Don't Flame Me -- Does Anyone Else Think Castaway Cay Is Not All That Great??

[dbond]

I'll throw in a comment here, CC is unique, that's what makes it so special to most.

The island stops do have beaches that may be more beautiful, there are certainly other beautiful beach locations in the Caribbean to travel to, but CC is private, Disney themed, activities geared towards DCL passengers, convenient access from the ship, it's a private paradise to some, maybe lackluster and non eventful to others.

There is a bit of hype leading up to it if it's your first visit and you read these boards, so I can certainly see how you might have a disappointing experience. Just take it for what it is, Disney's attempt to create a quiet, private, relaxing environment away from reality and the outside world for its passengers, a unique way to end a Magical cruise.

 

[pearlieq]

CC didn't do much for us either. I don't think we lasted more than an hour and a half. I also don't think that there's anything wrong with CC--we're just not beach people. I think CC is probably the best beach experience you're going to find in the Caribbean, but if you don't like beaches (sand, sunburn, saltwater, ick!) it won't do you much good.

Maybe next time we'll stroll off and check out the game room and get lunch at Cookies but skip the whole beach part of it. Otherwise, we'll enjoy a quiet and peaceful ship!

 

[jclark3]

We've been on 2 Disney cruises and are about to go on our third. The first time we went to Castaway Cay was on a 3-day cruise in April 01. I was disappointed in the snorkeling. I thought it was pretty dull under there (except for the Mickeys). But we LOVED the banana boat ride, the beach was nice and the picnic was good. In April 03 we were there during a 7-day cruise. It was extremely windy (in fact, the captain had to make 3 attempts to dock before we made it). The wind caused them to cancel the banana boat rides and other water activities. Fortunately, I had booked a beach massage, which was fantastic. This year (April again) I think we'll try the eco tour, and the banana boat ride.
Castaway Cay is a valiant attempt by Disney to dress-up a rather un-intersting little island. Unfortunately I don't think it measures-up nature-wise to Blue Lagoon (one of the Nassau excursions). And as with any day trip to the beach, the weather is a big factor in how much you'll enjoy it.

 

[SideshowBob]

SSB would be there right now, if he could. Some very special memories there... and luckily only missed docking one time ever.

Shall always remember and dream of a special time floating in the warm, clear water... just wonderful... and basically by ourselves. A magical place for SSB... and don't ever really use that word.

Granted, last time there two months ago... the water was cold, but we spent a lot more time walking along the bike trail, finding creative nature shots... and best of all, trying to split open coconuts that we found, using rocks and sharp sticks a la "Survivor"... was truly a hoot....!

 

[disboo]

My husband and I are of differing opinions. I could stay on the beach/in the water (snorlkeling) all day. He is done after a couple of hours.

I think the beaches are beautiful and I love reading and staring out to see, listening to the waves crash, watch the cute waiters walk by with their drink trays on their heads . . .

I actually like that it feels a little remote with nowhere to rush to. I'm very fond of CC!!

 

[SeaSpray]

*I* am a beach person, but DH and DSs are NOT. So, I was very thankful for Castaway Cay because it forced them into a day at the beach We didn't make DSs stay all day; we all did the Banana Boat ride together and swam a little together at the family beach, but then we let DSs head back to the ship on their own (They were 16 1/2 and 13 1/2 at the time). Then DH and I enjoyed more time at the beach with DSIL and DBIL. So, I was very happy to have this built-in beach day because otherwise, we didn't spend any time at any other beach. (Spent a lot of time at the adults only pool though, and DH and I absolutely LOVED it!)

 

[Muushka]

I agree, CC was not all that great for us.

To be honest, with all the hype on these boards I thought it would be Paradise. But in reality, we had a park where we used to live in Jupiter FL, and it was (to me) so much nicer. I believe that there are improvements that could be made to it, but that is just my opinion.

And for the record, I don't care for the lobster burgers either!

 

[prymsu]

although it was very beautiful, well kept and clean, i was expecting more from the snorkeling, but that is just my view.

 

[Talking Hands]

My husband and I didn't really find Castaway Cay that appealing. Not sunbathers at all and I burn very fast even with sunscreen. Plus we now have found out that dh has a skin condition and has to avoid a lot of sun.

 

[invaderzim]

We've been on 3 Disney cruises -- doing our fourth this August. We are by no means beach people -- even though we don't live far from the Jersey shore. I have never been a "sun worshiper". However, we love CC for several reasons. It takes our breath away every time to be sitting on a white sand beach, looking out at clear turquoise water, having the Disney ship as a back drop and hearing Jimmy Buffet playing over the loud speakers. Not to mention drinks being delivered to your chairs and a great barbeque in such a tropical setting. We have rented bikes, hiked, snorkled and just dozed, but I wouldn't pass it up each time just for the sheer difference of scenery. Unfortunately, many people do get really built up by reading these threads and it's a shame that you can't just experience it for the first time without reading a hundred different trip reports and opinions beforehand and basically getting a pre-opinion. But that's the good and bad thing about reading these boards -- you can get great ideas, or an overload of info.

I just think it is what you make it. It is also nice to stay onboard that day since the ship is pretty empty. If you are not a beach person, you can enjoy the pools and lounges onboard and just get off for the barbeque and maybe a bike rental or walk.

 

[Sabor]

Caribbean Beach - Locals = Paradise

 

[invaderzim]

Oh, BTW -- I am 100% FOR making the CC stop NOT on the last day. The reason being -- we were on the August 2004 cruise that turned into the 10-day cruise because of Hurricane Frances). Due to the approaching hurricane, they cancelled Key West (disappointing) for that Sunday and went to CC instead. It was wonderful to be able to pack all the CC supplies away that night and wash out our suits and have them dry before having to pack up the last night. We found it refreshingly less stressful and easier not to have to worry about that last beach day. I wish they would move it to the beginning of the itinerary instead of on the way back. Just my 2-cents.