In anticipation of Disney Cruise Lines new cruise ship, Disney Dream, due out in early 2011, Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, is undergoing a major upgrade. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by summer 2010. Located in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay is a port of call on many Disney Cruise vacations. Here are some of the new features for Castaway Cay along with a listing of the Disney Cruises offering the private island as a port of call.
Disney Private Island Improvements
Castaway Family Beach – This 1,000 foot long beach will increase in length to 1,700 feet.
Hide Out – The dedicated teens area will be relocated from the family beach to a larger area near the restaurants and play areas.
Cookies Too – This family lunch barbeque buffet will be in addition to the original Cookies BBQ. Both will be located near the Family Beach serving rotisserie chicken, grilled fish, salads, and ice cream.
Pelican Plunge – This nautical-themed water feature, within swimming distance of the beach, features a new 2,400 square foot floating platform with two water slides and water cannons suitable for the whole family.
Spring-a-Leak – This 2,400 square foot water play area located on the island includes a splash pad with water jets and other watery fun for all ages.
Scuttle’s Cove – This is where parents can drop off their kids for organized activities. This playground will be expanded to include a new water play area suitable for when cruising with toddlers.
Private Beach Cabanas – 20 new private beach cabanas will be available for rent. These luxurious 325 square foot beach cabanas will be located at the far side of the Family Beach as well as at the Serenity Bay Beach, the adult’s only beach. These private cabanas feature a large deck, lounge chairs, refrigerator, outside shower, suntan lotion and non-alcoholic beverages.
Disney Cruises to Castaway Cay, Bahamas
- 5 Night Cruise to Bahamas on Disney Wonder – Enjoy two stops at Castaway Cay on this 5 night Bahamas cruise that departs from Port Canaveral. Other two days of this itinerary include Nassau and one day at sea. These cruises start in May 2010.
- 4 Night Cruise to Bahamas on Disney Wonder – For the remainder of 2009 and 2010, 4 night cruises depart every Sunday and return on Thursdays. Ports of call include Castaway Cay, Nassau and one day at sea.
- 3 Night Cruise to Bahamas on Disney Wonder – Departing from Port Canaveral on Thursdays and returning on Sundays, these 3 night cruises to the Bahamas include a day at Castaway Cay, one day in Nassau and no days at sea. These Bahamas cruises will be offered through 2010.
- 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruises on Disney Magic – Departing Port Canaveral, this 7 night Western Caribbean cruise visits Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Castaway Cay and enjoys three days at sea.
- 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruises on Disney Magic – For 2009 and 2010, this 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise departs Port Canaveral and visits St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Castaway Cay and spends three days at sea. An alternate 7 night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on the Disney Magic substitutes St. Maarten with St. Croix until December 20009.
Disney Cruise Lines is the only cruise line with a private island that includes docking facilities for a cruise ship. All other cruise lines private islands must tender their passengers from the ship to shore by tenders. This is convenient when cruising with families, being able to walk off the ship onto the dock and then the beach.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
