Betsynh

Just got off the 3-day Wish 4/5-4/8/24 and my first trip to Castaway Cay. I’ve been to many other cruise line’s private islands and thought this ranked up there with some of the nicest. Short wait for tram ride, plenty of shade and chairs at the family beach and the lunch was surprisingly good (and allergy friendly). Plentiful soft drinks and soft serve ice cream, too!

It appears that you’ve already sailed but for anyone else, we just were in 11511. We loved it for multiple reasons! As an inside cabin, we paid inside prices since it was a short trip and we were only there to sleep. We were on the same deck as the food concessions, ice cream and pools. We were off the beaten path so had zero noise of crying kids or little ones running down the hall. We had a direct elevator ride up after the 8:30 show to put my 3-year-old grandson to bed. I agree with earlier poster that recommended checking what’s above and below your stateroom prior to booking. Happy travels!

One staff member we were chatting with seemed surprised we didn’t get pirate bandanas in the cabin… is that a thing? We weren’t in any special cabin or rewards program. We passed the boutique and it looked adorable! All slots were filled well before we traveled. I’ll be better prepared next time.

I just got off the Wish yesterday with my almost 4-year-old grandson. It was amazing (but pricey). Did my own review, but concur with everything you said. Our shows were phenomenal - Little Mermaid and Aladdin. My daughter can’t wait for the next one. We’ve sailed frequently, as well, but never before on Disney.

I’m currently flying home after a magical 3-night cruise on the Disney Wish with my daughter (32) and grandson (almost 4 years old). Although this was our first Disney ship, I’ve been on more than two dozen others across Royal, Celebrity, Norwegian and Princess, so consider myself a pretty experienced cruiser. Enjoying the experience through the eyes of a preschooler made every second worth it, but I can’t imagine traveling on a Disney ship without little ones, although I have friends that do! Hubby was asking what we thought about the piano bar, lounge entertainment, and the like, but we actually never had a chance to check those out! Instead, we had plentiful opportunities to meet all kinds of Disney characters where they’ll take your professional photo, but you’re also invited to take your own pics and videos. Characters were also signing autograph books, so come prepared! Lines typically formed 10-15 minutes before the stated start time, but we never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes for our turn (i.e., there were no screaming children waiting). There were three evening shows offered for early diners at 8:30pm and late diners at 6:00pm. The first night was a cute character show featuring Captain Minnie and Goofy. Our little guy loved it. The second and third nights we were treated to amazing productions of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Both were exceptional in terms of talent, costumes and sets and special effects. There were giant “booster seats” available so every child could see easily. The shows were just over an hour, so no one struggled with their attention span. A popcorn booth “Preludes” was just outside of the starboard side entrance, so we indulged each night. Lines started forming at 7:50pm as the doors opened at 8, so plan accordingly. I think there was a refill deal if you bought a plastic popcorn bucket, but we went with the paper cup all three nights. We picked an inside cabin on deck 11 forward (11511), which was actually an amazing place to be since it’s the same deck as most of the pools, the buffet and the small food concessions with pizza, BBQ and drink machines. Soda and juices were free and at help-yourself stations. They also had plenty of soft serve ice cream (and even had gluten free cones)! The Toy Story splash pad was a huge hit on deck 12 (behind the movie screen), and we loved being right above the theater to go straight to bed after the later show. The dining was interesting. We had the same table number and wait staff for all three nights, but WE rotated themed dining rooms, each with a unique menu. My grandson could get pasta with butter (his favorite) in all locations and they were very accommodating of my need for gluten-free food. The Frozen dining room had a cool show in the center stage with great singing, a violinist and a couple of scenes with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf. Our second night was the 1923 dining room celebrating the life of Walt Disney and then the Marvel dining room which featured some fun space adventures and a special appearance by Spider-Man. Hubby was so disappointed he missed that. We were matched with another family at a table of 8, and they were not a good fit — super awkward, so we were relocated to a private table with the same waiters. So grateful! Somehow we missed the memo that night two was Pirate Night. Families were decked out head to toe in pirate garb — probably 80% of all passengers— so I felt bad my grandson was ill prepared. There wasn’t really any pirate garb in the gift shop. Oh well! Two things I didn’t like that I think Disney could do better: 1) We had an old fashioned muster drill where everyone needed to check in and line up in rows along the outside deck as if we were getting on a life boat (no life jackets needed but huge hassle and took a long time). On other lines, we watch a video and report to a specific lounge to get our card scanned and see a short demo about putting on life jacket. Our correct location wasn’t easily marked, so we were asking every attendant we saw to help us find “E”. Not a great way to start our mini vacation. 2) My other feedback involves the lack of organization around checking in for our one port excursion. We booked Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau which we knew is gorgeous, but we didn’t get to the beach for almost two hours from the time were were supposed to check in. We lined up at 9:25-ish for a 9:45am check-in and waited in a long line down a crowded hallway, and then needed to report to an additional room to get our Donald Duck sticker to show which part of Blue Lagoon we signed up for (there’s also a dolphin swim and more options). That took about 45 minutes. Then we went through security outside and the Blue Lagoon staff took over. We waited in another line and got a wrist band and pink dot with tickets for lunch/beverages. Then someone else came by and we signed a waiver. After another half hour or so, we walked to the waiting ferry. Once onboard, we needed to report our name/cabin to someone to track which seat we were sitting in on the ferry (in case we capsized??). No idea! All in all, we thought we were signing up for a 9:45 beach trip and arrived around 11:30am. Once there, we were able to find some shady chairs way down the beach and had a lovely time. The earliest ferry (for hotel/resort guests) departed around 1pm, so the crowds started thinning and we got front row shady chairs. We needed to report to the ferry at 2:45 for 3pm departure. That process was smoother. Be prepared to walk a distance as the return ferry dropped us within the port section, but at the start of all the shops, etc., so it was a hike for this hot and tired family. Castaway Cay was beautiful. My daughter decided to walk to the beach, but grandson and I waited a short while for the tram. It dropped us at Scuttle’s Cove and lo and behold, we saw Minnie and stopped for a photo and then saw Pluto! Short line and barely any waiting. It was awesome! The beach was beautiful, clean and plenty of shaded chairs. Overall the trip was magical and I bought three adorable photos of my grandson with Minnie, Mickey and Goofy for just over $20 each. The rest I’ll use the photos and videos I took from my phone. No comment on the children’s program. We went to the open house and signed him up, but he didn’t want to be anywhere “where grownups had to leave”. Kids looked like they were having a blast, but I was happy to have the time enjoying his company since they live in a neighboring state. I would definitely go on a Disney ship again — but only with grandkids at this point in our lives. When hubby and I travel, we typically stay up late dancing, enjoying a piano bar, and attending shows. They seemed to have some later night entertainment, but we were fried from the busy days and needed to supervise the little guy so didn’t venture out past 10:00pm. After my daughter sent so many fun pics to her husband, he’s gone from anti-Disney to “sign me up”! Everyone was so friendly and helpful overall, I was impressed. Happy cruising!

