7 Day Bahamas Diving Adventure

Do you love the water? Do you like walking on beaches without footprints, and snorkeling protected waters where fishing isn't allowed?

If seven days of diving, snorkeling and hiking remote beaches sounds like your type of fun then this trip is for you. A 102' catamaran with a 35' beam, which accommodates 22 guests in 11 outside view cabins, will pamper you and take you exploring in the Caribbean. You will dive remote wrecks, reefs and walls of the Exumas, much of which has been protected from collecting, spearfishing and fishing for 30 years. You will be able to sit back when you want to or choose between fishing, sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking some of the most unspoiled reefs in the world. Plus you will have time to walk sugar sand beaches without footprints!

Nassau can be reached by plane or you could pick up a small shuttle cruise out of Miami, Florida.

It is recommended that you bring your own diving/snorkeling gear but rental gear is available. Full certification diving courses are available during the cruise. Beach walking and snorkeling excursions are available.

There aren't a lot of details to provide you on this trip until I personally make it myself.

Here is your itinerary:

Day 1 - Board ship about 6 p.m.

Day 2 - Cruise to Exuma Islands

Day 3 - 7 Dive, Snorkel and enjoy desolate Caribbean beaches and islands

Day 8 - Disembark at 9 am

What this itinerary description leaves out is that many hours each day will be spent exploring desolate beaches, reefs, walls & blue holes. Truly a great vacation for someone who loves the water and being around others who love the water.

Costa Rican Cruises

Some people want to take the slow boat to China deal by doing a cruise to Costa Rica leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with stops in Costa Maya, Limon, and Colon, Costa Rica and you can spend 8 days on a Carnival Cruise down to Costa Rica and experiencing port of calls along the way. This is a lot more exciting than being cramped on a flight when you can spend all the time relaxing and having a good time before you get to the ports of call, which is on days 3,5 and 6. Each stop is approximately one day long and there's only one stop in Costa Rica that is on day 5 of the trip.

You can just sit back and look out on to the ocean and take in the next breath of air so clean you forgot you're not in the city. Part of the fun about a cruise is the nighttime sky when you can walk out on to the deck and look at the clearest sky around. Most tourists enjoy that where they can go walking around the deck at night and the cost doesn't come cheap you're looking at about $3-5 grand for a week and a half or longer that's why tourists need to plan their trip well to make sure you can get the most of out of it financially.

Carnival cruises is one of the lines that does have stops in Costa Rica as their port of call and usually there's a trip through the Panama Canal, but it's just straight down south winding your way through the Caribbean islands and stopping in some places, but you spend more time out on the water than you do stopping on land. Sailing instead of flying just buys you more time to relax comfortably instead of being squashed up inside a plane for a few hours when you can spend a few days chilling out on the deck and enjoying a drink while taking in some rays. There are a lot of cruise ship websites out there that can tell you when you should book your trip since like the airlines prices change quickly in a matter of a day.

So it's ideal to get email notices about the fares so you can book them quickly. Doing your homework can ensure you get the best fare possible for your money since it's not exactly cheap to go on a ship. The average person spends a couple years saving up for a cruise and booking when the price is not so high since like flying cruises are costly at certain times of the year.

Booking a year early is your best bet in getting the dates you want so you're not paying full fare when the reduced rate is offered to you in advance to give you a chance to book your cabin. Cabins are booked by level and are priced differently. The most expensive would be towards the front.

Know The Ins And Outs Of A Cruise Vacation

So you are looking into learning more about cruises. Let me be the first to tell you, that if you haven`t gone on one yet, you really need to. They are without a doubt a great time. For me I ventured on 5 cruises in my life, my wife even more. She is the one who got me into them in the first place.

What cruises do is give you the adventure of stopping in multiple places on the same location. I personally have always looked at cruises as a way to get to know each island stop, just a little bit, and then if I really liked one of them, my wife and I can go back for a longer stay at a later date.

There are a ton of choices when it comes to cruising. How long you should go, where you should go, what excursions should you go on and a slew of other questions. I will do my best to answer these questions for you from my own experience.

