Disney Dream: What You Should Have Packed!

This trip I did the impossible...I packed for my 4-night cruise in a carry on only. Yes, it was bursting at the seams by the time I got back and I could have used the Hulk when trying to put it in the overhead compartment but I'm blaming that on my old luggage!

So...how did I do it? When packing for a cruise, you want to focus on streamlining. I recommend packing a few days prior to the day you actually have to be packed and out the door; especially for first time cruisers. The editing process is necessary and sometimes painful and you'll need to take the time for it until you get used to it.

Here are a few key things to consider when packing for your cruise:

• Day Wear: Are you going to be spending all of your days at the pool? If so, you can limit the number of casual "day wear" outfits (shorts, tank tops, etc) you'll need to bring. Bring a good cover up for your bathing suit and a pair of flip flops that are comfy and have a little bit of a grip on them (the decks can get slippery!)

• Night Wear: During my 4-night cruise there was a "cruise casual", "semi-formal", "pirate night" and "formal night". The key to evening wear is to plan for dinner because you can always change after. I like to pick outfits in the same color family so I can eliminate the number of pairs of shoes I need to bring. For example, if I bring a black pair of dress pants I'll pack a black dress instead of a colored pattern, so the same pair of black shoes can be worn for multiple outfits. A cardigan sweater, wrap or paschmina are an essential for a cruise! The dining rooms tend to be a bit chilly and the breeze on the decks at night can be downright cold.

• Footwear: As noted above, shoes take up a lot of space so streamline your packing. Pick dinner outfits in the same color scheme so one pair of shoes can be worn with multiple outfits. A pair of flip flops or rubber soled shoes are great for your afternoons by the pool or late night walks to grab pop from the decks and a pair of tennis shoes will serve as your work out shoes (yes, the ships have a great gym...which you may find yourself in after all that eating!) as well as extra support for your ankles if you go into port (the terrain tends to be uneven and rocky at many ports of call).

• Toiletries: Ladies...this is where battles are won and lost...the toiletries. Travel size is the key, the less liquid you carry with you, the better. Keep in mind that even if you are checking a bag, you might want to scale down your toiletries to the airline approved size. This way if your souvenirs are taking up valuable space in your suitcase you can move your toiletries into your carry on and not have a problem. A lesser amount of liquid also means a lesser mess if anything should happen to spring a leak in transit. 
• If it's provided for you, don't bring it! The Disney Dream has a great blow-dryer, with 3 heat and pressure settings as well as a cool button and retractable cord. No need to bring your blow-dryer from home since it probably won't fit in the allotted electrical outlet anyway.
• Shampoo and conditioner are also provided-they are H2O products made for Disney Cruise Line and they are fantastic. The suites get Sea Salt body wash...which is my favorite thing in the whole world!
• Bar soap is abundant and is also H2O and there is body butter moisturizer provided as well.

• Make Up: Go through your make up bag and if you don't wear it everyday, don't bring it. Leave out the extra moisturizers, shadows, blushes etc. and just bring your basic essentials. We have all seen how they haul luggage at the airport and make up isn't cheap. Keep everything safe and intact at home when possible. 

Practical Planner Tip: The showers at the spa are fantastic and are stocked with the Elemis products...the same one's that would cost you hundreds of dollars when they sell them to you at the spa. If you want to know if they're worth it, shower at the spa and test them out for free!