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24 Holiday Gift Ideas for Disney Cruise Travelers

Going on a Disney cruise for the holidays? Ahoy there and lucky you! Here are some ideas for gifts, both practical and pleasant, that will enhance the voyage. If the trip itself is a gift for your family, perhaps combine some of the smaller items into a bag or basket as part of the big reveal. Links have been included below for your convenience; TouringPlans earns a small affiliate fee for links that go directly specific items on Amazon.

1. Door Magnets

Stateroom doors on Disney Cruise Line are made of metal, which makes them a great surface for displaying magnets. Passionate cruisers have been known to invest significant time or significant money on sites like Etsy to create elaborate personalized magnets. I’m not a fan of displaying personal details outside my stateroom, but I do find that having something adorning your cabin door can aid in finding your room along the endless hallways, as well as adding a bit of fun to your travels. For this reason, my magnets of choice are versions of Magnetic Poetry. It’s a hoot to come back to your room and find cute messages left by other guests. Great choices for cruises in the islands is the Pirate Magnetic Poetry kit or the Beach Magnetic Poetry kit . There is  also a  Christmas version and an Edgar Allen Poe version that might be fun if you’re sailing on a Halloween cruise. Just be aware of what words you’re displaying as you put them on your door. At Disney, PG13 language is about as racy and you want to get.

Note: Some concierge-level staterooms have a wood veneer that make magnets useless. If you’re sailing concierge, you might want to call DCL, or have your travel agent call DCL, to make sure that your door is magnet compatible. 

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Most folks have strongly held opinions about luggage: hard-sided vs. soft-sided, two-wheels or four, exterior pockets, interior compartments – all may seem incredibly important depending on your habits. While you know best what your family prefers, my two cents is that for a cruise vacation, with multiple guests staying in the same stateroom, a soft-sided bag will be more practical.

You’ll almost certainly be storing your luggage under the bed. Many guests like to use their suitcase as a repository for dirty clothing, slipping their used duds into the bag at the end of the day. In my opinion, this is MUCH easier if you have a soft sided bag with a flap you can just open an inch or two to shove in a sweaty tee shirt. Something like this Travelpro Spinner works well. With a hard-sided bag like this Amazon basics model , you’re more likely to have to pull the whole suitcase out to stuff in a tee. Obviously your mileage may vary with this one.

3. An E-Reader

Unlike a frenetic Disney theme park vacation, a cruise vacation can be much more focused on relaxation – kicking back with a good book by the pool or on the beach. Since the pandemic, DCL has not carried reading material in its gift shops. With an e-reader like the Kindle , you can bring a complete series of beach-reads with you on vacation with no worries that you’ll run out of books. Make sure to download all your Bridgertons before you embark the ship because onboard WiFi can be expensive.

4. Magnetic Hooks

Just like your stateroom door, your cabin walls are magnetic. You can increase your storage space by placing some magnetic hooks strategically around your room to hold your day bag, jacket, beach cover-up, or other doo-dads.

5. Towel Clips

DCL provides towels on the ship and on its private islands, so you don’t have to bring those with you. But it can get windy on deck or on the beach. A few sets of towel clips or towel bands can help keep your towels in place while you’re off getting another serving of chicken nuggets.

6. USB Outlet

There are MANY devices that need charging on vacation: phones, cameras, DisneyBands, tablets, e-readers, headphones, and more. If you have four teens or adults in one stateroom, you’ll almost certainly find they you can’t find enough power outlets in your room. It may be tempting to bring a power strip on board, but these are prohibited as a safety hazard. Instead, pack a couple of USB hubs to maximize your charging ability. Avoid anything with a cord; these are most likely to be confiscated at the embarkation port.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

7. A Waterproof Phone Case

If you want to keep your phone with your while on a water-based port excursion (swimming with dolphins or any boat trip, for example) or while strolling along the edge of the beach, then you’ll want to protect it from potential water and sand damage. Waterproof phone cases are inexpensive, but they can be tricky to seal properly. A word to the wise — practice closing the case and submerging it in a sink several times filling it with something innocuous like a piece of paper rather than with your expensive gadget.

8. A Waterproof Camera

You should be able to take photos of your underwater snorkeling finds with your phone inside a waterproof case, but I’ve never been able to get good shots through a case’s thick plastic. You’ll have better luck with something like a disposable underwater camera for kids or with a waterproof Go-Pro for adults.

An additional bonus with a Go-Pro – Disney will not allow you to hand operate any camera while going down an onboard slide such as the AquaMouse (Wish) or AquaDeck (Dream and Fantasy), even if it’s secured to your body with a lanyard or grip. Most cast members will allow you to slide with a Go-Pro attached to your body with a harness.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

9. Sleep Headphones

Ship staterooms are small and any noise will inevitably be heard by everyone in the room. If you need sound to fall asleep, such as a podcast, or even white noise, do everyone a favor and invest headphones that are comfortable enough to wear as you drift into sleepyland . If you can’t sleep with something on your head, a SleepBar can be another helpful option.

10. A Hanging Shoe Organizer

A hanging shoe organizer is a great way to corral, well, shoes in your stateroom. But it’s also a useful tool to help organize many other items related to your travel: hairbrushes, small toys, sunglasses, sippy cups, and on and on. Be absolutely sure to get a version that will hang in your closet rather than one with hooks that go over a door. Scratching the paint in your cabin can result in a hefty fee.

11. Poo-Pourri

‘Nuff said.

12. A Battery-Operated Fan

Some folks absolutely need a fan breeze to fall asleep. Corded electric fans are another item than is often confiscated at boarding. The good news is that there are many varieties of battery-powered fans that work just as well.

13. Packing Cubes

I recommend packing cubes for most travel, but I find them a near imperative for travel on the Disney Wish. The primary stateroom storage on the Wish takes the form of shelves rather than drawers. It’s much easier to keep track of items when they’re contained in a packing cube rather than loose on a shelf.

14. Lanyards

DCL gives lanyards as a gift to Silver level and higher Castaway Club members. They’re by no means necessary, but some first-time cruisers like to have them on hand.

15. SeaBands or Other Motion-Sickness Remediation

Not everyone feels ill-effects from ocean travel, but even mild seasickness can quickly derail an otherwise lovely vacation. Head trouble off at the pass with motion-sickness remediation such as SeaBands , motion sickness glasses , or good old-fashioned Dramamine. Speak to a medical professional if you have serious concerns about this issue.

16. An Insulated Travel Mug

There are plenty of free soft drinks available on the ships’ pool decks, but that’s not much help if you’re watching a three-hour movie six decks below. Fill an insulated travel cup and you’re good to go. My favorite is the colossal Stanley mug , but there are numerous other brands and sizes.

17. Binoculars

Binoculars can be a great tool for anyone who wants to scan the ocean for other vessels or for wildlife such as whales and dolphins. Binoculars can be particularly useful in sailings in Alaska (to better see glacier features) and the Norwegian fjords where animals are sometimes visible onshore.

18. Sunscreen, Aloe Vera, and other Skin-Care Necessities

The sun and wind of ocean travel can be hard on anyone’s skin. While sunscreen is available in the shipboard shops, Coppertone is likely the only brand you’ll find. A favorite luxury brand is often a welcome gift. If you want to give an assortment of products, check out one of my favorite travel shopping sites minimus.biz , where you can find single-serve packages of toiletries, snacks, baby care items, over-the-counter medications, and more.

19. Family Passport Holder

Cruise travel requires lots of documentation . Keep all your paperwork in one safe spot with a family passport holder .

20. Costume Items

Most Disney cruises have a pirate night or some other themed evening. A pirate eye patch or vest can help get the costume planning started.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

21. Sun Hats

A big floppy hat can help ward off sunburn while helping you accessorize a fabulous look.

22. Water Shoes

Hot sand and shells can be brutal to walk on. Keep everyone’s feet safe while you explore the beach by investing in quality water shoes. I’m partial to Tevas but there are many brands to explore.

23. A Gift Card

Not sure what to give? A Disney Gift Card can be used at the ship’s onboard shops or applied to a stateroom balance.

24. The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line

You knew I had to put in a shameless plug for my book, The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line . The 2024 edition is chock full of information on how to have the best Disney Cruise experience ever.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

If you need additional help planning a cruise vacation, don’t hesitate to call upon the expert planning team at Touring Plans Travel .

Have you gotten (or given) a cruise-related gift that you absolutely loved? Tell us all about it in the comments. 

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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Disney Insider Tips

50 Disney Fish Extender Gifts from Etsy

Taking part in a Disney Cruise Fish Extender Exchange takes a little bit of planning and preparing, but it can be a great way to add a little extra excitement to your cruise! Wondering what types of things people give as Disney Cruise Fish Extender gifts?

Disney Fish Extender Gifts

Great Disney Fish Extender Gifts You Can Purchase on Etsy

If you really would like a handmade gift but don’t have the time to do it yourself, consider Etsy.  Etsy has a great variety of specialty items and all you have to do is a simple search for “Disney Fish Exchange Gifts” and you will find thousands of idea. 

Wondering which ones we love? We’ve compiled a list of 50 different items that you can purchase on Etsy!

50 Disney Fish Extender Gifts You Can Buy on Etsy

If you are looking for ideas for Disney Cruise Fish Extender gifts, this list is perfect.

Nothing to make yourself! You can buy them all in one place in bulk!

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Travel hand sanitizer

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Mickey can coolers

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Mickey Anchor Keychain

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Mickey Mouse ears wish bracelet

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Disney Cruise Light

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Disney Cruise Waterproof Phone Case

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Disney Night Light

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Elastic Hair Tie/Bracelets

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Disney Cruise First Aid Kit

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Disney Cruise Light Card

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Disney Cruise Line MAGIC CARDS

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Disney Cruise White Board

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Disney Wristlet Bags

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Disney Cruise Line Lip Balm

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Disney Cruise Name Decal

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Disney Topper Pens

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Mickey Earrings

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Disney Cruise Highlighter

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Disney Cruise Flashlight

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Disney Cruise Line Water Bottle Clip

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Disney Cruise Photo Scavenger Hunt

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Minnie Compact Mirror

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Pirate Night Medallion

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Travel Rain Poncho Key Chain

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Disney Cruise Lip balm holder

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Disney Toothbrush Travel Kit

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Disney Ear bud case

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Disney Cruise Nail Kit

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Disney Cruise Mints

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Disney Cruise Waterproof Container

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Disney Cruise Key Fob Wristlets

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Disney Cruise Laundry Bag

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Disney Frozen Christmas Ornament

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Disney Cruise Wristband Bracelet

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Disney Marvel Captain America Inspired Magnet

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Mickey Lanyard with Badge Holder

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Disney Magnetic Holder

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Lot of 6 Mickey Donut Magnets 

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

3-D Disney Christmas Ornament

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Credit Card Lanyard

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

DCL Mickey Anchor Cookie-Cutter

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Disney Tissue Covers

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Minnie Mouse Coin Purse

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Disney Cruise Door Magnet

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Mickey Mouse Soap

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Donald Duck Inspired Magnet

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Disney Can Cooler

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Pirate eye patch

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Pirate Night Inspired Wish Bracelet

Choosing the best gifts for each person.

