Castaway to Your Island Paradise

 Disney Cruise Line

Welcomes You to

Your Island Paradise

Castaway Cay

Hop on the island tram or set off on foot to explore the tropical paradise that awaits you as you leave your ship behind for the day. Follow in our footsteps or blaze your own trail.

Adventure is a Short Walk Away

Descending the gangway from the ship, you stop for a photo with one of your favorite characters and head along the pier to the entrance of Castaway Cay.   Along the way you get the full view of your ship laying there at anchor next to the pier.  It really looks a lot bigger from this vantage point.

It's not a long walk, so before you know it you have reached the entrance sign.   Our group split up at this point.  Part of us got on the tram and the rest started walking along the paved pathway.

For those that decide to walk, you will have the opportunity to get some iconic ship pictures from various vantage points.  You can see some of those pictures in our full Castaway Cay 2012 photo album on Facebook.

Your Private Paradise

Reserved exclusively for Guests on Disney Cruise Line Bahamian and Caribbean cruise vacations, Castaway Cay is Disney's private port-of-call paradise. On this island, enjoy tropical leisure activities, such as snorkeling, boating, swimming and sunbathing.

Adults Only Fun

As you can see on this map, there is plenty to do on the island.  Much like a Disney theme park, Castaway Cay is divided into various age-specific areas.

Our initial destination for our adventure was Serenity Bay which is reserved for guests 18 years of age and over. Here you'll find a private beach, umbrellas, lounge chairs of various types, and hammocks for you to camp out in for the day.  Refreshments and lunch are nearby, so you don't even have to leave the area for food or drink.

Getting to Serenity Bay

As mentioned earlier, our group split up when we got to the island, so those that took the tram waited for the rest of the group at Pelican Point. Families that want to spend the day together on the beach will most likely stay in this area of the island (more about that later).  

You are heading to the furthest point on the island.  To get there, you can continue walking or transfer to another tram to the "Kargo Handling" stop.  The beach is a short walk along the path from where the tram stops.

If you are seeking peace and quiet - you are now in Paradise

 More Adventure Awaits

There is so much to do here, that we will devote another blog post "Castaway Cay Things To See and Do" to share more details. As you play in the water or on the beach, you have a great view of Disney Dream which is waiting for you after your island adventure is completed.

Currency on Island - Ship Bucks

When you go to a beach, you don't want to worry about losing cash. Disney Cruise Line solves that problem by only accepting your ship cabin key for payment on the island.

There is free soda and water in fountain machines available in the dining areas. For those wanting adult beverages, you can find local bars or wait staff to assist you much like while onboard the ship in the pool area.

King's Wharf Bermuda

Time to turn the pages on your 2012 Extraordinary Vacations calendar...

This month we feature King's Wharf, Bermuda.  Sail from New York or Boston to this lovely island, whose pink-sand beaches are unlike any others in the Caribbean.  Norwegian Cruise Line offers several cruises to Bermuda.   We loved Bermuda, especially the friendly people.  We invite you to read more about Bermuda and consider that destination for your next Caribbean adventure.

Your NCL cruise will dock at King's Wharf, where you can explore beaches, golf courses, restaurants, shops and historic monuments at your leisure.  Or try out one of the many water sports offered in and around this gorgeous harbor.

After your day of exploring the island, return to your ship for a massage, dinner, relaxing by the pool, or enjoy the evening's entertainment.  Whether you want to dance the night away or simply relax, there's something for you to do either onboard or back onshore.   Your ship is your floating hotel for the week.

Swim With the Fishes

Our favorite excursion was Hartley's Helmet Dive.  The Hartley family invites you to join them on their famous "Undersea Walk".   Here you will don a helmet and and walk among the fishes as they swim up to greet you.   In fact, they might even do some tricks for you.

Read more about this underwater adventure in our blog post: 

NCL Dawn Bermuda - Hartley's Helmet Dive

There's lots of adventure that is reachable from your ship's berth in King's Wharf.  We sailed on Norwegian Dawn when we last visited Bermuda.   Here are some articles detailing our visit.

• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Glass Bottom Boat
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Aquarium

  

  Visit our Shutterfly Page

• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Crystal & Fantasy Caves
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Nightlife
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Shopping
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Fort Hamilton
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Underwater Exploration Institute
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Night Snorkeling
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Maritime Museum
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Hartley's Helmet Dive

Dining and Entertainment on your NCL Ship

• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Freestyle Dining
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Evening Activities
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Sea Days
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - El Dorado Spa
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Disembarkation
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Garden Cafe & Other Dining
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Le Bistro French Restaurant
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Impressions Italian Restaurant
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Cagney's Steakhouse

• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Sail Away from NY
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Welcome Aboard
• NCL Dawn Bermuda - Pre-Cruise New York

Neighborhoods of Labadee Haiti

      Labadee Haiti

    Private Paradise

On the north coast of Hispaniola, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage, sits Labadee®, Royal Caribbean's private paradise. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas sails there during the 7 Night Eastern Caribbean cruise.  This exclusive destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery and spectacular water activities. 

Labadee boasts new enhancements and amenities for guests. The beach destination now features seven neighborhoods, each with a distinct style: 

Buccaneers' Bay

You'll find the tour information and booking desk at Buccaneer's Bay, where you can book any remaining available spots for excursions. This is also the meeting point for our watercraft and boat tours. There is plenty to choose from including the WaveJet tour, Parasailing, Arawaky Snorkel Adventure, Haitian Hydro Highlights Express, Discover Haiti, Sandbar Rendezvous, Haitian Cultural Tour and Snorkel Safaris.

Dragon's Plaza

Located just outside Buccaneers' Bay. Here you'll be able to enjoy a barbecue style lunch buffet at the Dragon's Café. Dragon's Plaza is also the start of the longest beach on Labadee. Although not suitable for swimming (visit the beach at Columbus Cove instead), it is the perfect place to soak up the sun and listen to the sounds of the ocean. Be sure to take a walk out to Dragon's Head (a breathtaking natural rock formation). 

Labadee Town Square

Labadee Town Square boasts an expanded version of the popular artisan market and a festive atmosphere that comes alive with music, folkloric dancers and more. This location offers convenient meeting places where guests can enjoy the rich Haitian culture and take in shopping, shows, cultural activities and other memorable experiences.

At the end of your day at the beach, catch a tram ride back to Buccaneer's Bay where it's just a short walk to the exit and back to your awaiting ship.

Adrenaline Beach

Not only is this beach brand new, but it is also home to Labadee's newest attraction, the Dragon's Tail Coaster. Located by Labadee Town Square, Adrenaline Beach features soccer, basketball and beach volleyball games.

During our visit, we had olympic style games there raising money for "Make-A-Wish Foundation"  as part of our National Conference activities.

Columbus Cove

This family friendly spot is located in a protected cove that allows for swimming and floating on a beach mat. Trees along the sandy beach provide natural shade great for relaxation. Columbus Cove boasts one of the largest aqua parks in the Caribbean. The young and young at heart alike will enjoy family activities including: climbing "icebergs," the log roll, the teeter-totter, trampolines and a new water slide. This is also the site of one of our barbecue lunch buffet areas.

Nellie's Beach

Simply a slice of paradise. Want to enjoy a nice leisurely kayak trip to take in the sights of the surrounding coast and nearest village? Nellie's Beach is now home to the Kayak Adventure. You can also enjoy floating beach mats and complimentary beach lounge chairs on this picture perfect beach.

Barefoot Beach Club

Exclusively for Royal Caribbean International's Grand suites and above guests, the Barefoot Beach Club offers a total of 20 private cabanas along the water's edge and within the hillside areas. Enhanced food and beverage services are also available.





Guests are now able to dock directly on the Labadee coastline without having to tender onto a smaller vessel. This gives guests more time to enjoy the spectacular activities available on their own private beach destination. The pier stretches 1,300 feet (pier and trestle) in length and even allows the 225,282 gross registered tonnage berth of the Oasis of the Seas^®, Allure of the Seas^®, Freedom of the Seas^® and Liberty of the Seas^®.

