Essential list for a memorable Disney cruise

Gourd or water bottle (refillable)

The water on the boat is drinkable. However, personally, I find the water from the room taps a little warm. Instead of buying disposable water bottles to use on the ship or on your excursions, water bottles or refillable water bottles are much more economical and environmentally friendly. You can fill them with fresh water at any time of day from the outdoor fountains in the buffet on your ship.

Necklace with badge holder

The cards giving access to your room will be placed on a hook outside your room when it is ready (around 3.30pm) on the day of your embarkation. If you don’t have a MagicBand +, or if this option is not available on your ship, a card holder is recommended to avoid losing them. You’ll also be asked for them when making purchases or boarding/disembarking, during stopovers and on your final departure. On my last cruise, I received a cardholder as a Silver Casteway Cay member (from 2 cruises on Disney Cruise Line). You can also buy beautiful ones in the ship’s boutique.

Luggage identification tag (to be deposited on arrival)

When you arrive at the port of embarkation, you can leave your luggage with the attendants. They will be brought directly to your cabin later in the day or early evening. You may decide to drag your luggage with you until your cabin is available (approx. 3:30 p.m.), but I don’t recommend this if you want to explore the ship unencumbered. You should therefore keep everything you might need in the hours following your embarkation, as well as your valuable personal belongings, close at hand. Before leaving home for your Disney cruise, you’ll need to prepare your luggage accordingly, and affix labels previously sent to your home address in the mail. If you didn’t receive them, prepare standard label holders.

Backpack / fanny pack

A comfortable backpack or fanny pack (at the hips) allows you to carry everything you need for your excursions in the countries you visit, leaving your hands free to catch your coconuts exploring the environment or taking photos of the breathtaking scenery! Beach towels are provided at the boat’s exit for your beach days. You’ll need a bag to carry everything!

A pair of binoculars

Bringing a pair of binoculars on your cruise can be extremely useful for a number of reasons. First of all, they’ll let you admire the spectacular seascapes, observe the marine wildlife and birds flying over the ocean, and make the most of the view from the deck of the ship. What’s more, when cruising to destinations such as Alaska or Norway, binoculars offer an even more immersive experience, allowing you to explore the details of the surrounding fjords, glaciers and mountains. They’re also ideal for activities such as whale or bird watching, giving you the chance to capture unforgettable moments.

Umbrella stroller

To avoid always having the baby or young toddler in your arms when moving around on the boat, a stroller is very practical. I also recommend an umbrella stroller rather than a normal stroller, because when the elevators are full and you only have one or two floors to go up or down, you can always take the stroller in your arms to take the stairs.

Equipment for freediving

Bringing your own mask, snorkel and fins on your cruise can be a wise decision for snorkeling and underwater discovery enthusiasts. Firstly, it ensures that you have equipment that fits you perfectly, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable snorkeling experience. What’s more, many cruising destinations offer unforgettable snorkeling opportunities, including coral reefs, shipwrecks and a variety of colorful marine life. Having your own equipment allows you to dive to your heart’s content, explore at your own pace and capture incredible memories, including on Disney’s private Castaway Cay. Of course, you can also rent equipment on site.