Bahamas

 

As promised, here is Part 2 of our Disney Cruise blog posts, which chronicles our stops in the Bahamas.  The ship docked in Nassau for one day, and the children were very excited about being in a foreign country:

Family picture as we disembarked from the ship/set foot in the Bahamas. 

We walked past the straw market, where many of the locals were selling their wares, and also saw dozens of giant conch shells, starfish, and sea life that was being unloaded from fishing boats and displayed along the dock.  Luke begged to take one home as a souvenir, but we weren't sure how aromatic and portable these treasures would be, so we successfully deterred him. 

 

On our walk to the beach, we noticed many coconut trees, and Leah was amazed that there were "real coconuts" hanging from the branches above her:

 

We played on the beach in Nassau, were enchanted by the gorgeous, clear water, and delighted in listening to the melodic lilt of the voices of the vendors and shopkeepers.   

 

 After a fun-filled day, we boarded the ship and headed to our next stop:  Disney's private island: Castaway Cay.

 

A side note here:  Luke loved watching the ship leave port each day.  He intently watched the many mechanics involved in this process and waved to the landlubbers as we set off to sea.  Even during the Bon Voyage party on the first day, as 2,500 people were watching the live character show on deck, Luke was facing the other way, immersed in his own world as he processed the logistics of our ship pulling away from the dock.  How we love that special kiddo!

 

The next day, we docked at Castaway Cay, which was our favorite day of all!  This island had it all:  a giant waterslide, picnic pavilions full of yummy food, pristine beaches, lush palm trees, and perfect Caribbean weather.   

 

Castaway Cay Cousins.

 

Leah liked the rafts and tubes that we rented, and spent her day lounging in the water and playing in the sand: 

The boys rented snorkel equipment and explored Castaway Cay's reef, which was full of hundreds of colorful fish.  I borrowed their snorkel gear later that afternoon and it was one of my favorite parts of our vacation: wandering through an amazing, silent underwater world.  An added perk to snorkeling:  My snorkelers looked pretty cute posing for pictures:

Castaway Cay was such a fun day-  I could truly live on that island forever! 

 

I am wrapping up my vacation blog posts with a few of my favorite pictures from the trip.  What special memories we have of our time in paradise!  

Our nautical themed kiddos.

 

Their favorite place to be.

Farewell, Bahamas!  Until we see you again...

 

Below is a slideshow of extra pictures from our Disney Cruise/vacation: