the magnificence of some others, I'm so glad I'd heard about this prior to our cruise as I wouldn't have thought to bring magnets with us otherwise.
Etsy has a number of creators selling custom made designs, there are Disney Magnets available on Amazon, or you could even purchase a magnet making kit to create your own.
2. Towel Pegs
We took some of these with us on our cruise, and deemed them extremely handy - especially when hanging up swim wear to dry after our day by the pool and on the beach.
3. Magnetic Hooks
Another useful buy were magnetic hooks, which provided a great place to hang our lanyards whilst in the stateroom, along with some items of clothing.
4. Bottled water and alcohol
Complimentary soft drinks are available from a number of locations around the ship, but we would also recommend bringing some bottled water for use in your stateroom, and during your day at Castaway Cay.
If you wish to toast your sailing with a glass of wine or beer from the comfort of your stateroom, each guest over the age of 21 is permitted to bring this on board. The limit is for 2 unopened bottles of wine or 6 bottles of beer per person, and must be carried in your hand luggage when you board.
For Party Nights and Themed Days
Party nights and/or speciality days are a unique feature of every Disney Cruise, with themes varying according to cruise itinerary and dates.
These are considered a cruise highlight, with most guests taking the opportunity to dress accordingly, therefore you may need:
1. Pirate Costumes
Pirate themed party nights are the most regular, and a great deal of fun.
If your cruise includes a 'Pirates in the Caribbean' party, you'll find a complimentary bandana for each guest has been delivered to your stateroom during the day, however, we deemed these to be little on the snug side and discovered many guests opted for more elaborate ways to dress. Some designed their own costumes from striped t-shirts and ripped shorts, whilst others went all out with Mr Smee, Captain Hook and Jack Sparrow outfits.
2. Star Wars Costumes
Select 7-night Caribbean sailings in 2020 include a Star Wars Day at Sea, which involves a whole host of Star Wars themed activities, for which you or the kids may wish to dress the part.
3. Marvel Characters Outfit
Whilst some 5-night cruises from Miami provide the opportunity to discover your inner superhero during the Marvel Day at Sea.
To help plan your cruise
1. Disney Cruise Line books
For the most up-to-date and useful information to help plan your cruise, check out some of the books available. We purchased The Unofficial Guide version prior to our cruise, which is packed with hints, guidelines and reviews surrounding various aspects, including: booking your cruise, staterooms, dining, itineraries, excursions and much more. A definite must read.
Although this list is by no means exclusive when it comes to items you may wish to take with you on your Disney Cruise, these are the ones we found to be most useful, and therefore are our list of top recommended products.
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