How to Prepare for a Disney Cruise and Have a Stress Free Arrival

Taking a Disney Cruise Line cruise is a magical way to sail the ocean. It’s fun to travel to remote cultures, natural wonders, and secluded beaches with a Disney spin. Due to the adventurous nature of an ocean cruise, there are added stresses associated with preparing. For those who are new to the experience, here’s how to prepare for a Disney Cruise.

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How to Prepare for a Disney Cruise While You Pack

Packing for a cruise can be overwhelming. Most Disney cruises are in a tropical climate. However, there are a few cruises that have a seasonal element, or just a colder climate altogether. Transatlantic cruises for example necessitate similar packing items, but in the winter, you may want to make a few adjustments. Alaska and Canada cruises will be much colder than most of the other itineraries, so keep that in mind and pack warmer clothes, and tougher shoes.

Remember, you are packing not just for the ship, but for the excursions, you will have at the port. Disney recommends passengers on all cruises pack necessary medication in original containers, required documentation (passport/Citizenship), camera (with batteries, memory card, charging cables, and other accessories), backup prescription glasses or contacts, hats, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a cover-up.

How to Prepare for a Disney Cruise Restaurant Service

Don’t forget dinner, especially if you have important plans at one of the adults-only restaurants. Everywhere else casual attire will suffice, but Palo and Remy have strict dress codes you must follow.

Here is what Disney Cruiseline has to say about the dress codes for Palo and Remy:

“To preserve the elegant ambiance, you are asked to adhere to a dress code when dining at Palo or at Remy. Please no tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, shorts, hats, cut-offs, torn clothing, t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics, flip-flops or tennis shoes. Jeans cannot be worn at Remy; however, they may be worn at Palo if in good condition (no holes).

Palo – We recommend dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men; for women, a dress, skirt or pants and a blouse is requested.
Remy – For men, a jacket (sports, suit or tuxedo) is required, with a collared shirt, dress pants/slacks and dress shoes; ties are optional. For women, a cocktail dress, evening dress, pantsuit or skirt and blouse are required. Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, leggings, flip-flops or tennis shoes.“

What Not to Pack for a Disney Cruise

There are some things that Disney prohibits you from bringing aboard their cruise line. These include some surprises in addition to obvious things like illegal drugs, including those medically prescribed and synthetic marijuana.

Among the other things you are forbidden to take on board are home-cooked meals along with any other perishable items, musical instruments, sporting equipment, bottle warmers, and irons. You can’t bring firearms either, which is one of the more expected prohibitions, but balloons and candles are also off the table. Finally, coolers are also prohibited with the exception of if they are carrying medication, baby food, or items related to dietary constraints.

How to Prepare for a Disney Cruise with Important Documents

For your own peace of mind be sure to locate and round up all necessary documentation before your trip. This will include a passport and you may need an entry Visa as well for certain countries depending on where you are from. If you are traveling as a minor without a guardian, you will need an authorization form for that as well. Another reason to get your forms together early on is to make sure they will not expire before or during the cruise.

You will also need proof of your current vaccination status in order to board the ship.

How to Prepare for a Disney Cruise Arrival — Parking and Transportation

Ground transportation and transfers vary depending on your destination. In order to arrange for ground transportation or hotel stays, you can always call 1-800-951-3532. If you don’t make arrangements ahead of time, ground transportation has limited availability and you may not be able to use it.

Most ports do not provide parking. There is nearby parking available. Find your port’s address and make sure you work out a place to park in advance if you are taking a car to your cruise. When you arrive at your port, signs will direct you to the Disney Cruise Line ship and terminal, but not necessarily to available parking.

What to Expect on Embarkation Day

The terminal usually opens at 11:00 am but that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be boarded at that time. In order to help things go more smoothly before check-in, you should complete the online check-in ahead of time.

When you check-in you will leave your luggage. Make sure you have important items in your carry on bags as your luggage will only be delivered to your room hours later. Additionally, if you wish to bring your own alcohol on board, that will have to be a carry-on as well. It’s not permitted in your checked bags.

Be sure to be up to date on your vaccinations and be prepared to fill out a short health questionnaire before boarding. Proof of vaccination is required.

You will select your arrival time so be prepared to arrive on time. If you are early, you may be asked to wait until your scheduled arrival time. Your port arrival form will include a QR code that you need to present along with your vaccination record when you arrive.

Your room will not be available until 3:00, but there are select activities and dining options available once you board. However, there is also a mandatory safety drill. You will need to participate in the drill using the Disney Navigator app on your mobile device.