A Galaxy of Star Wars Experiences Awaits Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios can step into Star Wars experiences with exciting live entertainment, out-of-this-world encounters with favorite Star Wars characters, special displays inside Star Wars Launch Bay that take guests behind the scenes of the epic saga, and a first-ever themed tour.

Here are all of the Star Wars experiences in store for guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Star Wars Launch Bay Star Wars Launch Bay is a multi-sensory space celebrating all things Star Wars where guests can interact with iconic Star Wars characters, tour galleries featuring treasured memorabilia and detailed replicas of Star Wars props and have access to special Star Wars merchandise. 

• • Meet BB-8 – A docking bay leads to a Resistance freighter where guests will discover the loyal droid BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens starting this April.
  • Launch Bay Theater – Guests hear directly from the creative minds behind the Star Wars saga in a short video that includes exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers, key movie crew members and Imagineers who bring the saga to life.
  • Special Character Encounters – After entering a themed atrium complete with authentic replicas of Star Wars props, guests journey to the dark side and come face to face with Kylo Ren in a 360-degree immersive area themed around the Star Destroyer, or they may choose the light side by stepping into a makeshift Rebel base to meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
  • The Cantina – This setting, inspired by the unsavory “hives of scum and villainy” in the Star Wars galaxy, is a fun place to explore and take photos near elements of the cantina, such as a holochess game table.
  • Themed Galleries – Special immersive galleries featuring authentic replicas of movie props, starships and more are located throughout Star Wars Launch Bay.
  • Launch Bay Cargo – Guests may bring home a variety of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork and collector’s items.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Randomized tracks have returned to Star Tours – the Adventures Continue, the popular attraction that uses motion simulator-based technology. Instead of each ride experience launching from the planet of Jakku, the attraction is randomized to both start and end at different locations for every galactic journey. New scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” will be added to Star Tours later in 2017.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple This popular entertainment offering was reimagined with new characters and a new villain to battle from Star Wars Rebels, the popular Disney XD series. Younglings are magically transported to a secret and ancient Jedi temple where they will face villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels, and discover if they have the makings of a true Jedi.

Star Wars: Path of The Jedi Guests re-live stories from the Star Wars saga with this abridged, cinematic reel featuring scenes from the complete Star Wars saga and gives anyone new to the Star Wars galaxy an opportunity to get acquainted with the films.

March of the First Order Clear the way for Captain Phasma as this ruthless commander leads her squad of Stormtroopers up Hollywood Boulevard to Center Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and witness a daunting demonstration of the First Order’s obedience and strength.

“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” The nighttime spectacular “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fills Center Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with memorable moments the“Star Wars” films, presented as never seen before using state-of-the-art projection, lasers, lighting, pyrotechnics and other special effects.

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away Witness the power of a live show that brings iconic Star Wars scenes to life—including moments from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Guided Tours For the ultimate fan comes the ultimate tour. An all-new Star Wars guided tour is a seven-hour immersion in all the park’s current Star Wars experiences. Here’s what it includes:

• A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide
• Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay
• An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay
• Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
• Enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express
• A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show

Younglings ages 4-12 on the guided tour package can also train in the way of The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Priced at $129 per person, tours are offered on Mondays and Saturdays throughout 2017.

This latest flight of additions celebrating the Star Wars saga continues to elevate the Star Wars presence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Entire Star Wars-themed lands are now under construction at the theme park and at Disneyland Park in California and are set to open in 2019.

Avatar Flight of Passage is Thrilling Centerpiece on Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Imagine straddling the back of a wing-flapping banshee, darting and swirling through the canyon updrafts, free as the wind. Below you: the otherworldly planet of Pandora – grand in its vastness, surreal in its bioluminescence.

Hold on tight! You can ride this beast. You can sense its banshee breath. That’s because you’re high-flying in an immersive new adventure, Avatar Flight of Passage, set to open May 27 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

A shining star of the theme park’s all-new land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, this 3-D expedition transports travelers on a sweeping, simulated flight over Pandora’s colorful landscape. Guests soar around floating mountains, plunge through ancient caverns and skim across roaring oceans, culminating in a realistic encounter with the fiercest king of the air, the Great Leonopteryx that boasts a 45-foot wingspan.

“In Flight of Passage, the sensation of flying is really visceral, really believable,” said Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering portfolio creative executive. “Not only do you have the more obvious aspects of flying – the swooping and curving – but we’ve put in crosswind, air density and banking.”

