If you are looking for a warm-weather Disney cruise for a shorter length of time, the Disney Cruise Line Bahamian cruises are a great option. These generally range from 3-5 days and include stops at one or more of the Disney private island destinations.
While itineraries on the ships can vary annually, there are generally a few options when choosing your Bahamian itinerary and cruise ship. As a bonus, if you are departing from Florida's Port Canaveral, you'll also be able to combine a cruise with a theme park visit for a Disney Land and Sea vacation.
If you are considering a Disney Cruise Line Bahamas Cruise, here's what you need to know.
Disclosure: I've received complimentary and discounted Disney Cruise Line sailings, but have also paid my own way. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.
When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 on board credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.
Review of Disney Cruise Line Bahamas Cruises
A note on weather - the relatively northern location of the Bahamas, which makes it a quick destination from Florida, also may mean that the weather isn't quite as warm as some more southern Caribbean destinations. Check the temperature averages before booking.
Bahamas Ports on Disney Cruise Line
If you want to take a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, you'll have two departure port options, both of which are in Florida. You can either sail from Port Canaveral (the closest port to Orlando), or Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Each itinerary varies, but the three ports in the Bahamas that you can sail to are the following:
- Nassau
- Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (private destination on Eleuthera)
- Castaway Cay (private island)
Disney Cruise Line Ships
Several ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet offer itineraries to the Bahamas. Please note that some of these itineraries are seasonal and may not be available throughout the year. In general, with Disney Cruise Line, I prefer to look at the itinerary and home port first, and the ship second, unless there's a specific ship I want to sail on.
- The Disney Magic
- The Disney Dream
- The Disney Wish
- The Disney Fantasy
- The Disney Destiny
The Disney Wonder and the Disney Treasure do not currently offer these sailings.
Current Itineraries
Here are the current Bahamian itineraries you can find on the Disney Cruise Line.
- 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Castaway Cay and Nassau) on the Disney Destiny or the Disney Dream
- 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Nassau) on the Disney Destiny or the Disney Dream
- 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Destiny or the Disney Dream
- 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Nassau and Castaway Cay) on the Disney Wish
- 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Castaway Cay) on the Disney Wish or the Disney Fantasy
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Nassau and Castaway Cay) on the Disney Destiny or the Disney Dream
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Nassau and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Fantasy
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Nassau and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Destiny or the Disney Dream
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Castaway Cay) on the Disney Destiny
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Destiny
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Nassau and Castaway Cay) on the Disney Magic, the Disney Wish, the Disney Fantasy, or the Disney Dream
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, or the Disney Wish
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Wish
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Nassau and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Destiny
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Nassau, Castaway Cay, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Destiny or the Disney Dream
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Nassau, Castaway Cay, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Magic or the Disney Fantasy
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Destiny or the Disney Dream
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (including Nassau and Castaway Cay) on the Disney Destiny
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Nassau and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Fantasy
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including 2 Stops at Castaway Cay and one at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Fantasy
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (including Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) on the Disney Fantasy
- 6-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (with two stops at Castaway Cay and one at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point)
- 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (with stops at Nassau and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and two at Castaway Cay) on the Disney Destiny
Some of these itineraries are special sailings, like Halloween on the High Seas or the Very Merrytime sailings. These special events can be so much fun, with extra themed activities and unique character greetings. You'll see the special event designation when you look up rates.
Overview of Bahamian Destinations
Wondering what destinations to visit during your sailing? Here's what you can expect at each destination. Excursions should be booked as early as possible for the best availability.
Nassau
Nassau is a huge cruise port destination, and typically multiple ships are in port. The port area has recently been upgraded to include a variety of fantastic small shops, a museum, a stage, and more. So, if you don't want to leave the port, you can stay right there to do some shipping.
There's also so much to do outside the port. Be sure to check all of the state department advisories before your trip, however. The crime rate in this area can be high.
Options include:
- Day visits to local resorts, including Atlantis Bahamas
- Various family beach day excursions
- Animal encounters
- City tours, including SUV or Jeep tours
- Food tours
- Nassau Pirate Museum
- Snorkeling
- SNUBA
Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is a private island that is visited by one Disney cruise ship at a time. It includes family beaches and an adult-only beach, a kids' club, sports courts, and so much more. Activities include:
- Charter boats for fishing, snorkeling, and parasailing
- Greetings with Disney characters
- Bike rentals (fun for a bike ride exploring the island)
- Inner tube and snorkeling gear rentals
- Castaway Cay stingray adventure
- Private cabanas
- Glass-bottom boats
- Jetskis, waterbikes, and paddleboat rentals
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a private area on an island, rather than a full, private island. It's Disney Cruise Line's newest private destination. Similar to Castaway Cay, it offers family beaches and an adult-only beach, as well as kids' activities.
Excursions include:
- ATV Rentals
- Snorkeling
- Banana Boats
- A history tour
- A nature walk
- Eco-tours
- Fishing excursions
- Private cabanas
Activities on Board the Ship
Depending on the itinerary you choose, you may have at least one day at sea. I always love having a day at sea, because there are so many things to do on the ship. Here are some fun activities you can enjoy between port stops.
- Disney character meet and greets
- Game shows
- Movies, including first-run Disney movies
- Pirate Night and other deck parties
- Swimming, hot tubs and other pool deck activities
- Sports, including mini golf and basketball (depending on the ship)
- Trivia
- Bingo (extra fee)
- Youth clubs, including the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab
- The Senses Spa, including the rainforest room (extra fee)
Which is the Best Option?
If you are overwhelmed by all these options and aren't sure which one to choose, consider the following factors.
Home Port: Would you rather sail from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale? Fort Lauderdale is, in my opinion, the most convenient location because it's very close to the Fort Lauderdale airport and also conveniently located near the Miami Airport. But, if you are planning on spending time in Orlando, Port Canaveral is the best option.
Ports of Call: My favorite of these three ports is Castaway Cay. It's a beautiful island with plenty to do. I always want to include it in my Bahamian cruises. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is also absolutely gorgeous.
Length of Cruise: A 5-day cruise will give you the most time in the ports and on the ships, but if you are considering a combination with a trip to Walt Disney World, a 3-night cruise is a great option. A short trip may be better if it's your first Disney cruise so you can make sure you enjoy it.
Nassau offers lots of cruise excursions, so if you want to do those types of activities, it's a good option. However, personally, I prefer the private destinations that Disney offers.
Have you been on a Disney cruise to the Bahamas? What is the best Disney cruise for this type of trip?
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