Welcome back to the fourth edition of Cruising into the Weekend!
As we continue discussing the details of the Disney Destiny, let’s look at where exactly she will be sailing! As important as the journey is (and you will certainly be enjoying it onboard any Disney Cruise Line vessel), the destinations, or ports, are just as relevant parts of your trip.
As far as destinations go, Disney Cruise Line has a wide selection to choose from. From cooler locations like northern Europe and Alaska, to far away spots like Australia in the South Pacific, to the islands of the Caribbean, there is a location for anyone in their collection. Sailing out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Disney Destiny will be sticking to the tropics for its initial voyages. Itineraries for this coming soon ship include stops at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s Castaway Cay, Nassau, and Cozumel, and will be 4- or 5-nights in length. To help you narrow down the sailings you’d like to enjoy, let’s get into each of these four ports of call.
Nassau, Bahamas
Considered a very safe destination, Nassau is a great stop for folks to enjoy water sports and beautiful beaches. Its culture has been shaped by pirates, colonialism, and tourism, combining to give visitors plenty to explore. Landmarks include Nassau’s Old Town, several forts like Fort Charlotte, the famous Queen’s staircase, and Versailles Gardens. I love exploring a new place with a tour, like this one. Seeing the island from the water and then getting to drive through it with the sights being pointed out is a great way to connect with Nassau and cover a lot of ground stress-free! If you want to enjoy island adventures, you could try an electric bike tour, snorkeling, or a dolphin encounter.
Cozumel, Mexico
Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, Cozumel is a popular resort destination. Settled back in the first century, it has a very long history including Mayans, Spaniards, and pirates! You can include Mayan ruins on your sightseeing checklist, or snorkeling in some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs. Shopping is another draw for guests to the island looking for deals on highly sought after products such as jewelry and Mexican pottery. For my fellow “Coco” fans, this cool excursion revealing the traditions of Dia de los Muertos is a must-do! Other adventures to choose from are scuba tours, day trips to Chankanaab National Park, and tequila tastings. So many options!
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney’s newest private port of call, opened just this past summer, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a collaboration between Disney’s hospitality and Bahamian culture. Honoring its host island, Eleuthera, Disney Cruise Line worked hard to integrate Bahamian arts and nature into its design and entertainment decisions. Outside of lounging on the powder soft sand and enjoying the sparkling ocean shore, you can check out the Goombay Cultural Center, the parade Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration at Disney Lookout Cay, adult-exclusive area, character meet and greets, and True-True BBQ for lunch. Looking for even more to get into? Try excursions like fishing from a kayak, a van or SUV tour covering the history and culture of the island, or snorkeling!
Disney’s Castaway Cay
Ah, the special place Disney’s Castaway Cay holds in my heart. You have the island to yourself here, and it is quite the easy-going space. Spend the day here exploring the Snorkeling Lagoon, relaxing at the adults-only Serenity Bay, challenging your friends at In Da Shade Game Pavilion, and eating lunch at Cookies BBQ. Cruising in November or December? The island gets all dressed up for the holidays too. Similar to the excursions at other ports of call listed here, you can engage with your surroundings by renting kayaks, paddleboats, snorkeling gear, and inner tubes. There is even a post office! Get your friends’ addresses prior to sailing and send them postcards with the Disney’s Castaway Cay postmark. What a sweet surprise to find in your mailbox.
What do you think? Will you be going the Bahamian route, or will you sail through the Caribbean? I’m leaning towards whichever one includes at stop at both of Disney Cruise Line‘s exclusive locations! Itineraries will be released here very shortly with bookings opening as early as September 6th, with the general public bookings opening September 12th! It will be here before we know it.
To start discussing your options with any Disney Cruise Line itinerary, contact me here! You can learn more about all DCL has to offer on this page.
Thanks for cruising into the weekend with me! We’ll wrap up the series next week by looking at Port Everglades – getting to and from the port, where you can stay, and ways to book-end your trip in Greater Fort Lauderdale. See you next week!
