Disney Cruise wear. 5 clothing items for guys to bring

Like most people we have a tendency to over pack. This is especially true for the first Disney Cruise we took back in 2008. We had been given advise about cruise wear from people who had not been on a Disney Cruise, and therefore were a bit more formal than you need to be on a Disney cruise. Now that isn't to say that you can or should be a total slob on a DCL boat. But unless you really want to put on the Ritz you can leave your tux at home. I do want to quantify I am not saying that you should dress tacky or in any way against local customs. I am going to give you my own personal ideals of what you should bring.

1. A nice polo shirt or short sleeve button up shirt (no Aloha shirts please). This will usually get you into all the dining rooms and also into Paulo without any fuss. It should be clean, free of holes, and logo free if possible. I like the polo option because it folds nicely and because you are in the tropics cotton will be your friend.

2. Cargo shorts. I actually like cotton cargo shorts for the obvious reason, storage. I have several nice pair that are no issue for going to lunch or a casual dinner. Also cotton not denim because it dries faster and stays cooler. Add this to the fact that they pack tightly and you have a winner.

3. Sandals. Sandals ( not flip flops) are a great option to sneakers when traveling in the tropics. A good pair of Keens will set you back $70.00 but are sturdily constructed and offer what few sandals can, toe protection.

4. Khaki or linen pants. These types of long pants will be the most versatile and easiest to pack and most likely to be wrinkle resistant or steamable. they are going to look the nicest so you can wear them to your nice dress up dinner as well as other meals. They can be washed so you can take advantage of laundry service if you get curry sauce on them and they are breathable and look pretty nice with just about anything.

5. Sun Glasses (extra sunglasses). This is a must as sunglasses (as well as batteries, film, SD cards, band aids, etc) can be very pricey when you are in a touristy area. I was forced to buy a pair of sunglasses on St Martin and it ran me about $40 for a cheapo pair. Be prepared for the fact that you may leave them somewhere and buy a pair for in case of emergency.

Honorable mentions:

A. a Hat. You are not going to be used to this type of sun and you will need covering of some type. That is unless you like a third degree sun burn.

B. raincoat. It does rain and if you happen to be in a down pour you will want to have a light rain jacket to keep dry. If you are visiting WDW you should consider a poncho (I know dorky but you will be dry)

C. Age and status appropriate swim wear. What does this mean? Simple, (Guys) no one wants to see a man in a pair of Speedos. No one wants to explain to their child why that man is wearing his undies on the beach. (Ladies) think about what you will be doing on the beach. Are you going to be playing with your kids around other kids/tween/teens/adult males? Do you really want to be in that string bikini and have a body part fall out? Maybe a nice one piece would be a better idea. You can still look like the hot mom but respect your children enough to cover up some. Also please cover up, I really don't want to have to talk to my son about a thong.

5 Fav Friday - Carry on items

In the last 5-10 years carry on items have really taken a beating. You cannot have liquids that are over a certain amount, no bottles water, my wife even had a screw driver taken out of her eyeglass repair kit. It is enough to make you want to check everything (resist that urge). Here is my list of 5 that you should carry on with you.

5. Electronics- camera, ipod, e-reader, tablet computer, it doesn't really matter. They will all be banged around  if you check them. They may even disappear from your baggage all together. Just keep them with you in your carry on, or don't take them.

4. Toiletries- Grandma was right. Keep a spare pair of undies, tooth brush, travel toothpaste, and face wash with you in the off chance that your checked bags get lost. Sure you can always buy what you need in most places but that can be a hassle. Plus do you really want to be breaking a new pair of undies in on your trip?

3. Spare clothing- if you have room to toss in an extra set of clothing I recommend it. You will want something to put on when you arrive and if your stuff is lost this will give you a buffer before you have to go to the store. It seems like a rehash of #4 but it is a good thing to be prepared for.

2. Medications- ALWAYS take any prescription drugs with you on the plane in their original pharmacy issued bottles. Otherwise you will be held up and possibly miss your plane, or potentially make everyone in the security line behind you really angry.

1. Identification/placards- You would be surprised how many people pack their cute little purses with their ID or passport in them and don't realize it until they are at the ticketing desk. Hell even my wife and I forgot the disabled parking pass when we went to Hawaii this year. I am not saying it won't happen, just that this list will help you remember.

Runner up:

A spare inner tube and tire change kit. This happens when you are in a hurry, have plans or just when it isn't convenient. Be prepared.