If there’s one thing we can be sure of it’s that Disney do nothing in small measures. This goes for their movies, their theme parks and especially their cruise line. While visiting the States earlier this year my wife and boarded a brief 4 night cruise that stopped at Nassau, Key West and Disney’s own Castaway Cay: A spectacular tropical oasis hidden from the world, accessible only by a Disney Cruise liner.
Synonymous with cruises in general in an excess of food, cocktails and sitting by the pool. Disney takes this to the next level with 3 pools for various ages, more food than you can imagine at each meal plus takeaway food basically anytime normal people are awake. For me though, the feature that screamed “Disney” more than anything was a wall-sized mosaic of the little mermaid that took 5 women 5 months to create:
The night entertainment was second to none, especially if you are a Disney fan. Which you are if you are on a Disney Cruise. The first night was a broadway style musical called “The Golden Mickey’s”. A show vaguely plotted around a fictitious awards show with the real interest being the show-stopping numbers including Under the Sea (Little Mermaid), I’ll Make a Man out of You (Mulan), Beauty and the Beast (really?) and Can you Feel the Love Tonight (The Lion King). These came complete with over the top authentic costumes and incredible dance moves.
This, however, was topped on the second night of the cruise with the stage adaptation of Toy Story. I was in heaven. I say heaven, but I actually felt like I was in Andy’s room when Andy leaves. They even added in some extra songs for extra authenticity. I have just found a video of the entire show on YouTube. If you have a spare hour, watch it here.
The highlight and cornerstone of the week is most certainly Disney’s own Castaway Cay. The ship spews out the thousands of visitors to an idyllic, remote location with white sand and a protected, turquoise bay. Adults can have cocktails delivered to your umbrella on Serenity Bay as you wonder the rest of the world are living. Being the only inhabitants on the island it was not even necessary to bring cash. A huge BBQ lunch is provided and for everything else, just swipe your room key.
After a morning of relative solitude we headed back to Castaway Cay to face the masses. Despite the onset of children and splashing, the scene was just a beautiful. And the view across the bay towards the ship was magnificent. I’ve seen some blue waters in my time but this just about tops the list. You can’t help but be relaxed when this is your view. It’s a strange thought, but you even feel bad for reading your book because every word your eyes skim is another second not taking in the surroundings.
After a long day with this as my postcard it was time to able over to the ship to begin the nightly routine of eat, rest, eat, repeat. We had booked the adults only restaurant ‘Palo’ for a taste of high class. Generally when classy establishments like this don’t have prices on the menu you immediately begin to worry that your mortgage won’t be able to cover this meal. Not a problem on a cruise because you know you’ve already paid for it.
Disney Cruise lines pride themselves on everything have a Disney theme. With the exception of Palo, the regular restuarants are no exception. Mentioned earlier was Triton’s with the Little Mermaid mural, Parrot Cay was another, but my favourite of these was actually ‘Animators Palate’. A largely white room with sketches of Disney characters drawn in frames over the walls. Throughout the night the sketches evolved into a finished character.
These were some of the non-chronological highlights on my 4 night Bahamian Disney Cruise in April 2014. Cruises are great at the best of times, but Disney just take it to the next level, seamlessly combining child-like Disney fun with all out adult class. I would recommend this to families and couples alike. Even better, take the grandparents to babysit your kids while you enjoy the best of both worlds!
All 507 photos of the cruise can be viewed in my Flickr album.
Have you ever been on a Disney Cruise? I’d love to hear how your experience differed from mine. Post a comment below or link me to your own blog.
Did you enjoy this post?
Let me know in the comments below or sign up to my email list. I send out occasional updates on the goings on here at Anti Travel Guides. This will also open the door to a mini ebook I wrote filled with the Essential Travel Apps I cannot travel without.
As a Disney girl, this is def on my bucket list! Possibly one of the most expensive ones to accomplish, but I bet it’ll be worth it!
Yes definitely do it if you can! You will not regret it
We keep talking about a Disney cruise but have not taken one yet. I would love to do the Castaway Cay fun run that I keep hearing about as well–would be a great way to combine a bit of fitness with the cruise!
Yeah they do a 5K around the island I think. It would have been nice to do but I was not up/out early enough. Too much food to enjoy at breakfast to worry about running haha.
I did that cruise! And I don’t even have children. Castaway Cay was spectacular – though my favourite part was the adults only Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean.
Absolutely agree there, I was amazed at how quiet the adults only pool/spa was considering the families pool wasn’t really that far away.
We’ve never been on a diseny cruise but we’ve heard some great things about them. Good to know that its great for couples. Hopefully we have a chance one day.
We’re huge Disney fans but haven’t been on a cruise yet. I’m always afraid we’re going to get bad weather on the ONE day we get to Castaway Cay or something. But I bet my daughter would love it. She’s a beach bum that loves playing with other kids!
Ah don’t let that stop you. I suppose if you do get bad weather… you’ll just have to go back. My wife has been at me to take her back ever since. And it’s probably pretty likely that we will.
Thanks for the detailed post! I’m a hug Disney fan, and have been on cruise ships, but haven’t blended the two. It’s great to see the attention to detail, that’s what I think truly makes a cruise memorable. I’m impressed with the Animators Palate’, how cool to watch a character come to life as you dine. I would love to take my niece on a Disney cruise, one day :)
This looks like a fun cruise that has something for everyone.
I did a cruise last year that took us to a private island owned by the ship as well, it was such a neat experience to be so secluded (aside from the other ship passengers). I think the island you stopped at was even better, it looks stunning! I would love to cruise there with Disney someday! :)
I am a MASSIVE Disney fan, though I haven’t yet been on a Disney Cruise. I had always kind of assumed there would be too many kids around to really enjoy the experience, though it sounds like you had a fabulous time, so I stand corrected! Will definitely check them out for our next cruise – I can’t imagine anything better than pulling up to a secluded island with cocktails at the ready and Disney stage adaptions at night!
Megan I felt just as apprehensive in that regard as well, and there were plenty of places where kids were kids going wild, but with an adults only pool, the option for an adults only restaurant and numerous bars there were plenty of options to escape it too. Any Disney fan will have a ball.
Great idea for a little trip with kids! Very useful post!
Disney connotes excellence in everything they do. I am not surprised that you were impressed by this cruise, as they are so top notch, but still manage to make it all look effortless. Everything looks fun and fresh.
Absolutely agree. You do pay for the privilege but yes, Disney only know quality and this shines through their cruises.
Does look like a stunning place! I’m not sure a Disney cruise is the one for me, but I enjoy the occasional film from my childhood with nephews and nieces etc. This looks straight out of the little mermaid :)
Hey, still loving your blog! I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award :) http://amzlove.wordpress.com/2014/09/08/nomination-me-yay/
Wow thanks so much Amy. That means a lot. Great to know you’re enjoying it!
I have heard great things about Disney cruises from friends with children of various areas. Castaway Island looks marvelous!
It is indeed! Interestingly, I didn’t even consider what it would be like going on a Disney cruise without kids. We were so excited it didn’t cross our minds, and besides, there are certainly plenty of places to escape the many kids if need be.