First things first, where ya goin'? For this you just need to ask a few more questions. Is it just you and your spouse or significant other, are there kids going, how about the in-laws or grandparents. Once you know who is going, then you can tailor your cruise after the party involved. For example, if it is an adult only cruise, you could do something in the Mediterranean, or Alaska (great cruise by the way). The Caribbean of course is always fun.

If there will be kids, Disney now offers cruises, and although I personally I have not been on a Disney cruise, I understand they are a great time, especially for the kids.

When you think of cruising, most people think of warm destinations, the Caribbean, Hawaii and so on. Don`t rule out European cruises, as they have a lot to offer as well.

Once you choose your destination, which may or may not dictate the next question, you need to figure out, just how long you want to go for. I have gone on 4 and 7 days cruises. For me, 4 days is just way, I am mean way to short. A 7 seven day cruise is the norm, and perfect if you are a first time cruiser. I am looking forward to doing a 9 to 15 day cruise. At the end of 7 days, I am always feeling like there should be just one more day.

If you are new to cruising, I suggest 7 days. its a perfect amount of time to get you acclimated to this fun past time. Any longer on your first trip and you just might burn yourself out. Give yourself a reason to go back for more.

OK, so you know where you are going, who you are going with and for how long. But which cruise line should you pick. Honestly, it doesn`t matter, but you should check to see which ones are better suited for kids, how big are the ships going to the destination you have chosen and so on. Remember bigger isn`t always better. More people on a ship could translate into longer lines at the buffet or shows, and ugh, no seats by the pool! So if you aren`t much of a crowd person, stay away from the bigger mammoth ships.

Sailing The Seven Seas With World Cruises

There is a whole world out there just waiting to be explored, and pictures and videos cannot do justice to some of its beauty. If you long to see the white cliffs of dover, or the pristine, clear waters of the Caribbean, then maybe you should take a cruise around the world - or at least to a few parts of it! The contrast between the icy North Atlantic waters, and the warmth of the Caribbean will make you wonder at how varied and exciting the world can be.

Sightseeing Around the World

A world cruise could take you from New York to Normandy, and from there to the Ivory Coast where you can marvel at the Himalayan mountains. Since a huge amount of the earths surface is covered by water, you can see a massive amount of the world on a cruise - almost anywhere is accessible, either by calling in to port, or a short land excursion.

The Experience at Sea

A World Cruise is a luxury experience - with all the amenities of a five star hotel. Gourmet cuisine is served in the restaurants, and the staff aim to make sure your every need is catered for.

The liners have lots of facilities - including spas, bars, clubs, a pool, gym, and even libraries and computer centers.

There are lots of activities to enjoy, and plenty of on ship entertainment. You could spend your time scuba diving, joining in karaoke competitions, or just lazing on the deck and getting a nice sun tan.

Sometimes cruises will make a day long stop at a popular destination, letting you get a better feel for the culture and atmosphere of the city. They often have planned excursions, with different activities for different interests.

Trips typically last up to two weeks or longer, and prices range from between four hundred dollars for a basic cabin, to under three thousand dollars for a luxury suite. The price depends on the itinerary, the length of the cruise, the ship, and the kind of facilities or accommodations you want.

Some cruises focus on a certain part of the world, others try to fit in a variety of different destinations. With any cruise, however, you will enjoy the chance to see the world, experience things you would not otherwise get the chance to, and be able to relax in a luxurious cabin at the end of each day. World cruises offer the absolute best experiences you can imagine.

Alaska Cruise Guide - Ports And Possibilities

Alaska cruises are scenic and relaxing vacations, and feature some pretty obvious highlights. Where else but an Alaska cruise could you spot a Grizzly Bear, witness the 'calving' of a giant ice berg, and bear witness to the incredible display of the Northern Lights in a single day? While the wildlife and scenery are huge draws, too few travelers realize the possibilities offered by the many ports of call an Alaska cruise makes along the way.

Use this brief guide to whet your appetite to the possibilities offered by Alaska's small towns and cities.

Ketchikan - The "Salmon capital of the world" is a quaint town at the southern end of the Inside Passage. From your docking point it's a short walk to "Creek Street", the downtown area. Pick up a souvenir at the historic wooden shops that overhang the crystal-clear stream, or, if your timing is right, stop to gape at the hundreds of salmon who've returned to the creek to spawn. A highlight outside of town is the Misty Fjords National Monument wilderness preserve, known affectionately as the Yosemite of the North.