Three Experiences Folded Into One

The journey begins in the queue as guests begin an uphill trek around a massive root structure, over a land bridge above waterfalls to an authentic totem garden. Meandering passageways lead to a cave-like structure where the great–winged banshees, or Ikran as the Na’vis call them, are celebrated in paintings and majestic totems. Next, guests enter an old, once abandoned RDA facility with a laboratory partially restored. Here, there are scientific experiments in progress with references to habitat restoration, the ecosystem, water purification and the connection of all living things.

Next stop is the genetic matching room where explorers are scanned and genetic material is sampled to connect them to personal avatars in preparation for a flight experience. Once matched, adventurers board link chairs, don flight visors and prepare for the flight.

Next stop: a mystical world like no other.

Flying on the back of a banshee represents an important rite of passage for the Na’vi and as visitors to the alien world, guests will have a chance to be tested and guided through the wondrous journey. After entering a state-of-the-art theater, each guest straddles a single-seat simulator (like a motorcycle) that delivers a realistic sensation of riding a living creature. Guests will experience the swift and graceful movements of flight and even feel the banshee breathing beneath them. The multi-sensory experience uses cutting-edge technology and intricate special effects like never before.

This heart-pounding adventure transports explorers through the alien world of Pandora, offering lifelike encounters – splashing whale-like creatures, blowing wind, roaring banshees, and a threatening encounter with a flying predator. The exhilarating 4-minute flight through the sci-fi world of bioluminescence and floating mountains is orchestrated to a complex musical score recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra.

“All of the mechanics behind it, all of the engineering, all the stuff that goes into the imagery is amazing,” said James Cameron, whose blockbuster film AVATAR inspired Disney’s new land. “You know, riding the Ikran is a thrill. You’re going to plunge. You’re going to dive. You’re going to swoop. It’s like dreaming with your eyes open.”

Avatar Flight of Passage will be a FastPass excursion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Only explorers 44 inches or taller can fly on the back of these flying creatures.

The 12-acre Pandora – The World of Avatar will dazzle guests with its bioluminescent forests, floating mountains and glowing alien-like flora. Its May 27 opening comes in time for the summer vacation season at Walt Disney World Resort.

Mother’s Day is the special time of year when you get to celebrate mom, and at Walt Disney World Resort you can treat mom to some truly unforgettable experiences that she will cherish forever. Whether mom enjoys getting pampered with a spa experience, indulging in delicious dining, or spending time exploring the attractions and shows inside the theme parks, there’s something special for every mom this Mother’s Day and throughout the month of May.

Here are 10 ways to spoil mom at Walt Disney World Resort:

1. Relax with a Spa Day

Treat mom to a relaxing spa experience Senses – A Disney Spa at either Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Both offer a therapeutic haven of pampering and wellness with services including aromatherapy massages, water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatments, rejuvenating citrus facials and more. Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort also offers a whimsical new nail treatment: Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry. Make it a mother/daughter day and have young spa-goers get matching Mickey, Minnie or Frozen nail decals with mom. To book a treatment at either spa, call 407-WDW-SPAS.

2. Try Your Hand at Cake Decorating

A new pastry experience at Disney Springs is sure to delight mom and all the sweettooths in the family. Amorette’s Patisserie, located next to the World of Disney store, offers a 90-minute cake decorating class led by expert pastry chefs. Participants will get to decorate their own iconic Mickey Character Cake. This experience is only available to those age 10 and up, with a minimum of two guests. Reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com/dining.

3. Indulge in Bountiful Brunch at Walt Disney World Restaurants

Show mom how important she is with a delicious brunch at one of Walt Disney World’s top-rated restaurants. Several, such as The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Garden Grove at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort, offer special Mother’s Day brunches on May 14 to celebrate mom. Several other Disney eateries offer a daily brunch. Dining reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.

4. Enjoy Dinner and a Captivating Show

Treat mom to an enchanting evening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a Rivers of Light dining package. Mom will enjoy a delicious meal from one of two restaurants and receive guaranteed seating for Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime spectacle, Rivers of Light. The show combines water and light to celebrate the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world. Families can dine at either Tiffins or Tusker House for their pre-show dining experience. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.