The key is to find gifts that fit each particular person. What I mean by that is that you want to make sure you give a gift that is appropriate based on age & gender.

When you join your Fish Extender exchange group, you will receive a list of names, ages, and room numbers. Some groups even list your favorite Disney character.

Try your best to keep all of that in mind when preparing your gifts.

Don’t feel like your items have to be Disney related.

Some of the best gifts we’ve received were either things that were personalized with our name or things specific to that person’s home state or country (okay, the Vegemite might have not been my favorite).

The point is, no matter what you choose to give, I am sure it will be appreciated.

At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts!

What other ideas do you have for Disney Fish Extender Gifts?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Thursday 11th of August 2016

Hi...I've thought about participating in the fish extender fun in previous trips, but I'm still unclear on how you know what to give, how much to give and how often to give (daily, once during trip, couple times). Do you give to each member or family as a whole? Any information would be appreciated. Thank you! :)

Friday 12th of August 2016

We give one gift per person that usually under $3. We figured that it is worth the investment because we walk away with so many neat things and our kids really enjoy the magic of having secret gifts delivered to our room almost daily.

Monday 4th of January 2016

How do you find a fish extender group to join? Haven't been able to find one for me cruise! Help!

Thursday 7th of January 2016

Have you checked out the DIS Board? They should have one already started if you are less than 6 months out. If longer, you may need to wait. I am 100% positive there will be one for your cruise.

More From Forbes

Holiday gift guide 2023: the best disney gifts for travelers.

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Disney and travel just go together! Whether travelers love visiting the Disney theme parks, enjoy having an adventure on a private island during a trip with Disney Cruise Line , or long for a European river cruise from Adventures By Disney , they can experience the magic of Disney all over the world. While the Disney enthusiast in your life satiates their wanderlust, help them enjoy their journeys in style with these fun gifts. There’s something that’s sure to inspire joy for every kind of Disney traveler on your list.

Disney gifts bring the magic of the theme parks to every day.

Disney's Mickey Mouse 3-Piece Hardside Spinner Luggage Set

Using Disney luggage will make any Disney fan's trip even more fun.

This Disney luggage set is sure to be appreciated by Disney fans who often travel. It includes three matching pieces of luggage with an oh-so-cute Disney print. The design features world-travelers Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse seeing the world and pausing at famous sites like the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The luggage set includes a 20" carry-on suitcase, a 24" check-in suitcase, and 28" check-in suitcase. Each suitcase has a 12-inch telescoping handle and four spinner wheels. Shop Now: Kohl’s, $152.60 at the time of publication

Snow White 85th Anniversary Perfume Travel Spray by Define Me

This Snow White perfume from Define Me may inspire aromatic joy.

Better than sprinkling a little pixie dust, wearing Disney-themed travel perfume is a fun way to savor a bit of whimsy on the go. Inspired by the classic animated feature film, Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , this Snow White perfume by Define Me celebrates the movie’s 85 th anniversary.

This refreshing perfume has fragrant notes of raspberry, red currant, violet, lily of the valley, and red apple. There are also base notes of sandalwood and amber. It’s available in this travel-sized scent for Disney adventurers to wear to the Disney parks and beyond. Shop Now: Shop Disney, $30

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of September 2023

Best 5% interest savings accounts of september 2023, hanna andersson disney’s 100th anniversary celebration matching family pajamas.

Hanna Andersson's Disney pajamas are fun for families to wear together.

Disney-loving families that travel together will enjoy relaxing together in style on their next Disney vacation. Also, if you are only gifting for a solo traveler, these pajamas are available individually in a wide variety of sizes for all ages.

These pajamas are comfortable no matter where the recipient plans to travel. Made of cozy, organic cotton, they feel soft against the skin. The print features classic Disney characters and celebrates Disney’s 100 th anniversary. Shop Now: Hanna Andersson, Prices Vary

JuJuBe Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Ocean of Dreams Set of Three Bags

JuJuBe Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Ocean of Dreams print is sure to inspire Disney-loving ... [+] travelers.

Any traveler could use a little help staying organized. So, what better way to keep things in place when packing than with Disney-themed “baglets”? This set of three baglets feature a fun, limited-edition print inspired by Disney’s The Little Mermaid movie. The print showcase Ariel as she lives her best life under the sea. Each of these three bags have a light pink lining with supporting characters Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle dancing under the sea.

This set comes with two straps of different lengths so these packable bags can double as purses. That can come in handy for the Disney fan who wants some variety with the bags they pack for their adventures. Shop Now: JuJuBe, $60

Disney Winnie the Pooh Adventure Tervis Tumbler with Travel Lid

Winnie The Pooh fans are sure to enjoy traveling with this tumbler.

Know a diehard Winnie the Pooh fan? Here’s the travel gift for them. This Tervis tumbler has a wrap-around design that shows Winnie the Pooh walking with Piglet. It says “As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen”. The tumbler has a travel lid that keeps drink from spilling on planes and in cars, and it’s designed to keep drinks hot or cold. Shop Now: Tervis, $18.99

Disney Resorts Home Collection - Island Palms

The Island Palms collection is inspired by Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

Sometimes travelers just want to bring the magic of a fabulous vacation home with them, especially if they lived it up at a deluxe Disney World hotel! Inspired by Disney’s beloved Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World in Florida, this seven-piece bedroom set is from Sobel Westex’s Disney Resorts Home collection. Here’s the perfect present for the Disney enthusiast who wants to always feel like they are at one of the theme parks.

The Island Palms bedding set invokes the feel of the resort with its comforter that has a pretty, jacquard pattern of large palm leaf silhouettes on one side and a jacquard pattern featuring waves, turtles, hibiscus, and orchids on the other. The shams and decorative pillows also match the theme. Shop Now: Sobel Westex, $252 at the time of publication

Disney x ALDO Top Handle Bag

This dazzling Disney x ALDO bag can be fun for formal events or everyday wear with extra sparkle.

This purse from the Disney x ALDO collection is picture-perfect for the Disney enthusiast who likes some pizazz and sparkle with their travel attire. This silver bag sparkles with rhinestone embellishments and a Mickey Mouse outline at the snap closure. The purse also features a removable, adjustable crossbody strap. Shop Now: ALDO, $85

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer The Little Mermaid

These Ray Ban sunglasses are especially great for a trip to the sea.

Sunglasses are a necessity for travelers, and this pair of Ray Ban sunglasses inspired by Disney’s The Little Mermaid will bring the recipient’s travel style to another level. The sunglasses feature a classic black frame and ocean-blue lenses. The temple tips have an etching of Ariel’s silhouette and other symbols of her life under the sea.

Each pair of these sunglasses from Ray Ban’s Disney collection has an exclusive aquamarine case, and they also come with a black box, a black cleaning cloth, and a certificate of authenticity. Shop Now Sunglass Hut, $265

Subscription to ‘WDW Magazine’

"WDW Magazine' is a great tool to plan Disney adventures.

Here’s a gift that can be enjoyed all year long. The Walt Disney World fans in your life who are always planning their next grand Disney vacation can learn a lot about how to make their trips even better with WDW Magazine . It’s a beautifully designed and edited magazine that’s been going strong for a decade.

When you gift a year-long subscription, readers can dig into a new issue of WDW Magazine every month. It has in-depth advice, helpful information, interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and more. The magazine offers a good source of Disney joy to satisfy theme park fans over until their next Disney World trip. Shop Now: WDW Magazine, Subscriptions Start At $10/month

The Comfy with Disney Dream Characters

The Comfy is a wearable blanket that's available with fun Disney designs.

Here’s a gift for the Disney-loving traveler who gets cold on planes or in the car on road trips. The Comfy is exactly like it sounds; it’s a comfortable, cozy, and cute wearable blanket. This version of The Comfy showcases tie-dye styles featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse prints. It’s easy to pack and carry, and it’s fun to lounge in at the hotel after a long day at the Disney theme parks. Shop Now: The Comfy, $54.99 at the time of publication

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17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift

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Need fish extender ideas for your Disney Cruise? Here are 17 Disney Cruise fish extender ideas that are sure to bring back fond memories for years to come. #disneycruise #fishextenderideas #DIYfishextenders #disneycruisefishextender

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) offers a unique experience for families and individuals seeking a fun-filled adventure at sea. One of the most popular traditions on board DCL ships is the Fish Extender (FE) program.

Need Disney Cruise fish extender ideas? Here are 17 Disney Cruise fish extender gift ideas that are sure to bring back fond memories for years to come.

One of the unique things about Disney Cruise Line is that guests join small groups before their cruise and “meet” other guests before the trip.

They can then sign up to make small gifts for the guests in their group, and in turn, they receive small gifts as well. Sometimes they are for each member of the family and other gifts are per family.

Whether you are already looking for ideas or just curious as to what in the world a fish extender is, I’ve got you.

If you are looking for creative DIY Disney Cruise fish extender ideas  for your Disney cruise or perhaps you already have one, but you need some ideas for fish extender gifts to give to the other families participating with you, this is the place!

Are you planning a Disney cruise ? If it’s your first time, you may have come across the concept of fish extenders in your research.

What Is A Fish Extender?

Fish extenders are small hanging organizers that are hung outside your stateroom door on the fish or seahorse hook for the length of your cruise. Participating guests leave little gifts in each other’s fish extenders each day of the cruise. You can find Fish Extender groups on Facebook or in Disney fan forums for your specific cruise date.

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 1

The fish extender tradition isn’t operated by Disney, but it is allowed. Volunteers arrange everything, and it can be a lot of fun, but don’t let it stress you out. You don’t need to buy expensive gifts to participate in the exchange. In fact, many of the gifts are handmade, which makes it all the more special.

If you’d like to participate in the festivities during your upcoming cruise, you’ll find several cute fish extenders and the best fish extender gifts in the list below.

How does the Fish Extender program work?

To participate in the Fish Extender program, you must sign up in advance on a dedicated Facebook group or other social media platform for your specific sailing date and ship. Once you have joined the group, you will receive information about how to create or purchase a Fish Extender and what types of gifts are appropriate to include.

The program is designed to be a gift exchange, so you are expected to give and receive gifts from other participants. Many guests choose to give small trinkets, toys, or other souvenirs that represent their hometown or favorite Disney characters. Some guests even create personalized gifts like embroidered towels, t-shirts, or other handmade items.