Sitka - Arguably the most picturesque town on the Inside Passage, Sitka sits on a rugged island surrounded by Alpine peaks and fronted by a scenic harbour. Sitka is less frequently visited than other Inside Passages town, so doesn't boast the number of tourist packages. What it does offer is a number of insightful tours into the area's heritage, a unique combination of Native Tlingit and Russian cultures.

Juneau - One of the most beautiful capital cities in the world, Juneau combines a visually stunning setting at the base of high Alpine mountains and the pristine waters of the Inside Passage. A big city, Juneau also hosts most of the major cruise liners and therefore offers plenty of packaged activities like trips to Mendenhal Glacier, wildlife tours to Admiralty Island, and a ride up the Mount Roberts Tramway.

Skagway - A memorable stop for anyone with the remotest interest in history, Skagway has the same great scenery of most Alaskan town as well as boasting the colourful history of the Gold Rush. Striking for its isolation, this tiny outpost drew thousands of men pursuing gold in the 19th century. Once a point of transition for prospectors, Skagway now offers travelers the opportunity to explore the region's history, go further afield and visit the neighbouring Yukon, or tour glaciers and wilderness by train.

Cruising Is The Best Holiday One Can Have

I remember well the Union Castle Line mail ships that plowed South African waters in the sixties. A short trip to Port Elizabeth or Durban was a regular event in those days. Today the gargantuan liners of 70 000 tons and often much more, seem almost futuristic compared to the tiny, but elegant 15-20 000 tonne ships of the past.

People often cite their fear of sea sickness as a reason for not cruising, but unless you're determined to sail the choppy and petulant waters off the South African east coast at certain times of the year, you will hardly notice you're at sea. In some ways for old sea-dogs like me, this is a pity - there is nothing like a rough night at sea! The modern liner is a Goliath, some with more than a dozen restaurants on board, mini golf courses, live theatre and movie houses. You might be forgiven for thinking you were in a small city or giant shopping mall. Running a few times around the 600 meter deck on one of Holland America's ships is enough exercise before a jacuzzi, a shower and then drinks in the highest observation lounge, with 270 degree views.

Only older people go on cruises, is another excuse. This might be the case with an average age of 45 on Holland America's Volendam, but other ships rock from the time you set foot on board; some even cater almost exclusively for kids. If you do have kids, make sure they can read, have an electronic cabin card around their neck, then say goodbye for 7 days; trust me, you won't see them if you don't want to! Find out the cruise profile first before you book.

For the price of a week at a cheap resort, you can get 5 or even 6 star luxury, 24 hour room service, facilities second to none, and food seldom equaled anywhere in the world. I have eaten in Paris, London and Vancouver, but nothing came close to the meals on the Volendam Alaskan cruise. While my wife enjoyed the full course meal each night, I always enticed my taste buds with three small main courses, reveling in the flavours from around the world. And, then, added to this they're actually taking you somewhere! My best friend recently took his family to France for two weeks - their daily budget for food alone for the four of them came to more than the price of my entire cruise on a luxury liner and a trip to enticing Alaska!

It is easy to remain speechless while sailing quietly up to the edge of a glacier; such a place is hallowed, and the primeval and seemingly untouched environment leaves one with hauntingly beautiful memories.

What about the mystical and breathtaking islands of the Mediterranean? Greece is a perfect place for a peaceful cruise. Don't even think about excluding Santorini - it has the world's most beautiful sunsets - imagine sailing into one of them, having just visited the birthplace of mankind. I envy those who live in the Northern Hemisphere; but for long distances and expensive air travel from the tip of Africa, I would be cruising every single year!

Sail the Panama Canal and marvel at this great human achievement

This incredible piece of human engineering, dreamt up by the ambitious King Charles V of Spain, took around 75,000 workers over 10 long years to complete and throughout the construction was beleaguered by a range of problems, from financial bankruptcy, very poor project management and serious outbreaks of malaria that killed many of the workers.

It was eventually finished however, to worldwide applause and with the enormous gratitude of the thousands of ships that still pass through in huge quantities - some paying up to 30,000 dollars for the privilege. The incredible network of dams and locks spans 50 miles at the shortest point between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, allowing ships to cut out an enormous and treacherous stretch of coastline around South America.

