Castaway Cay Port of Call

Castaway Island

Castaway Cay Overview 

Castaway Cay is Disney's private island in the Bahamas and is always a highlight of their Caribbean cruises.

If you're expecting a Mickey shaped island with black, red and gold umbrellas, guess again. While this is the tropics a'la Disney, its serene setting is the perfect accompaniment to your cruise.

The first thing that you'll notice is that Castaway Cay has its very own dock. No tendering to this island- you step off the ship and you're there.

The next thing you notice is a pristine beach lined with colorful umbrellas. Each one is the centerpiece for two adjustable lounge chairs and two beach chairs. There are a few hammocks scattered about for your use as well.

What you're looking at is the "Family Beach" which all are welcome to use. For guests 18 and over, Serenity Bay is the "Adult Beach" and there's also a Teen Beach.

As you step off the ship, a friendly crew member hands you two towels. From there you can walk to the beach or you can head to the Tram Station. Here you'll be transported to the Family/Teen Beach. For guests wanting to visit Serenity Bay Adult Beach, there's a second tram that will take you there.

Not only is the water crystal clear, it's comfortably warm for most of the year and since it's sheltered, the tide comes and goes with barely a ripple.

What's the Caribbean without snorkeling? There's a "trail" dedicated for this purpose that you're welcome to explore. Another popular tropical venue is the Stingray Adventure where you can book an excursion and interact with these fascinating sea creatures.

There's something about sunshine and salt water that makes everyone hungry. Listen for the announcement that Cookie's and Cookies Too is open and serving lunch. (This is included in your cruise fare.) There will be an array of seasonal fresh fruit and barbecue favorites including hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs and the best potato salad you've ever tasted.

If you're still hungry, soft serve ice cream is the perfect beach dessert. There are covered pavilions with row upon row of picnic tables for you to dine at. (Serenity Bay has its own buffet so you don't need to traipse back from there.)

Keep your Key to the World card handy if you want to order those fantastic tropical drinks. The signature Castaway Cay "Konk Kooler" is a favorite of Disney Cruise Line devotees.

White sand beaches, turquoise water, sherbert-colored umbrellas, music in the air, lush vegetation, can this be Disney? Why yes, look there's a couple of stores called "She Sells Sea Shells and Everything Else" and "Buy the Sea Shore."  Exclusive Castaway Cay merchandise is sold here as well as any essentials you may have forgotten (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc.) There are also stores which sell Bahamian handicrafts but be forewarned, the prices are much higher here than if you make your purchases at the other ports.

There's a real working Post Office if you want to mail the "I'm here and you're not" postcards back home. This is Bahama-run and gives new meaning to "island time." You'll be back from your trip well before the postcard ever arrives.

Here's a tip: The Post Office requires cash, that green and silver stuff that you stashed in your room safe and forgot about since you got onboard. Do yourself (and the people standing behind you) a favor and either have change or small bills. They're not equipped to break a steady stream of large denomination bills.

Hair braiding can be scheduled while at Castaway Cay. While it is popular, I've seen more than a few tears when the little girls find out it requires a lot of tugging and pulling of their hair.

Adults can book the ultimate in pampering. Over at Serenity Bay there are open air massage cabanas. Just head to the Vista Spa on board the ship and schedule yours.

There are a ton of excursions to choose from. You can go on a guided jetski tour, a Banana Boat Ride, rent bikes, parasail, etc. Just about everything you can expect to do at a beach destination is offered.

If you're reluctant to spend a full day in the sun, Groupers Pavilion is a sheltered area where you can play foosball, ping pong (and I promise, unlike the table on the ship, this one doesn't move just as you're about to make your game winning serve), basketball, golf wiffleball, monster chess, and checkers.

Throughout the day you may spot a few of your favorite Disney characters making appearances. Keep your camera handy as you'll also want to take some spectacular pictures of your ship.

There's one downside to Castaway Cay. You have to get back on the ship!!! This idyllic day always seems to fly by. This is the type of experience that you wish you could bottle and open again, especially when you're shoveling snow.

The weather is usually picture perfect. Here's hoping for blue skies during your visit to Disney's island paradise.  (Info Disney Cruise Lines site) (Images are from my personal travel)

 

              

You snorkle to find all of the hidden Mickey's and treasures in the sea.  

        

              

  

  

              

 

 

 

                             

We bought the Extreme Getaway Package.  It's a really great deal!  If you want to view all of the packages find the information here:  

https://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-cruise-line/ports/castaway-cay.cfm#excursions

Extreme Getaway Package (all day)
Enjoy this 4 in one package, which includes: 
Snorkel Equipment Rental — Immerse yourself in an exciting snorkel adventure for the entire family – perfect for beginners and experts alike! Make your way to Gils' Fins and Boats or Flippers n Floats and receive your snorkel gear and instruction. Then, venture to a picturesque lagoon section of the island, located at Castaway's Family Beach. 
One-hour Bicycle Rental — Take off on a delightful 2-wheeled adventure amidst Disney's private island oasis. Traverse tropical terrain and winding offshore paths at your own leisure as you pedal your way around the island in a fun-filled exploration like no other. Ride along the airstrip, turn off-road at one of 2 bike paths, stop by the picture-perfect vantage point at Serenity Bay and discover much more of Castaway Cay! 
Float or Tube Rental — Move with the motion of the ocean as you bounce, bob and sway atop the gentle waves of the crystal-clear blue waters of the Caribbean in a cozy float or inner tube. Bask in the sun or bathe in the sea and enjoy the tropical view that surrounds you. 
Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure — Head for the Stingray Hut for the experience of a lifetime! After a 15-minute orientation including many educational fun facts, Guests will be divided into groups and enter the shallow waters of the Stingray Lagoon. Your friendly guide will be on hand as you get up-close and personal during a feeding session using specially designed feeding trays. Feel the rush as the stingray takes the food right from the palm of your hand and even pet these amazing fish as they go up and down the feeding ramp. Conclude this portion of your package with some snorkel time in the Stingray Lagoon. 
- The time selected during your booking and marked on your ticket, is your Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure allotted time. All other activities can be done at leisure throughout your day in Castaway Cay. This package is only available to book online or on board prior to arrival at Castaway Cay. This discounted package is not available once on the island. 
- At Castaway Ray's, wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must transfer to a sand wheelchair (available on the island) and be able to negotiate a few steps on the sand and shallow water. 
- At Castaway Ray's , children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. 
- Adults 18 years and over can also pick up their float or tube at Windsock Hut, if wishing to use their float/tube at Serenity Bay. 
- Snorkel vests are included and compulsory while snorkeling in the lagoon. Children-size masks and fins are available. 
- Snorkel equipment rental is for all-day and can be picked up from Gils Fins and Boats or Flippers n Floats at Guest's leisure. Guests are asked to return the equipment to one of the rental locations at the end of the day. 
- Guests must be able to ride a bicycle. 
- To complete both bicycle nature trails, Guests will ride a distance of approximately 1.5 miles across flat terrain. 
- Bicycles are available to rent on an hourly basis and can be picked up at Bike Rentals, at the far end of Family Beach. 
- These rentals are operated by Disney Cruise Line. 
Adult Price: $84 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $64 (ages 5 to 9)

Ready to book?  Contact me today.

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All images listed are from my personal travel.  Five images were taken off the internet because I sale travel for these companies and they are for the purpose of viewing what is available.  No copyright infringement is intended.