On the day of embarkation, you will receive a list of stateroom numbers of other participants in your group. You will be expected to visit each stateroom on the list and leave a small gift in their Fish Extender pouch. Similarly, other guests will visit your stateroom and leave gifts in your Fish Extender pouch.

What are the benefits of participating in the Fish Extender program?

The Fish Extender program is a great way to meet new people and make new friends on your cruise. It’s also a fun way to get creative and come up with unique gift ideas that will surprise and delight your fellow guests.

In addition to the social benefits, the Fish Extender program is a great way to make your Disney Cruise Line vacation even more memorable. Guests who participate in the program often look back on their experience with fond memories of the fun and excitement they shared with their fellow cruisers.

DIY Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas

If you are planning a Disney Cruise then you came to the right place for Disney fish extender gift ideas for adults and children. These DIY fish extender gifts will be perfect for your new Cruise friends and will bring back wonderful memories once they travel home.

1. Halloween on the High Seas Disney Cruise Fish Extender

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 2

A simple hanging organizer is Disney-fied with Mickey and Minnie bats. These are perfect for Halloween on the High Seas, which runs in September and October on select Disney cruise ships! In addition to bats, you might look for clipart featuring Mickey pumpkins, ghosts, Frankensteins, and more. Yes, you can really find clipart for all of those! You can also find out more about what fish extenders are, how to find the groups, and ideas for what to put in fish extenders by clicking the link above. (via Just is a Four Letter Word)

2. Tote Bag Fish Extender

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 3

If you want to make a fish extender on the cheap, using inexpensive tote bags is a great idea! Use your Cricut and the Disney cartridge to create the designs and names on the front. Then, add some ribbon and embellishments, attach the bags together, and you’re all set. They’re perfect for holding plenty of gifts and trinkets if you’re participating in a larger fish extender group. (via A New Dawnn)

3. No-Sew Disney Cruise Fish Extender

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 4

For those who don’t like to sew, this no-sew fish extender is genius. Using a nursery organizer and your Cricut, you can come up with a beautiful Disney-themed design that fits your family in no time flat. (via Liz on Call)

4. $20 DIY Fish Extender

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 5

This is another cute take on the fish extender made from a nursery organizer, but any door hanger will do. The anchor ribbon rim was a nice touch that’s very fitting for a cruise! (via We Got the Funk)

5. Small World Themed Fish Extender

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 6

We love how colorful this Small World fish extender is! The project is simple as far as sewing goes, but you’ll need a sewing machine because it requires zig-zag and straight stitches. You could use this idea to create a fish extender in any fabric patterns you’d like. (via Momfluential)

6. Fish Extender from a Closet Storage Bag

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 7

This inexpensive closet organizer makes a lovely fish extender with some vinyl decorations made on your Cricut. It’s perfect for a little family of three, or you can double them up if you have a larger family. (via Mama Cheaps)

7. Toy Story Fish Extender

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 8

Here’s a fun one! It incorporates all of our favorite Toy Stoy charactersóMr. Potato Head, Bo Peep, Woody, and Buzz Lightyear. It’s absolutely perfect for kids who are obsessed with the Toy Story movies. (via A Mother’s Random Thoughts)

Now, if you’re looking for cute ideas to put in everyone’s fish extenders, take a look at these ideas!

Disney Cruise Fish Extender Gift Ideas

1. disney cruise survival kit.

disney cruise fish extender gift ideas

This cruise survival kit is genius! It includes lots of things that can come in handy, like socks, paper and pen, magnets, and movie night snacks. However, you can create a similar gift with items that you† feel are cruise must-haves. (via Play Party Plan)

2. Disney Magnets

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 9

These little Disney magnets make great fish extender gifts! The stateroom doors are metal in most areas, and guests are permitted to decorate their doors with magnets. (via The Savvy Mama Lifestyle)

3. Disney Princess Eggs

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 10

This is a cute idea if you’re sailing in spring before Easter. These instructions are for using blown-out eggs, but those are too fragile for packing. Use wooden eggs instead to get the same gorgeous look. (via Fun Money Mom)

4. Pixie Dust Necklace

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 11

This is a wonderful option for any Tinkerbell-obsessed little girl. These necklaces are easy and inexpensive to make! (via Sugar, Spice, and Glitter)

5. Felt Rose

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 12

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, these felt roses are just gorgeous! They’re inexpensive to make, too, which makes them great fish extender gifts. (via My Poppet)

6. Mickey Mouse Autograph Book

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 13

An autograph book is a must for those character experiences on board. And what could be cuter than a Mickey-themed autograph book? (via The Scrap Shoppe)

7. Finding Dory Bookmarks

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 14

Dory and Nemo-themed bookmarks are cruise-appropriate! They’re made with glitter and sequins (but held together in a plastic sleeve), so they’re a sparkly addition to any bookworm’s bookmark collection. (via A Pumpkin and a Princess)

8. Mickey Mouse Keychain

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 15

Keychains are great fish extender gifts for adults and kids alike. Kids can clip them onto their backpacks or luggage! These Mickey keychains are made out of felt and are fun no-sew crafts that the kids can help you with. (via Farm Girl Gabs)

9. Pirate Booty Favors

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 16

Pirate necklaces, keyrings, eyepatches, and of course, some gold coins and a couple of real dollars are a great pirate party favor or fish extender gift. The Mickey pirate ship on the front of the pillow boxes was made using the Cricut. (via Clever Pink Pirate)

10. Edible Pixie Dust

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 17

These are super easy and totally inexpensive gifts! They’re made with pop rocks and look so pretty. All ages will enjoy them! (via My Crazy Good Life)

The Fish Extender program is a fun and unique way to connect with other guests on your Disney Cruise Line vacation. By participating in the program, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, exchange fun gifts, and create lasting memories. So, if you’re planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation, be sure to sign up for the Fish Extender program and get ready to have a blast!

Are you excited to participate in the Disney Cruise fish extender activities on your cruise? Let us know how it goes! Pin this list to save it for your next cruise. You can never stop at one!

17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift 18

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A Disney Cruise is the ultimate Experience gift for the holidays!

  Have you ever done a big surprise for Christmas? Not just an item that is a surprise to the kids, but something the whole family can experience? I was talking to my friends at Get Away Today and she mentioned how fun it is to surprise the family with a vacation for Christmas. Our family is moving into a stage where we love experience gift ideas. A Disney Cruise is obviously a splurge; the ultimate experience gift for the whole family. Here are some great ideas for surprising your family with a Disney Cruise.  It is sure to be a holiday gift they will never forget!

Disney Cruise Surprise

What is an Experience Gift?

Experiential gifts also known as gift experiences and experience gifts is different than a material gift. The recipient will enjoy an experience rather than toy or clutter. A few popular experience gift ideas are skydiving, kayaking, race car driving or a trip to Disneyland.  A Disney Cruise is sure to be an experience gift that would lead to many magical memories.  Purchases typically take the form of vouchers or gift certificates via email or retailed boxes.

Surprising the Family with a Christmas Cruise

It got me thinking about how you’d surprise the family; either doing the unveiling at Christmas and then taking the trip in a couple of days, months or maybe even taking the trip over Christmas itself. Either way, here are some tips from Get Away Today for surprising the family with a Disney Cruise for Christmas.

First of all, you can find my personal review of the Disney Wonder, one of four ships in the Disney Cruise Line, HERE on the blog. You may know that each of the ships feature Disney magic at every turn, offering a truly immersive experience for your family. All the ships offer live-action shows, movies on board, fireworks at sea, pools, waterslides and incredible, themed dining. There’s so much to see on the ships themselves, you might not even want to disembark for off-shore excursions! But when you do leave the ship, you’re sure to find lots of fun and adventure at the beach, taking hikes or tours and exploring local culture. Disney Cruise Line also has themed cruises for Holiday sailings so you can enjoy festive celebrations while at sea.

Before you work on surprising the family with a Christmas cruise, here’s a look at some of the 2020 and 2021 Disney Cruise Line sailings you can book at discount fares with Get Away Today:

  • The Caribbean: Depart from Port Canaveral, Florida and enjoy port stops such as Miami, San Juan and New Orleans. Choose from 4, 5, 6 or 7 night itineraries.
  • Hawaii: Depart from Vancouver, British Columbia or Honolulu, Hawaii and explore Hilo, Nawiliwili and Kahului. Choose from 9 or 10 night voyages.
  • The Bahamas: Depart from Port Canaveral, Florida and head to ports in Miami, San Juan, New Orleans, Nassau or Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. Choose from 3, 4 or 5 night itineraries.
  • Baja: Depart from San Diego, California and visit Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. Choose from 2 or 7 night itineraries.
  • Pacific Coast: Depart from San Diego, California or Vancouver, British Columbia and visit ports including San Francisco and Victoria, British Columbia. Pacific Coast cruises offer 5 night itineraries.
  • Panama Canal: Depart from New Orleans, Louisiana and explore the Canal and surrounding areas for two weeks. Visit ports such as Cartagena and Columbia.
  • (2021) Mexican Riviera: Beginning in 2021 you can depart from San Diego, California and head to Mexican ports including Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. In winter 2021, Disney debuts a brand-new ship, Disney Wish, which is expected to include a number of the above itineraries.

Now that you know a little more about some of the beautiful destinations your family can visit on a Disney Cruise , here’s a clever way to surprise the family with a Christmas vacation, courtesy of Get Away Today .

mickey mouse on a cruise ship

Message in a Bottle Surprise Cruise Reveal

  Use a message in a bottle to surprise the family with a Disney Cruise vacation. The simple, fill-in-the-blank coded message is fun to decode, and the message is sure to be a hit! Here’s what you’ll need to share the Christmas cruise news:

  • FREE Christmas Cruise Message in a Bottle Template
  • White Cardstock
  • Baker’s Twine
  • Small Glass Bottle with Stopper
  • Bottle Filler (such as small sea glass, sequins, stones, sand, etc…)

For the reveal, print the coded message on cardstock and cut out. Roll it into a scroll and tie the baker’s twine to secure. Leave a long length of twine that can reach the top of the bottle so you can pull the message out easily.

Slip the scroll into the bottle and fill with your chosen embellishments. With the twine coming out of the bottle, place the stopper and decide if you’re going to share the message before Christmas or the morning of.

Other fun and simple surprise vacation reveals include paper countdown chains, helium balloons that float out of a box with a note attached or even a paper cut into puzzle pieces that had the cruise reveal typed up on it.

state room disney cruise

How Early in Advance to you need to book a Disney Cruise?

Many people book Disney cruises months in advance. If you are thinking of taking a cruise over the winter holidays, now is the time to start booking!  You can also book a cruise several months in advance. If you would like to gift a Spring time cruise for Christmas time, Get Away Today can find you the best deal available. Get Away Today also has Lay Away options for cruise bookings, which is sure to be a great way to save a little at a time towards your family trip of a lifetime.

