When on a cruise.
Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Hi all...
Castaway Cay (Key) is a private island or "out island" in the Bahamas which
serves as an exclusive port of call for the Disney Wonder and her sister
ship, the Disney Magic. The island, located at 26°05'N, 77°32'W and formerly
known as Gorda Cay, is owned entirely by the Walt Disney Company in contrast
to the eight islands leased by other cruise lines for similar purposes. This
makes it easy for the company to control all aspects of the "show" put on by
the "cast" or employees. The post office even has special Bahamas Disney
stamps.
History, construction, and general facilities...
The Gorda Cay was once used as a stop for drug runners. The runway on the
island was a true operational runway at one point, but since has been used
as part of Disney's theme and is no longer functional. Gorda Cay was also
used for filming in the past, the beach where Tom Hanks first encounters the
naked Daryl Hannah in Splash is on the island. Disney is said to have spent
$25,000,000 to develop and outfit the island, topping the $16 million spent
by Holland America on Half Moon Cay, and the lesser efforts of other
companies. As a result Castaway Cay has the most extensive facilities. Sea
water is changed into pure water with reverse osmosis water processors.
Construction took 18 months and included dredging 50,000 truckloads of sand
from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The island is still largely
undeveloped: only 55 of the 1,000 acres (4.0 kmē) are being used. Due to the
island's expansive insect population, Disney cruises generally depart the
island before sunset. The pier and its approaches were constructed
specifically for the Disney ships, so that they could dock alongside easily,
thus removing the need for tenders to get the passengers ashore. To create
the mooring site for the ships, workers dredged sand from a 1,700-foot (520
m) channel about 35 feet (11 m) deep and ranging from 200 to 400 feet (120
m) wide. The dredge material was used to build the landing island.
Like Disney resorts, the island follows a theme, that of a castaway
community with carefully planned buildings made to look as if they had been
improvised after a shipwreck. However, all the facilities are spotlessly
clean, like the Disney theme parks, and the many shops accept guests'
stateroom keys for payment much like the theme parks.
Two submarine-ride vehicles from the now closed 20,000 Leagues Under the
Sea: Submarine Voyage ride at the Magic Kingdom now lie underwater in the
snorkeling area. Also in the snorkeling area is a statue of Mickey Mouse.
The Flying Dutchman from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies is on display
in the Cay lagoon, between the snorkeling areas on the family beaches and
the mooring platform for the cruise ships. There are three beaches on the
island, one for families, one for teens, and another exclusively for adults
called Serenity Bay.
The seven night cruises arrive at Castaway Cay on Fridays, four night
cruises arrive on Tuesdays, and three night cruises arrive on Saturdays.
As on other cruise lines' private islands, there are no hawkers or
panhandlers on Castaway Cay and crowd movement is planned in advance for
organized beach parties and other events. The activities on the island are a
major source of revenue for the cruise company, since most rentals, such as
personal water craft, are not included in the price of the cruise.
Island support facilities and crew only areas...
Castaway Cay, like most Disney resorts, has extensive crew-only facilities,
with private beaches and recreational areas. Crew Beach is a favorite
location for cruise ship and cast employees to relax and be themselves away
from the tourists during their precious few moments off. Each department
takes turns hosting a lunch barbecue for the other Crew Members on the Crew
Beach. Disney maintains a staff of 40 custodians, boat captains, drivers,
landscapers and maintenance personnel who live on the island. They are
complemented by members of the Disney Wonder or Disney Magic crew to serve
the island's guests when the ship is in port. Food and other supplies are
brought in by the ships themselves. Each ship connects to a fiber optic link
at the dock to provide data services to the island and allow guests to
charge souvenirs, equipment rentals, massages or other purchases back to
their cabins.
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, it's serene setting is the perfect accompaniment to
your cruise. The first thing that you'll notice is that it 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 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, there's a second tram that will take you there. For those of
us who spent summers at the Jersey Shore, a strange thing happens when you
visit Castaway Cay. You head into the water, look down and see something
unusual. Yes, those are your feet, something you've never seen before if
you've visited Seaside Heights or Atlantic City. 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
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. Don't worry about wearing your bathing suit. There are
covered pavilions with row upon row of picnic tables for you to dine at.
(Serenity Bay has it's 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 store "She Sells Sea Shells and
Everything Else." 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 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. Hairbraiding 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 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.
Castaway Cay Activities...
Scuttles Cove (Kids & Teens)
Children's Program Area If you want your kids to take part in the kids
programs on Castaway Cay day, you will check them into the program right at
Scuttle's Cove. (The program counselors have laptop computers with the
check-in information). This area is located AWAY from the water and the
counselors will not take the children near the water.
