Issue with sun sensitivity, tips for Lookout Cay?

[Jillpie]

My husband is on medication that gives him heat and sun sensitivity. We are going to Lookout Cay for the first time and would like to head to the adult beach. Reading the reviews on google, I'm a little worried. I know we can go to Guest services to request a ride, but once we get to the tram and get to the beach, is there much shade at all and will we have issues getting an umbrella? I'm so used to Castaway Cay having no problems that way. And if he wants to head back to the ship early from the heat bothering him, will it take forever to get there?

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

There's not a lot of shade aside from the umbrellas co-located with the loungers on the beach. TBH, in a few years, there will be tons as the landscaping grows in, but for now, not a lot. He can get to the bar, or up to the food area for relief as well. As far as getting back? IIRC, it's about ten minutes from the far north (where we like to set up shop) to get to the tram stop at an easy pace. Another ten-ish (?) minutes on the tram to the pier. Then either the walk the pier (10-15 minutes depending on pace) or wait in line for a golf cart to ride back.

 

[Jillpie]

There's not a lot of shade aside from the umbrellas co-located with the loungers on the beach. TBH, in a few years, there will be tons as the landscaping grows in, but for now, not a lot. He can get to the bar, or up to the food area for relief as well. As far as getting back? IIRC, it's about ten minutes from the far north (where we like to set up shop) to get to the tram stop at an easy pace. Another ten-ish (?) minutes on the tram to the pier. Then either the walk the pier (10-15 minutes depending on pace) or wait in line for a golf cart to ride back.

Thanks, very helpful. When we reach the beach on the tram, how far of a walk is it to get to the adult beach or do they drop you off there, like Castaway Cay?

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Just chiming in to say that, on windy days, there can be a rule that no umbrellas are allowed up at Lookout. So, even when they're plentiful, they may not be of use.

I've only gone with kids, so not sure about the exact walk to the adult area from the tram. But, unlike Castaway, the Lookout tram does have one main drop point and then you choose to walk as far as you want up or down the beach. Since the adult beach is past the family beach to the left, I'm assuming it's at least a bit of a walk to get past family and to adult section.

During my chemo, I was even more sun sensitive than normal, which is saying something given my ghostly complexion. I was able to find a jumbo sun hat, long sleeve spf shirt, and spf hiking pants that allowed me to be outside with my kiddos that spring and summer. A getup like that may be worth considering (if you haven't already) to protect your husband while in transit between shaded areas.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

In advance, I apologize for the terrible cropping above. The drop off is the red "8" and then there's the winding walkway (not very good signage, btw) to the adult beach designated by the yellow "9". How far? It's very winding and waving, no straight path. I'd guesstimate 5 to 10 minute walk. The red "17" is the adult food, red"58" is booze and so on. The adult beach is the northern section of the resort & there's a fairly well-marked demarcation for the adult beach vs. the family beach. Whether that's followed by everyone... that's another thread topic entirely

 

[cruisehopeful]

I would wear a large brim hat or carry an umbrella. The walk in the sun can be far. If it's windy, umbrellas on the beach cannot be opened up. There are shaded places in the eating areas where your husband can hangout if needed. I happened to be there on a day where umbrellas couldn't be opened on the beach.

 

[Jillpie]

Extremely helpful, especially that map, thank you! I am rethinking whether we should do this, or at least he may have to stay put on the ship. Thats alot of walking, compared to Castaway Cay, where they literally drop you right off at the adult beach. Disappointing. My husband does have a DCL long sleeve wet/dry shirt, that was great this past cruise and a wide brim hat. But he also has a heat intolerance now, bummer, so not sure if this is a good island to get off of, he really does need shade.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Order a long sleeve rash guard tee shirt from lands end. They are great for swimming and protect from the sun. That leaves a hat for his head and sunscreen for face, neck and hands. Easy off pants for over swim trunks? LE has ladies swim long pants, not sure if they make them for men. Good luck!

 

[apathetic]

The walk from the tram stop to the adult beach is about the same as from the ship to the tram stop. It's just not in a straight line. Really there is only 2 areas that guarantee you shade. A cabana, but good luck getting one. Or the pavilions where you eat lunch. Those are pretty dark. Even if you get an umbrella, the sun will obviously move so the great spot at 11am may be directly in the sun by 1pm. Honestly, if you can't get a cabana and don't desire to sit in the pavilion (a long way from the beach) you may be better served staying on the ship. A lot of people don't like Lookout and never get off the ship, so you won't be lonely. Getting back to the ship isn't hard after the morning rush.