Welcome aboard, Joyce! It sounds like you have a magical cruise to the Bahamas coming up soon! Castaway Cay is
Disney's private island. When the Dream pulls into port there, you can expect a day full of fun. There are plenty of activities and events going on all day long with no reservations or additional cost required. My family loves the crab races, character dance parties, water fun at Pelican Plunge, and the kids love to play at Scuttle's Cove while my husband and I sneak off to the adult only beach, Serenity Bay. You have lots to keep you busy without spending any additional money. Lunch is included as well!
Now, if you're up for more adventure, you can book one of Disney Cruise Line's exciting Port Adventures, which do require reservations and an additional cost. In both
Castaway Cay and
Nassau, there are tons of choices so you can find the adventure best suited for your family. In Nassau, guests are also welcome to walk off the ship and explore the port area on their own. There is a nice shopping area a few blocks away from the port, and the famous Straw Market is right there too. Back on the ship, guests can stay onboard and take part in activities included in your cruise cost. So, really the only activities requiring reservations in those ports are the Port Adventures.
My family loved our adventures in Nassau to swim with the dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island, our day exploring Atlantis Resort (Disney offers many different Atlantis adventures), and the Graycliff Chocolatier adventure is truly scrumptious! On Castaway Cay, renting bikes or snorkel gear are some of our favorites, and Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure is awesome! Have fun planning, Joyce!
Marcy