Disney's private island

[flowerchild]

When I read about Disney cruises, they all seem to stop at some kind of Disney private island. What is this all about? Is it worth stopping at or should I look for a cruise that stops at regular tourist islands?

flowerchild

[cruise411]

Lots of the cruise lines have added a stop at a private island to their Carribean itinerary. Maybe Disney started the trend but the other cruise lines have gladly added their own islands too.

What's great about a private island is you get to see unspoiled scenery and enjoy a totally private beach. The cruise line can control your experience and guarantee their passengers a perfect day at the beach with no one else around.

I've been on one of these private beaches and every imaginable water activity is available, from snorkeling to tubing to an underwater submersible adventure. Great food is always there.

You get to experience a little bit of the heaven of the Carribean for a day. Yes, the tourist stops are great for sightseeing and shopping but for warm islands, a private island is superb!

Cruise411

[rockinggrandma]

I got the idea to take the grandchildren on a Disney cruise from reading some of the messages here. Would the kids enjoy a private island too?

rockinggrandma

[jojogirl]

I read a review that compared Disney's private island with Holland America's private island.

A giant plus for Disney is that they spent the money to build their own ship dock so passengers can just walk off the ship onto the island. Holland America provides "tenders" which are boats that take passengers from and back to the ship that is at anchor a small distance from shore.

The reviewer preferred the BBQ buffet at Disney over the food on the H.A. private island.

But this is second hand info worth every penny that you paid for it!!!

jojogirl

[cwhowell]

One thing about the private island is the only ones on your beach are your fellow passengers from the Disney ship.

You can enjoy the wonders of the Caribbean, those truly magnificent blue waters and the glorious beach, with your spouse and the kids without any transportation hassle or crowds.

I'll vote for a private island!

[sweet_mayhem]

hey, i didn't even know before that there was such a thing as a disney cruise! that's cool..

[palefrost]

Has anyone heard of what is on the island? Are there shops and other activities besides the beach? Knowing Disney they must have other things on it.

[Stephanie2377]

I'd love to hear from someone who has been on the private island! I would imagine that Disney's island would be primo. They always go above and beyond. I think a private island sounds like a wonderful idea!!

[LeighA]

I would also like to hear from someone who has been to a disney private island. Sounds great to me!

[tater03]

So am I understanding this right? The actual cruise line owns the island? If that is the case are the prices to eat and shop marked up? I would just think that the prices would be higher because the actual cruise line owns the island. Or am I wrong. Has anybody been on one of these private islands. Very interested to hear their experiences.

[Stephanie2377]

I found some info on the Disney Cruise website. The island is called Castaway Cay, and it sounds fantastic! There are many different beaches, each with a different theme. There are activities for families, teens and children.

Sounds like so much fun!! I am betting things might be more expensive on the island. But, much of it might be included in the cruise price.

It just sounds like Disney to have their own island, doesn't it?

I'd still love to hear from someone who has been!

[tater03]

I would think on the Disney cruise it would be included in the price. I wish someone would post that has been to one of these private islands. I would like to know what they thought? Was it expensive, is it included in the price of the cruise or if they enjoyed themselves? I had never even heard of these until I seen it on here. My parents love to go on cruises but they have never mentioned anything about stops at private islands owned by the actual cruise line.

[Hypnotique]

I never knew there was such a thing until I read this thread. This is so interesting and has been added to my list of ideas for a cruise. Sounds like it's providing an excellent opportunity for fun without everyone in the world being there.

Hypnotique