New Passport Guidelines and Castaway Cay

by Tracy Woods | More from this Blogger

First of all, the government has extended the requirement for all guests (even children) to carry U.S. Passports when sailing throughout the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Mexico. The new deadline is January 1, 2008. Keep in mind though, this IS the government, and they can change their mind at will, and they do-often. Three weeks ago or so, this deadline was in the middle of 2009, so if you are planning on sailing, make sure you check the current status of this, and if needed, apply for your passport at LEAST eight weeks before sailing. The deadline for air travel is still January 1, 2007 though.

On to more exciting things though. I have discussed activities on board the Magic and the Wonder. No matter what cruise you decide to take, a 3, 4, 7, or 10 day, you will always go to Castaway Cay (which is in the Bahamas). There are lots of exciting shore excursions on Castaway Cay, for kids, adults, and families.

Just steps away from the family beach, is Cookie's BBQ. This restaurant is a truly delightful outdoor restaurant, where you can get burgers, as well as traditional island fill fare. Marge's Barges is another great excursion, where you can charter a boat to explore the crystal waters surrounding Castaway Cay. The Grouper Game pavilion is also a great place, with all sorts of fun activities, like foosball, ping pong, pool, and even giant sized checkers!

One of the newest attractions is the Flying Dutchman Pirate Ship. This is a pirate ghost ship. This is from Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and has made Castaway Cay its new home! You can take a water excursion and get a close up look, as if it were raised from the bottom of the ocean. This 175 foot ship is an actual prop from the film, and if you stay alert, you might just catch sight of Captain Jack Sparrow, or Davey Jones.

Of course, there's the family beach. This is the area of Castaway Cay that is designed just for families to relax, catch some sun (with sunscreen of COURSE!) and splash around, and forget that they have any worries in the world for a short while.

In my next blog, I will discuss some ways to make your check in process quicker when you get to the Port, where one of my fellow cast members or I will greet you and help you start your Magical (or Wonderful!) voyage!

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