Book a Disney Cruise with Get Away Today

Ready to set sail? A surprise Christmas cruise is a great way to make family memories during the holidays. Take advantage of discount fares when you book with Get Away Today and no-fee payment plans. That means you can book now for Christmas 2020, making a cruise more affordable than ever before. There’s also still plenty of time to book for a Christmas 2019 cruise. See all Disney Cruise Line itineraries at www.getawaytoday.com , or speak directly with a cruise specialist at 877-510-2929. Let them know Highlights Along the Way sent you!

Disney Cruise for Christmas

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Gifts Aboard Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Gifts

Nothing adds to the excitement of a Disney Cruise quite like a Disney Cruise Line Gift. Anyone who wants to wish the cruisers a special “Bon Voyage” can do so whether its a fellow voyager or not. Gifts are presented on Embarkation Day and can be for any occasion. There are many options for stateroom gifts from useful items to “just for fun” surprises.

Disney Cruise Line Gifts

The following are just a few options available:

  • Floral Arrangements
  • Disney Cruise Line Merchandise
  • Special Sweet Treats
  • Beverages (Alcohol & Non Alcoholic Available)
  • Themed Packages

View all gifts available through Disney Cruise Line.

Things to Remember

  • All gifts must be ordered 3 days prior to the sail date. Gifts including beverage items will have a 15% gratuity added to purchase.
  • All orders (within the U.S.) can be made by calling (800) 601-8455 or by downloading the gift order form from their website, and faxing it to (407) 566-3760.
  • International Purchasers calling from outside of the U.S. can call (407) 566-7000.
  • All gifts are nonrefundable unless the cruise has been cancelled due to weather.
  • In order to begin shopping you will need the following information: the reservation number and last name of the reserved party.
  • While most of the Disney Cruise Line Gifts will be delievered on embarkation Day, gifts like cake and select beverages can be delievered to the stateroom or dining room on the date and time of your choice.
  • All cake orders need to be placed 7 days prior to sail date.

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Celebrating with kids

28 pixie dust gift ideas for a Disney cruise

By: Author Morgan

Posted on Published: September 10, 2023  - Last updated: October 9, 2023

Planning to Pixie Dust on your Disney trip? Here are a ton of pixie dust gift ideas for a disney cruise !

There are a lot of fun and magical elements about going on a Disney cruise. From the character greetings to the very friendly staff, it really is a wonderful, magical atmosphere.

One thing that took our cruise to the next level was the pixie dust thing that my kids and family received on this trip.

We had so much joy giving and receiving pixie dust gifts that I had to come and share everything we learned with you here.

Today I’m going to talk about pixie dust, what it is, gift ideas, and a ton of tips and tricks for you on your Disney cruise.

Pixie Dust Ideas for Disney Cruise

What is Pixie Dust?

Pixie Dust is a small gift or gesture of goodwill shared to spread the magic when at Disney. On a Disney cruise, this most often comes from small gifts shared between passengers.

What is the difference between Pixie Dusting and Fish Extenders?

Pixie Dust swaps go hand and hand with Fish Extender Gifts in that many of the same people participate. But, Fish Extender is an organized gift exchange where you are assigned specific people to give more medium sized gifts to.

Pixie Dusting is intended to be random and little small things just to bring a smile to someone’s face.

How do you pack all of this stuff for a cruise?

For our 7 day cruise, we had a whole entire (small) rolling suitcase just of gifts. I know, I know, I know. Believe me, my husband kept calling it my “suitcase of gifts for strangers”.

You are not charged per bag and you are allocated 2 bags per person. It was no issue for me to have an extra bag!

finding items in our fish extender disney cruise

Pixie Dust Gifting Etiquette

When it comes to Pixie Dust gifting on a Disney cruise, adhering to certain etiquette guidelines ensures that the magic is spread in a thoughtful and respectful way. Here are some key considerations:

Respect Personal Space and Time

Always be mindful of personal boundaries and respect fellow cruisers’ privacy. Don’t approach someone with a Pixie Dust gift if they seem busy or uninterested.

Likewise, don’t be offended if someone declines a gift – they may simply be busy (or confused) or practicing their own Pixie Dust gifting etiquette.

Inclusive Gifting

While it’s common to exchange Pixie Dust gifts, remember that it’s not obligatory. Some cruisers may choose to participate while others may not.

Avoid making anyone feel left out or pressured to participate.

Label as much as possible

Labeling gifts as pixie dust serves a few purposes.

First, it eliminates confusion. If you just leave a bottle opener at someones door, they might think it was dropped and lost. A labeled note makes it clear that it is a gift.

Second, I always suggest labeling with your cabin number. My kids loved getting gifts with their cabin number on it so we could reciprocate!

Avoid Overloading

While the spirit of giving is heartwarming, be cautious not to go overboard with the number or size of gifts.

Keep in mind that everyone has limited packing space, and excessive gifting can be overwhelming.

People can also feel awkward if you give them something perceived as too nice/expensive and they don’t have anything in return. Keep it simple!

Consider Safety

Some gifts may not be suitable for all ages or have safety concerns. For instance, avoid gifting small objects that could be a choking hazard to young children.

Ensure that your Pixie Dust is safe for its intended recipient.

Mind Cultural Sensitivities

Disney cruises attract a diverse crowd from around the world. Be aware of cultural differences and customs that may affect the way gifts are received.

What’s considered endearing in one culture might be seen differently in another.

Keep It Disney-Themed

While it’s not mandatory, Pixie Dust gifts are often Disney-themed. This enhances the magical atmosphere of the cruise.

However, feel free to get creative and customize gifts to suit the recipient’s preferences, especially for crew members.

disney cruise pixie dust items

Crew Members Appreciation

When giving Pixie Dust to cruise staff, remember that they work hard to make your cruise memorable. Be respectful and appreciative in your interactions.

Simple gestures like a thank-you note can go a long way.

Respect the Ship Environment

Maintain the cleanliness and aesthetics of the ship. Avoid leaving Pixie Dust gifts in public areas that might create litter.

If you spot Pixie Dust gifts on the ground, it’s a nice gesture to pick them up and place them in a more appropriate location.

Use Discretion

Sometimes, part of the fun of Pixie Dust is the element of surprise. Use discretion when delivering your gifts, especially if they are meant to be a surprise.

Avoid revealing your identity unless it’s part of the Pixie Dust experience.

Share the Joy

If you receive a Pixie Dust gift, consider sharing the joy with others.

For example, if you receive a little trinket or note you don’t need to take home with you, you can pass it along to someone else who might appreciate it, continuing the cycle of Pixie Dust.

disney cruise gift items

Pixie Dust Delivery Tips

You have a few options when it comes to delivering Pixie Dust: drop it off anonymously or hand it to people.

It is easiest to drop Pixie Dust into fish extenders hanging on stateroom doors. If someone has a fish extender, they are likely to be into gift exchanges!

Also, fish extenders are often decorated to give you an idea of who is in the room IE gender, kids vs adults, etc.

We did this a lot when we were walking the halls. I would bring a baggie of gifts and my kids loved dropping them wherever we saw fish extenders.

But, you can also leave them at or on doors with no hanger. Spread the love to everyone!

You can also hand small gifts out to people. For example, on Pirate Night, my kids gave gold coins to anyone dressed up in pirate gear.

This obviously involves more human interaction. Depending on your or your child’s personality, it might be a hit or they might prefer something more anonymous!

rubber ducks disney cruise

Pixie Dusting Gift Ideas

Here are a ton of ideas for Pixie Dust gifts to bring on your trip!

Pixie Dust Ideas for Kids

Here are some age-appropriate Pixie Dust ideas for young cruisers.

  • Temporary tattoos
  • Small games or cards with a Disney Theme
  • Mickey play packs
  • Disney party favors
  • Pez dispensers
  • Small figurines
  • One of these disney books for kids

disney cruise sprinkle pixie dust

Pixie Dust Ideas for Adults

Here are thoughtful and fun gift ideas for adult cruisers.

  • Disney-themed pins
  • Bottle openers
  • Mini sprinkle packs (for the ice cream bar)
  • Something themed from your home town (sticker, snack, etc)

We also saw some people who were Castaway Club members giving away their gifts such as lanyards or bags if they already have them. I thought that was super nice!

Pixie Dust Ideas for Cruise Staff

Here are some small gift ideas to show appreciation for the hardworking cruise staff.

  • Hand written thank you note
  • Cash (haha, but really!)
  • Gift card somewhere generic like Amazon (remember they can’t easily get off the ship too often)
  • A note or letter to their supervisor saying what a great job they did
  • Mini care package

The best gift you can probably give the staff is to be kind and not be a huge slob!

Pirate Night Pixie Dust Ideas

Pirate night is a fun tradition on many Disney cruises. Here are some Pirate-themed gift ideas:

  • Pirate tattoos
  • Inflatable swords
  • Eye patches

DIY Pixie Dust Creations

Get crafty with DIY Pixie Dust gifts!

  • Cricut-decorated crafts
  • Friendship bracelets

Disney cruises are magical, and adding Pixie Dust to your trip is a great way to make it even more magical!

Any more questions about Pixie Dusting?

Thanks for reading!

celebrating with kids about us image

Hey there, I’m Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I’ve made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎈

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These are the 15 best cruise gifts for the holidays

Ashley Kosciolek

The winter holidays are almost here. Every year, I vow to start shopping early, but I'd say I'm only successful about half the time. If, like me, you have avid cruisers on your gift-giving list and appreciate ways to make shopping less stressful — especially if you've waited until the last minute -- you'll want to check out these recommendations.

From stocking stuffers to big-ticket items, these are the best gifts for cruise lovers.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Stocking stuffers

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Lanyards are hotly debated cruise accessories. Some passengers swear by them for keeping track of their cruise cards, while others insist they'd never be caught wearing one.

Whether you include one for serious use or as a gag gift, they're affordable and compact enough to fit in a stocking. Plus, they come in nearly limitless colors, styles and clasp variations. Now, all that's left to do is decide whether the giftee would prefer a nautical theme or something with a bit more bling .

If you're new to cruising, you might not know that the walls in most ships' cabins are metal, which means they're magnet-friendly.

Passengers use simple pushpin-style magnets to keep everything from spa flyers to shore excursion tickets organized and easily accessible — just like hanging important reminders on the refrigerator at home. Magnetic hooks are also a solid option for anyone who might need extra space to hang bathing suits, towels, bathrobes or workout clothes. (Just be sure to choose a type that can handle the weight.)

Bathroom spray

It's not pleasant to consider, but anyone who has shared a bathroom in close quarters knows how embarrassing it can be. If the person whose stocking you're filling has a sense of humor, you'd be remiss not to include a bottle of scented toilet spray.

