Castaway Cay

Like almost every cruise line that sails in the Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line has it's own private island it stops at on most cruises over three days.Unlike most cruise lines the Bahamian island called Castaway Cay has undergone a magical Disney transformation. When Disney went looking for a spot for Castaway Cay it had some specifics in mind. It needed to be within a certain mileage from Port Canaveral (at the time the main port of departure for DCL in Florida). They also wanted to be able to dock the ship to the island so passengers would not be subject to tenders like some other cruise lines are.

Once they found this tropical island they started sprinkling pixey dust. This doesn't mean they made a Disneyland in the Caribbean. They worked with the nature of the island they created a lagoon that passengers could snorkel, jet ski, aqua-bike, and sail in. Along with the great tropical fish they added some wonderful extras to their snorkel park. At one point you could even see The Flying Dutchman from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies anchored there. While that has moved on to haunt sailors there still a ton to do and see on island, or on an excursion you can book.

Now if you are like most people, you are there to hang at the beaches on the island. These have been conveniently broken into separate beaches for families, adults (Serenity Bay), and families teens (as well as a sports beach for all you beach athletes (volleyball, or tether ball anyone?). Each of these beautiful white sand beaches are furnished with lounges and most have shade. They have a limited number of beach cabanas on the family and adult beaches (one of the family beach cabanas is wheelchair accessible) which at first glance are a bit pricey but it includes bike and snorkel gear rentals, beach toys, a semi-private beach, beverages and snacks already in place, AND you don't have to fight for a shady place to lay out. It is actually quite reasonable. You MUST book these early if you want one because they go fast. Also if the mood strikes, you can book an in-cabana massage in the Serenity Cove (go ahead, splurge a little). Bliss!

This island may now be home to a well known mouse now, but at one point is was used for some unsavory business dealings that left its mark on the island. The airstrip was there before DC, and was used in themeing quite well. It is the main path to get to the adults only beach Serenity Cove and is criss-crossed by bike trails that will take you around the island. Do not worry about the bikes they have an on-site rental which my wife and son will be taking full advantage of. Bike riding not adventurous enough for you? Book a para-sailing session, glass bottom boat, or personal watercraft for the afternoon. More of the relax and have a snack traveler? They have you covered there too, with restaurants serving food and drinks at each of the three main beaches. This leaves you the ability to read, nap or just sun bake yourself.

Disney Cruise Line has also considered the plight of the people who may need a wheelchair to get around. They have quite a few sand wheelchairs that you may use while on island. Picture a reclining beach chair on wheels. These are great when you are on the sand with their big bouncy tires, but can prove a little tricky when you are on pavement. My advise, bring someone strong to push. There are also paved and hard packed walkways that a person using a mobility device can use to explore and take in the wonderful surroundings and don't worry, if you get all the way to Serenity Cove and cant walk back. There's a tram that you can ride.

On the whole this was one of my favorite spots on the eastern Caribbean cruise we took, and most likely will be on this up coming Nassau one also. It is like you have been invited to a giant party on a private island with tons of food, sun and fun. There really is a magic to the place and I recommend anyone thinking about taking a cruise on DCL to make sure they have a Castaway day.. More to come later.