7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise On the Disney Treasure

Thinking about booking your next vacation with Disney Cruise Line? Or have you already booked a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Treasure? Read on more to learn what to expect when sailing the high seas with Mickey and his friends!

Choosing your Itinerary

When choosing the itinerary for your next Disney cruise there are many factors to consider. Cost, duration, and time of the year is usually on the top of everyone’s list. When we looked at dates for our future cruise, we knew we were looking to do a week-long cruise. We also needed it to fall at a time when most of the kids in our group were on a school break. For Disney Cruise Line, summer months tend to be some of the priciest itineraries, with costs decreasing towards the end of the season.

We decided to set sail in mid-August on Disney Treasure’s 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary. However, we knew this was a gamble as it also fell in the middle of hurricane season. In the weeks leading up to our sail date I was on the NOAA Hurricane Center website nearly every day looking for any new disturbances. The odds were definitely looking in our favor. However, a few days before sailing, Hurricane Erin decided to barrel her way towards the Caribbean islands, her path colliding directly with our Eastern Caribbean cruise itinerary. Just our luck!

Frantically researching “will my cruise cancel with a hurricane”, I found that so long as our Port of Departure was not affected, DCL would do their best to avoid any severe weather by re-routing the itinerary. The night before we were to sail away, we received an alert that our itinerary would be changed to the 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary on the Disney Treasure. Phew! Thank goodness this was the case. I would not have had the heart to tell our boys that their dream come true would be sailing away without us!

Just a note: this post will only focus on activities and what to expect on port days. Check out my other posts to learn more about dining and additional cruise details.

dAy 1 – Embarkation Day

After a long night of game planning our new route and going through our many checklists (read more about some of the unique items on these checklists), the day we had been waiting for 1.5 years finally arrived! We woke up energized and ready to set sail. We dressed in our Disney gear, kissed our fur-babies goodbye, and made our way to Port Canaveral. Being that we live just a couple hours north of the port, we decided to drive and park our car for the week. The parking garage for DCL is just a hop, skip away from the main terminal, making it an easy option for us. Read more about how to plan for and what to expect on Embarkation Day.

After we made our royal debut onto the ship (Disney crew members announce each family as they board, making for a magical first experience!), we headed straight to our stateroom to check out our digs for the week. Lucky for us, our room was ready with our suitcases waiting outside our door. After settling in, it was now time to explore!

Suggestions for Embarkation Day activities:

Just a note: Be sure to connect to the Disney Navigator App as soon as you can once you’ve entered the terminal. You will have access to the daily schedules, dining hours, and more.

• Eating! (food options are somewhat limited on day one, so be sure to check hours ahead of time)
• Take advantage of the slow times at the pool and AquaMouse
• Oceaneer Club Registration and Open House – if you have little ones in tow who plan to spend time at the Oceaneer Club, you can register them once on board (if you did not do so during the check-in process) and also check out the club during the open hours
• Sail Away Deck Party with Mickey and his friends
• Start getting those steps in and explore the ship

Day 2: Sea Day

Recovering after a busy Embarkation Day, we woke up refreshed and ready for the day ahead. First thing on the agenda was breakfast! Figuring the Marceline Market buffet would be a madhouse on morning one, we decided to have breakfast at one of the main dining restaurants in hopes for a quieter experience. For us, 1923 was open for seating. And it did not disappoint!

After breakfast, we stopped by the Oceaneer Club to take advantage of their Open House. During an Open House, the club is open for all guests to explore. I strongly recommend spending a little time here, especially if you have kiddos who will be clubbing it. Prior to sailing I had a lot of anxiety over how “safe” the club would be, especially for my youngest who was 4 years old at the time. I was able to speak with the Disney counselors who were able to put my fears at ease. Plus, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing what the club was all about. Afterall, it was the most anticipated part of the cruise for our boys! At this time, we also picked up the Oceaneer Bands for our boys that was needed for them to check in/out of the club during the duration of our trip (Note: if your kiddos have a MagicBand+ that they use for park adventures, they may also use it for the Oceaneer Club. We opted to “borrow” these bands instead as the replacement cost would be less than the cost of a MagicBand+, should they lose it along the way).

OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR FIRST DAY AT SEA:

• Check out the many pool areas, including the Toy Story Splash Area for the tiny tots. Be mindful day 1 is usually the busiest day at the pool deck. If swimming in a version of “human soup” is not your idea of a good time, plan to go for a dip on port days instead. (Note: don’t skip out on the Slide-A-Sauraus Rex next to the Toy Story Splash Area. My husband personally thought it was a more enjoyable ride than the famed AquaMouse!).
• Immerse yourself in the many themed lounges on board such as Haunted Mansion and Periscope Pub. Our one regret on this trip was not spending more time just sitting and enjoying the scenes.
• Sign up to play Bingo! The only “adult” game offered on the ship. And there is a monetary prize at the end!
• Play a game of shuffleboard on Deck 4, while enjoying the ocean view to nowhere.
• Enjoy being a kid again in the Hero Zone. Here they have basketball, corn hole, air hockey, and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Incredi-Games Obstacle Course, and Silent Disco Party.

Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico

First stop on our Western Caribbean itinerary was the beautiful Cozumel, Mexico located in the Yucatan Peninsula. This area of Mexico is known for their white sand beaches, crystal clear snorkeling, and Mayan ruins.

Just a note: For all our port days we opted to explore the surrounding areas instead of participating in any excursions. If an excursion is what you prefer to do, there are a ton of options offered by both Disney Cruise Line and third-party tour guides.

What to Expect

• Weather – Being in the tropics, there are 2 distinct seasons in Cozumel – Dry (November to April) and Wet (May to October). On average you will find temperatures to be in the 80s during the dry season and 90s during the wet season. On our port day the weather was cloudy and rainy at times, which we expected for August. Just a light rain jacket was all we needed since the temperature was still warm. The beauty of the tropics!

• Arrival Port – The port area in Cozumel is quite large and a good place to stretch those sea legs. You will find no shortage of shopping and eateries amongst the backdrop of a sparkling Caribbean Sea and festive music. There is plenty to see and do if you did not want to venture outside of the port gates. There is also a restroom here, so be sure to stop for a potty break if you do plan to leave.

• Transportation – The easiest form of transportation in Cozumel is a good ‘ol taxicab. And there is no shortage of them outside the port gates. Taking a taxicab in Mexico is unique as they do not use meters. I strongly suggest negotiating the price ahead of time before committing. It is not uncommon for unexpected costs to occur in-transit. For reference, we paid around $10 one-way from the port to the closest end of the main downtown district (approx. 2.5 mile drive).

Popular Destinations

• Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park – family-friendly beach great for snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and dolphin encounters. There is also a lush botanical garden to explore if looking for a break from all the adventures.

• Palancar Reef – located in the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, Palancer Reef is also excellent for snorkeling. Guided snorkeling tours are available.

• Beach Clubs – there are a plethora of beach clubs with a variety of amenities, such as private beach access, swimming pools, and restaurants. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time if you are looking for a particular experience. The atmospheres can range from spa-relaxation to college spring break!

• San Gervasio Mayan Archeological Site – San Gervasio is the most popular and well-known Mayan settlement on the island of Cozumel. First occupied around 200 A.D., this well-preserved ruin will provide a rich abundance of culture and history.

• Shopping – the main downtown district is full of shops where you can find everything from trinkets to exquisite Mexican pottery to maracas made out of coconut shells. You are sure to find that special souvenir here. Remember, haggling is part of the Mexican culture and thus do not be alarmed if set prices seem high. Negotiations are to be expected 🙂

Our Experience

Our agenda for Cozumel was to just explore the town with the little time we had. Approximately 10 minutes from port is the main downtown district. We found most of the area to be very much catered to tourists with their shopping and restaurants. Many of the stores were packed with similar types of trinkets and t-shirts, with each place trying to give you a “better deal”. Nonetheless it was a good opportunity to show and teach our boys about the Mexican culture. We even stumbled upon an old historic church a few blocks off of the Malecon.

After a few hours of exploring, we headed back to the ship for a late lunch. If you are relying on public transportation, be sure to give yourself enough time to make it back before the ship sets sail. So long as you are still in the tourist areas, it should be easy to hail a taxicab. However, the further out you go, the less they become available. If you find yourself in a more remote area of the island, I suggest arranging a pickup time with your driver ahead of time.

Day 4: George Town, Grand Cayman

George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands, located on the largest of three islands, Grand Cayman. The Caymans are a British Territory governed under the rule of the British Monarchy, so you will see some British influences such as driving on the opposite side of the road. While the Caymans are small in size, they have a vast history and are rich in culture. As with much of the Caribbean, they also boast beautiful beaches and lush greenery, both a must see during a visit!

What to Expect

• Weather – being a tropical island with trade winds, you will find Grand Cayman to be a pleasant mid-70s to mid-80s most of the year. Summer months are warmer due to a combination of temperatures in the upper 80s plus higher humidity with the rainy season.

