It's almost time - Packing Help!

[cariann77]

We're just about 2 weeks out from our first cruise!! I am just getting started on our packing. We're flying so I don't want to overpack, but don't want to miss out on the essentials either.

We're looking at high 80s during the trip. Does it cool off or get breezy enough at night that we would need sweatshirts or anything like that? Also, what about temps in kid's clubs. T-shirts/shorts ok? I've heard the dining rooms might be chilly so, I will be packing light sweaters for myself and the kids.

Travel cups & carrier - Is this an essential for you? I don't want to be making tons of trips to drink station but can't decide if this is more hassle than it's worth. (We're on deck 6)

Would this be considered acceptable for carry-on wine? It's equal to a 750ml bottle so, I'm thinking yes.

Any other suggestions for a first timer are greatly welcomed!

 

[BruinEd03]

We're just about 2 weeks out from our first cruise!! I am just getting started on our packing. We're flying so I don't want to overpack, but don't want to miss out on the essentials either.

We're looking at high 80s during the trip. Does it cool off or get breezy enough at night that we would need sweatshirts or anything like that? Also, what about temps in kid's clubs. T-shirts/shorts ok? I've heard the dining rooms might be chilly so, I will be packing light sweaters for myself and the kids.

Travel cups & carrier - Is this an essential for you? I don't want to be making tons of trips to drink station but can't decide if this is more hassle than it's worth. (We're on deck 6)

Would this be considered acceptable for carry-on wine? It's equal to a 750ml bottle so, I'm thinking yes.

Any other suggestions for a first timer are greatly welcomed!

You are chancing it with the wine. Here is the official policy.

Q.

Are Guests allowed to bring alcoholic beverages on board the ship?


A.

Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.


Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $25.00 per bottle.


Please note:

• Any alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and stored until the end of the cruise.
• All alcohol brought onboard must be in an original unopened container. Partially used bottles and those in which the seal has been broken will be destroyed and no compensation will be offered.
• Any wine or champagne in excess of 2 bottles or beer in excess of 6 beers will be stored until the end of the cruise.
• Bringing liquors and spirits (including powdered alcohol) on board is prohibited. These items will be stored until the end of the cruise.
• Guest MUST retrieve any stored alcohol at the end of the cruise. Items not retrieved will be destroyed and no compensation will be offered.
• Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.

Please note that the Disney Cruise Line alcohol policy is subject to change without notice.

Note that it does not say equivalent of 750 ml. It says 2 bottles, with each bottle being up to 750 ml in size. They could say no problem. They could be a stickler. Technically you would only get 2 of those woodbridge containers. Is there any reason you won't bring a bottle? Note, that wine openers are acceptable to bring onboard. If you are looking to fly, you can get wine sleeves on amazon that will mitigate the risk of a bottle breaking.

As for weather, I would advise bringing at least a sweater with you precisely because of things that you mentioned - the dining room and also because at night it might be breezy on deck. You may also want to bring something waterproof with you (e.g., rain jacket or portable poncho) as it can rain.

For cups, we prefer to have our own cups. However, instead of bringing our own cups, we buy a Tervis at the gift shop. It doubles as a souvenir for us. You can see an example here: https://www.disneystore.com/drinkwa...-travel-tumbler-by-tervis/mp/1400900/1000350/

You can also bring multiple small cups back with you to your room. However, you'll have to decide how much you drink. If you do drink a lot, it may be worth bringing one or purchasing one on board.

If you guys are going swimming, I would suggest bringing 2 pairs of swimsuits unless you are OK wearing a wet swimsuit the next day. I would also bring lots of sunscreen.

 

[FigmentSpark]

We didn't bring bottles or glasses and we didn't find ourselves making a lot of trips upstairs for pop. Ice cream, yes. But not pop. How much do you usually drink pop? Use that as your guide. If you must have some with you at all times, bring your own cup. If you're happy with water when you're thirsty, maybe it's not necessary.

We went in March. I found there was a cool wind on deck and on the verandah when we were moving. I'd brought a lot of sleeveless things, but only wore a few. I would bring a nice sweater or cover up that you can wear in the MDRs or up on deck. Sweatshirt, maybe toss in one. I also was happy for my windbreaker on SWDAS for the fireworks. It was very windy that day and at night it got quite cool.

Kids' clubs? My two boys were in shorts and t shirts for just about everything. That was probably appropriate.

The items I was most pleased that I had the forethought to bring (besides the sweater and windbreaker) were dollar store electric tealights. We put 2 in the bathroom for the night, so we didn't have to turn on the light. Then I got a couple of little mesh bags from the dollar store craft section for wedding favors. They fit a tea light and I was able to hang that on the handle of the bathroom door (again, so we could find it at night). The kids found this and appropriated it, along with a magnetic hook to put beside their beds (on the ceiling by the bunks) for a night light. Most useful $5 I've spent.

Have fun.

