If you’re sailing a Bahamian or Caribbean itinerary, there’s a very good chance one of your port days is a stop at one of Disney’s private islands. These days are consistently some of the best of the whole cruise — but they’re also different enough from a typical port day that it’s worth knowing what you’re walking into. Here’s the breakdown of both islands.

Disney’s Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is Disney’s original private island in the Bahamas, a genuine tropical escape with the kind of easy, laid-back beach day that works for every type of traveler, whether you’re cruising with toddlers or as a couple without kids in tow.

The island has a family beach, an adults-only beach, a snorkeling lagoon, its own kids club, and multiple lunch spots, so there’s really no wrong way to spend the day.

Island activities include:

• Port adventures ranging from banana boat rides and bike rentals to stingray encounters and private fishing charters
• Frequent character appearances and photo ops
• Shopping for Disney Cruise Line and beach merchandise, including Bahamian artisan goods
• Hair braiding for adults and kids
• The Castaway 5K — run it at your own pace and pick up a medal at the finish
• The Pelican Plunge water play area
• Cookies BBQ and Cookies Too, both included in your fare
• A Teen Hideout lounge
• The In Da Shade game pavilion
• Olaf’s Summertime Freeze frozen drink stand
• …and more

Explore Disney’s Castaway Cay activities here.

Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney’s newer island retreat sits at the southern tip of Eleuthera and leans more heavily into Bahamian culture and natural scenery than Castaway Cay does.

Island activities include:

• The Goombay Cultural Center, which highlights Bahamian traditions and history
• Family and adults-only beaches
• Frequent character appearances and photo ops
• A live Junkanoo parade with performances throughout the day
• The Rush Out Gush Out water play area, with two slides
• A gaming pavilion
• Sebastian’s Cove kids club
• Adult-exclusive bars
• True-True BBQ, included in your fare
• …and more

Explore more activities at Lookout Cay here.

What to Pack for Island Day

Good news: you don’t need to haul towels off the pool deck. You’ll be given fresh ones once you disembark on either island.

Beyond that, bring:

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat — the sun on these islands is no joke
• Your Key to the World card (your room key)
• A passport or driver’s license — you’ll need ID to reboard the ship at the end of the day

Getting Around Each Island

At Castaway Cay, a tram runs between the family beaches and the adults-only beach, so getting around is easy. Waits for the tram are usually no longer than 5 minutes.

At Lookout Cay, it’s a bit different. There’s a 15-minute walk from the ship to the tram pickup point — a requirement from the Bahamian government to protect the coral and wildlife closer to shore. Small wagons are available to help families with kids, but they’re limited, so if you’re traveling with little ones who can’t manage that walk, bring an umbrella stroller.

If anyone in your group has mobility challenges, golf cart transport can be requested, though be prepared for a possible wait.

The Takeaway

Both islands are a highlight of the cruise for good reason, but a little prep (sunscreen, ID, the right stroller situation) goes a long way toward making island day feel effortless instead of rushed. Every day between now and your sail date is one day closer to sand between your toes!