• Boat Tender – To access the port in George Town, guests will need to take a boat tender. George Town is the only port on Disney Treasure’s 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary that requires this. A boat tender is a small vessel that transports people and supplies from the main ship to the shore. When arriving in the Cayman Islands, the Disney Treasure will anchor offshore and transport guests to the main island in small groups. If you are planning to disembark on port day, be sure to familiarize yourself with the process ahead of time to ensure it runs smoothly for you. There are tenders going to and from the ship throughout the day but take note on when the last boat leaves the port to ensure you make it back to the ship in time. *Note: We opted to wait a good hour after the boat tenders became available to avoid the initial rush. By doing so, it cut down our wait time substantially.

• Arrival Port – The port area in George Town is fairly small with a few souvenir shops and snack food trucks. I suggest either exploring town or participating in an excursion as the port leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, most of the historic downtown and shopping areas are all within walking distance of the port. Perfect time to get more of those steps in!

Popular Destinations

• Seven Mile Beach – a world-renowned beach destination, Seven Mile Beach will not disappoint. With stunning turquoise waters and powdery white sand, swimming here will feel like a dream. There is also no shortage of activities from snorkeling, jet skiing, and parasailing. Check out Disney Cruise Lines’ port excursions if this is a can’t miss for you and your family.

• Stingray City – looking for an exhilarating experience? Sign up for this unique opportunity to swim with the majestic stingrays. Be sure to bring your waterproof camera! Disney Cruise Line offers several excursions for this port adventure as well.

• Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park – enjoy the natural beauty of Grand Cayman at this 65-acre park. Take a leisurely stroll along the mile-long loop to learn about the various flora of the island, as well as the culture and history. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is also home to The Blue Iguana Habitat and captive-breeding program for the endangered Blue Iguana’s that are native to Grand Cayman. These free-roaming reptiles are always a delight for both locals and tourists to see.

Our Experience

First stop for us was the Cayman Islands National Museum. We always love a museum, especially one where we can learn about the place we are visiting. The museum is about a 5-minute walk from port, so it was a no brainer to add this to our list of “to-dos”. Here you will learn how the Cayman Islands came to be, including the flora and fauna that make the islands beautiful and diverse. There are also galleries displaying the cultural history of the islands, as well as a plethora of local artifacts and artwork. While a small museum, the history of the building is a fascination in itself. Previously a post office, courthouse, and public library, the building is one of the only ones on the island left standing from the nineteenth century. Quite amazing when you consider all the hurricanes and storms that have blown through!

On the backside of the museum is Boobies Restaurant at the Old Gaol Cafe. A quaint outdoor restaurant and a perfect place to try Caymanian and Caribbean cuisine. The owner is a local gentleman who was a delight to talk to. He suggested we order their saltfish fritters (saltfish is a salt cured and dried cod fish) with a jerk mayo. And boy did it not disappoint! My mouth is watering just reminiscing about it. We also tried the conch fritters and had fresh coconut water straight from a whole coconut. Brought back memories growing up in Hawaii. This was the perfect way to take a break from the island’s heat and humidity. Also, don’t be surprised if a chicken or two stops by to share your meal!

If looking for a gift or souvenir, there are many shopping areas around town. However, quite a few stores were not open during our port visit. I believe this was likely attributed to the last-minute change in our itinerary. Hopefully this is not the case for your visit!

DaY 5: Falmouth, Jamaica

The last stop through the Caribbean Sea is Falmouth, Jamaica, a large port town on the northside of the island. When thinking about Jamaica, Bob Marley and Cool Runnings are the first that come to mind. We were definitely excited to experience the Rastafarian culture in person.

What to Expect

• Weather – there are 2 different types of seasons in Jamaica – the dry season (December to March) and the wet season (April to November). Expect temperatures in the high 70s to 80s during the dry season and high 80s to 90s during the wet season. Heavy rains are also a high probability during the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. If traveling to Jamaica during the summer months, be sure to bring a light jacket with you.

• Arrival Port – the Falmouth port is the largest of the 3 port stops on Disney Treasure’s 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, spanning several blocks right off the cruise dock. As you walk through the port gates, you will be greeted with the sounds of reggae, locals dancing, and a ton of shops and eateries. We were impressed with the welcoming atmosphere from the locals of Falmouth.

• Transportation – transportation is not needed within the port gates as it is a very walkable are with limited car traffic. If venturing outside of the gates, it is most secure and convenient to either book an excursion with Disney Cruise Line, a third-party tour company, or hire a private driver. Public transportation is not the most reliable in Falmouth.

