By Mike, Guest Contributor
I recently embarked on my first cruise, and what better way to start than with a Disney cruise to their brand new destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The ship was the Disney Fantasy, and it was a 7-day adventure that included stops at Lookout Cay twice, Castaway Cay once, and Nassau. As someone who was nervous about motion sickness, I packed all the essentials I had read about and thought I was fully prepared. However, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer amount of fun and magic that awaited me.
Overcoming Initial Nerves
The first night was the roughest in terms of motion. As we zig-zagged across the upper deck while leaving port, I started to feel a bit nauseous. I decided to head down to my room to lie down for a bit. My room had a porthole view, but looking out made me feel even sicker because it seemed like we were zooming by the water. Covering the window helped a lot, and by the time I went to dinner, I was starting to feel better. The gentle rocking of the ship as I lay down for bed actually helped me sleep, and I woke up the next morning feeling great.
The Magic Begins
By lunchtime on the second day, I could look out at the ocean with no issues at all. The atmosphere on the Disney Fantasy was electric, and the service provided by everyone onboard reminded me of being a kid again at Disney. It was truly a magical experience, and I am forever grateful to have had this as my first cruise.
Exploring Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Lookout Cay, while new and still developing, is on track to becoming an amazing destination. The new furnishings, buildings, and growing vegetation gave it a fresh and exciting vibe. I could feel both the Disney magic and the local culture seeping into every corner of the island. The nature and bike trails, once completed, will bring guests even closer to the local environment.
The entertainment, character interactions, kids’ play areas, and dining options on the island were all inspired by the local culture and were simply amazing. The water at Lookout Cay was the most pristine I have ever seen. Although Castaway Cay and Nassau were a bit cloudy, making their waters less impressive, I believe Lookout Cay on Eleuthera had the best-looking and feeling ocean water of the trip.
Fun and Activities on the Disney Fantasy
The ship’s entertainment was fantastic. From the silent disco to trivia games, the Frozen show, Pirate Night, and everything in between, there was never a dull moment. I had initially been concerned about not having enough to do, but it turned out to be the complete opposite. I was busy from 8 AM to midnight every day of our journey.
The Senses Spa was another highlight, with the Rainforest Room area being a real treat. I tried to make use of as much of the ship as possible, yet there are still some things I didn’t get to experience.
Tips for First-Time Cruisers
If you’re thinking about planning a cruise but are nervous like I was, I highly recommend watching all of Tim and Jenn’s videos from their prior cruises. Soak it all in, get a feel for what you would like to do, and prioritize! Time will run out before you know it. Initially, I considered a shorter cruise to see if I would like it, but looking back, I’m glad I opted for a 7-day cruise. For a first-time cruiser, I believe 5-7 days is the perfect amount of time. Anything less would feel too rushed, as both the first and last days are usually half days.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, my first cruise experience was nothing short of magical. The Disney Fantasy, the incredible destinations, and the overall experience exceeded all my expectations. If you’re on the fence about booking a Disney cruise, I say go for it. The memories you’ll make and the fun you’ll have are worth every moment.
For more tips and insights on cruising and other family adventures, make sure to check out TimTracker.com!