5. Get Closer to Nature

Take mom on Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest nature tour, Caring for Giants. This hour-long expedition lets guests get a closer look at the African elephant herd on Kilimanjaro Safari’s savannah and learn what it takes to care for them. A dedicated animal specialist will detail how the animals are cared for and talk about the habits of these pachyderm. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. The tour is $30 per person. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

6. Tour the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Enjoy one of the many exclusive tours offered during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. In the Gardens of the World Tour, guests join horticulture experts to learn about the landscaping that goes into preparing for and maintaining the flora and fauna of this festival, including the artistic topiaries found throughout the park. In the English Tea Garden Tour Presented by Twinings of London, mom can stroll through an English tea garden and learn about the importance of this classic beverage in British culture. These tours, along with others, can be booked by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.

7. Explore Unique Resort Adventures

Take mom on a one-of-a-kind adventure at one of many Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Mom can fly high above Bay Lake with a parasailing excursion at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All fliers must be at least 6 years of age to take to the skies. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 939-7529. If she prefers to keep her feet closer to the ground, take her to Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. There, guests can see the horses that pull Cinderella’s carriage or trot up and down Main Street, USA. There are also pony rides, horse rides, carriage rides and more. Prices vary based on experience. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

8. Take in a Stage Show

Enjoy a theatrical day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by taking in all of the exciting stage shows in the park. Start mom’s day off with Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. This 25-minute experience retells the classic story of Beauty and the Beast in a Broadway-style musical complete with live renditions of the film’s songs, enchanting choreography and favorite characters. After experiencing the tale as old as time, stroll over to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This action-packed, 30-minute show gives guests a peek into how stunt scenes are executed for thrilling movies like the Indiana Jones series. Cap off the day with Fantasmic!, a 30-minute nighttime show where Cheer on Mickey Mouse and friends as they fight to win back his imagination from the hands of various Disney villains.

9. Live Adventurous Thrill Rides

The daring mom will love a day taking on the exciting attractions at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can complete the mountain challenge by riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and Space Mountain all in one day. Once those are conquered, they take a ride to see where ‘a million diamonds shine’ on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland. If younger ones are in tow, take flight on The Barnstormer located in Storybook Circus.

10. Give Mom a Night Out

Guests at Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy a grown up night out and drop the kids off at one of the Children’s Activity Centers. There are four convenient locations on property that provide supervised childcare for children ages 3-12. Centers include arts & crafts, video and board games, Disney movies, dinner and activities. For reservations, see the resort’s front desk or call (407) 939-3463.

• Camp Dolphin, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Sandcastle Club, Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Simba’s Cubhouse, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Miss Adventure Falls Now Open at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Miss Adventure Falls, a new family-friendly water attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, is now taking guests of all ages on a high-seas journey.

Miss Adventure Falls brings to life the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer, a treasure-hunting heroine and world-famous oceanographer who made it her goal to sail the seven seas and collect treasures to share with the rest of the world. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon became the home to Captain Mary’s ship after a rogue typhoon swept it and some of her artifacts to shore, where the locals then repurposed the goods and statues to create this fun, family raft adventure.

In a first for a water attraction in Florida, guests are transported via a conveyor belt — while seated in their treasure rafts — to the top of the slide, passing by Mary’s wrecked ship where her parrot and diving partner Duncan talks alongside their treasures. From there, this white-water adventure takes them through twists, turns and dips where they will see deep-sea artifacts Captain Mary collected on her many treasure hunts around the world.

With a ride time of two minutes, Miss Adventure Falls is the longest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon.

Miss Adventure Falls is the latest in a variety of expansion projects across Walt Disney World Resort. Coming soon: Pandora – The World of Avatar, opens May 27 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; a new indoor, multipurpose athletics facility at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2018; and a Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon offers water activities suitable for all ages, including signature attractions such as Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a water-coaster that takes riders aboard inflatable rafts on a twisting, turning, up-and-down adventure; Ketchakiddee Creek, a water playground for children ages two to five (under four feet tall) and their parents; and Castaway Creek, where guests hop onto inner tubes for a meandering water tour through a misty rain forest and a hidden grotto.

Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Explore the Magic of Nature in a Distant World Unlike Any Other

Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens May 27 at Walt Disney World Resort. The all-new land will immerse guests in a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences.

The largest addition in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora carries on the park’s tradition of celebrating the intrinsic value of nature, transformation through adventure and a personal call to action.

Based on Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron’s record-breaking box-office hit, AVATAR, the new land welcomes guests to the lush world of Pandora long after the human conflict with the native Na’vi inhabitants has ended. The dramatic daytime beauty of the land transforms to glow by night when bioluminescent flora and intricate nighttime experiences add a dreamlike quality to Pandora.

