Must haves to bring with?

[tinkeramy]

We are cruising on the Dream 1st week in August (just 4 nights). It's our first Dis cruise and the last regular cruise I went on was about 14 years ago! I know someone posted in a trip report about bringing water b/c they did not like the kind on the ship, but is there anything else you would consider a must to bring from home? I've got 3 boys, ages 4-10.

Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are cruising on the Dream 1st week in August (just 4 nights). It's our first Dis cruise and the last regular cruise I went on was about 14 years ago! I know someone posted in a trip report about bringing water b/c they did not like the kind on the ship, but is there anything else you would consider a must to bring from home? I've got 3 boys, ages 4-10.

Thanks!

The water onboard is processed exactly the same as bottled water (reverse osmosis & filtered). No need to bring water along.

The only "must bring" I have would be my passport (and DH ).

 

[DLW8]

I am pretty picky about water and LOVED the water on DCL. We would order a pitcher of ice water with our room service and use it to fill bottles for when we went on excursions.

The water at the soda fountains is the same...and in the dining rooms, quick service, etc.

They do sell cases of water on board (for a very steep fee) and it is Evian. That is one of the few bottled waters that I do NOT like.

IMO, don't carry on a case of water (you will have to keep it with you until your room is ready).


Things we used from tips on the board:

highlighters for the Navigator
Over the door shoe holder
Multi plug outlet for charging items or for using your own hairdryer and curling iron at the same time

Passport/birth certificates to get on the ship are VERY important - everything else you can deal without or purchase on the ship.

Enjoy the cruise - make sure you have some room on your credit card for a deposit for another cruise while onboard!

 

[hLecky09]

probably an over the door shoe organizer and alot of sunscreen

 

[sissy_ib]

A mesh laundry bag or pop-up hamper.

 

[WallaceFamily]

Besides the obvious (flip flops, sunscreen, id, etc.), for me, I say dressier shoes for the nicer dinners. It sounds stupid, but I thought my cute bedazzled flip flops were enough, but I felt so underdressed when all the other ladies were wearing heels. Granted, nobody cared, but I kept hiding my feet. Another item is a bag that is easy to carry for port days. Perhaps a small backpack or over the shoulder bag. A camera (with all necessary items to go with it). Last, a sweater.

 

[pdwimmer]

IMO a good disposition and lots of patience. There are many people on board and it can get a bit overwhelming sometimes. Just laugh it off.

 

[sparklechicks]

A mesh laundry bag or pop-up hamper.

I agree with the mesh laundry bag!!! I would also add in the large clothesline clips. We used them to dry our suits outside on our verandah instead of hanging them in the shower. I bought them at the dollar store. It saved the suits from accidentally getting wet when someone turned on the shower.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Besides the obvious (flip flops, sunscreen, id, etc.), for me, I say dressier shoes for the nicer dinners. It sounds stupid, but I thought my cute bedazzled flip flops were enough, but I felt so underdressed when all the other ladies were wearing heels. Granted, nobody cared, but I kept hiding my feet. Another item is a bag that is easy to carry for port days. Perhaps a small backpack or over the shoulder bag. A camera (with all necessary items to go with it). Last, a sweater.

Returning cruisers get a free backpack gift in their cabin. Before that, it was a tote bag. I bring one for my carryon stuff for on the plane but no need to bring one unless it's your 1st Disney cruise.

 

[OKW Lover]

An outlet strip. There are never enough electrical outlets to charge all those electronic toys.

I agree with the other posters about the water on board. No reason at all to lug water with you.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We did carry on water a couple of times. It was a PITA; the grocery bag starting to break & having to lug it all through lunch until our cabins were ready. We do still like bottled water but we just buy a 6pk or 2. Yes, it's crazy overpriced but we like the convenience of being able to walk off the ship and have water wherever we go.

 

[MTmomma]

I agree with the mesh laundry bag!!! I would also add in the large clothesline clips. We used them to dry our suits outside on our verandah instead of hanging them in the shower. I bought them at the dollar store. It saved the suits from accidentally getting wet when someone turned on the shower.

As far as I am aware, this is a big NO-NO. Just use the line in the shower.

 

[bmer1rick]

A little known secret of many DCL cruisers is the ability to get things signed by the Disney characters. We brought a pillowcase and colored markers the first cruise, next cruise we brought a nice 8x10 photo frame with colored markers.

If you drop them off at guest services on boarding day (along with a little gift for the CMs that do it if you want to), you will get it back on your last night in your stateroom signed by all the Disney characters (ie. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto, Captain Jack, etc). My DS absolutely loved it.

Here is a blog on it... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1188945&highlight=pillowcases

 

[boettmb]

A white board with a marker.

Our son was pretty much on his own and we would communicate on the magnetic white board. You could put it on the outside of your door or inside you room.

 

[Shell54]

Sunscreen and a hat for everyone. I've had skin cancer so I preach

 

[youthfulwarriormom]

The mesh dollar store laundry bag was a definite necessity. We kept it in the bottom of the closet and it helped us to stay organized and made a quick run to the laundry room on a spur of the moment very easy.

Multi plug strip if you want to charge anything or plug anything in. The 1 plug was taken up by the wave phone so we unplugged that and plugged the wavephone, camera, cell phone etc into a strip.

I can think of more things that I brought because I was told it was a necessity and didn't need at all.

Didn't need highlighters...we asked for 4 Navigators to be left each night and it was done immediately. Didn't need shampoo/conditioner...Spa H2O was awesome. Didn't need over the door holder...plenty of space on shelves in bathroom. Didn't need refillable cup...more hassle than it's worth. Didn't need Starbucks Via...coffee isn't THAT bad (not great either). Didn't need 1/2 the clothes I brought.

 

[PolyLover]

Sounds strange for a tropical cruise but we FROZE in the theatres at the night time shows. In fact I had to leave early with my three year old because we were shivering so much.

 

[gaporee]

ZipLoc bags in the larger sizes
small light up travel clock
extension cord - power bar
plastic folder to navigators, papers, etc
Clothespins to hang wet items
highlighter
bring candy and gum from home
disinfecting wipes
Plug in candle
lanyards
strong fridge magnets
small notebook and pen
Band-aids
camera w/charger
night light
Febreeze
Extra memory card
beach bag
Mio
Extra hangers
a small umbrella for a rainy day
bottle of hand soap

 

[WallaceFamily]

Returning cruisers get a free backpack gift in their cabin. Before that, it was a tote bag. I bring one for my carryon stuff for on the plane but no need to bring one unless it's your 1st Disney cruise.

The OP said it is their first Disney Cruise so that is why I suggested the bag.

 

[sissy_ib]

ZipLoc bags in the larger sizes
small light up travel clock
extension cord - power bar
plastic folder to navigators, papers, etc
Clothespins to hang wet items
highlighter
bring candy and gum from home
disinfecting wipes
Plug in candle
lanyards
strong fridge magnets
small notebook and pen
Band-aids
camera w/charger
night light
Febreeze
Extra memory card
beach bag
Mio
Extra hangers
a small umbrella for a rainy day
bottle of hand soap

The clocks on the ship light up. No need for them or a night light. The Dream and Fantasy rooms have build in night lights, so even if the clock is not enough there is that. What it Mio? What are you using the fridge magnets for?