While embarking on a Disney Cruise Line vacation is exciting, it can also be daunting. What do you pack? What do you have to reserve before getting on board? Before setting sail, check out these twenty essentials you need to know before your first Disney Cruise!

Sunscreen, swimsuits and sunglasses are definitely cruise vacation essentials, but there may be a few important things you haven't thought of. Pack a refillable cup for each member in your group so you won't need to search for the drink fountains as often. All of the walls in your stateroom are magnetic so a few magnetic hooks for jackets or over-the-door organizers are also a good idea.

Right after you book your cruise, reserve some character meet and greets. These include the Princess Gathering and a Frozen Meet and Greet.

Just like the meet and greats, Disney Cruise Line highly encourages guests to book adults-only dining before boarding. The three available options include Palo brunch, Palo dinner and Remy. Dinner-only Remy is exclusively available on the Disney fantasy and Disney Dream.

Guests 21+ can bring their own alcohol on board, with an allowance of two unopened bottles of wine/champagne or six beers. Grab some before you take off and restock at each port of call.

Disney Cruise Line has wonderful dining room teams that travel with you throughout your cruise as you rotate through three distinctly themed dining rooms. Your service team will take ample time to get to know you and your family, making dinner a highlight of each day.

Each Disney Cruise Line voyage has themed days that, depending on the itinerary, include: Pirate Night, Star Wars Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, HalloweenTime on the High Seas and Very Merry Time. Cast and crew will be dressed up and they highly encourage guests to do the same.

Throughout each ship you'll find exclusive adults-only areas that include pools, the Senses Spa, Cove Cafe and an entire adult entertainment district that prohibits anyone under 18 after 9:00 p.m. Enjoy each of these spaces at your leisure or check the Personal Navigator for daily activities.

If you are traveling with kids, there are dedicated spaces just for them. What kid wouldn't have a good time when surrounded by toys and activities from their favorite Disney movies?

Inside the Cove Cafe, the adults-only coffee bar, there is a glass case full of treats. In the morning and evening you can expect something sweet, while the afternoon generally provides something a bit more savory. Although the coffee is an additional fee, you can indulge in these little goodies free of charge.

If your family is looking for a relaxing afternoon, check out first run movies inside the Buena Vista Theater. Each time a movie debuts in theaters on land, it also debuts on each Disney Cruise Line ship. If you're lucky enough to be sailing on a movie premiere date, get ready for a huge midnight premier inside the Walt Disney Theater.

While the room service menus are excellent, there's one important item missing-Mickey's Premium Bars. These classic ice cream bars are a standard at Disney Parks and Resorts but don't forget that you can also ask for them on your cruise.

When you're given the dinner menu each night, you are not limited to one appetizer, one entree and one dessert. If you want two appetizers and three desserts, that's exactly what you'll get. If you want to order off the kids menu as an adult, that's totally okay. The waitstaff is here to make sure your vacation is everything you dreamed it would be.

If you're looking for a little exercise, sign up for the Castaway 5K. This race allows guests to walk or run 3.1 miles around Castaway Cay, Disney's private island, and provides each participant with a numbered race bib and exclusive medal.

While on the island, be sure to grab one of the exclusive adult beverages like the Konk Kooler. Lunch is also served on the island, beach barbeque-style with yummy salads, fresh fruit and all you can eat soft-serve ice cream.

Whether you're on the ship or at Castaway Cay, Disney characters are everywhere! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and always have a camera with you for spontaneous character spottings.

Disney Cruise Line in no way falls short on swimming options. For families, a pool area with a giant video board that constantly plays Disney movies. For the little ones, themed splash zones. Each ship also has water slides for all ages and an adults-only pool and hot tub.

One time each sailing, Disney Cruise Line officers gather in Preludes, the lobby area of the Walt Disney Theater, to trade pins with fellow guests. This is a fun way to interact with other guests and officers and get some exclusive cast-only park pins.

Guests looking to add a little adventure into their beach day at Castaway Cay can rent bikes or snorkel for an additional cost. There are plenty of trails to ride throughout the island and reefs and sunken treasure to find.

While on board, be sure to check out the shops around Preludes. Stocked merchandise includes pins, t-shirts, coffee mugs and Christmas ornaments. If you're a Disney Vacation Club member, bring your member card for a discount.

One of the great joys of any cruise vacation is doing as much, or as little, as you want. Families can easily split apart for different activities or come together for a movie and a meal. Each day provides a new Personal Navigator, listing the upcoming activities on board. However, there's no shame in laying by the pool all day if that's what you're in the mood for.