Castaway Cay is a 1000 acre island in the Bahamas operated exclusively for the use of Disney Cruise Line guests. Disney Cruise Line ships dock at the arrival plaza and are able to walk directly onto the island from the ship. Castaway Cay has an extensive family beach, a separate beach for teens, and an adults-only beach known as Serenity Bay on a different part of the island.
The Family Beach is the center of activities on the island. The swimming and snorkeling lagoons and the Boat Beach and harbor are at or adjacent to the Family Beach, Scuttle's Cove and Monstro Point, a children's play area offers activities for the younger guests. All of the shopping and most of the dining options are located near the family beach. Floats, jet-skis, paddle boats, and other water toys can be rented at the Family Beach.
The Teen Beach is located just north of the Family Beach, where teens can get away from Mom and Dad and enjoy volleyball, ping pong, tetherball, and pretending that they're not really on a Disney cruise with their parents. Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure is located near the Teen Beach. This is a hands-on supervised opportunity to interact with native Carribean sea life for an additional fee.
Serenity Bay is located on the northern end of the island and is accessible via Disney's ubiquitous but oh-so-convenient trams. Serenity Bay is off limits to anyone under the age of 18, and this policy is well-enforced. The hallmark of Serenity Bay is its lack of activities. The most exhausting thing to do there is leave a chaise lounge and hike down the beach to one of the massage cabanas. The massage cabanas can be booked online prior to cruise or onboard subject to availability for an additional fee. A couples massage is available.
Several dining options are available, including an adults-only covered barbecue at Serenity Bay. The all-inclusive cruise food fest continues on the island. Lunch, snacks, and beverages are included. Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks are extra.
On August 31, 2009, Disney announced plans to improve Castaway Cay with more and expanded shopping and dining options, water slides and water play areas, and rental cabanas at the Family Beach and Serenity Bay.
All of this and the chance to wake up on Castawy Cay day to the sight of the Flying Dutchman anchored in the amazing Carribean waters outside of your veranda. Hard to go wrong.