Double Dip Questions

[KerTggr]

We are booked for a 4 night "double dip" at Castaway Cay! While my husband and I have cruised before, it was a longer, 7 day Caribbean and was just the two of us. We now have kiddos and are travelling with extended family too! A few questions I have about the double dip:

1. Is there still a pirate night? Any idea which night it will be?
2. Is there still a formal night? Any idea which night it will be?
3. If we wanted to spend some extra time on the ship on one of the Castaway Cay, would you recommend morning to lunch or after lunch to evening? Would the first Castaway day be better to stay on board for a bit (less busy)?
4. Just curious, will the boat stay docked overnight or will it go out to sea & redock?
5. Any tips on getting a cabana for both days?
6. Any suggestions on good shore excursions for all age ranges (infant to senior)?
7. Are the kids clubs open while @ Castaway Cay? Are they as fun as the ones onboard (trying to see what time we want to optimize for spending as a full family after having spent a week at the parks)?

Thanks all! I've been part of disboards for most of my adult Disney life and love that, while our lives can get busy there are always helpful and fun posts here.

 

[dcassetta]

We are booked for a 4 night "double dip" at Castaway Cay! While my husband and I have cruised before, it was a longer, 7 day Caribbean and was just the two of us. We now have kiddos and are travelling with extended family too! A few questions I have about the double dip:

1. Is there still a pirate night? Any idea which night it will be?
2. Is there still a formal night? Any idea which night it will be?
3. If we wanted to spend some extra time on the ship on one of the Castaway Cay, would you recommend morning to lunch or after lunch to evening? Would the first Castaway day be better to stay on board for a bit (less busy)?
4. Just curious, will the boat stay docked overnight or will it go out to sea & redock?
5. Any tips on getting a cabana for both days?
6. Any suggestions on good shore excursions for all age ranges (infant to senior)?
7. Are the kids clubs open while @ Castaway Cay? Are they as fun as the ones onboard (trying to see what time we want to optimize for spending as a full family after having spent a week at the parks)?

Thanks all! I've been part of disboards for most of my adult Disney life and love that, while our lives can get busy there are always helpful and fun posts here.

1. Yes, probably Nassau day.
2. Optional dress up will most likely be on the second CC night.
3. Before lunch. Lots of people start heading back after lunch. I would guess the first day will be less crowded on board, depending on the weather.
4. Out to sea and redock.
5. Are you sailing concierge? If not, the chances are low on both days. Make sure you check availability as soon as you have access. Keep looking for cancellations.
6. There is a glass bottom boat tour that infants can go on. I think some of the bikes have baby seats. We don't book excursions at Castaway.
7. The club onboard will be in open house mode. The secure facility is Scuttles Cove and is on the island. There are planned activities there, just like onboard

 

[KerTggr]

1. Yes, probably Nassau day.
2. Optional dress up will most likely be on the second CC night.
3. Before lunch. Lots of people start heading back after lunch. I would guess the first day will be less crowded on board, depending on the weather.
4. Out to sea and redock.
5. Are you sailing concierge? If not, the chances are low on both days. Make sure you check availability as soon as you have access. Keep looking for cancellations.
6. There is a glass bottom boat tour that infants can go on. I think some of the bikes have baby seats. We don't book excursions at Castaway.
7. The club onboard will be in open house mode. The secure facility is Scuttles Cove and is on the island. There are planned activities there, just like onboard

Thanks! Since you don't book excursions, do you just hang out on the beach? My family is used to the go-go-go of park vacations so will be new experience all around for us together.

 

[SaraSpringsIsHome]

Just my two cents- many years ago we went on a double dip. We docked the first day, but were unable to dock for our second day at CC. Thankfully we spent all day the first day enjoying CC, or we would have missed out!

Just something else to think about...

So jealous of our double dip trip!

 

[dcassetta]

Thanks! Since you don't book excursions, do you just hang out on the beach? My family is used to the go-go-go of park vacations so will be new experience all around for us together.

Yes, we hang out on the beach. You can rent tubes and floats, and snorkel equipment if you want to go snorkeling. There's also a ropes kind of play area, and a set of slides that the kids enjoy using, some of the adults do too! You can rent a bike and there are some non-motorized boats available plus paddle boats and water trikes. There are excursions for Jetskis and parasailing, but obviously not for an infant!