The canal is located just 80kms north west of Panama City on the Pacific side and Colon on the Atlantic side. You could have the unique and once-in-a-lifetime chance to jump aboard one of the many fantastic cruise ships and set sail along the length of the canal, preferably between December and April.

Lindblad Expeditions runs the 64 passenger MV Sea Voyager through the canal and then continues along the Pacific coast of stunning Costa Rica.

An expedition on board the Sea Voyager around Panama is an adventure replete with rewards thanks to the biological diversity and unique opportunities it presents. Wildlife is plentiful and varied and thanks to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, it is are the only passenger ship permitted to overnight during the Panama Canal transit to explore Barro Colorado Nature Monument.

Maldives Holidays Important Facts

Before booking a luxury holidays in the Maldives, or a cheap holiday in the Maldives, any hotel in the Maldives, or you might just be looking for any island hideaway in the Maldives, it is important that you know where you are going to, and what you will find when you get there.

Too many people arrive at their holiday destination having chosen it only for the price, and a dubious guarantee of sunshine, and have never investigated their destination for its suitability for themselves and their family. A disastrous vacation can often be rescued by the surrounding countryside, but this won’t be possible in the Maldives, because you are probably going to be trapped on an island, and that hotel in the Maldives may be on an island you can walk round in a few minutes. So you need to know something about where you are going at the very outset.

The Maldives are in fact an archipelago consisting of 1190 low lying coral islands scattered across the equator, in groups of 26 naturally occurring atolls. The Maldives is 45 minutes from Colombo, 3 hours from Dubai, 4 hours from Singapore, and 13 hours from London.

On the map it is in the Indian Ocean just south west from Sri Lanka, and you don’t need a visa.

The Maldives literally sits on top of the Equator so it is a year round 25-30 degrees Celsius, and has frequently been described as paradise on earth.

If your idea of paradise is is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees with a pure white sand beach all the way round and then a limpid blue and turquoise sea, then the Maldives is just exactly that.

It is sunny, quite unique, and almost totally unspoiled.

The hotels range from the top of the range giving you the perfect luxury holiday in the Maldives to the other end where there are plenty cheap Maldives Holidays, as well as the total hideaway Maldive islands. They all have one thing in common and that is they are perfect for people who are looking for peace and tranquillity, a chance to rejuvenate and relax. This is not the place to go if you have to spend your holiday visiting places. This is however the place to go if snorkelling or diving are your thing.

It is little wonder that a huge proportion of tourists in the Maldives are returning for a second or third time, simply the place is addictive, with its sun kissed white sand beaches, crystal clear warm lagoons, and multi coloured coral and incredibly exotic marine life. When you consider out of all of the islands only about 200 are inhabited., and of the remaining islands around 100 have become island hotels, there will be more beautiful deserted atolls than you know what to do with.

How to Get the Best Possible Beach Vacation Home

There is nothing more relaxing than having a week or two to spend at the beach. Vacation homes are a wonderful change from staying at a large or impersonal motel or hotel, plus they have the added convenience of being close to or even right on the water, having all the amenities of a house, as well as being much larger than a hotel room or even a suite would be.

Many of the beach vacation homes available offer all the features of a hotel vacation. If you are considering a rental and are going through an agency or property management company, it is usually possible to have a rental car provided for you upon arrival. In addition, many companies and agencies can also offer bonded and professional cleaning staff, chefs and even tour guides that will personalize your beach vacation and really make it a holiday for everyone in the family.

If you would prefer to just be able to relax and enjoy the warm weather, beach vacation homes can offer a quiet, stress-free holiday environment. To ensure that you get the best possible rental property, be sure to check the following:

* Ensure that you know the full amount of the rental and any additional expenses that may be included. Most beach vacation homes, especially those that are right on the beach or at the water will book up at least one season in advance. Holiday times such as summer vacation, spring break and even Christmas holidays may be booked several seasons in advance.

* Before sending a deposit or providing a credit card number for a deposit or reservation, fully understand the cancellation policy or any insurance that you may need to have on the property.