There are several brands on the market, including Poo-Pourri and Squatty Potty's Pootanicals , which will make sure everything comes out roses (or lavender or citrus). Bonus: The bottles are small enough to comply with the TSA's carry-on liquid restrictions.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Highlighters

Although many cruise lines are moving away from printed daily schedules and, instead, giving passengers access via cellphone apps, it's still possible for passengers to request physical copies if they prefer something tangible.

Because the printouts are often jam-packed with things to do, highlighters are useful for marking off the most appealing activities. For bonus points, get the recipient a pack with several colors, which will allow different members of the travel party to indicate their preferred pastimes on the same sheet.

Know someone who's got a cruise coming up? Snag them a cruise line gift card for as little or as much money as you'd like. They can put the value toward their onboard spending, which will help to offset purchases like alcohol, specialty dining, spa treatments and shore excursions.

If the person you're buying for doesn't yet have a sailing planned, they can use the gift card toward a new booking with whichever line the gift card is for. (Cards in various denominations are offered by several major lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Holland America, Princess and Celebrity. Disney Cruise Line accepts general Disney gift cards for bookings and onboard spending.) Or, if you know they have to fly to their port of embarkation, consider an airline gift card.

Don't forget: These are the best credit cards for gift card purchases .

Price-conscious presents

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Magnetic board

If the cruiser in your life is sentimental, a magnetic board is a great present that will help them to display their keycards from each sailing. Post-voyage, they can attach some magnetic tape to the back and stick it to the board.

Many of the options come framed with wood or metal, making for stylish decor. Plus the shape — generally square or rectangular — is easy to wrap.

Portable charger

Anyone with a social media account knows how tempting it is to share travel photos at every turn. Unfortunately, this leaves any mobile battery screaming for some juice, especially after a long day lazing on the beach or exploring in port. With many cruise lines leaning heavily on mobile apps for everything from daily schedules and dinner reservations to muster drills, even sea days can drain batteries quickly.

Cruisers who just can't seem to disconnect, even on vacation, will find a portable charger invaluable. They're available in a range of sizes, colors and price points, but decent ones will set you back anywhere from $50 to $100 and can charge multiple devices.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Alcohol camouflage

Although I don't recommend sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship, many cruisers still try to save a few bucks by bringing their own booze. Apart from generally not being allowed, it's tacky. Plus, if it's detected and confiscated, it won't be returned, so it will actually end up costing you more when you combine the price of the contraband alcohol with any drinks subsequently purchased onboard.

Still, if you know someone who absolutely insists on skirting the rules, they will surely welcome a set of plastic liquid bags with caps — known by many as rum runners — or faux toiletry bottles , which allow tipples to easily masquerade in checked bags as shampoo, mouthwash and more.

Travel tracker

The frequent cruisers on your list will love the chance to show off where they've been with a present that tracks their travels — and I'm not talking about some high-tech gizmo that will cost a fortune.

Travel maps are all the rage right now. They range from scratch-off poster versions and color-in globes to corkboard wall hangings where you can mark destinations with pins . I've even seen larger-scale wooden versions that take up entire walls, giving wanderers the ability to check off each location with markers, paint or chalk.

Gadget organizer

As modern cruisers know, travel these days is almost impossible without gadgets. Whether they're using a cellphone to scan a flight boarding pass or a tablet to read a novel by the pool, it means wrangling cell phones, tablets, laptops, camera equipment and, of course, chargers.

Help them keep it all neatly organized and in one place with a number of packable pouches that offer zip pockets, elastic loops, and lots of other nooks and crannies for storing everything they'll need to stay plugged in when they sail. Want to add an extra-special touch? Include a spare phone charging cable; they'll be glad you stowed it in there when they inevitably forget to bring their usual one.

Seaworthy splurges

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

If you know a cruiser who's also a bibliophile, gift them some holiday cheer with a shiny, new Kindle or Nook that they can take on their next voyage to save space. (Nobody needs to lug several pounds of heavy books on vacation.)

If you're feeling extra generous, you can include a gift card that will cover the purchase of their first title or two.

Know a certain seafarer who's in need of a new set of luggage? You can find a decent selection of styles, colors and brands — including some of TPG's favorites — at a range of price points.

Is the recipient more of a carry-on-only traveler? If so, TPG can also recommend some formidable options . (My personal favorite is Away's standard-size carry-on bag — not the larger carry-on, which doesn't fit in some overhead bins.) In this case, you might also want to consider accessories like packing cubes or small liquid containers to complete the present. Fun tip: Forgo a traditional "to/from" holiday tag, and attach a luggage tag instead.

Want to shop local? Check out a small luggage retailer near you .

For the active cruiser who has just about everything, consider a GoPro or similar action camera to help them score footage of their experience on the onboard waterslide or on a crazy zipline adventure in port.

Action cams often come with a hefty price tag to start, but some of the add-ons — memory cards, head straps or gimbals — might also be worth including.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Car service or private jet

If you're looking to go big with your gift and you have funds to work with, consider reserving a car service or private flight for your already-booked cruise-loving friend or family member this year. To start, all you need is their name and departure date (and a pickup location for a car service), and you can make sure they arrive at their destination in pampered style.

Want a good place to start? Check out semi-private flights with Aero . Keep in mind that some cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages and Silversea, already include car service to the embarkation port in some of their fares.

This one is completely obvious as one of the best gifts for cruisers, but there is no more relevant present than, well, a cruise. It's a gift that's sure to impress — but only if you know the recipient's preferred travel style. Certain factors — such as the line, ship and destination you pick — can make or break a cruise experience, so you'll want to choose carefully.

A cruise itself is, of course, a large purchase, but you could book it using points and miles , or earn points by booking through a portal, such as United Cruises or the American Express Cruise Privileges Program. If you're not familiar with how cruises work, you should learn the basics here before committing:

  • How to get a deal on a cruise
  • A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line
  • Which cruise brand is best? A guide to the most popular lines
  • Tips for booking your first cruise
  • When you should use a travel agent

For even more gift ideas, check out our list of quirky but useful cruise must-haves .

How to maximize your winter holiday spending

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Do you have tons of points and miles stored away? A quick bit of research can help you use them to buy presents for everyone on your list .

If you're looking to earn points, rather than burn them, brush up on the season's latest credit card offers, which can help you maximize the return on your spending.

For example, through Dec. 25, you can score up to five points per dollar spent on Amazon purchases when you use an eligible American Express card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express . (If you don't have a qualifying Amex, there are other cards — including the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Discover it® Cash Back – that will give you the best bang for your buck when you shop at Amazon .)

The information for the Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Or, depending on where you plan to shop and how much you're planning to spend on presents this year, perhaps it's time to apply for a new card. The Citi Premier® Card , which has a modest $95 annual fee and is currently offering 60,000 bonus points when you make $4,000 worth of purchases in the first three months of account opening, will reward you with a generous welcome bonus (see rates and fees ). Another good option is the Amex Platinum, which will give you 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases the first six months of card membership.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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Practical Tips for Traveling with Babies, Toddlers & Kids |

Kids On A Plane

9 Practical Gifts for Families Heading to Disney World or a Disney Cruise

Post last updated February 27, 2024

A Disney vacation – either the theme parks or a cruise – is on many families’ travel bucket list. And if you’ve ever planned one yourself you know how time-consuming can be – and can sometimes end up being very costly.

Thinking about what gifts are good to give a family heading to Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise vacation in the near future?

Here are a few gift ideas that will not only make Disney family vacations more memorable but also reduce some of out of pocket expenses.

Gift Ideas for Disney World and Disney Cruise Fans - 9 Practical and useful gifts for WDW and DCL Guests

1. Disney Princess Dress Pajamas

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Our daughter never really liked the princess dresses or costumes you see in stores. They were too itchy she said and the glitter would end up everywhere – on the floor, in the car, and on our furniture.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

These PJs dresses are a fraction of what the costume dresses sell for and are less messy (glitter be gone!). If you know of a little princess fan heading on a Disney vacation, I’d highly recommend purchasing one of these dresses over the costumes. Just remember to purchase one size bigger so it can be worn on top of their regular play clothes.

You can also find princess dress pajamas on Disney’s online store .

Parents looking for Toy Story, Star Wars or Marvel PJs for their kids can check out DisneyStore.com’s selection. It’s much easier for little ones to do meet and greets with these on instead of bulky, heavy costumes.

2. Autograph Book & Markers

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

3. Other Items for Collecting Autographs

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

They make great souvenirs and are less likely to be ruined after the trip. Because you know, sometimes kids like to rip out pages of their autograph book or draw over the signatures. OK, maybe that’s just my kids 😉

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

You can purchase them at the theme parks and resort hotel gift shops but they are pricey (for what they are) and sizes are limited – they sell out quickly during heavy rain days.

5. Cooling Towel

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

You will definitely need it when the temperatures begin to rise and it’s not bulky like the fans they sell at the parks or gift shops.

6. Disney Guide Books

Guide books and other Disney related books can help with planning and get kids excited about their upcoming trip.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World For Kids: The Official Guide

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

7. Touring Pack/Kit

Park days (Disney World and Disneyland) and port days (Disney Cruise Line) can be long. Kids and sometimes adults can get cranky when hungry or thirsty.

Bringing a lightweight cooler bag and refillable water bottles can minimize the meltdowns and also reduce food and drink costs.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

8. Reservations for Special Activities and Experiences

If you want to spend a bit more, you can splurge on Disney activities and experiences like Star Wars Guided Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a Safari experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Grand Circle Tour at Disneyland Park and Royal Court Royal Tea on-board Disney cruise ships.

Make the Most of Disney Cruise PALO Desserts Buffet

You may be able to make reservations and pay directly on the phone or you might have to use a Disney Gift Card to pay for the experience (read more about Disney Gift Cards below).

You can find out more about special events, activities, and tours on the following pages:

Disney World Events & Tours

Disneyland Events & Tours

Disney Cruise Line Onboard Activities

9. Disney Gift Cards

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Disney Gift Cards are great for teaching kids about how to stay on budget and also reduces the amount of cash you need to carry with you. Just make sure you keep the cards in a safe place until you’re ready to make a purchase.

Where you can use Disney Gift Cards:

  • Walt Disney World  Resort®
  • Disneyland  Resort®
  • Disney store  locations within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) and Canada
  • DisneyStore.com
  • Disney Cruise Line®
  • Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i
  • Disney’s Beach Resorts
  • Adventures by Disney®
  • Disney PhotoPass®
  • Disney World Resort – resort hotels and theme parks (Florida)
  • Disneyland Resort – resort hotels and theme parks (California)
  • Disney Aulani Resort & Spa (Hawaii)
  • Disney stores in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) and Canada
  • Disney Cruise Line

All Disney Gift Cards are reloadable and do not expire (there’s no service fee for unused balances).