Popular Destinations

• Montego Bay – situated just west of Falmouth port is the popular resort town of Montego Bay. With pristine beaches, crystal blue waters to snorkel and swim in, and restaurants and activities galore, you can easily fill your day with adventure. Disney Cruise Line offers an excursion to Doctor’s Cave Beach, on the east side of the bay.

• Dunn’s River Falls – sitting at 600 feet tall, hiking to the top of this waterfall is a bucket list item for many. One of the few rivers in the world that flows directly into the Caribbean Sea, Dunn’s River is no short of action packed. There are also other activities to experience, such as ziplining across the river and treetops, as well as soaking in the lagoons at the base of the falls. Disney Cruise Line also offers excursions if this is a must do for you!

• Good Hope Family Estate – transport yourself to the 18th century with a visit to the Good Hope Family Estate. What was once a sugar plantation, it is now an adventure-lovers paradise. Take a float down the Martha Brae River, zipline through the trees, and stroll through the beautiful grounds, all while indulging in local cuisine and famous Jamaican Rum! Book your excursion through Disney Cruise Line and enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer!

Our Experience

In the little research I was able to do prior to docking in Falmouth, I was not able to find many places to visit that were in walking distance of the port. In fact, the most common advice I read was to be cautious walking outside of the port gates itself. Of course, I took everything I read with a grain of salt as one person’s experience can differ from yours.

As we docked, my husband and I stepped out on our portside verandah to take in the views, and to see if we could spot any potential places to visit. There looked to be a church and little town area in the near distance, so we decided to venture out the port gates to check them out. Soon after leaving the secure gates, we could see where the concerning opinions were coming from. There were several law enforcement officers on every side of the streets. As we crossed the road from the port, we were instantly surrounded by locals asking us our destination and trying to sell us their best rate. The vibe left us feeling uncomfortable, especially with our 2 little men in tow. We thus decided to head back to the port area to do some shopping and then head back to the ship early to take advantage of the smaller crowds on the pool decks.

Just a note: the rest of our group carried on through town and booked an island tour with one of the locals. They came back with nothing but good things to say. Use your own judgement and make decisions that are most comfortable to you. I always say, go with your gut! We were happy with the decision we made to stay behind.

Just a tidbit: If you are looking for a refreshing beverage to cool down in the heat of the day, be sure to stop by the Deaf Can Coffee kiosk located in the port area. They serve delicious Jamaican coffee, fruit smoothies, and treats. You are also supporting a great cause as Deaf Can Coffee employs only those who are part of the deaf community. They also encourage you to learn various phrases in sign language as you order. It’s a great experience and learning opportunity for the little ones!

Day 6: Sea Day

This is your last full day at sea. Be sure to squeeze in any remaining activities you don’t want to leave without doing!

Day 7: Disney’s Castaway Cay

One of the most looked forward to activity for us on Disney Treasure’s 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary was the port day at Disney’s Castaway Cay. We had heard nothing but great things about this destination and were excited to check it out ourselves.

We woke up bright and early to disembark as soon as it was available for us to do so. While we had heard there is ample number of loungers and umbrellas available on the island, we wanted to ensure we found enough umbrellas and close to the shoreline. We anticipated a very hot day! Taking the tram from the dock area, we found a great spot along the snorkeling lagoon.

After a day of swimming, building sand castles, and exploring the island, we headed back to the ship to clean up for our last night on the Disney Treasure. Our day at Castaway Cay will always be a memorable one. Read more about what to expect during your time on this Disney island.

Just a tidbit: Reflecting back on our day, we realize time of the year can make a big difference in your experience. While the summer heat leant well to spending a lot of time in the ocean, it did not bode well for any time spent not being wet or secluded to shade. Shoulder seasons (around May and November) are most ideal as temperatures and weather are near perfect for both water and land activities.

Day 8: Debarkation Day

The saddest day of our trip! We woke up bright and early, packed up our remaining belongings, and headed to Marceline Market to enjoy one last buffet breakfast. As we watched the bustling activities ashore, we were reminded of the full circle moment where we were finishing our last meal in the same spot as our first. After breakfast we took one last stroll around the common areas. Being that we did not have a flight to catch, we waited as long as we could before disembarking. We wanted to soak in any remaining time we had left on the Disney Treasure.

Read more about how to plan for and what to expect on Debarkation Day!

I hope you have as much fun as our family did on Disney Treasure’s 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary.

Have you recently sailed on a Western Caribbean itinerary? Or are you still in the decision-making process? Please comment below with your thoughts and questions!