A Disney Cruise Line vacation is the trip of a lifetime for most families. People save for years to step aboard one of the four Disney Cruise Line ships—the Disney Magic, Wonder, Fantasy, or Dream. Much of the time the people stepping aboard the vessels are families with kids, but there are also adults without kids, family reunions, single travelers, and more, all waiting for a magic-filled adventure on the high seas.
When guests are welcomed into the lobby atrium of any of the Disney Cruise Line ships they are in for a magical journey that only Disney can provide, going to tropical destinations around the Caribbean, including Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay.
This island is home to lush beaches, an old airplane strip that was used for rum-running throughout the Caribbean, and designated kids and family areas. But for adults who want to relax, listen to the waves crashing, and not see a little prince or princess for a whole day have bountiful options on Castaway Cay to do just that.
Disney has set up adults-only areas on Castaway Cay where there are no kids in sight for miles. But even if your party includes kids, you won’t be excluded. Castaway Cay has a kids’ club with counselors—just like on the ship—where children (ages 3-12) can be registered at Scuttle’s Cove or the Teen Hideout (ages 13-17).
Adults Will Want to Head to Serenity Bay
If you’re looking for somewhere to simply sit back and relax on a beach, you’re going to want to take the Castaway Cay tram all the way to the back of the island to Serenity Bay, the island’s adults-only beach. Here grown-ups have an oasis that’s all their own, with dozens of beach chairs and loungers waiting to be occupied right next to the ocean. For the ultimate island experience, take that lounger down to where the waves start to crawl up the sand and dip your feet while you read a book, take a nap, or sip on a tropical cocktail, like Castaway Cay’s exclusive drink: the Konk Kooler.
Sip on Cocktails Without Leaving Your Lounge Chair
Speaking of cocktails, at Serenity Bay there’s an exclusive bar for adults that serves up some delectable drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. And no need to worry about bringing money, since the key card that opens your stateroom will pay for drinks and allow you to tip your bartender just like on the ship.
If you can’t be bothered to get up to go to the bar there will be Cast Members walking the beach to see if you would like a drink, take your order, and bring your drink back to you on the beach.
Don’t Leave Serenity Bay for Lunch
When you start to get hungry—and believe us you will get hungry in the hot Caribbean sun—adults even have their own exclusive dining location, featuring a beach BBQ, just steps away from Serenity Bay. Even though you might be tempted to go to the family beach area to grab lunch at Cookies or Cookies Too, don’t. The menu is the same at each location, and, truth be told, the adults-only lunch area might have a few more options, and there are no kids to bob and weave around as you have a plate (or two) of food in your hands.
Just like on the ship, lunch on the island is free so indulge and eat as much as you care to. Do not miss the pineapple muffins that are served at the Serenity Bay BBQ; they are to die for and worth the trip to the adults-only beach for lunch.
Rent Bikes to Explore the Island
While lounging on the beach all day sounds great, if you’re someone who wants a little adventure you might want to consider renting bikes to explore Castaway Cay. This activity is not adult-exclusive, but you won’t be grouped up with other families, so you can enjoy the island at your own pace.
You can rent bikes at the entrance to Serenity Bay and take them down the airplane strip, and through the winding trails of the island. Be sure to stop at the observation deck, which is three stories tall and gives great views of the ocean and surrounding islands.
Book a Massage Right on the Beach
After that bike ride you should really think about pampering yourself. At Serenity Bay adults can book private cabanas for the day or receive spa treatments right on the beach. All spa treatments are done in an open-air cabana, so you never have to give up the view of the ocean. Massages can be booked as a couple or just for one. Being outside, enjoying the sounds of the ocean while getting a massage, sounds like a great way to wrap up what was sure to be a fun-filled trip.