Pandora – The World of Avatar is a creative collaboration of Walt Disney Imagineering, Cameron and Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment.

“We are taking our guests on a journey to this world in an experience that’s as realistic and immersive as possible,” says Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering portfolio creative executive. “In the movie, the world of Pandora is a setting for the action and characters whose story we follow. Here, guests are the primary characters immersed in an extremely vivid, authentic experience.”

Guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom cross the park’s Discovery River into Pandora – The World of Avatar and continue along a winding rainforest path for their first glimpse of the land’s iconic floating mountains.

“When guests come across the bridge, they are transferred light-years away, to the Alpha-Centauri solar system and Pandora,” says Jon Landau, AVATAR producer, Lightstorm Entertainment. “It’s an otherworldly, fully-themed experience.”

As guests explore the verdant terrain sprawling beneath mountains that appear to float in the sky, they see waterfalls cascading down the mountainside into meandering streams and pools, and they discover two thrilling new expeditions: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

Avatar Flight of Passage launches each guest on an exhilarating, wind-in-your-face experience on a winged mountain banshee over the awe-inspiring world of Pandora. Guests will actually feel the banshee breathe beneath them as they soar through the forest and past floating mountains. What was a rite of passage for Na’vi in Cameron’s film becomes a multisensory experience for guests seeking the ultimate adventure – a faceoff with the most feared predator of Pandora, the Great Leonopteryx.

On the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey, guests travel down a sacred river deep into a bioluminescent rainforest. The eight-seat reed boats float past exotic glowing plants and Pandoran creatures into the midst of a musical Na’vi ceremony. The mystical journey culminates in an encounter with a breathtakingly realistic Na’vi Shaman of Songs who is deeply connected with Pandora’s life force and sends positive energy through her music into the forest.

“The Pandora landscape will be alive with creatures,” Rohde says. “We’re bringing to life everything from the largest creature you might encounter to the most microscopic. Animals will appear out of the underbrush – big Pandoran animals will appear at the edge of the forest and you’ll hear the very complicated calls they issue back and forth.”

The thriving Pandoran landscape conveys intrinsic park messages of the value of nature, transformation through adventure and conservation and stewardship.

The artful storytelling in Pandora continues as guests stop for sustenance at the land’s Satu’li Canteen (pronounced “Sa-too-lee”), a Quonset-hut-style building. The fast-casual restaurant is inspired the healthful bounty of Pandora – wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins. Guests can grab a drink at nearby Pongu Pongu.

Windtraders is a shopper’s delight where guests can choose from Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more.

Authenticity and realism were drivers in the creation of Pandora, and the result is a world beyond belief.

“The attractions have very deliberate emotional moments crafted into them, the way a good story does, the way a good film does.” Rohde says. “It’s not as simple as just coming to a place that looks realistic. It’s a place that’s been deliberately imbued with the emotions of awe, of wonder, of respect, of harmony.”

Cruise Lines’ Private Islands Offer Relaxation and Adventure!

Nothing says luxury quite like an exclusive experience, and with their pristine beaches, aquamarine waters and a variety of adventures both in the water and on the shore, a visit to a cruise line’s private island certainly qualifies.  In fact, per cruise experts CruiseCompete, private islands rank “Number One” on cruisers’ to-do lists.

What makes a private island such a sought-after destination?

1. A private island offers a unique opportunity for relaxation; one that completely sweeps you away from the pressures of everyday life. Say goodbye to routines and obligations, and hello to cold drinks, beach umbrellas, cabanas and shady spots to relax.

2. Live like royalty on an island like Holland America’s Half Moon Cay, where the staff caters to your every whim. For a fee, cruise passengers can reserve a private cabana (which includes an outdoor freshwater shower/misting station and indoor dining room and changing area). During your visit, you will be attended to by private butlers; they fill beverage glasses, prepare hot and chilled appetizers, and even offer cool cucumbers to soothe eyes against the hot, tropical sun. A taste of the finer things in life.

 

1. Ramp up the adrenaline with a multitude of exciting activities, including aerial adventures, island explorations, and water sports. Tour the island via jeep, snorkel with stingrays, or take a kayak lagoon tour; go parasailing, compete in beach Olympics or enjoy the floating aqua playground… the options for energetic explorers abound, and families are more than welcome, with plenty to do for all ages.

