First-time cruiser on the May 16 Dis cruise - help with my questions, please!

[Calyptephile]

I am going to be a solo traveler - leaving my husband at home. I have some questions:
1. Where can I get good early-morning coffee on the Dream, and what is the earliest time available?
2. On Castaway Cay, are any lockers available to stash my stuff? I want to snorkel but I'm not sure about just leaving my stuff on the beach. Or is that okay?
3. On Nassau, I'm going on a morning snorkeling trip, but afterwards can I just walk around Nassau in a nice swim coverup? Or should I return to the ship to change and then go back to Nassau?
4. I'd love to make some new friends - is anyone else going solo who would like a walking or snorkeling buddy? Let's talk!

Thanks for any help with these!

 

[HeatherLassell]

I recommend Cove Cafe in the adults only area if you're over 18 I think they open around 7am.

Castaway there are no lockers that I know of, I have never snorkeled though. You can bring a bag that locks. I've seen posts of them in the past.

Just bring shorts and top with you to your excursion. I like walking around Nassau, just be aware of your surroundings like you would in any city.

And I just miss you, I'm sailing on Mary 21 on the Fantasy. Try and join the group for your cruise!

 

[Marc D]

1. If you like good coffee, you’ll need to go to Cove Cafe or Vista cafe. They open around 6:30 or 7. The cost is not included in your cruise fare. There is also free drip coffee available either in the buffet or at the drink stations. I don’t know at what time they make them available in the morning, but it’s quite early.
2. There are no lockers on CC. Being solo can be a problem if you want to go snorkeling. A locked bag might be your only solution, or try to meet someone willing to watch your stuff.
3. You do not need to change to walk around Nassau. Be aware that you will be accosted by locals that want to sell you something or scam you. Look up the Ben & David YT ‘Worst port in the Caribbean‘ recent video to get an idea of what it’s like. We’ve had the same experience as them, including spotting pickpocket groups. We do not get off anymore in Nassau, except on tours.

 

[Calyptephile]

1. If you like good coffee, you’ll need to go to Cove Cafe or Vista cafe. They open around 6:30 or 7. The cost is not included in your cruise fare. There is also free drip coffee available either in the buffet or at the drink stations. I don’t know at what time they make them available in the morning, but it’s quite early.
2. There are no lockers on CC. Being solo can be a problem if you want to go snorkeling. A locked bag might be your only solutions, or try to meet someone willing to watch your stuff.
3. You do not need to change to walk around Nassau. Be aware that you will be accosted by locals that want to sell you something or scam you. Look up the Ben & David YT ‘Worst port in the Caribbean‘ recent video to get an idea of what it’s like. We’ve had the same experience as them, including spotting pickpocket groups. We do not get off anymore in Nassau, except on tours.

Thank you so much!

 

[CaptainAmerica]

2. On Castaway Cay, are any lockers available to stash my stuff? I want to snorkel but I'm not sure about just leaving my stuff on the beach. Or is that okay?

I would be perfectly comfortable leaving my phone, wallet, passport, keys, and social security number on a beach chair at Castaway Cay. I know it's naive, but for some reason the camaraderie of a cruise creates one of the most trusting environments I think I've ever been in.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

I'm on the DIS cruise also. Check out the meet site to find others:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-dream-may-16-20-2022.3839360/
I use a Safego portable locker: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017RR15Y...olid=3UTWCGN1R7ZGK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Calantha]

I second the use of the portable locker. We used that in January when it was me and my son.

Also you can order coffee from room service starting at 5 AM I think. Obviously not as good as the Cafe. I had room service deliver tea and cereal every morning at 6 AM. I drink my tea and then when my son woke up around 6:30/6:45, he would eat the cereal and we would get ready for the day until breakfast opened later on, because we were avoiding Cabanas.

 

[Calyptephile]

I second the use of the portable locker. We used that in January when it was me and my son.

Also you can order coffee from room service starting at 5 AM I think. Obviously not as good as the Cafe. I had room service deliver tea and cereal every morning at 6 AM. I drink my tea and then when my son woke up around 6:30/6:45, he would eat the cereal and we would get ready for the day until breakfast opened later on, because we were avoiding Cabanas.

Thanks so much - this would be perfect for me!

 

[MausFan]

Cove Café if you're looking for espresso drinks. On board coffee is pretty much the same everywhere else on the ship. CC also has baked goods such as croissants and pastries the morning, and baked desserts in the afternoon as well, if you're interested.
Re Nassau, there will be people trying to sell you things, etc., but it's no different from being out anywhere when you're a woman by yourself...just stay alert.

 

[Calyptephile]

Cove Café if you're looking for espresso drinks. On board coffee is pretty much the same everywhere else on the ship. CC also has baked goods such as croissants and pastries the morning, and baked desserts in the afternoon as well, if you're interested.
Re Nassau, there will be people trying to sell you things, etc., but it's no different from being out anywhere when you're a woman by yourself...just stay alert.

Thanks for this info. And I have to see Nassau, whatever there is, but you're right - staying alert is important.