My Review: Disney Fantasy Western Caribbean Itinerary

As a travel agent, I have sailed on many cruise lines, but the Disney Fantasy’s Western Caribbean itinerary truly stands out as one of my absolute favorites. This seven-night cruise offers a perfect blend of Disney magic and Caribbean beauty, with stops at Cozumel, Mexico, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Jamaica, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. See just what makes Disney Cruise Line and this specific itinerary so amazing…

Day 1: Departure from Port Canaveral

Boarding the Disney Fantasy at Port Canaveral was simple and easy. Whether you choose to self-park or take transportation to the port, the process is streamlined and easy to navigate. The check-in process was smooth and efficient, and within 15 minutes of our arrival, we were ready to board the ship.From the moment I stepped aboard, Disney’s signature magic was evident. A particularly memorable moment on this cruise (and all our Disney Cruises) is hearing our family’s name announced over the ship’s intercom as we boarded—a magical touch that made us feel like VIPs right from the start. Everything from the initial welcome to the ship’s magnificent layout made me feel like I had come back home. It’s easy to see why the Disney Fantasy is a favorite ship for many—its attention to detail and immersive Disney experiences are second to none. We spent our first sea day exploring the ship, unpacking and enjoying some of the very fun onboard activities like playing trivia games.

Day 2: At Sea

Our second day, and first full day at sea, was a great opportunity to continue exploring the ship. I spent part of the day enjoying the Aquaduck (the thrilling water coaster that wraps around the upper decks and offers exhilarating drops and turns along with fantastic ocean views) with my kids,. We also had a blast playing BINGO as a family—a fun, interactive way to spend time together and try our luck at winning cash prizes. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the adult-exclusive Serenity Bay area and the sophisticated Meridian lounge are perfect retreats that allow for a more quiet and relaxing experience. The ship’s dining options were exceptional like always, with rotational dining allowing us to savor a variety of themed restaurants, including our family’s favorite, Animator’s Palate. A highlight of the day was attending the Broadway-level musical Aladdin. The performance was truly spectacular, featuring dazzling sets, stunning costumes, and incredible choreography. It was a fantastic way to kick off our cruise and set the tone for the magical days ahead.

Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico

On our third day, we arrived at our first port stop,Cozumel. It was vibrant and full of life. One of the most memorable excursions our family took was the Sea Trek helmet dive. This unique experience allowed us to walk on the ocean floor while wearing a special helmet that provided a constant flow of air. It was a truly remarkable adventure, offering a close-up view of marine life and underwater landscapes without having to SCUBA. The ease of breathing underwater and the opportunity to interact with the sea creatures made it an unforgettable experience—I would do it again in a heartbeat. The local charm of Cozumel was undeniable, and we enjoyed meeting some of the locals, eating some traditonal Mexican cuisine and shopping at the large two-story mall at the port. It was a great day!

Day 4: Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman was a highlight of the cruise for us. One of the standout excursions was our visit to Starfish Point. Here, we had the unique opportunity to hold starfish and learn about them and their habitat. It is an amazing, hands-on experience for anyone interested in marine life. Being able to hold the starfish (underwater, of course) and feel them actually hold onto you was a really magical experience. We also took a scenic tour of the mangroves, which provided a fascinating glimpse into the island’s natural environment. This excursion combined both adventure and education, making it a truly memorable part of our Grand Cayman visit. Georgetown also had many great shopping and dining options, both at and near the port and we all found some really nice souvenirs.

That evening, we enjoyed the excitement of Pirate Night aboard the ship. Disney Cruise Line’s Pirate Night is a unique and thrilling experience, featuring a lively deck party, themed activities, and an incredible fireworks display at sea. The fireworks show was a spectacular highlight, as Disney is the only cruise line to offer this breathtaking experience. It was a perfect end to an amazing day in Grand Cayman.