To learn more about our recent Allure of the Seas cruise, and see more pictures, become a fan on our Facebook page:

Kalafati Beach in Mykonos

Early Morning on 

Kalafati Beach

Casting their shadows on the freshly groomed sandy beach, these thatched umbrellas stood guard over the Aegean Sea and the twin peaks of Cape Tarsanas that were hidden from our view.

The beach was still pretty deserted as we approached the imposing wall of umbrellas.  They would not stop us from the turquoise waters that splashed upon the sand just beyond the last row.

In the still of the morning, the splashing of the Aegean Sea's waters could be heard as waves rolled onto the beach.  The sea beckoned us to continue our advance.  We obliged, and were rewarded with a splendid view of crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea.   On the horizon, the clear blue sky met the sea with an array of shades of blue.

Click HERE for more images of Kalfati Beach

Cape Tarsanas

In the distance we could see the twin peaks of a  peninsula that jutted into the sea.  We would later learn its name, Cape Tarsanas, where traces of a prehistoric citadel can be found above the small twin capes. 

Now that we were on the beach, we captured several images of Kalafati Beach and the surrounding area. Some of our group used the restroom facilities of Taverna Thalassa or purchased refreshments from the bar which was just beyond the beach.

While we just enjoyed the beauty of the beach during our brief photo stop, Kalafati Beach has become famous to wind surfers who enjoy a good offshore breeze.  It is only 12km from the Port of Mykonos, where our shipped was docked, so this could easily be a day trip for those that wanted to relax on the beach or enjoy other water sports.

Leaving the blue waters behind us, we boarded our motorcoach for our next stop, Panagia Tourliani Monastery.   We hope you are enjoying your virtual journey to Mykonos thus far.    

Additional photos can be found on our Facebook Albums.




Click on the image to the left for more Blog posts about this trip.

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Greetings from Nassau, Bahamas

Back home the temperature is in the 60s but here in the Bahamas it's a balmy 90 with humidity. What a perfect day to spend under a palm tree in a hammock. The ship arrived in Nassau around 11 AM and we departed shortly after that for Blue Lagoon.

It's a short boat ride from the pier to Blue Lagoon. On the way to the private island, the boat passes Atlantis resort and many expensive homes. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way for capturing the beautiful turquoise waters of the Bahamas.

After arriving we found a location with several hammocks and picnic tables and put our bags down on one of the tables. It was time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, catch some rays and enjoy the various water sports.

I'll leave you with that image for now. When I return from our cruise, I'll tell you more about our stay and include some pictures.

Meanwhile, I suggest you take a look at my website for Carnival Pride itineraries out of Batlimore. This is the perfect vacation for families, especially those that live near Baltimore.

Cabo San Lucas Returning to Normal After Jimena

Cabo San Lucas

Escapes Hurricane Jimena

Hurricane Jimena had grown to almost category 5 as it beared down on the resort area of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Had the storm not weakened, very serious damage and loss of life might have occured. Fortunately, prayers were answered and this popular cruise destination was spared the wrath of Jimena.

Accoring to the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau hotels and other tourism services throughout the area have resumed normal operations. “While we were well prepared for the storm, we are obviously very relieved that Hurricane Jimena passed us by,” says Gonzalo Franyutti, President of the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau, “Now our guests can continue their vacations and enjoy our fine resorts and services without further concern.”

Cabo San Lucas is one of my favorite ports of call in the Mexican Riviera. The beautiful rock formations, such as Lands End pictured above, combined with blue skies and waters are the perfect sight for sore eyes. Several cruise lines include Cabo San Lucas as a port of call on one or more cruise itineraries.

If you like snorkeling, sun-bathing, swimming, kyaking, or simply strolling along a beach, then this destination will satisfy your needs. Catch a water taxi to Lovers Beach and pick your spot on the beach. If you like shopping, you can walk from the ship to the quaint stores along the port. There are plenty of local dining and drinking establishments nearby also if you just want to relax and do some people watching.

I invite you to explore Mexico on a cruise. Click for Itineraries.