* Whether you are renting beach vacation homes from an individual or a company, be sure to get everything in writing before supplying a deposit or credit card information, especially if you have not rented through the company or from the individual before. A verbal agreement is not binding or legally valid in a court but a written, signed contract is a legal document.

* Finally, check the area in which the beach vacation home is located. While property right on the beach is great in quiet or secluded places, on busy beaches it can be a bit more stressful and noisy, especially if you are wanting a quiet vacation spot.

Doing some advanced research on beach vacation homes is simple through the internet or making a few phone calls. Planning your vacation is half the fun and knowing what you want and finding just the right beach vacation homes makes the holiday perfect for the whole family.

Disney Cruise Ports of Call

While the Disney cruise ships themselves are a fabulous vacation destination, they are also a floating 'Fantasyland', traveling to beautiful and exotic ports of call. If you can manage to tear yourself away from the activities and amenities of the Disney cruise ships for a few hours, many wonderful adventures await you when the ship docks.

The Disney Wonder departs each Sunday from Port Canaveral for a 4 night cruise, and again each Thursday for a 3 night cruise. Both itineraries include stops at Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island paradise. The 4 night cruise also includes either one day at sea, or an additional stop at Freeport, Bahamas.

The Disney Magic departs from Port Canaveral each Saturday for a 7 night cruise, and it alternates between cruising the eastern Caribbean and the western Caribbean. The Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops at St. Thomas/St. John, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay, while the Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Key West. Cozumel, Grand Caymen and Castaway Cay.

This summer of 2007. The Disney Magic has departed from its usual journey around the Caribbean, and instead has traveled across the Atlantic to cruise the Mediterranean for the summer months. It is departing from Barcelona, Spain for 10 and 11 night cruises to beautiful cities on the Mediterranean, with stops in Italy, France, Spain and Sicily. Next summer, the Disney Magic will travel through the Panama Canal to spend the summer on the Mexican Riviera, with stops at Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallerta and Mazatlan.

Beware that the passport rules for American travelers have changed, and may or may not affect your travel plans. As of today, passports are required for all travel across borders by air - including Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, but not for travelers who arrive by cruise ship. They are planning to make passports required for cruise ship travelers soon - perhaps as early as January, so be sure to keep posted as to the rules. Even when passports are not required, having one certainly makes disembarking much quicker, and the wait for passports is extremely long due to the changing rules, so if you need a passport, be sure to apply sooner rather than later.

Cruise Port of Call: Docking at Key West

History

Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States, and it is as well know for Ernest Hemingway as sunset celebrations. It was originally settled by the Spanish, who calle the island ‘Cayo Hueso’, which means Island of the Bones, as the treacherous reefs nearby sank many ships before the lighthouse was erected. When the English came in, ‘Cayo Hueso’ evolved into Key West. Many famous artists and writers have called Key West home, including Ernest Hemingway, Thornton Wilder, Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams and James Audubon. The island declared its independence as the “Conch Republic” in 1982 to protest a federal roadblock which blocked the one access road – US 1 – to Key West. That certainly raised media attention enough to stop the government, but to this day, many islanders still fly the ‘Conch Republic’ flag.

Things to Do

There are no real beaches to speak of in Key West – the shoreline is quite rocky – but if your are interested in enjoying the water, there is still plenty to do. Adventure-lovers can book shore excursions (or independent trips) which include sailing, kayaking, fishing or snorkeling, or book a ride on a catamaran, schooner or glass-bottomed boat. There is plenty to see for the landlubbers, including beautiful architecture, plenty of museums, shops and famous saloons, such as the original hangouts of Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet. Of course, don’t miss the sumset celebration at Mallory Square!

Getting Around

Key West is walking town, and just about everything you would want to see is just a short walk from the dock. There are also tram tours (like the non-stop Conch Tour Train), the Old Town Trolley, which makes 9 stops, the bus system (two buses continually run around the island – one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise) and taxis if you would prefer not to walk. You can also rent a scooter if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.

Weather

Key West’s laid-back lifestyle matches its subtropical weather. Temperatures here range from about 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy your day ashore at Key West!

Cruise Port of Call: Nassau, Bahamas

History

The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage. He called the area “baja mar”, which means low or shallow sea, and the name stayed to this day. The British arrived in the 1600s after the Spaniards had left in search of gold, and many British fleeing the American Revolution settled there, along with southerners during the American Civil War. The Bahamas became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973.

