By Kimkinyona Fox Cully
There are many great destinations to choose from in the Caribbean. Disney Cruise Line features ports of call at: Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Costa Maya. But the best stop, featured on every Disney Caribbean voyage, is Castaway Cay (pronounced “Castaway Key”) in the Bahamas.
Mickey and Minnie at Disney’s Castaway Cay
I know, the Caribbean is full of little islands most would herald a tropical paradise. How can the statement be made that Castaway Cay tops them all? That’s easy. I can sum it up in three words: relaxation, excitement and convenience.
Relaxation. The first reason Castaway Cay tops the list is because it is so relaxing. There are separate areas on the island for kids, teens, adults and families. If the kids want to go off to the children’s area, they will be safe under the supervision of the same counselors onboard the ship. The counselors have hours and hours worth of fun, interactive activities that will keep you little ones engaged and entertained. So where does that leave you? All of a sudden, you are free to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Hammock Relaxation on Disney’s Castaway Cay
You can spend it riding bikes on multiple paths around the island or kicking back in a hammock. Maybe one of those white lounge chairs has your name written all over it. Your kids are safe and entertained and you have the afternoon to yourself. Ahhhhhh!!!
When you have had your fill of basking in the sun, you may be ready for more invigorating fare. The next reason Castaway Cay is the best Disney Cruise destination is the excitement. There are all sorts of discoveries to be had around the island. You can enjoy learning firsthand what a stingray feels like on one of the island excursions.
Snorkeling at Castaway Cay
Maybe you’d like to go kayaking or jet skiing to explore what lies beyond the sand. One of my favorites is snorkeling for sunken treasure.
Hidden in the waters around the island are various artifacts, including a submarine and a ship. The peak of the excitement, of course, is finding the hidden Mickeys….so keep your eyes peeled!
Sunken Mickey at Castaway Cay
Additionally, the kids experience water excitement in the brand new Pelican Plunge water slide feature and Spring-a-Leak water play areas. Before the day is out, everyone will have had a good time at Castaway Cay.
After a couple of hours of snorkeling, you are sure to have worked up an appetite. And that brings us to the third reason why Castaway Cay is the best port of call. Convenience. Right on the island, a short walk away from the beach, are 2 or 3 Disney restaurants. A popular one is Cookie’s BBQ.
Cookie’s BBQ at Castaway Cay
As with all amenities, the food on Castaway Cay is included in the price of the cruise, so there is no extra charge for eating at Cookie’s BBQ. It is a buffet of all the best BBQ you could ever want: grilled chicken, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, fruit, etc. When you have eaten your fill, you can go back to enjoying other parts of the island or return to the ship. Unlike most cruise lines, where you have to ride a tender boat to go onshore, Disney has built the island so that the ship can dock right on shore. Getting on or off the ship is merely a matter of taking a few short steps!
Re-entering the Disney Cruise from Castaway Cay
This is especially convenient if you have small children because you can quickly take them on board for a midday nap, and then easily return on shore for a little more fun.
Castaway Cay is by far the best port of call. It offers the tropical beauty of a Bahamian island, with the added amenities of uninterrupted hammock relaxation, the excitement of undersea treasure exploration and the convenience of food and ship access at your finger tips. Castaway Cay is the best destination stop of the Disney Cruise Line.
To try it for yourself, book a cruise now at www.disneycruise.com.
Other recommended posts
The Real Reason Disney is the Best Cruise Line
Cruise Tips –Part I – Mickey Ice Cream Bars