If you’d like to purchase a Disney Gift Card online head to disneystore.com and allow 10-15 business days for delivery (or 24 hours for electronic gift cards).

RELATED READING

  • Celebrating the Holidays at Disney World – Top Travel Tips
  • 7 Things to Pack for a Disney Cruise
  • Walt Disney World Resorts for Large Families and Groups

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About Cheryl - Kids On A Plane

Cheryl daydreams about exploring the world with her family often and will travel for good food, lattes and theme park rides that don't require her to go too high in the sky. She's afraid of heights!

Tiny Hands, Tidy Home

Creating a kid-friendly home with style, parenting tips, and more

The Perfect Fish Extender Gift Ideas | Gifts for a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise

Looking for fish extender gift ideas to make your upcoming Disney cruise unforgettable? Our recent Very Merry Christmas cruise inspired these top suggestions we know your fish extender group will love. Get ready to add extra magic to your voyage!

A pile of small fish extender gift ideas on top of a table. The text over the image reads, "fish extender gift ideas".

Going on a Disney cruise is such an amazing and magical experience that creates memories you’ll cherish forever. 

As fellow Disney enthusiasts, we totally get how exciting it is to plan and prep for this adventure. 

One of the highlights onboard is the Fish Extender gift exchange. 

If you haven’t heard of it, the Fish Extender is a pocket organizer hanging outside your stateroom door, where fellow cruisers can leave small gifts to spread joy. It’s a fun tradition aboard Disney cruises and a great way to make new connections with other cruise guests. 

With the holiday season approaching, we went on our own Very Merrytime Disney Cruise and participated in some fish extender fun. 

In this post, we’ll share the Disney fish extender gifts we put together for our last cruise, hoping to inspire and assist you in finding the perfect gifts for your next cruise. 

So please sit back and join us on this exciting exploration into the world of Disney cruise fish extender gifts. 

This post is all about fish extender gift ideas.

Fish Extender Gift Ideas

​a brief overview of fish extenders.

If you’ve never heard of the fish extender gift exchange, here’s how it works:

Participants hang a pocketed organizer called the fish extender from the metal fish outside their stateroom and fill it with small gifts for other guests who are also participating.

It is not organized or sponsored by Disney Cruise Line – it’s all run by fellow cruisers like you and me!

To join the fun, all you need to do is find the Facebook group for your cruise dates and keep an eye out on that Facebook page for information on how to sign up for a fish extender group.

Many people choose Disney-themed or practical items packaged in little gift bags. It’s a great way to make new friends and extra memories of your cruise!

That’s the quick lowdown on the fish extender program, but if you’re new to this whole concept, don’t worry!

Check out my post on the five things you must know about fish extenders before joining .

In that post, I share more information about how to sign up, the types of gifts you should get, and the pros and cons of participating. It’s a must-read!

Selecting our fish extender gifts

A pile of small fish extender gift ideas including stickers, lip balm, and activity book and an ornament on top of a table.

Our fish extender group (FE group) consisted of our family and five other families.

For the exchange, we decided to focus on the kids because I always find it a bit challenging to come up with affordable items that adults will truly enjoy.

The children in our fish extender group ranged from around 18 months to 6 years old, so we had a younger crowd.

All of our little gifts included character stickers , pirate tattoos for pirate night, an ornament decorating kit with Mickey head-shaped ornaments we purchased on Etsy , and some markers .

We were on a Christmas-themed cruise, so I thought it would be a cute idea to include some sort of Christmasy keepsake.

The FE gifts for ages 18 months to 3 years also included a set of Minnie-themed bath toys.

And, the gifts for ages three and older included a Beauty and the Beast activity book and Disney Princess Lip Smackers .

Ornament Decorating Kit

A wooden mickey mouse Christmas ornament with markers to decorate it.

Beauty and the Beast activity book

A Beauty and the Beast activity book.

Minnie and Daisy bath toys

A bath playtime set featuring Minnie mouse and Daisy duck.

Gift for the younger kids in our group

A pile of items for a fish extender gift.

Gift for the older kids in our group

A pile of items for a fish extender gift.

Where to purchase gifts

When you’re shopping for fish extender gifts, it’s important to find something thoughtful without going overboard or getting something too big.

After all, everyone needs to be able to take their gifts home after the cruise.

For our fish extender gifts, we bought items from different places like Etsy , Dollar Tree , Amazon , and Target .

At Dollar Tree, we found our gift bags, stickers, activity books, and bath toys. The stock at Dollar Tree can vary from month to month and even between stores, so I don’t have specific links to those products.

So, when looking for fish extender gifts, keep it thoughtful and practical while considering the size and not spending too much money.

[RELATED: What to Wear on a Disney Cruise: 6 Easy Outfit Ideas for Moms and Families ]

Shop our gifts

Packaging the gifts.

To package our fish extender gifts, I first wrapped the DIY ornament kit in a separate plastic gift bag. That way, it would be clear what it was for.

Then, I put everything into these adorable small canvas Christmas-themed bags I found at the dollar store. It added a cute Christmasy touch, and everything fit perfectly.

To make sure I knew who each bag was for, I added a fun gift tag I found on Etsy. Since each child had different character preferences, some of the bags were slightly different.

The activity books were too big to fit in the bag, so I just tied the gift bag to them when I delivered the gifts.

I waited to attach them until we arrived on our cruise. It was much easier to pack everything flat in my suitcase that way.

A dozen fish extender gifts in a line on the floor.

More great fish extender gift ideas

  • My first Disney cruise magnet
  • Light card for the room
  • Toothbrush holders
  • Chocolate gold coins  for pirate night
  • Custom ornament with the family’s stateroom number
  • Lego ships  
  • Ice cream toppings kit
  • Mickey-shaped magnetic hooks

Tips to make your gifts extra special

Putting extra thought and care into your presents can make all the difference when it comes to fish extender gifts.

One great way to do this is to pay attention to the kids’ favorite characters listed on the fish extender information.

If you know that a child is a huge fan of Elsa from Frozen or Lightning McQueen from Cars, consider incorporating their favorite Disney character into your gifts.

Another helpful tip is to think about practical items the kids can use on the ship, like ice cream toppings or small toys that will keep them entertained at dinner.

Finally, don’t forget to keep the theme of the cruise in mind when you’re selecting gifts.

For example, if you’re on a Christmastime cruise, consider incorporating some festive items like holiday-themed candy or ornaments. For us, we also tied our gifts to the Beauty and the Beast show that was playing on the Disney Dream, so we included a fun activity book centered around that theme.

By putting some extra thought into your fish extender gifts, you’ll be sure to create something truly special and memorable for the kids on your cruise.

Concluding Thoughts

The fish extender tradition aboard Disney cruises is such a unique and fun experience, and we hope this post has given you some inspiration for your own fish extender gifts.

Whatever you come up with, whether it’s cute Mickey or Minnie stockings filled with treats, an activity book, or a custom craft you make yourself, don’t forget that it’s always the thought that counts when it comes to special gifts like this.

So get creative, pick up some supplies, remember you don’t have to spend a lot of money – and enjoy your cruise vacation!

This post was all about fish extender gift ideas .

Other posts you might like:.

  • Disney Cruise Fish Extender Gifts: 5 Things to Know Be Participating
  • The Best Toddler Toys For Airplane Trips [Quiet Travel Toys That Aren’t Electronics]
  • 17 Top Disney Cruise Tips & Tricks to Know Before You Go

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christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Onboard Services – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a gift, like wine or flowers, and have it delivered to a stateroom on an upcoming sailing?

Absolutely! Make your upcoming cruise more memorable—or bid family and friends a festive “bon voyage”—with delightful gifts and amenities delivered on board the ship. Visit Onboard Gifts to choose from a delightful array of in-room decorations, tasty sweets, cheese and fruit platters, personalized cakes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, flowers and much, much more. You’ll need a reservation number and the last name associated with the reservation to begin shopping. You can also contact us at (800) 601-8455 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time or Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time to place an order. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Most items will be delivered to a stateroom on Embarkation Day, although some products like cakes and select beverages can be delivered to a stateroom or a dining room on a delivery date and time of your choosing.

Please note that all cake orders must be placed no later than 7 days prior to sail date. For all gifts that are not cakes, orders must be placed no later than 3 days prior to sail date.

Did you find this answer helpful?

Related Questions

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christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

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The Best Christmas Gifts For Cruisers

by Prof. Cruise · November 22, 2021

* I participate in Amazon’s Associates Program and receive a small commission at no extra cost to you on products purchased through links in this post. Thank you for your support!

Five graphics, a cruise ship decorated for Christmas, presents, holiday decorations, and a star.  Text that reads: Christmas Gifts for Cruisers.

Last Christmas Santa, triple masked under his hazmat suit, air dropped a gift, attached to a small parachute, over my apartment complex in order to adhere to Seattle’s strict Covid protocols. I grabbed hold of the strings, dragged it in through the window, and gave it a shake, confident it was exactly what I’d asked for: bulk Xanax. I mean, lockdown in a small downtown apartment with two adults working from home, an 7 year-old schooling from home, and a geriatric dog farting from home had been challenging. But the worst part, for me and thousands of others? Wondering if cruising would ever be back! (Which is why, a few months earlier, Santa had announced an exclusive partnership with Pfizer.)

But this year, after three post-Covid cruises and another three (including one over Christmas) booked, I’m feeling much more bullish about the future. And I’ve been working on this year’s list:

A graphic that reads at the top: Prof. Cruise's Christmas list.  There is a list below of 21 items all reading: cruise.

And so concludes this post, because really the only appropriate gift for a cruise lover is…a cruise.

Okay, okay, here are some other ideas (to supplement, not replace the cruise):

Christmas Gift Ideas for Cruise Lovers

Here are some cruise-themed gift ideas for your cruise-loving friends and family or, better yet, to #treatyoself.

Cruise-Themed Christmas Gifts Perfect for the Office

6 numbered items: a door sign, socks, a sweatshirt, a pencil case, a mug, and a notebook.

  • Door Sign : So every time someone knocks on your door you can say: “No offense, but please read the sign before entering so we start this conversation on the same page.”
  • Dress Socks : These cruise ship socks pair especially well with school girl skirts and lederhosen, but any ankle exposing work bottoms will do.
  • Work Shirt : Wear this sweatshirt to your annual 401k meeting: “Yes, I have a retirement plan – I plan to cruise!”
  • Pencil Case : You can also use this to hide M&M’s to snack on during boring meetings or to throw at long-winded colleagues keeping you from getting back to your office to read cruise reviews.
  • Coffee Mug :This I Work To Fund My Cruising Addiction mug will convey to your boss just how passionate you are about your vacation, I mean vocation.
  • Notebook: Call a meeting, pass each person one of these notebooks , and immediately sprint in the direction of your cruise, because quarterly goals can wait – all you need is vitamin sea!

