Disney Cruise Line has two private island destinations in the Bahamas. Castaway Cay has been the classic favorite since 1998. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which opened in 2024 on the island of Eleuthera, is the newer addition, and it brings something a little different to the table.
A celebration of Bahamian culture
Where Castaway Cay leans into classic Disney theming, Lookout Cay was designed around authentic Bahamian culture. From the architecture to the food to the music, the island tells the story of the Bahamas in a way that feels genuinely immersive rather than just another beach day.
The Goombay Cultural Center
This is one of the standout spots on the island. It celebrates Bahamian art, music, and history, and gives guests a real sense of place. It is worth setting aside time to walk through, especially if you want a break from the sun.
Rush Out Gush Out water play area
This is the spot for families with younger kids. It is a colorful, interactive water play area designed for splashing and cooling off without needing to head to the beach.
Sebastian's Cove Kids Club
If your kids want a little independence, Sebastian's Cove gives them their own space to play while you relax nearby. It follows the same high standard of care Disney is known for on the ships.
Serenity Bay: the adults-only escape
Serenity Bay is a beautiful, quieter stretch of beach reserved for adults. There are three adult-exclusive bars nearby, making it easy to enjoy a drink with your toes in the sand while the kids are entertained elsewhere.
True-True BBQ
The food on the island leans into local flavor, and True-True BBQ is a great example. It is a nice change of pace from the buffet you might expect on a typical cruise island day.
Lookout Cay or Castaway Cay: which is better?
Honestly, this is not really a competition. Both islands offer something wonderful and different. If your itinerary includes both, I highly recommend experiencing each one. If you can only pick one sailing, either island will give you a beautiful, well thought out day off the ship.
Planning tip
Not every itinerary visits Lookout Cay yet, since it is still a newer stop. If experiencing this island specifically is important to you, let me know when we start planning your itinerary and I will make sure we find a sailing that includes it.
Written by Christine
Christine is the owner of Cascade Travel Co., a boutique travel agency specializing in Disney Cruise Line, luxury cruises, and Disney theme park vacations. She has sailed these ships and walked these parks herself, and loves helping families plan their next trip.
