Non-Beach Things to Do?

[IowaGirl86]

I went on a Disney Cruise with my ex in 2018. It was a NIGHTMARE, he is my ex for a reason, but let's just say he had a problem with alcohol and cruising made it worse. Anyway, my one cruise experience wasn't great. I have anxiety so his drunken behavior caused me to go into a full week of panic attacks and I just stayed in bed. I'm now married to an awesome man (who doesn't drink) and we have a 14 month old daughter. We're going to WDW in November, but I saw a Youtube video pop up for a Disney Cruise and I thought about giving it a second try. Our 2026 is pretty jam packed already but I thought we could fit in a cruise in January. I'm looking at the Disney Wish Jan 16-19 2026 cruise. It's three nights and visits Nassau and Castaway Cay.

My biggest reservation is my husband is NOT a beach guy. He wears jeans and a flannel shirt over a t-shirt even in 100 degree weather. I've never been to Nassau, although I do believe there are things to do that are not "beach" there. I don't think Castaway Cay really has anything that isn't "beach" there. I only briefly came off the ship there but I didn't see anything non-beachy. My husband doesn't drink so hanging out at a beach lounge or bar isn't something he'd do. I was thinking he could hang back on the ship, but the only thing I could think of for him to do there is watch movies at the theater, and he doesn't like commercial films (he's an art house film director and musician so he's got a very specific style he likes). Any advice of things for a non-beachy person to do?

 

[Geomom]

Castaway Cay has bike rentals, so you can ride around the island. I believe there are a few boat excursions from here as well.

Link to Disney Bahamas port adventures:
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/bahamas/

 

[sponica]

Nassau I just stay on the ship.

Castaway Cay is going to be outdoorsy, even if not necessarily beach-y. On the ship, most people just hang out on the pool deck and enjoy the shorter lines on the aquamouse or watch a movie.

 

[Mommb]

It's true that on Castaway Cay day, most of the "ship" activities take place on the island, but you don't need to get in the water. In addition to the bike path, there will be live music and characters around the island. Just watching your daughter play in the sand could be fun. Onboard, especially in the afternoon as people come back onboard, there may be crafts and trivia.

Nassau has a small zoo that my kids enjoyed. We also enjoyed the chocolate-making excursion, though that might not appeal to a toddler.

Be aware that not drinking alcohol shouldn't stop you and your husband from visiting the bars onboard the ship for games, music, and just hanging out. If you're asked whether you want a drink and just say no, you won't be asked again. There are also mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages available.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Be aware that not drinking alcohol shouldn't stop you and your husband from visiting the bars onboard the ship for games, music, and just hanging out. If you're asked whether you want a drink and just say no, you won't be asked again. There are also mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages available.

agreed! If you find a non busy bartender, strike up a convo with them and they could whip you up something amazing without alcohol!