Nassau Island in the Bahamas – Disney Dream Cruise

Post originally written on April 27, 2012 while on a Disney Cruise.

On our last Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder we planned a shore excursion on the first day while the ship was at the port in Nassau. We rushed around that morning to get ready, eat breakfast and head down to meet the group that we were heading off the boat with. We took the small boat over to the island where we went swimming with the Stingrays. Although we had a wonderful time and I would say that swimming with the Stingrays was probably the highlight of the trip for Gabby, we were exhausted by the end of the day. Since our cruise was only three nights we truly never had a chance to enjoy the ship. We didn’t take time to swim in the pools or go down the water slides. It felt like we were rushing from one activity to the next, then hurrying around to get ready for the show and dinner. By the time we got to dinner each night Noah would pass out at the table before even eating.

I decided before even booking our next cruise that we would take advantage of the first day, while most people were exploring Nassau, by staying on board the ship. This way the kids could swim and play as much as they wanted, then rest and prepare for the pirate party that goes until late. I regretted that Noah missed the fireworks last time.

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is gorgeous and so much nicer for families than Nassau, in my opinion. You can take part in shore excursions as well as relax at the beach and let the kids build sand castles. So I didn’t feel like we would be missing out on anything by staying on board while at Nassau.

The above photo is the view from where I am typing this post. I’m using my iPad while lounging in a chair on the top deck of the Disney Dream. Noah and Gabby are playing in the Oceaneer Club with all the other kids. They literally beg to go in there and practically cry when I make them leave. This morning we woke up on our own without an alarm clock, we got dressed in our swimsuits, took our time at the pool, ate lunch and then each of us went off to do our own activities. Gabby and Tapanga slept longer than Noah and I so we ventured down by ourselves to swim.

T is passed out sleeping next to me with her iPod playing in her ears. Nothing says vacation better than that photo!

What was your family’s favorite vacation destination?

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