What clothes to pack for cruise?

[Disney Dad Canada]

My kids and I, DS (10) and twin DD (7) are going on our first ever cruise next March 31st on The Dream. My MIL said that on cruises she's been on you need to bring dress clothes for dinner. Is this true on the Disney Cruises for just the "regular" dinners? We'll be in WDW for 7 days before our cruise, so suitcase room will be a premium.

 

[JRose48]

It depends on the length of your cruise. I know seven nights have a formal night. I assume you are going on a short Bahamas cruise. I know for the three and four night (don't know about five night) DCL has one "dress up " night (not formal) and the others they ask for "cruise casual". If you go to Remy you will have to dress up a little more (suit jacket and tie for men, dress or pantsuit for women). I am packing for my four night right now and I have packed four dresses. My husband is packing some slacks and dress shirts with his jacket and tie for dress up night (and Palo). My four year old son is wearing Khakis every night and a button shirt (with a tie for dress up night).

 

[jilljill]

DCL calls one night 'dress up optional' on the 3/4 day cruises. The other nights are cruise casual. We just dress cruise casual each night on the 3/4 day cruises.
My DH will wear khakis or jeans and polos each night, DD & I will wear capris and nice looking tops each night.

 

[Baseball-Mom]

Since you will be at WDW before your cruise you will probably have everything you already need. The kids will probably live in their swim suits by day, chanage for dinner and then back into swim suits or shorts after dinner. If you're going on a 3-4 day cruise don't worry about dressing up. The girls can bring a sun dress and you and the boys can wear docker style pants with golf type collared shirts.
After overpacking on our first cruise we now pack very light.
This is what we take for me DH, DS 18 and DD 14.
For a seven day we each only take one small wheeled carry on suitcase.If more room is needed for things like iPods, cameras or other stuff i let the kids take a small backpack or over the shoulder carry on.

My husband takes a garment bag as his extra carry on with the tuxes and dressy dresses and shoes. We wear the same outfits for both formal and semi formal night and we never feel over dresses.For each of us we take about 3-4 pair of shorts 3-4 tops, seven days of underware, swim suits, and toiletries and something to sleep in. I also take a baggie with Purex detergent sheet and do two loads of laundry haf way through the cruise. Easier to do laundry than lug around an over stuffed suitcase.
This has worked for us. If you over pack you never really wear everything you packed. Have a great time.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

Thanks everyone. Staying at DVC I love having a washer/dryer at our disposal. The good thing about making room for a few "less casual" clothes is I can tell the kids we don't have room to buy so many stuffed animals. A win-win.