Nassau, the capital city, is located on New Providence Island. There are many historic sights including the Government House, the Queen’s Staircase and the statue of Queen Victoria in Parliament Square.

Things to Do

Nassau is a fun port to visit, and you can do everything from swimming with the dolphins to shopping at the Straw Market. You may choose to explore Nassau on your own, or sign up for a shore excursion to the nearby Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. Here is a list of some of the more popular activities in Nassau:

Take a harbor cruise around Nassau harbor;

Enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in the beautiful coral reefs;

Have a once-in-a-lifetime encounter swimming with dolphins;

Enjoy the beach and casino at Cable Beach or Paradise Island;

Tour the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, which includes a unique themed aquarium; or

Enjoy a relaxing day shopping on Bay Street for unique items from around the world.

Getting Around

Getting around Nassau is relatively easy, whether you decide upon a shore excursion or to explore on your own. If you are planning on staying in town to enjoy the shops and sights, than a self-guided walking tour may be your best bet. If you are planning to visit the beaches and casinos at either Cable Beach, or across the bridge at Paradise Island, taxis and jitneys are available as you leave the wharf.

Weather

They say that it’s ‘better in the Bahamas’, and concerning the weather – they are generally correct! Temperature in this subtropical area range from about 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with warm ocean breezes. Enjoy a beautiful day in the Bahamas!

Freeport, Bahamas

History
The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage. He called the area "baja mar", which means low or shallow sea, and the name stayed to this day. The British arrived in the 1600s after the Spaniards had left in search of gold, and many British fleeing the American Revolution settled there, along with southerners during the American Civil War. The Bahamas became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973.

Freeport, and the nearby resort area of Port Lucaya, are located on Grand Bahama Island, which is the fourth largest island of the Bahamas. They were developed over the past 50 years to be resort areas, as opposed to other Caribbean towns which grew out of a historic area.

Things to Do

While docked in Freeport/Port Lucaya, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including golf, shopping, snorkeling, boating, and visiting the beaches and casinos. There are also beautiful natural wonders to explore at the Lucayan National Park, the Rand Nature Center and the Garden of the Groves. UNEXSO - which stands for Underwater Exploration Society - offers some of the best snorkel, scuba and dolphin encounter experiences anywhere.

Getting Around

Both Freeport and Port Lucaya are a bit of a hike from the cruise terminal, so if you aren't part of a shore excursion - which includes transportation - you'll need to take a taxi or scooter rental to get around.

Weather

They say that it's 'better in the Bahamas', and concerning the weather - they are generally correct! Temperatures in this subtropical area range from about 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with warm ocean breezes.

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay - a Private Disney-owned Island in the Bahamas

If you are booked on a Disney Cruise, you will surely stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's own private piece of paradise in the Bahamas. Your day on shore is certainly sure to be a highlight of your trip, as Disney had done everything possible to transform this island into a relaxing getaway for you and your family.

History

The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage. He called the area "baja mar", which means low or shallow sea, and the name stayed to this day. The British arrived in the 1600s after the Spaniards had left in search of gold, and many British fleeing the American Revolution settled there, along with southerners during the American Civil War. The Bahamas became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973.

Disney purchased the island - formerly known as Gorda Cay - in the 1990s, and spent over $25 million fixing it up, including dredging out the harbor so that the large Disney cruise ships could dock directly on the island without a tender.

Things to Do

There are so many things to do on Castaway Cay - from exhilarating water sports to relaxing cabana massages. Lunch is served right on the island at Cookie's BBQ, so there's no need to stop your fun to refuel. There's also an adult-only lunch served at Castaway Cay Air Bar-B-Q, located at the adult-only beach at Serenity Bay. (There is also a teen-only beach, so there is truly a patch of sand for everyone!) While on the island, rentals are available for bicycles, floats and snorkel gear, and there is also parasailing and banana boat rides to enjoy. Various sports and games - everything from volleyball and shuffleboard to billiards and ping-pong - abound. Disney characters make photo appearances on Castaway Cay, and there is a supervised playground at Scuttle's Cove for the kids.

Getting Around

Getting around Castaway Cay couldn't be easier - you simply walk right off the boat down the path to the beach area - or you can hop on the tram to take you to the main guest areas, or further on to Serenity Bay, the adult-only area.

Weather

They say that it's 'better in the Bahamas', and concerning the weather - they are generally correct! Temperatures in this subtropical area range from about 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with warm ocean breezes. Enjoy! - you can't go wrong on Castaway Cay with just some sunscreen and a hat!

Cruise Packing Tips

Packing for a cruise can be quite a daunting task - when else are you expected to show up in everything from a bathing suit to an evening gown, yet are allotted such little closet space? Some things to consider when packing your bags: At the cruise terminal - or even at the airport if you have an air/sea or a land/sea package - your luggage is taken by the porters to be brought to your room. The cruise line will tell you that it is possible that you won't have your bags until after dinner (it is generally quicker, but there are no guarantees), so you want to be sure to have bathing suits, dinner clothes and your toiletries in your carry-on just in case. Another thing you want to think about when packing is what type of luggage will work out best. Some cruise lines offer to store your empty bags during the duration of the cruise (call ahead to check), but if they don't, you may want to consider soft-sided luggage - storage in your cabin is at a premium! - and if there are several people sharing the same cabin, it would be even more helpful if your luggage nested inside each other. Now that we've discussed your actual luggage - and how long it might be before you see it again – perhaps the last item to consider is what you are putting in the bags. There are many things to consider - formal and semi-formal dinners, sporting events, shore excursions, casual days - and because of the whole space issue, you want to be sure to choose wisely. Consider clothing in complementary colors, so that every item matches other things you have brought, think wrinkle-free and low maintenance as much as possible, and cut out excess as much as possible (large shampoo bottles, etc.). If you are traveling with other people - in your cabin or otherwise - see if there is anything that can be shared, such as irons, steamers, hair dryers and similar supplies. Remember, it was no less a person that Sherlock Holmes (even though he’s fictional!) who pointed out that if the walls don’t distend, then only the absolute necessities belong with you, and you need to keep them accessible!

The Disney Cruise Ships

Disney' cruise ships - the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder - embody the style and spirit of the grand ocean liners of days gone by, coupled with every modern amenity you have come to expect from a premiere cruise line. The two ships are basically identical save for some decorating details - the Wonder is decked out in an Art Nouveau style, while the Magic is fashioned in an Art Deco style - and the names of some of the restaurants and clubs. Both ships incorporate an interesting dining rotation, whereby your tablemates (in fact- the entire dining room full of guests) is rotated through the 3 restaurants along with your servers and wait staff, so that you get to experience a different restaurant each night without sacrificing the careful attention and pampering of having your own servers. And what restaurants they are - Parrots Cay embodies a fun, tropical flavor (and incidentally serves a fabulous breakfast buffet, and Disney characters often drop by unannounced, so be sure to have those cameras and autograph books handy!). Animator's Palate is a most unique restaurant where the dйcor starts out black, white and grey, but by the end of the meal is a full burst of colors and Disney pictures, all coordinated with a musical soundtrack, and Lumiere's/Triton's, which is an elegant restaurant decorated with beautiful mosaics depicting scenes from The Little Mermaid on the Disney Wonder and Beauty and the Beast on the Disney Magic. Both ships have a variety of features and activities designed exclusively for the younger set, including a family pool and water slide (fashioned as Mickey's gloved hand), snack bars poolside serving chicken nuggets, French fries and ice cream, a fully-equipped kids 'camp' open 'till midnight with counselors, great activities, play areas and computers, great Disney-themed shoes (including one starring all of the kids onboard, assisted by their counselors), and more characters than you could ever meet at Disney World. All of this attention to the kids certainly doesn't shortchange the adults, who are treated to their own pool and spas, adult-only restaurant (make reservations as soon as you board- Paolo's is a big hit), adult clubs, and even their own beautiful, private cove on the beach at Disney' own Castaway Cay island paradise. Rooms on the Disney Cruise ships are about 25% larger than comparable rooms on other cruise ships, and many include a unique split 1 1/2 bath, to make getting ready easier for families. There is certainly more food than you could eat or activities you could participate in to fill several cruises, and you'll certainly find yourself wishing that the cruise were longer - or start planning your next cruise before you even disembark!