Castaway Cay Double Dip

[JM_97]

I've noticed on YouTube vlogs that there are no trips to Nassau right now, meaning all cruises are to Castaway Cay. For the 4 night cruises, the ship leaves the island late in the afternoon, is out at sea that night, and then is right back at CC the next morning.

My question is why doesn't the ship just stay docked overnight? Is there something prohibiting them from doing so? I'm sure there's a good explanation but it appears to make more logistical sense to just stay. Plus, I bet the sky looks awesome on a clear, starry night!

 

[sethschroeder]

Various reasons supposedly but not sure anyone knows "the" reason. Weather, ship operations, possible legality, ect.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I've noticed on YouTube vlogs that there are no trips to Nassau right now, meaning all cruises are to Castaway Cay. For the 4 night cruises, the ship leaves the island late in the afternoon, is out at sea that night, and then is right back at CC the next morning.

My question is why doesn't the ship just stay docked overnight? Is there something prohibiting them from doing so? I'm sure there's a logical explanation but it appears to make more logistical sense to just stay. Plus, I bet the sky looks awesome on a clear, starry night!

The island isn't set up for passengers to be on it at night time. It's my understanding the insect life at night is pretty bad.

 

[jrapps]

Some ships need to move for desalination to work. They could need to go offshore to launch fireworks. Could be tax implications if they stay overnight.

The real reason is probably a combination of many many reasons.

 

[CamColt]

I would guess so the stores can open and so they can shoot fireworks. But of course I do not know that for sure.

There has also been a rumor for years that the bugs get bad there over night. I have been there before sunrise once (in the winter) and bugs were a non issue, but that's not to say they aren't bad other times.

 

[JM_97]

I ask because when I went to Bermuda, Norwegian left the ship there overnight. I was just curious why Disney couldn't do this on CC

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I ask because when I went to Bermuda, Norwegian left the ship there overnight. I was just curious why Disney couldn't do this on CC

Overnight in Bermuda is quite different than overnight in Castaway Cay.

Bermuda is basically a big city, with shopping/sightseeing/dining options that CC doesn't have.

 

[auntlynne]

I’ve always assumed ships were safer floating than tied to a dock.

 

[DCLCruiseFan09]

Some ships need to move for desalination to work. They could need to go offshore to launch fireworks. Could be tax implications if they stay overnight.

The real reason is probably a combination of many many reasons.

Pretty sure its a combination of several things like you said. Having sailed during Love bug season in FL before, I think the bugs thing is more of an inconvenience than an actual reason though.

 

[John VN]

I wonder if since MSC's Ocean Cay is a designated Marine Reserve would be why their ships stay overnight? Different Governmental rules/regulations regarding the habitability since there are facilities for living on the island.

 

[DCLCruiseFan09]

I wonder if since MSC's Ocean Cay is a designated Marine Reserve would be why their ships stay overnight? Different Governmental rules/regulations regarding the habitability since there are facilities for living on the island.

Isn't Ocean Cay mostly Man Made? Additionally, they probably had some kind of agreement with the Bahamas that allowed them to stay overnight where DCL doesnt have that. The Virgin Voyages Island lets them stay to midnight I believe for fireworks.

 

[John VN]

Isn't Ocean Cay mostly Man Made? Additionally, they probably had some kind of agreement with the Bahamas that allowed them to stay overnight where DCL doesnt have that. The Virgin Voyages Island lets them stay to midnight I believe for fireworks.

"Ocean Cay is an island in the Bahamas located in the district of Bimini. It is located 20 miles south of Bimini proper. Ocean Cay is an artificial island which was built by dredging in the late 1960s by Dillingham Corporation of Hawaii and was used to mine Aragonite sand for diverse industrial purposes." Wikipedia

A drop in the Ocean of some 200+ million $$$

 

[TheBigErn]

No one knows for sure but I bet it's based on saving money or making money.

 

[lanejudy]

I agree with others that it's likely a combination of reasons, probably mainly focused on an operational standpoint. I believe DCL did overnight once many years ago, and the currents or tides or winds changed such that they couldn't get out the next day - and actually ended up stuck at the pier for a couple of day IIRC. DCL would rather dock and leave and tray again the next day, even if they end up scrapping the 2nd day, rather than stuck at the pier which impacts the schedule.