The fun, sandy play area features Monstro Point, a "whale dig" site complete
with jumbo-sized whale bones. Several activities for the different kids age
groups are planned throughout the day here. The programming closes down at
3:30 so the counselors can move from the island to the ship.
Teen Beach (Kids & Teens)...
The Teen Beach includes Goofy's Sand Lot with tetherball and sand volleyball
courts. Special teen activities also take place here. For teens looking for
a little more adventure, Wild Side is a Castaway Cay excursion just for
them, featuring kayaking, cycling, snorkeling and exploration of the island.
Sign up for this excursion in advance, at the Shore Excursion Desk.
Castaway Family Beach...
Fun for the whole family, this beach features lounge chairs, beach
umbrellas, sand chairs and even a few hammocks. Go early for the best
selection.
The Snorkeling Lagoon is located here, and features a snorkeling "path" to
follow to see tropical fish and special buried "hidden treasure". Snorkeling
is best early in the day, before the sand has been kicked up by all the
swimmers. Your inclusive lunch is served at Cookie's Bar-B-Q and features a
buffet with ribs, chicken, hamburgers, salads, corn on the cob, fresh fruit,
soft serve ice cream and other picnic style fare.
Serenity Bay Adult Beach...
Located on the far northwestern end of the island is Serenity Bay, a
secluded beach for adults 18 and older only. This is where adults can enjoy
the pampering of an open-air cabana massage, sip a drink, and relax and
enjoy the quiet of the beach with no children around. A buffet lunch is
served.
Several bars are interspersed throughout the beach areas, and they serve a
variety of tropical and soft drinks. A favorite is the Konk Kooler, a
libation made with light and dark rum, orange juice, passion fruit and
coconut cream (it can be made without the rum) that can also be purchased in
a souvenir glass.
Castaway Cay Shopping...
The store She Sells Sea Shells (and everything else) features Castaway Cay
logo merchandise, sand toys, beach towels, sunscreen, postcards and other
small sundries including sunscreen. Cultural Illusions sells authentic
Bahamian arts and crafts.
Castaway Cay Rentals...
Snorkeling equipment and floating mats/tubes can be rented in advance and
picked up at Gil's Fins and Boats near the Family Beach. A variety of small
boats and water craft, as well as bicycles (with child seats if desired) can
also be rented on the island.
Island life is a special life. Living and working on a tropical Bahamian
paradise combines a lot of hard work with a lot of great fun. Over 45 crew
work continuously to prepare Castaway Cay for our Guest to visit 3 day's a
week. The four departments - Recreation, Maintenance, Custodial, and
Landscaping - work together every day to keep the island in pristine
condition for our Guest to experience time after time. After a long day of
sanitizing water gear, repairing machinery, weeding bushes, and cleaning
bathrooms, the island Crew turn to recreational activities for some fun.
Volleyball, barbecues, karaoke, and ping-pong are just some of the ways the
crew spend their free time after the Guests have long set sail. For a more
peaceful evening, many of the crew simply hang outside talking under a
beautiful starlit night. Living and working in such a remote location as
Castaway Cay can be both challenging and rewarding. But with Mother Nature
as your office, it's like no other job you'll ever have.
Q: What and where is Castaway Cay?
A: Disney Cruise line sailings in the Caribbean regularly include a day at
Disney's 1000-acre private island playground, Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas.
Castaway Cay has a mile-long white sand beach and plenty of watersports. You
can also rent bikes and ride island trails. At Castaway Cay, passengers can
walk right off the boat onto a pier, and take a tram to the middle of the
family beach. If you want to walk, strollers are available.
Scuttle's Cove is a play area, where the ship's kids programs take place
during your day at Castaway Cay. Teens have their own beach, with a rope
swing and a jungle gym in the water. Serenity Beach is the adults-only beach
with massage huts; you can take a tram there. Your day at Castaway Cay
includes a barbeque buffet.
In addition, take a look at our personal online photo album taken of
Castaway Cay from one of our last cruises:
http://www2.snapfish.com:80/share/p=68991197200924194/l=331310903/g=28292148/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
As a reference, I have included some of the available shore excursions for
Castaway Cay from Disney Cruise Line itself, instead of trying to list
everything available. This way, nothing will very become outdates, as the
cruise lines itself updates their online information.
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/shoreEx/landing?name=CastawayCayExcursionsLandingPage
Happy sailing,
John Sisker, SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY (sm)
(714) 536-3850 or toll free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency No. 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com
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