 

[Dug720]

We're just about 2 weeks out from our first cruise!! I am just getting started on our packing. We're flying so I don't want to overpack, but don't want to miss out on the essentials either.

We're looking at high 80s during the trip. Does it cool off or get breezy enough at night that we would need sweatshirts or anything like that? Also, what about temps in kid's clubs. T-shirts/shorts ok? I've heard the dining rooms might be chilly so, I will be packing light sweaters for myself and the kids.

Travel cups & carrier - Is this an essential for you? I don't want to be making tons of trips to drink station but can't decide if this is more hassle than it's worth. (We're on deck 6)

Would this be considered acceptable for carry-on wine? It's equal to a 750ml bottle so, I'm thinking yes.

Any other suggestions for a first timer are greatly welcomed!

Regarding sweatshirts, you could wear hoodies on the plane so you have them. Planes can be chilly. That way you have them in case you need them - and if not, just put them on the hooks in the cabin or store in luggage under the bed.

You can always use the cups as part of your packing, especially since you're packing clean clothes anyway. I stuffed mine with rolled up t-shirts and tanks and it really took up no more room in the bags than the shirts would have. It's just me, so I don't bother with a drink carrier (and even when my family cruises we never make one person a sherpa for stuff - we are all responsible for our own things, and that includes getting our own drinks from the drink station). That said...are you planning on staying in your cabin for the duration of the cruise?? Unless you are, you'll probably be places much closer to the pool deck during the day.

Regarding the wine...I'm going with no. As has been pointed out, the rules do not say "equivalent of". Just get the bottle.

 

[lorimay]

I am no help with packing light, but have fun and try not to stress.
We are doing a B2B, I will pack like a mad woman and bring home half of it unworn.
My husband packs for 7 days and says, "we are going to do laundry, 7 days is all you need".
I know he is right, but I can't help myself, as we get closer I get crazier.
I have a suitcase Just for shoes, so yes I am nuts.

** anyway my point is there are washers, so if you don't mind doing laundry, you can save space.

Have a great cruise!!

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Would not risk it with the wine. Buy 2 regular 750ml size bottles instead. I never used a special cup that was bigger for the soda fountain. Just didn't find it necessary! We spent most of our time doing various activities around the ship anyway, would not have wanted to carry it. We don't have kids though. I'm a habitual overpacker so I can't help with the clothes. We had excursion clothes, day clothes, and dinner clothes each day haha.

 

[KdKyA]

We're just about 2 weeks out from our first cruise!! I am just getting started on our packing. We're flying so I don't want to overpack, but don't want to miss out on the essentials either.

We're looking at high 80s during the trip. Does it cool off or get breezy enough at night that we would need sweatshirts or anything like that? Also, what about temps in kid's clubs. T-shirts/shorts ok? I've heard the dining rooms might be chilly so, I will be packing light sweaters for myself and the kids.

Travel cups & carrier - Is this an essential for you? I don't want to be making tons of trips to drink station but can't decide if this is more hassle than it's worth. (We're on deck 6)

Would this be considered acceptable for carry-on wine? It's equal to a 750ml bottle so, I'm thinking yes.

Any other suggestions for a first timer are greatly welcomed!

We thought we would be in swimsuits and sandals most of the time, so I only packed a couple of pairs of socks. Huge mistake. We actually were rarely at the pool since it was too crowded, and the sandals and water shoes bugged our kiddos' feet. So we wore shoes and socks every day, let me tell you, those socks were growling by the time we got home!
We wore our jacket almost all day every day except at CC. We are from Buffalo, but still found the inside of the ship to get a bit cold. The restaurants were definitely colder. We each had one jacket and basically wore it the entire time.
We bought refillable drink bottles that were leak proof and had a flip handle. We used them every day. We didn't use any carriers. It was nice not to have to go to the drink station all of the time. We also used them for the evening shows instead of taking a small cup or buying a can of soda every night. We have done it the other way and just relied on the DCL cups and it worked out fine too, so it's not an absolute necessity to bring them.

 

[cariann77]

Thanks for the tip on the wine! I thought this would be acceptable without a question. I'll just pick up a couple of bottles. I thought the individual cups would be easier.

Wine sleeves and tea lights have been added to my list!

 

[diznymom]

Don't forget clothespins. You can do laundry on board.

Hint: Lay out all the clothes you think you need. Pack the socks, undies and 2 swimsuits per person. Now put back 1/2 the clothes you have left and pack the rest.

Like PP said, I would wear the sweater / hoodie on board the airplane instead of packing them.

Have fun.

 

[GPaLarry]

We usually have early seating for dinner and, because they expect a lot of hot people, food, and kids in two shifts, it is cool when you first enter the MDR. It is always easier to take a sweater, light jacket, etc. off when there than to go back to the room. At night, outside on deck, it can also get cool or cold, depending on your destination. We always take two bottles of wine each on our cruises (always 7+ days) enclosed in bubble-wrap in our carry-ons. One of the bottles, a unique blend from here, in Oregon, we took to Remy's and the wine steward had never seen anything like it. We let him sample it and keep the last 1/3 of the bottle (still paid a corkage fee...rats!). He actually contacted the winery later, we learned. Don't know if there will be any wines from our state on DCL in the future. We will keep cruising until they do, so there!!

