Her nonnegotiables include waterproof shoes and after-sun lotion
Expert-Recommended Disney Cruise Packing List
- Late-Night Snack Outfit: Anrabess 2-Piece Matching Lounge Set, $20 (orig. $40)
- Pool Day Must-Have: Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches, $10 (orig. $12)
- Waterproof Shoes for Excursions: Teva Original Universal Slim Lea Sandals, $65
- When Sunburns Are Unavoidable: Neutrogena Sun Rescue After-Sun Lotion, $17
- You’ll be Grateful You Packed: Tunise Portable Handheld Fan, $12 (orig. $15)
- Our Extra Swimsuit Pick: Holipick Tummy Control One-Piece Swimsuit, from $35
- For Carrying Kid-Friendly Activities: Lovevook Mini Daily Backpack, $20 (orig. $22)
- Saves Money on Drinks: Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $35
- To Keep Keys and Hats in Sight: Lovimag Magnetic Hooks for Cruise Cabins, $9 (orig. $10)
Setting sail on a Disney cruise adds a layer of magic to seaside vacations, but packing for one can feel like a challenge. As tempting as it may be to pack all the comforts of home into a suitcase (or two), some items can end up confiscated if you’re not careful.
We spoke with Amanda Reed, a travel agent at White Glove Travel Company who specializes in Disney vacations, to learn her go-to packing list for Disney cruises — and the items she would never take on board. “My general rule of thumb is to pack less than you think you need, especially for a cruise where so many necessities are provided for you,” she tells PEOPLE.
Bonus: All of her top picks can be found at Amazon starting at $9. Keep reading to learn more, including the eight items she always leaves at home.
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Anrabess 2-Piece Matching Lounge Set
$40 $20 at Amazon
“When packing for a Disney cruise — or any vacation for that matter — I like to think through each day and use that exercise to determine my clothing needs,” Reed says. Her list usually includes a solid set of loungewear for late-night runs to fill up a water bottle or grab a snack, so you can avoid running into people in your pajamas.
This set’s soft, stretchy material means it can double as an airport outfit. It lets you look put-together without putting aside comfort.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches
$12 $10 at Amazon
As much as Reed wants to disconnect during family vacations, she likes to keep her phone close to snap pictures of her kids. On a cruise, water is unavoidable, which is why she always packs these waterproof phone pouches for the beach and excursions. They have a triple-layer design to keep out dust, snow, and water and are touch-friendly, so you can use your camera without opening the pouch.
Teva Original Universal Slim Lea Sandals
$65 at Amazon
Water shoes are non-negotiable, according to Reed. “We don’t wear them much on the ship, but I was so glad we had them for our day at Disney’s Castaway Cay for the hot pavement and rocks,” she explains. Her husband, a longtime Teva fan, convinced her to grab a pair for their trip — and she has no regrets. Not only are they waterproof, but the adjustable strap keeps your feet secure whether trekking across the beach or slippery pool decks.
What Not to Bring on a Disney Cruise
“There are some items you might think to pack as ‘nice-to-haves’ that don’t make sense for a cruise and may be confiscated,” says Reed. That includes:
- Power strips or surge protectors
- Christmas or “twinkle” lights to use as decorations
- Over-the-door shoe hangers
- Bottle warmers and sterilizers (a limited number are provided on board)
- Irons and clothing steamers
- Heating pads and electric blankets
- Inflatable rafts or rings for the pool
- Drones
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Neutrogena Sun Rescue After-Sun Lotion
$17 at Amazon
After taking many trips, Reed has learned that “someone’s bound to get too much sun.” She always packs a small bottle of aloe vera or after-sun lotion to soothe sunburns. She warns that while toiletries are usually sold onboard, they’re bound to be “pricey.”
Tunise Portable Handheld Fan
$15 $12 at Amazon
Reed’s family used a portable fan a “surprising amount” during their latest Disney cruise. This model’s compact size can easily slip into a tote or crossbody bag, so you can get quick, instant relief from the heat. It even comes with a strap you can wear around your neck to free up hand space.
Holipick Tummy Control One-Piece Swimsuit
$35 at Amazon
Reed also suggests packing more than one bathing suit — even on short trips — because “nobody likes putting on a wet swimsuit.” If you go for a night swim, she adds, your bathing suit may not be dry the next day. We like this style for its slight compression and elegant ruching.
Lovevook Mini Daily Backpack
$22 $20 at Amazon
Disney cruises were made to entertain, but not every second of the trip will be filled with distractions for kids. “Little ones can still get restless in the dining room or while waiting for the live stage shows to begin,” Reed says, which is why she likes taking a small backpack in the evening filled with portable activities. Her top picks include Melissa and Doug Water Wow activity books and Crayola Color Wonder markers and coloring pages.
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
$35 at Amazon
Constantly buying plastic water bottles can add up over time. Instead, Reed always brings a reusable water bottle that can be filled at drink stations around the deck. Owala keeps drinks chilled practically all day, and the attached handle makes it convenient to carry from place to place.
Lovimag Magnetic Hooks for Cruise Cabins
$10 $9 at Amazon
Since the walls in cruise staterooms are magnetic, Reed has found these hooks extremely useful for keeping important things within reach. “We’ll put one by the door for our lanyards and “Key to the World” cards, which you’ll need every time you get off the ship. We use them to hang our hats and sunglasses, too,” she says.
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