By the time we got out of bed, the Disney Wonder had already docked at Castaway Cay. Based on everything we had seen and read about Disney's private island, I was looking forward to visiting it. We went up to Deck 9 for breakfast at Beach Blanket Buffet, which was becoming our breakfast habit. We also took some pictures of the island as we ate. I was impressed that you could see the whole island from the upper decks of the Wonder, because I had never been on an island that small. Then soon after breakfast we made our way to Deck 1 Aft to go ashore.

We pretty much knew all along that our main focus for Castaway Cay would be the beach. There were shore excursions available, but as with Nassau the day before, we decided to explore the island on our own. The island has three beaches, one for families, one for teens, and one for adults. We chose Serenity Bay, the adults only beach, as where we wanted to start out.

From the area where the ships dock, it is a short walk to the first tram stop. We passed Mickey and some of the characters who were posing for pictures with guests along the way. We decided to walk instead of taking the tram to the main part of the island. The sign said the walk would be about seven minutes, but it took us a little less time than that. We spent a little time in the shop just to see what was there. After walking past the family beach and swimming area, we decided to take the tram to Serenity Bay, because the sign said that the walk would take about 20 minutes. Soon, the tram came, and we were on our way.

During the tram ride, the recorded narration told a little about the island. It was mentioned that the road we were on was originally a runway, which was apparent by looking at it. But because of the bumpy condition, I wondered how long it had been since airplanes actually used it. At each end of the runway was an old airplane, and each was decorated with a Donald Duck logo. Also at the end of the runway away from the beach was an area with basketball goals.

Once we reached Serenity Bay, we found a chair under an umbrella to put our stuff in, and then we went to get in the water. The water was amazingly clear so that you could see down to the sandy bottom. And farther out, the water looked wonderfully blue. As we were walking out in the water, we could see fish swimming by; some of them were small, but others were larger and colorful. After we had been in the water for a while, some people started talking and pointing at something, which turned out to be a ray swimming by; we saw several more of them during the day. Some people at the beach were a little afraid of them, although they were harmless.

We talked about going to the family beach to see how it was, but we decided that we liked the calm and quiet of Serenity Bay. There weren't that many people at Serenity Bay, so just down a bit from the tram stop, the beach was empty. I enjoyed walking up and down, watching the birds, and just listening to the wind and the water.

At lunch time, lunch was served at Serenity Bay so that we did not have to ride the tram all the way back just to eat lunch. The offerings included hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and more. The food was good, and there was even ice cream for dessert.

I eventually decided to go exploring, and I walked down the bike trail past the massage cabanas for a while. I enjoyed seeing some of the island in its natural state. Way off in the distance I could see the upper decks of the Disney Wonder. The wind was constantly blowing lightly, the flowering trees were beautiful, and I could occasionally get a glance of the blue ocean off to the side. Walking the trail was so enjoyable that I would have walked the whole thing had Laura not been waiting for me to return.

After having our fill of fun in the sun, we took the tram back to the main part of the island to look around for a while. There was still a crowd at the family beach enjoying their time in the water. It looked like a fun place to swim, although we had enjoyed Serenity Bay as well. As we continued back toward the ship, we could see some of the characters posing for pictures next to the ship, and a little farther away was a Segway demonstration where you could ride one for a small fee. We scanned our cards and were back on board the ship.

Part of the day's entertainment included a show in the Walt Disney Theater, a broadway-style show called Hercules the Muse-ical. As you can tell just from the title, it was based on the movie Hercules and loaded with broad comedy, and no subject was safe, not even Teresa the cruise director who introduced the show. "Did you see she has 3 stripes on her uniform?" "Yes, one more and she can work at the Disney Store!" Of particular note was Hades, who gave a wonderful performance; he made the show so much better with his comedic timing and delivery.

After the show, we had some time before dinner, so we walked for a while on the upper decks of the ship. We then did some more shopping, where we learned the value of going in the shops each day. The Treasure Ketch shop had a different featured item every night, so it was as fun to look around as it was to buy things.

Our restaurant for dinner was Parrot Cay. This restaurant featured tropical decor and a live band. The music was a little loud, which made talking to the others at our table a little difficult at times. Each of the restaurants offered something different in terms of food as well as atmosphere, so it was fun to try them all. Dinner seemed to last a little longer each night, but it helped us to wind down from the day's activities. After dinner, we took our now-customary stroll around the ship, including the Promenade deck outside. Before returning to our stateroom for the night.

I would probably say that Castaway Cay was the highlight of my Disney Cruise Line experience. There was plenty to do on the island. Boat rentals, banana boat rides, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming, sunning, and more. There were organized activities for children and teenagers. There were float rentals at the beaches. Something for everyone. Or you could always go back on board the ship and enjoy the offerings there as well.

Words can't describe my enjoyment of Castaway Cay. To me, it really was an island paradise. While I was walking the trail, I started thinking that people like the Swiss Family Robinson may not have had it all that bad by being stranded on a remote island. But then I realized that I had been enjoying hot food and running water, which the Robinsons didn't have. To be able to swim at the beach in the clear water, getting out for a warm meal, and just spending time lounging in the shade - this was the kind of break from the regular world that everyone needs. The perfect vacation day.

Nassau

A day at sea!

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