You are all hilarious! I’m a one-star reader, too. I love writing live reviews onboard of helpful tips. I’ve never done a formal review but no one would read it since I’d give them all 5’s! I’ve never met a cruise I didn’t like although they all have different features and quirks. Happy sailing!

We are on this same itinerary! Starting to get excited. There are no NCL excursions offered in Ulvik. Is it an easy place to poke around or should we arrange something locally?

Khm, just posted my comment but forgot to quote you… see above?! Betsy

If you’re on the Odyssey I did a LIVE review of our trip with lots of detail. I believe we checked in at 8:00am for an 8:30 departure time. Between the drive to that part of the island and a 15-minute stop at the gallery, we arrived at the beach just before 10am and had 3 hours to enjoy. There was an area roped off for us to use and several chairs under palm trees—many of us had shade. If you sit near the front of the bus you might get first dibs. The excursion offered a free soda and shower token for 30-second shower. The line was long so didn’t use that. Food options were simple but okay. Cheeseburger & fries were listed as $19 but that’s in Antillean currency so they were $11 US. if you Google Cas Abao Beach you’ll see there’s a waterfront spa to book massages. Their early bird special starts at 10am. I didn’t book ahead since I didn’t know when we’d arrive. The people that did book 10am were 25 mins late so we got 20 minute back/neck massages in the little hut. A slice of heaven if you like that stuff. Bring water shoes! There are a bit of shells and/or coral getting into the water. Wish I’d thought to bring mine. Enjoy! We would definitely go back there (and we are picky beach people and prefer shade).

Just got home yesterday and went to the beach in both places. In Aruba we took a cab $15 each way to the less crowded end of Eagle Beach by Coco Loco. We rented chairs and they have umbrellas, restrooms and a small restaurant/bar. The water was gorgeous and not overly crowded. In Curaçao we did a tour to Cas Abao beach and scenic drive which was an adorable art gallery for 15 minutes and then breathtaking beach. Highly recommend. In the past I’ve read about jeeps breaking down during 4x4 tours and people missing the ship so I’ve never tried that. With the heat, I’d consider beaching it.

We had bag tag #6 and disembarked at 7:41. It’s 8:27am now and we’re already at our gate at FLL. I was worried about an 11:15am flight. No problem! Have a wonderful time if you’re sailing soon! My feedback is a reflection of my age and personality rather than anything about the ship. She’s a beauty and the staff were great. Safe travels!

A few more fun things to report: we summon an elevator to head to dinner and there was a piano and singer serenading us on the way to deck 4. Hilarious! We also had fun collecting towel animals and adding accessories for Samson our steward. Took pics of the menagerie. My work friend booked this ship starting tomorrow so I left her a little treasure hunt. Will know soon if she finds what I left! 🥰😂

The theater was pretty full by 7:40 for 8pm shows this past week on Odyssey. If you want good seats, go early and relax a bit.

