Castaway cay must-book excursions (for 4 and 10 year olds)?

[ElizabethCB]

We are sailing on our first Disney cruise on Magic departing January 15 to Grand Cayman and Castaway cay. The excursion bookings open on November 1. Are there any musts you all think we should consider -- especially any that might book up quickly?

I'm planning to do Stingray City on Grand Cayman -- probably through Soto's, based on the reviews on TripAdvisor.

Anything else you'd recommend? I'm all ears! Thank you!

 

[egesicki]

Imho cc is great with no excursions. (And economical!). Between the beach, the water and the activities in the navigator we have never felt the need for anything else.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Imho cc is great with no excursions. (And economical!). Between the beach, the water and the activities in the navigator we have never felt the need for anything else.

I agree. I've done the catamaran snorkeling (no longer offered) and parasailing. Both were fun, but I've decided next trip I'm not going to book anything on CC because there is so much to do that isn't extra.

 

[Lauralaylin]

I get the floats every time. My kids love them.

 

[bumbershoot]

The only thing extra we've done on CC* has been a cabana, and I found it to be nearly worthless. OK the family beach ones include the floats and snorkeling stuff. And there's a shower. A cold shower if you're the second person, but a shower.


I like CC for free. Maybe renting a float. I have 1 kid so that's 1 float. 2 kids might be 2, though the 4 year old...I'd have to be on the float or in the tube with her. (but I didn't enjoy a float or tube, hmm)


I think CC is super-easy to do with minimal extras.


*apart from the Castaway Challenge which I imagine won't be done next year since it went from 2 times in '15 to 1 time in '16...

 

[ElizabethCB]

Imho cc is great with no excursions. (And economical!). Between the beach, the water and the activities in the navigator we have never felt the need for anything else.

Good to know! Thank you!

 

[ElizabethCB]

Wow, this is great to hear. So glad I asked. Thanks, everyone!

 

[mom4fun]

Also, you don't need to rent anything ahead of time. You can get floats, bikes whatever the same day your there.

 

[JackieB10]

We are on the same cruise! (Also with a 10 year old DS). We are leaving Castaway Cay as a free day and exploring everything they offer for free and at Grand Cayman we are doing the dolphin swim at Dolphin Discover. I found a BOGO free deal and couldn't pass it up!!

 

[Quellman]

*apart from the Castaway Challenge which I imagine won't be done next year since it went from 2 times in '15 to 1 time in '16...

Based on the abysmal implementation of the first one, I can see why they need to scale it back. They ended up with a lot disappointed guests. The reports of non-existent runners meals, worthless "running tips forums", lack of specials. It was not as advertised. I also wonder if it actually increased the number of people onboard or not.


Back on topic. I'm not sure that you really need any excursions if your kids enjoy the water and the beach well enough. There is pelican plunge, kids clubs, and activities. If you want something that you can't do at home, or you don't visit a seaside locaation often, you could always try the parasailing. I have not done it on Castaway Cay but have other palces. From videos, it looks like you sail around for about 10 minutes or so before returning to the deck and motor around while everyone gets their turn.

 

[charminnie]

I agree with the other posters. So many things to do on the island that you do not need an excursion. Don't miss the hermit crab races, your kids will love it!

 

[Saamh]

Imho cc is great with no excursions. (And economical!). Between the beach, the water and the activities in the navigator we have never felt the need for anything else.

I also agree. We love CC and like having a day that is unscheduled and relaxing. We have rented bikes and tubes but those are available on the island the day you're there.

 

[Shelebeen]

CC is just a beach day for us, sometimes we rent bikes.

On Grand Cayman we have gone out to the stingray bar 3x with Stingray sailing - you should check out their website stingraysailing.com they are excellent - the boat has a max of like 25 people but holds 2-3 times that. Chip and Michelle are excellent to deal with as well.