 

[FigmentSpark]

You should get a recommendation fee... at least from the winery.

 

[cruiser21]

I've taken on 6 oz wine bottles several times with no problem. DCL is not that anal about things. 750ml is 750 ml's. You would hope security guards aren't that dumb that they can't figure it out.

 

[Laundress]

#1 leave half of your clothes at home. You really will not need as much as you hope you will. We bring hoodies on the plane and use those for the cooler nights on deck. We found kids clubs to be ok temp. shorts and tee were fine. Enjoy your cruise.

 

[5Texans]

We brought water bottles w/ straws (contigo) for the kids w/ loops on top so that I could carry them in one hand. I used these a lot and got milk and juice in the mornings from the buffet. I brought tervis water bottles for my husband and I (they didnt spill and also had loops), but we didn't use these as often and would have been fine w/ the cups from the drink station.

I'm always cold but I did not wear a sweater on the ship, but we sailed in October and it was still very warm outside. But, I definitely brought one and would recommend for any trip.

I was glad I brought a collapsible hamper for dirty clothes- it was nice for the kids to have a specific place to put their things like at home.
I also brought sponges that contained dish soap already to wash the water bottles.
I brought my girls' princess dresses in Ziplock storage bags and that worked great and saved $$ on buying new dresses.
I was glad I brought some pre packaged snacks for excursions. My kids were starving at different points of each port visit. I brought trail mix, dried fruit, and pouches of apple sauce that wouldn't get smashed in my luggage. I had them delivered to my hotel once I reached the port so I didn't have to bring it on the plane, and they were gone by the time we disembarked.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We always bring one pair of jeans/pants and a sweatshirt. No matter the weather. Never know-delayed flight, sleeping on the floor at the airport (gasp!) rather be in jeans than shorts. We don't bring cups/bottles. For us it is a hassle, and then to keep track of them. My weak spot is flip flops- several pairs. My family makes fun of me, but I wear all of them! And they take up zero space! Swimsuits-two of them, and cover ups. Casual, easy, skorts, t shirts etc. It is vacation! Enjoy your cruise!

 

[KBelle]

It may be cool and/or breezy out on deck in the evenings, and the theaters and restaurants are usually cool. I always bring a light sweater, but I'm often cold anyway. If you get cold easily, bring something. But you can always buy a cool hoodie or something in the gift shop if you later find you need one. I also always bring a pair of jeans. I just got off the western Caribbean and it did get pretty cool some evenings. I bring enough clothing so I don't *have* to do laundry. I did laundry once, and will try to never have to again. It takes a long time, and unless you do it during shows or dinner, at night, early morning, or on port days, there will probably be a wait for machines. It just eats up cruise time! I have since just used the laundry service if I have an item I absolutely need laundered.

Honestly, to me, travel cups are more hassle than they're worth. You'll be carrying it around everywhere. I'd rather get a disposable cup and toss it when I'm finished, but lots of people do bring their own cups especially if they want to get a larger amount of soda/coffee at a time.

 

[patches4me]

Would not risk it with the wine. Buy 2 regular 750ml size bottles instead. I never used a special cup that was bigger for the soda fountain. Just didn't find it necessary! We spent most of our time doing various activities around the ship anyway, would not have wanted to carry it. We don't have kids though. I'm a habitual overpacker so I can't help with the clothes. We had excursion clothes, day clothes, and dinner clothes each day haha.

We like to use our big Tervis cups with handles so we can fill with ice and water. Keeps you refreshed by pool and since I drink a lot of water, it's also good in the dining room.

 

[skinnyv]

We loved sitting outside on the veranda or taking a stroll to look at the stars and we always had a light sweater and well I was probably wearing two, I am always cold.

I loved our over the door hanger to put the tooth brushes, sunscreen and the little things up top and then we put all of our flip flops in the bottom portion.

I also loved our travel cups but that was because I was breaking the rules and putting alcohol in them

Have fun, oh and if you do decide to take the wine update and let us know if you can.

 

[DisneyConvert]

#1 leave half of your clothes at home. You really will not need as much as you hope you will. We bring hoodies on the plane and use those for the cooler nights on deck.

Laundry is actually pretty easy to do on the ship. Requires 3 trips to the laundry room, and one can pay for soap and the machines with K2tW Card. Doing laundry once means one can bring 40% fewer clothes. For 7 days, I could go: 1 hoodie, 2 shorts, 3 casual shirts, 4 underwear, 1 nice pants/shirt/belt for dress-up. 1 casual/dress shoes, 1 sandals.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I loved our over the door hanger

These are no longer allowed.