Cruise-Themed Christmas Gifts Perfect for the Home

Six numbered cruise gift ideas for the home: a piggy bank, a cruise ship ornament, two lamps, a cruise ship centerpiece, a cruise ship cookie cutter, and a tapestry with a cruise ship in the ocean hanging above a couch.

  • Piggy Bank : You can use this “Travel Fund” piggy bank to store your partner’s credit card. Trust me, it will make you giggle every time you look at it.
  • Ornament : If you only have room on your Charlie Brown tree for one ornament, make it this cruise ship .
  • Cruise-Themed Lamp : Purchase the anchor one on the right for your classy friends and the neon LED cruise ship one for your tacky friend Prof. Cruise (no seriously, I want one of these for my desk).
  • Cruise Ship Centerpiece : While you’ll never see it at a Martha Stewart magazine shoot, this cardboard cruise ship centerpiece will delight your Taco Tuesday friends (wait until they’ve had a few beers before you put it out though).
  • Cruise Ship Cookie Cutter : Before I moved to Seattle, I lived in Pittsburgh where weddings were judged by the neighborhood busy body not for their venue or flowers or attire, but for their cookie tables! (Any Pittsburgh peeps reading who can back me up on this?) Trust me, yours will be judged the wedding of the century with this cruise ship cookie cutter !
  • Cruise Ship Tapestry : To make your living room look like a dorm room. Or to make your dorm room look like a nursing home. Oh stop, there are plenty of young people who enjoy cruising who did not just receive an e-mail invitation to join the AARP.

True story:

An invitation that reads: You're invited.  With 38 million members join us today.  Plus choose you free gift.  Then a photo of a charger and a trunk organizer.

Yeah, I joined. But not because I’m old enough! I did it for the free charger.

Cruise-Themed Christmas Gifts Perfect for your Partner

Because when they tell you, “oh the cruise is enough, honey” they’re LYING and you better have something for them to open! Here are a few ideas for women and men:

7 numbered cruise related gift ideas for a partner.  A vax card and passport holder, a scarf, a cruise ship charm, a captain's t-shirt, a cruise ship tie pin, a nautical tie, and a t-shirt that reads "I love it when we're cruisin together."

  • Vax Card and Passport Holder : Or if your partner is opposed to vaccination, they can use it to store their Trump card (chill, it’s just a fun play on words).
  • Nautical Scarf : To wear for Christmas dinner at your kid’s place and then to use later to tie your partner to the bed while you…eat all the leftover pie.
  • Cruise Ship Charm : To commit a crime and then leave at the scene to frame your wife: “Wasn’t me, I’m not the one with the Pandora bracelet who loves cruising.”
  • Captain’s Shirt : This is one of those gifts that you tag with the name of your husband or boyfriend, but really intend for yourself. Dress your man in this cruise ship captain t-shirt and live out all your fantasies: “Sure, I’d love a tour of your private quarters Captain.”
  • Cruise Ship Tie Clip (try saying that 10 times fast) : Grab up the charm from earlier and drop this in its place. You’ll never have to pick a wet towel up from off the floor again once he goes to prison.
  • Nautical tie : Get a matching tie to bolster your case: “Yes, that pin goes with this tie, officer.”
  • Romantic Cruise Shirt : If you prefer cruising solo, get your husband one of these to remind him of how much he secretly hates traveling with you: “I think I’ll sit this one out on dry land honey. Definitely go without me.”

Cruise-Themed Christmas Gifts Perfect for Kids

7 numbered cruise related gift ideas for kids: A book called "Ocean Life," a cruise ship bath toy, three baby stuffed animals, a cruise ship coloring book, a cruise ship building kit, a cruise ship toy, and a t-shirt that reads, "If found asleep or drunk please return to cabin #------.

Numbers 1-6, a book about ocean life , a cruise ship bath toy , aquatic comfort lovies , a cruise ship coloring book , a cruise ship building block set , and a Playmobil cruise ship toy , are all intended to indoctrinate young children into loving cruising so that someday you’ll have someone to wheel you up the gangway. I’d also suggest you show up at your local school board meeting and forcefully demand that the coloring book be added to the elementary curriculum. We must all do our part to Keep America Cruising!

As for #7, I can only imagine this t-shirt was supposed to say “milk drunk” since it’s available in child sizes. Why not get one for everyone in the family though? Safety first!

Cruise-Related Stocking Stuffers

When I initially did a search for “cruise ship stocking ,” I accidentally searched for “cruise ship stalking .” Which is what I’m used to doing. No, seriously – I rented an apartment in downtown Seattle with a view of both cruise ship piers for that very reason. In any case, here are some cruise-related ideas for stocking stuffers.

6 numbered stocking stuffer ideas: A nautical stocking, cruise luggage tags, a book called "Santa Cruise, waterproof lanyards, water shoes, and pineapple towel clips.

  • Stocking : First you’ll need a nautical-themed stocking for stuffing. (You can also poke a little hole it it and hang it in your window for cruise ship stalking .”
  • Luggage Tags : These cruise luggage tags will encourage your New Year’s resolutions to plan ahead and become more organized. And they’ll survive the taxi ride to the pier, even if you don’t: “Well at least we know where to send her bags.”
  • Santa Cruise: A Novel : I haven’t read this one yet (so I apologize if it’s awful or offensive), but I purchased it for my Christmas cruise to hog a prime lounger by the pool.
  • Waterproof Vaccine and Ship Card Holder and Lanyard: I bought this for Mr. Cruise to prevent him from asking me approximately 5,000 times over our 10-night cruise: “Have you seen my ship card?”
  • Water Shoes : I see these as a loophole, skirting around that pesky “no shoes, no service” rule in the dining areas. In a similar vein, you could also get one of those novelty t-shirts with a sexy body in a bikini or speedo printed on it and go from the pool to dining in the MDR in under 5 minutes: “Table for one by the window please, and FYI, this is actually a shirt and these are technically shoes.”
  • Pineapple Towel Clips : I post these here as both a recommendation and a warning. You should definitely pick up a pair of clips, used to secure towels to loungers, for your wife. However, you should absolutely not get her these pineapple ones unless you’re looking to spice up your marriage or were disappointed in that reality series “Wife Swap” because instead of finally validating your life choices on mainstream TV, it was just a bunch of boring, white-bread couples arguing over chores and child rearing practices. All that is to say that pineapples are used by swingers to signal each other for S-E-X. As in, “if I put a pineapple on this lounger I’m not hoping for a cold cocktail to be waiting for me when I get back. No, I’m hoping for a warm-blooded man. And that man better not be my husband.” I know this all too personally having decorated my cabin door on a cruise to Hawaii with a s**t-ton of pineapples only to be told “never mind” by several gentleman when I answered the door with a towel on my head as I yelled at my kid to stop jumping on the bed. So go with one of THESE towel clips instead.

Essentials for your Christmas Cruise

Spending Christmas onboard this year like I am? Here are some essentials you’ll want to pick up for your Christmas cruise:

A numbered list of 8 items for a christmas cruise: an ugly sweatshirt, nautical wrapping paper, a cookies for Santa plate, a sweatshirt that reads, "I ate Santa's Cookes," a felt Christmas tree, a letter to Santa kit, a Merry Christmas shirt with a cruise ship on it, a card with a cruise ship and Santa, and a Santa suit.

  • Ugly Sweater : Even though you intend this equally festive and classy sweatshirt to serve as an extra layer in case it gets chilly in the MDR during Christmas dinner, don’t be surprised if it mistakenly gets entered into your ships “ugly sweater contest” and declared the undisputed winner even though it’s technically not a sweater.
  • Nautical Gift Wrap: So those nice TSA folks working at the airport over the holidays have something to open. (Pro-tip, don’t wrap your gifts in advance if you’re traveling to your cruise by air.)
  • Cookies For Santa : Grab some cookies from the buffet to display on this adorable “ cookies for Santa ” plate, post photos to Instagram and ensure the kids are asleep before eating them, and come clean on Christmas morning with this “ I Ate Santa’s Cookies ” sweatshirt.
  • Travel Tree : Slap this felt Christmas tree onto your stateroom wall and don’t worry about dry pine needles puncturing the bottoms of your feet until next Christmas. And it comes with a free snowman advent calendar so you don’t accidentally opt for buffet pizza and miss Christmas dinner in the MDR.
  • Dear Santa Kit : If your child or grandchild is worried about Santa finding him on the ship, don’t say what’s really on your mind: “How could you possibly believe that a man could remain jolly when he spends 11 months of the year working 24/7 as a production manager in a place too cold to even step outside for a smoke break and the other month getting peed and pooped and barfed on by terrified toddlers, red-faced and screaming through their photo op?” Instead, purchase this Dear Santa ki t and help him compose a letter to the mythical jolly man with instructions on where to deliver his toys.
  • Custom Christmas Cruise Shirts: You can all wear these for your Christmas card photo!
  • Mass-produced Cruise Christmas Card : Or, if you can’t get your husband and son to cooperate for the photo and you decide it’s weird to send out a Christmas photo of just yourself (I mean, it didn’t stop me), you can go with these mass-produced cruise-themed Christmas cards . The outside shows Santa boarding a cruise ship and the inside reads: “Wishing you smooth sailing throughout the new year.”
  • Santa Onesie : This Santa adult onesie will both allow you to effectively hide cruise bloating and weight gain and offer an excuse for eating 3 lunches: “I’m just trying to stay in character.”

Here’s Mr. Cruise modeling the Santa onesie on two of our prior Christmas cruises :

Two photos of a dad and his son, both wearing Santa costumes.

Gifts to use Onboard

10 Cruise related gift items to use onboard a cruise ship: a mug that reads "Ship Faced," a puzzle with a photo of the Titanic on it, socks that read, "what happens on the ship stays on the ship," a door cover, a sticker with a cruise ship, a shirt that reads, "this is my cruise shirt," an outlet, an alarm clock, two masks, and thank you cards with a cruise ship.

