Is anything at Castaway Cay included in the cruise price?

[cewewee]

Do you have to rent chairs? Towels? snorkels? water toys? THis is our first trip and I'd like to know how much to expect out of pocket. Thanks!

 

[Drusilla99]

Chairs are included, you pick whatever ones you want as you get there. We've always been some of the first off and go to the farthest point. That section tends to stay less crowded until late morning. Umbrellas are there too. You grab towels, at no charge, as you leave the ship, just return them when you get back on it at any of the towel return spots on the island. Buffet lunch, ice cream and soda stations are there too at no charge. We have brought sand toys or you can purchase them. Snorkel equipment can be rented as well for a fee. The bars are there and lots of cocktail servers more than happy to let you charge drinks to your room. Massage cabanas are there too for a fee. The slides and water play areas are all included. We really in spend $ of souvenirs and alcohol here. Hope that helps

 

[cewewee]

Thank you! How is the snorkeling there? Do we need to buy the snorkeling excursion in order to see stuff or are there fish and other pretty things to see near the shore?

 

[Twilight Terror]

I know when we went, we were able to see fish swimming in the water just a few feet from the shore line. We waded into knee deep water, and were sort of able to see. We were in the family section of the beach, and the water was a bit sand disturbed from all the kids running around, but were still able to see. The water at Serenity Bay was much clearer and easier to see, but I don't think you need an excursion to see stuff. I think you can do the snorkeling to see the statues by yourself, although don't quote me on that.

 

[Plaid Princess]

Thank you! How is the snorkeling there? Do we need to buy the snorkeling excursion in order to see stuff or are there fish and other pretty things to see near the shore?

You can actually see a decent amount of fish quite close to shore. Also, when we were last at castaway, we rented just the masks (no fins because DH and I have big feet and they don't carry our size), and it was a bit cheaper than the regular price for the gear. We didn't pre-book, just asked at the rental spot. Not sure if that's standard, or if we got lucky, but it might be worth an ask if you're interested in having a look at the fish!

 

[Bear3412]

OP must be an NCL sailor.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

OP must be an NCL sailor.

You're funny.

 

[Bear3412]

So DCL does nickel and dime on CC;

They charge for two type of floats (mat and tube) [ Do they really charge for floats? ], snorkel gear, massages, different types of boat rentals, motorizes excursions, parasailing, etc.

Perhaps DCL is catching up with NCL gradually.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So DCL does nickel and dime on CC;

They charge for two type of floats (mat and tube) [ Do they really? ], snorkel gear, massages, different types of boat rentals, motorizes excursions, parasailing, etc.

Perhaps DCL is catching up with NCL gradually.

Actually, Castaway Cay, while a private island, is still a foreign port, and in ports there are excursions. DCL is just charging for the things that would be charged for in any other port.

 

[Bear3412]

Does DCL charge for floats?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Does DCL charge for floats?

Yes.

 

[Bear3412]

Thanks

So DCL does nickel and dime.

LOL

 

[Love2Cruz]

Actually, if you wait till late afternoon, there are plenty of floats in the water that people leave on their way back to the ships...I'm sure you can "borrow" them for free.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Actually, if you wait till late afternoon, there are plenty of floats in the water that people leave on their way back to the ships...I'm sure you can "borrow" them for free.

That's what we have done. We take advantage of the lazy people who don't return their floats or tubes on their way off the Island.

 

[bumbershoot]

Thank you! How is the snorkeling there? Do we need to buy the snorkeling excursion in order to see stuff or are there fish and other pretty things to see near the shore?

You don't need an excursion. They have a snorkeling area in the shape of a big horseshoe that you can go into. If you have your own snorkeling equipment, you can use it. The only thing they require is that you wear the vest (so they can easily see you) and they'll let you use that for free.

I've noticed that early in the day there are fish everywhere; even in wading distance, but as everyone gets in the water and the kids get rambunctious those fish move further out.

 

[cewewee]

Thank you!

 

[SuperDry]

Also, although the bike rental wording says the charge is "per hour," it's really for the whole day. They don't even keep track of when or if you return them.

 

[moogiepet]

The floats we rented were the best $20 we spent! Except maybe the drink of the day while onboard!

 

[BigredNole]

From my research (never been there), beach chairs, umbrella, the ocean, slides, snorkeling trail, and lunch is covered in your cruise fare. Pretty much anything beyond that has a separate charge: bikes, snorkeling gear, excursions, adult drinks, kids drinks at the bar.

 

[tinay]

They have a happy hour at some point on CC as well. I can't remember the time, but I think it was like a 2 for 1 special. Bought lots.