Filed under: Cruise, Disney Dream, port of call, top-feature
Spend a Day at Castaway Cay Disney’s Private Island
One of the pure delights of a Caribbean and Bahamian cruise aboard a Disney Cruise ship is the stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Exclusively for guests, Castaway Cay offers activities and areas for families, teens and adults. On a recent trip aboard the , I had an opportunity to explore this little slice of paradise that offers guests a comfortable mix of adventure and relaxation.
Similar to areas on board the Dream ship, there are areas on specifically designed with guests of certain ages in mind. For instance, Scuttle’s Cove is an area where children’s programming takes place and allows kids an opportunity to get away from the adults for awhile. While Hideout is designed with teens in mind, Serenity Bay is an exclusive beach area for adults age 18 and over.
Exuma
$128 per night
Exuma
$128 per night
Exuma
$128 per night
Arriving at Castaway Cay early in the morning, it was quite interesting to watch the flurry of activity taking place prior to the disembarkation announcement. Since much of the cruise ship personnel pull double duty on the island, we witnessed staff hurrying ashore, and forklifts loaded with supplies zipping to awaiting trams all making the Cay ready for our arrival.
During the nightly turn-down service the prior evening, our stateroom host had placed a red mesh bag filled with beach towels for our use ashore. This bag was perfect for storing our sunscreen, camera and other items needed for a day at the beach. One item we failed to bring along that would have been helpful was the Castaway Cay-Vents, a listing of port adventure locations, times of operations and most importantly, a MAP. While there are large maps posted around the island, it would have been helpful to have one in hand as we toured around.
Adults with vim and vigor can start their day on the island with a 5K run. Talk about a way to stretch your sea legs! Those, like me, who preferred to walk ashore also have the chance to greet some of their favorite Disney characters outside the Post Office. With the sun streaming down, strains of calypso music playing in the background and hi-fives from Lilo and Stitch, I knew it was going to be a great day. While I enjoyed the scenic walk along the shoreline, I was also glad that guests have the option to ride a tram that takes them between Scuttle’s Cove, Pelican Point and Serenity Bay.
Once guests make reservations for their Disney cruise, they have the opportunity to register for a variety of to participate in while on the island. Adventures range in a variety of activities that would suit active cruisers, nature lovers, family fun and teen excursions. If you don’t have an opportunity to register before your cruise, be sure to visit the Port Adventures Desk or Guest Services Desk on board to schedule an experience.
Just a short distance from the ship stands Marge’s Barges. From here, guests begin a variety of adventures like snorkeling off the deck of a 63-foot Catamaran, as well as single or double watercraft ski rentals providing thrills for the active vacationer. Guests can have an amazing view of the entire island during a 5-7 minute “flight” on a para sailing adventure. Fishermen of all experience levels will enjoy the catch-and release Bottom Fishing experience throughout the waters of the Abaco Islands.
Getting back to nature, guests can take a leisurely guided walking tour of the island, or an hour long kayak adventure through the tidal zone and native mangroves with the final stop at a limited access beach for swimming and relaxing. Or watch marine life swimming below on a Glass Bottom Boat scenic tour. One adventure that I truly enjoyed was the opportunity to meet and feed stingrays at Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventures. Trained to enter and exit the feeding line from one direction, the slow moving creatures hover over your hand to gently inhale the food from between your fingers. A special thrill for me was being able to rub the back of an expecting stingray, and learning that rays give live birth, I was actually able to feel the tiny ray she was carrying inside.
Families can have fun at the family beach, bobbing in the waves while lounging on a float or tube, building a sand castle or even taking a bike ride around the island. Aquatic equipment is available for rent on a first come, first served basis including the floats, kayaks, paddle boats and the incredibly fun looking Aqua Trike. While sand toys are available for purchase at several of the merchandise shops, a little pre-planning and a stop at your local dollar store can save quite a bit of money. A new water slide area known as Pelican Plunge allowed guests to slip into a specially created ocean “pool” and for youngsters not into salt water, Spring-A-Leak wet play area offers some cooling fresh water fun.
Castaway Cay Getaway Packages are available allowing guests to get several rental and adventure packages for one rate. For example, the Extreme package allows guests inner tube and bike rental as well as participation in the snorkel adventure and sting-ray encounter, all at a significant savings. It must be noted however, packages can only be purchased on board the day prior to your port adventure. Additionally, all sales are final and non-refundable so don’t overbook your activities if you are also looking for a little quiet time as the water and beaches are amazing and you will want time to just relax and enjoy them.
Speaking of relaxation, the ultimate experience for me would be a massage in a beach-side cabana. Guests can schedule this experience through Serenity Spa while on board and one of the highly trained staff will meet you at the massage cabanas, located in Serenity Bay, the adults only portion of the island. Frozen concoctions, beer and daily drink specials are served at Castaway Air Bar located at Serenity Bay, however, food service at Cookies BBQ and Cookies Too, is provided at the family area, a short tram ride away. For a special treat, visit the fruit stand near the Island Gazebo for a fresh taste of the island.
An indulgence for the whole family comes by way of renting a private cabana for the entire day. These beach side huts offer a private stretch of beach, can accommodate up to six guests, and feature comfortable furniture to enjoy the warming sun or cool shade, even a refreshing open air shower. Included in the daily rental is the use of floats, sand toys, bicycles and snorkel equipment as well as a fruit tray, snacks and a stocked refrigerator with soft drinks and water. Should guests need anything additional, an attendant will be ready to assist you. Private cabanas are also available for rent at Serenity Bay, however, I found the atmosphere near the family beach much more enjoyable.
Not all activities revolve around water as guests can listen to live music at the Island Gazebo or dance with Disney characters during the afternoon dance party. Feeling sporty? Cheer on your favorite crustacean during daily crab races, play In-Da-Shade games like billiards, ping-pong and giant checkers or hit Sports Beach for some volleyball, tether-ball or soccer.
Though the stop in port is only for the day, with so much to experience and miles of the white sand beach to explore, I would have been happy to linger awhile longer.
Photo Selections: J. Ingersoll
While the author was given a complimentary cruise for the purpose of a review, the opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the author.
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