Day 5: Falmouth, Jamaica

Our day in Jamaica was full of diverse and exciting adventures. Some of my family members chose to go tubing at Dunn’s River Falls, where they had a thrilling experience navigating the cascading waters. The guides were also hilarious (especially CJ) and made the trip extra fun. My daughter and I opted for the horseback and swim excursion, which turned out to be absolutely amazing. Riding horses through the Jamaican countryside and then swimming in the ocean on horseback was an unforgettable highlight and truly a bucket list item for us both! The combination of the exhilarating ride and the unique ocean swim made for a perfect day of adventure and natural beauty. We had the best guide, Shane, and he took excellent care of us the entire time, making sure we were safe and comfortable during our ride. Another thing we loved in Falmouth was the beautiful new port area. It is well-developed, with shops and dining that showcase local art and artisans as well as some of the local cuisine. Jamaican hospitality is a real thing and we all fell in love with Jamaica during our day here. We all agreed that Jamaica is a place we want to return to on a future trip.

Day 6: At Sea

Our final at sea day was a bittersweet chance to soak in the ship’s amenities one last time. I enjoyed some relaxation by the pool, participated in a few activities I had missed earlier, and took full advantage of the ship’s offerings. The Aquaduck was a thrilling way to make the most of the sea day, with its exhilarating twists and turns. Another highlight of the day was attending a towel folding class, where we learned to create whimsical towel animals—an entertaining and useful skill I plan to try using at home so I can pretend I am still on a Disney cruise.

We also had a chance to complete a partial ship tour, which offered fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Disney Fantasy’s design and function. Meeting beloved Disney characters was another highlight of the day. We had delightful encounters with Goofy, Belle, Rapunzel, and Captain Mickey and Minnie, which made for some really cute memories and pictures.

That evening, we were treated to another spectacular Broadway-level musical onboard: Disney’s Frozen: A Musical. The performance was nothing short of extraordinary. The talented cast delivered breathtaking performances, bringing the beloved characters of Elsa, Anna, and their friends to life with stunning visuals, impressive special effects, and powerful music. The show’s vibrant choreography and the sheer skill of the performers made it an unforgettable experience, leaving us all thoroughly enchanted.

Day 7: Castaway Cay, Disney’s Private Island

This is one of my family’s favorite places on earth, especially when it comes to enjoying the beach and snorkeling. We love exploring Disney’s underwater world and searching for the various buried treasures, like the submerged Disney character statues, sunken submarine, and other hidden gems scattered throughout the lagoon. This trip, we discovered that they had added a new underwater statue, Boo’s door from Monsters Inc. It was so cool! The island’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make snorkeling here a top-notch experience. It’s also incredibly safe as Disney has lifeguards stationed throughout the snorkeling lagoon. This makes it a great place for kids to try snorkeling for the first time.

If you haven’t to Castaway Cay before, I highly recommend booking a Disney Cruise itinerary that has a stop there. There is truly something for everyone at Castaway Cay. For example, Castaway Cay also offers a wide range of water sports like kayaking and pedal bikes. Further down the beach, at Pelican’s Point, they even have a waterslide built into the ocean called Pelican’s Plunge. For those seeking a little more quiet and relaxation, the adult-only Serenity Bay is a wonderful option. The adult only beach area even has their own lunch spot called Serenity Bay BBQ as well as the Castaway Air Bar serving all the favorite island drinks.

The only bad thing about Castaway Cay is how hard it is to leave. After hours of snorkeling and enjoying the beach, we sadly had to get back to the ship to get ready for our final dinner. After that, we capped off the day by attending another Broadway-level musical—Disney’s Believe, which was a perfect blend of storytelling, music, and Disney magic. We all loved it!

Day 8: Return to Port Canaveral

Disembarking was just as efficient as embarkation was. Leaving the Disney Fantasy was a bit emotional as we all loved our time onboard so much! But, we left with wonderful memories of the cruise and the beautiful Caribbean destinations we visited and we are already planning where our next Disney Cruise will be.

Overall, the Disney Fantasy’s Western Caribbean itinerary is an incredible blend of Disney magic and Caribbean allure. The ship’s luxurious amenities, standout excursions like the Sea Trek helmet dive and the Starfish Point adventure, and the unforgettable snorkeling experience at Castaway Cay made this trip truly unforgettable. The Aquaduck waterslide added an extra thrill to our sea days, and playing BINGO and attending Broadway-level musicals like Aladdin, Frozen, and Believe further enriched our magical experience at sea.

As a travel agent who has sailed on many cruise lines, I can confidently say that Disney Cruise Line is and will always be our family’s favorite. The Disney Fantasy is a beloved ship for many, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for a vacation that combines enchantment and adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend this itinerary and Disney Cruise Line in general.