  • Travel Mug : An insulated travel tumbler to keep your coffee hot and your cocktails from spilling because, well, you’re ship faced.
  • A Puzzle : To keep you entertained on sea days. This might not be the best choice though. Try this fully afloat Carnival cruise ship one or this Royal Caribbean one.
  • What Happens on the Ship Stays on the Ship Socks : Maybe you should get those pineapple towel clips after all!
  • Cruise Ship Door Cover : You’ll feel like a real cruise ship captain with this door cover. Careful though, your dad never taught you to navigate a cruise ship between a couple of orange cones in the church parking lot (see photo #2 above).
  • Customized Cabin Door Magnet : If you purchased the drink package and want to make sure you pass out in front of the correct stateroom.
  • Extra Outlets : This cruise approved power strip with 3 three-pronged outlets and 2 USB ports for all your tech addicted friends.
  • Cruise Shirt : For the overly literal. For everyone else, go HERE for my curated list of fun cruise shirts.
  • Sunrise Alarm Clock : I never sleep better than in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. In fact, one time I went to sleep on embarkation night and woke up to find a backlog of 7 daily newsletters and debarkation instructions on my door. I’d slept through my whole cruise! I had to eat 40,000 calories at the buffet that morning to make up for all I’d missed! So from then on I started bringing along this sunrise alarm clock . You can program this digital clock to simulate the sunrise, so you wake up in time for your first of three breakfasts.
  • Cruise-themed masks : While cruising is back, it’s still not totally back to how it was pre-pandemic. These days masks and cruising go together like raisins and oatmeal cookies. Clearly one is much better without the other, but hey, it’s still a cookie. And it’s still a cruise! Make the best of it with a fun cruise-themed mask. My Carnival friends will like this “ Cruisin and Boozin ” one (I kid, I kid) and my fellow cruising addicts and pun lovers will like this “ No Cruise Control ” one.
  • Thank You Cards : I saved these thank you cards for last because, while most of the items included in this guide were selected for being some combination of useful and humorous, this one I recommend with all seriousness. I suggest you pick up a pack of these cards before each cruise. Compose a hand-written note of thanks and include an extra cash tip inside for ship crew who have worked so hard, far away from their homes and families, often missing holidays and special occasions, to make your cruise vacation special.

And with that, I wish you and your family a safe, joyous, and cruise-filled holiday season.

Class Dismissed.

Homework: No homework! It’s Christmas! But be sure to follow me on Instagram ( @profcruise ) for daily cruise content and to see what it’s like to cruise over Christmas, New Years, and a birthday (my son’s turning 9 on our Christmas cruise)!

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christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

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christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

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 by Prof. Cruise · Published November 30, 2023

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Prof. Cruise, Thank you for writing out my Christmas list for me🎄🛳

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Lol. Happy to help!

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About Prof. Cruise

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

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christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

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christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

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  1. Christmas Disney Cruise Ticket Gift Template

    christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

  2. Disney Cruise Christmas decorated cabin door.

    christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

  3. Give the Gift of a Disney Cruise For Christmas

    christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

  4. Best Gifts for Cruisers: 50+ Fun & Useful Cruise Gift Ideas!

    christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

  5. Disney Cruise Ship Gifts

    christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

  6. Disney Cruise Gift Shop

    christmas gift ideas for disney cruise

COMMENTS

  1. 24 Holiday Gift Ideas for Disney Cruise Travelers

    19. Family Passport Holder. Cruise travel requires lots of documentation. Keep all your paperwork in one safe spot with a family passport holder. 20. Costume Items. Most Disney cruises have a pirate night or some other themed evening. A pirate eye patch or vest can help get the costume planning started.

  2. 50 Disney Fish Extender Gifts from Etsy

    What I mean by that is that you want to make sure you give a gift that is appropriate based on age & gender. When you join your Fish Extender exchange group, you will receive a list of names, ages, and room numbers. Some groups even list your favorite Disney character. Try your best to keep all of that in mind when preparing your gifts.

  3. Give the Gift of a Disney Cruise

    Give the Gift of a Disney Cruise. This year, make their dreams come true with the gift of a Disney cruise. Fill their heart with magic and wonder as they create lifelong memories exploring exotic ports of call and sailing away on a ship awash in dazzling entertainment, delectable dining, immersive kids clubs and so much more.

  4. Holiday Gift Guide 2023: The Best Disney Gifts For Travelers

    Ray-Ban New Wayfarer The Little Mermaid. These Ray Ban sunglasses are especially great for a trip to the sea. Ray Ban. Sunglasses are a necessity for travelers, and this pair of Ray Ban sunglasses ...

  5. 17 Disney Cruise Fish Extender Ideas You Can Gift

    4. $20 DIY Fish Extender. This is another cute take on the fish extender made from a nursery organizer, but any door hanger will do. The anchor ribbon rim was a nice touch that's very fitting for a cruise! (via We Got the Funk) 5. Small World Themed Fish Extender. We love how colorful this Small World fish extender is!

  6. 150 Fish Extender Gift Ideas For Your Disney Cruise

    Kids will love anything related to their favourite Disney characters, so here are some suggestions for fish extender gifts that are sure to delight big and little kids alike: Colouring book and crayons. Temporary tattoos with Disney or Marvel characters. Personalised autograph book. Small toy cars or figurines.

  7. Shopping for Onboard Gifts & Amenities

    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/gifts-and-amenities/styles.947b255b6169deb49336.css">

  8. Ultimate Disney Holiday Guide: 74 Best Gifts to Give in 2023

    All the gifts in this section are total musts for any lover of Disney. Wicket Ewok Collectors Plush Figure - Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - 40th Anniversary. The giant Ewok collectors plush figure found on shopDisney stands over three feet tall and is modeled after the great Wicket W. Warrick.

  9. The best way to surprise your family with a Disney Cruise!

    A few popular experience gift ideas are skydiving, kayaking, race car driving or a trip to Disneyland. ... There's also still plenty of time to book for a Christmas 2019 cruise. See all Disney Cruise Line itineraries at www.getawaytoday.com, or speak directly with a cruise specialist at 877-510-2929. Let them know Highlights Along the Way ...

  10. Disney cruise gifts

    Christmas Disney Cruise Surprise Ticket Printable Theme Park Surprise Reveal Ticket, Gift Reveal Ticket, Boarding Pass Reveal PDF Download. 4.8. (1.3k) ·. disneyreveal. $5.96. Digital Download. Bestseller.

  11. Gifts Aboard Disney Cruise Line

    All gifts must be ordered 3 days prior to the sail date. Gifts including beverage items will have a 15% gratuity added to purchase. All orders (within the U.S.) can be made by calling (800) 601-8455 or by downloading the gift order form from their website, and faxing it to (407) 566-3760. International Purchasers calling from outside of the U.S ...

  12. 28 pixie dust gift ideas for a Disney cruise

    Label as much as possible. Labeling gifts as pixie dust serves a few purposes. First, it eliminates confusion. If you just leave a bottle opener at someones door, they might think it was dropped and lost. A labeled note makes it clear that it is a gift. Second, I always suggest labeling with your cabin number.

  13. These are the 15 best cruise gifts for the holidays

    Magnetic board. If the cruiser in your life is sentimental, a magnetic board is a great present that will help them to display their keycards from each sailing. Post-voyage, they can attach some magnetic tape to the back and stick it to the board. Many of the options come framed with wood or metal, making for stylish decor.

  14. 9 Practical Gifts for Families Heading to Disney World or a Disney Cruise

    Disney Cruise Line; All Disney Gift Cards are reloadable and do not expire (there's no service fee for unused balances). If you'd like to purchase a Disney Gift Card online head to disneystore.com and allow 10-15 business days for delivery (or 24 hours for electronic gift cards). RELATED READING. Celebrating the Holidays at Disney World ...

  15. Disney Cruise Fish Extender 101

    Most people went Disney-themed (obviously), but we received all kinds of things (I'll show what we got in a second). You can do fun things, toys for kids, useful items, candy, treats, etc - the options are endless. As long as you're allowed to carry it on a cruise ship, you can gift it. Our Disney Cruise Fish Extender Gifts Family Fish Extender ...

  16. The Perfect Fish Extender Gift Ideas

    Looking for fish extender gift ideas to make your upcoming Disney cruise unforgettable? Our recent Very Merry Christmas cruise inspired these top suggestions we know your fish extender group will love. ... We were on a Christmas-themed cruise, so I thought it would be a cute idea to include some sort of Christmasy keepsake. The FE gifts for ...

  17. How to Purchase In-Room Gifts

    Make your upcoming cruise more memorable—or bid family and friends a festive "bon voyage"—with delightful gifts and amenities delivered on board the ship. Visit Onboard Gifts to choose from a delightful array of in-room decorations, tasty sweets, cheese and fruit platters, personalized cakes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages ...

  18. Six Fun Ways to Surprise Your Kids with a Disney Cruise

    One of the best parts about giving a gift is watching the recipient open it joyfully. When you surprise your kids with the gift of a Disney cruise, there are many things you can do to make it a memorable family moment. Whether it's tomorrow or on Christmas morning, here are six fun ways to announce your upcoming Disney Cruise Line voyage…

  19. 10 Fun Disney Reveal Ideas To Surprise Your Family

    Day 1 - Disney-themed scavenger hunt to find the advent calendars using these printable scavenger hunt cards. Day 2 - Letter from Elf and activity to draw themselves as a Disney Princess or superhero. Day 3 - Lily's birthday prank with a hint at a Disney vacation surprise and a badly wrapped box revealing there was no Disney trip inside.

  20. 70+ Best Gifts for Cruisers 2024 (that are unique & practical)

    30 great cruise gift ideas for frequent cruisers who just might have it all. Find unique as well as practical and popular cruise items for the holidays and more. ... 51. Disney Cruise Line Fish Extender. ... Cruise Theme Christmas Items & Gifts. 72. Christmas Cruiseship Ornament. This old world cruise ship Christmas tree ornament is so ...

  21. Cruise Gift Exchange Ideas: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers

    Rules will be established, often by the person who is organizing the gift exchange. Most cruise gift exchanges set a dollar amount as a limit. The most common gift exchange rule is is to keep items to $5-10 and under. There may be a theme, which works especially well for specific holidays or Christmas cruises.

  22. The Best Christmas Gifts For Cruisers · Prof. Cruise, Ship Tour, Cruise

    Christmas Gift Ideas for Cruise Lovers. Here are some cruise-themed gift ideas for your cruise-loving friends and family or, better yet, to #treatyoself. ... Disney Wish Main Dining Room Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drink Menus. August 15, 2022. 2 Responses. Comments 2; Pingbacks 0; Linda Cavato says: ...

  23. Cruise Christmas Gift

    Christmas Ornament, Cruise, Personalized, Wooden, Engraved, Small Gift For Family & Friends, Custom Christmas Ornament, Disney Inspired. (2.8k) $5.50. Editable CARNIVAL Cruise Surprise Reveal Trip Gift Template. Carnival Cruise Keepsake Faux Souviner Boarding Pass Gift Ticket. Printable Pdf.

  24. Disney Cruise Line's All-New Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

    Greetings from the beautiful island of Eleuthera! My name is Bernadette Sweeting and I'm also part of the Disney Cruise Line team in The Bahamas. I was born and raised in Eleuthera, the island that will soon be home to Disney Cruise Line's newest destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Summer will be here before we know it, which means the grand opening is quickly approaching!