We’re disembarking Odyssey tomorrow and our flight is 11:15am. They won’t do luggage valet for anyone with a flight before 11.30am but they did give us #6 luggage tags for approximately 7:45am departure.

After lunch we wandered around to explore the areas we hadn’t yet experienced. Watched some Dodgeball competition in the SeaPlex and saw the bumper cars parked alongside. We caught the tail end of the Sexiest Man Onboard. Posting video to give you a sense of the crowd. There’s also a teen social area and grabbed a pic of today’s daily schedule. IMG_9611.mov

Booked a delicious lunch at Chops for our last day at $29.99 vs dinner at $64.99. Fabulous meal overall and ended with the gluten-free warm chocolate lava cake. I remembered a pic today!

Forgot to mention the 11:45pm virtual fireworks last night in Two70. Very cool! IMG_9602.mov

It’s just after 6:30am on our last sea day and we woke up early to try to get a decent spot in the Solarium... lo and behold, all of the “basket chairs” have already been claimed. Plan ahead (or sleep up there) if you want one of those for the day. The towel station doesn’t open until 7am, so these folks hoarded towels from yesterday in order to start reserving chairs. In fairness to the basket folks, they are actually using the chairs so they qualify as early birds rather than chair hogs... As you can probably tell, I love to analyze everything, and was processing our vacation with hubby. We’ve had a fantastic time, but I probably wouldn’t book the Odyssey again... will explain. We sailed Anthem in 2018 and I’ve maintained that it was my favorite RCCL ship so I was really excited and looking forward to four sea days to enjoy all the ship has to offer. Being older now though (we’re 56/63) once onboard, we weren’t enthralled with the idea of Flowriding again, doing iFly again, etc. So here we sit on a ship with amazing amenities that we’re not using... that also leads to a younger demographic so the pools have been packed the whole time, as well as the dance floor for late night music. We’re not casino people. On the Anthem, our cabin was near the back of the ship so we spent most time between the Flowrider, the Two70 lounge and cafe, and MDR, and ventured forward for shows. this trip, our cabin was in the front of the ship and we had a completely different experience using the Crown Lounge (Diamond now), Solarium and Bistro, Royal Theater, Schooner Bar, etc. We found ourselves trying to hide from the crowds — and we found some great quiet spaces — but dodging the crowds on the dance floor and avoiding the pools became commonplace. In addition, we really enjoy having early dinner and then catching a production show prior to heading out dancing for the night. Given the high end tech in Two70, there were only two shows that were production cast (very talented performers). The rest of the Royal Theater shows had single acts — comedian, magician, singer/entertainer, a 4- piece rock band... I guess we’re old school — yikes! We enjoyed all of the performances (didn’t catch the magician), but would’ve liked more Royal Theater cast show vs. The Book which we didn’t understand. Again the talent was amazing... The staff on board have been great, Bogdan the Crown Lounge concierge has been awesome, the pub singer off the charts talented and the orchestra was really good, too. So we literally have NOTHING to complain about... I’m thinking we’ve aged out of active, fun ships — we’re busy people back home and want to relax on our cruises. Older, smaller ships seem to attract older folks that aren’t always in the pool or on the dance floor so maybe there’s more room for us. Lol... Will share final thoughts as the day continues. Thanks for sharing our journey!

I’m a big chicken so I’ve only done it when we’re docked!

The crew was awesome keeping the energy up! Wow!

Tonight —day 7 — was our second formal night and lobster night! Lucky for me hubby doesn’t like lobster so I got his, too, while he had steak. Lol. The waiters sang happy birthday and presented me with a warm GF chocolate lava cake! Made my whole trip! We did get lunch in Cafe Two70 and they have GF buns for almost every sandwich and a dedicated panini maker so it was really good. Wish I’d found that sooner. Lots of people dressed up for 70’s night. The trivia was a hoot and then 70’s line dancing. Anyone else remember the Hustle?

If you haven’t seen the Bionic Bar in action, it’s pretty cool! IMG_9586.mov

I’m sorry! We’ve tossed them all. Is there something special you want to know about? I could potentially screenshot info from the app.

Today we’re in Curaçao and picked an excursion to the Nena Sanchez gallery and Cas Abao Beach. The gallery stop was quick but we found some lovely souvenirs and then had 3 hours at the beach arriving right around 10am. It was breathtaking although I wished I brought water shoes as it was a bit rough getting into the water. Once in, it was great. We started the beach visit with a 20-minute couples massage on the beach in a slightly secluded palapa! Highly recommend. We didn’t book ahead since we didn’t know when we’d arrive, but the 10am appointment still hadn’t arrived by 10:25, so they slipped us in. Heaven!