Head to head
Castaway Cay vs Great Stirrup Cay: Which Private Island Wins?
Comparing Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line) and Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line) on the things that actually decide your beach day — score, access, cost and vibe. Here's how they stack up, and who should pick which.
| Castaway Cay | Great Stirrup Cay | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Score | 4.8 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Cruise line | Disney Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Location | Abaco, The Bahamas | Berry Islands, The Bahamas |
| Getting ashore | Ship docks alongside — no tender required | Tender or dock depending on ship/development phase |
| What's included | Included (beaches, lunch, trams, most activities); paid excursions, cabanas & spa | Included (beach & lunch); paid Silver Cove lagoon villas, cabanas & excursions |
| Vibe | Polished, wholesome, impeccably run | Relaxed, improving, value-friendly |
| Best beach | Serenity Bay (adults); Family Beach for kids | The main beach near the lagoon; quieter at the far ends |
| Best for | Families, Relaxation, Couples, Snorkeling | Beaches, Families, Relaxation, Snorkeling |
Editor's Scores are our editorial assessment, not user reviews. How we score →
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Who should choose which
Choose Castaway Cay if…
- Best-in-class service and organization
- Genuinely included experience — low extra spend
- Adults-only Serenity Bay
Choose Great Stirrup Cay if…
- Historic, relaxed beach day
- Good range of paid water sports
- Silver Cove is a genuinely nice upgrade
The verdict
Castaway Cay edges it on our Editor's Score (4.8 vs 4.3), largely thanks to best-in-class service and organization. That said, Great Stirrup Cay is the smarter pick if you value beaches and families. Use the full comparison tool to weigh them against the rest.