2. The makings of an epic travel story are here… the mystique of the Caribbean, the beauty and luxury of the island, and the adventures you’ll have combine for the story of a lifetime.  Be sure to journal about the experience and take plenty of pictures… the better to share with others through storytelling and social media.

3. If there is a paradise on Earth, this must be it. You’ll leave with a better appreciation of the majesty of our world, as the Caribbean islands offer visually stunning locales with abundant native wildlife.  Its glittering azure waters, unique coral reefs, and gorgeous beaches are home to some of the most unimaginably beautiful visions in the world.

Each cruise line has its own set of luxury amenities, so here’s what you can expect when you visit one of these vacation oases:

Costa Cruises – Costa Cruises  guests visit Catalina Island, off the coast of the Dominican Republic. It features activities such as volleyball, beach Olympics, snorkeling, and massages on the beach. Cruise passengers can also rent jet skis, go for banana-boat rides, or relax on a long beach edged with palm trees. Music and barbecues complete an idyllic day and, for the tourist-minded, visitors can purchase jewelry, beachwear, and other souvenirs.

 

Disney Cruise Line – Disney’s Castaway Cay provides plenty of magical fun for people of all ages, and caters to guests in true Disney style, with all the conveniences. A major bonus of Castaway Cay is that the island features cruise ship-docking capabilities (versus shuttle boats between the ship and island), which allows guests to easily travel back and forth to their ship. Attractions include the Castaway Family Beach, Serenity Bay for adults, a teens-only activity area called The Hide Out and supervised programs for children at Scuttle’s Cove. There are also numerous water sports, biking, snorkeling parasailing, fishing and various water tour excursions.

Holland America – Holland America’s Half Moon Cay has been ranked “Best Private Island” by Porthole Cruise Magazine for 16 years running, and is located on Little San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. (The island must remain 98% undeveloped as an international bird sanctuary.) The Cay’s 700-acre lagoon allows guests to feed stingrays and enjoy various water sports, a children’s aqua park and a buoyed personal watercraft course. Other features include private beachside cabanas with private butler service, showers and misters and eco-tours by glass-bottom boat.

MSC Cruises – MSC Cruises is currently developing their own exclusive reserve island, Ocean Cay MSC Marnie Reserve. Located in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay will feature a 2,000-seat amphitheater, many restaurants, walking trails, bike rentals, a family beach, zip wires, and a pavilion for weddings and celebrations.   There will be an exclusive spa and wellness sanctuary with private bungalows exclusively for MSC Yacht Club guests. MSC plans for Ocean Cay to open to guests in October 2018.

Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Cruise Line – Travelers set foot on Great Stirrup Cay, located 120 nautical miles east of Fort Lauderdale in the Berry Island chain of the Bahamas. There are two maintained beaches on the island, plus several other, more isolated ones. Visitors enjoy native animal and marine life at every turn. Water sports include snorkeling, paddle boats, sailboats, kayaks, and parasailing. Special cruise line “Olympic” competitions are frequently held on the island for guests. In 2017, Norwegian will offer a new lagoon retreat with a pristine beach, new dining options, beach villas, and a family beach area.

Norwegian Cruise Line also stops at Harvest Caye in Southern Belize. The 75 acre island features a pool, a water sports lagoon, a 7 acre beach with private cabanas, shopping, as well as activities such as zip lining and snorkeling.

Paul Gauguin Cruises – Paul Gauguin visits Motu Mahana, part of the Society Islands. This lovely island offers a world of culture, with local crafts and cuisine, along with music and vanilla plantation tours. There is also waterskiing, kayaking and windsurfing available for the sports-minded crowd.

Princess Cruises – The line visits Princess Cays, which is located on the southern portion of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, approximately 80 miles from Nassau. This lovely island features white-sand beaches and turquoise waters that make for great snorkeling and swimming. Water lovers can also rent aqua bikes, seaboards, paddleboats, clear-hull kayaks, sailboats or float rafts. Guests looking for pure relaxation can do some shopping, taste the island cuisine and exotic cocktails or just soak up the warm Caribbean sun. There are plenty of beach umbrellas, tiki huts and hammocks hung beneath dozens of shady trees.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity – Coco Cay, which features the 20,000 square-foot aqua playground Caylana’s Castle Cove, is an island designed exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity  passengers. It’s a perfect spot for water lovers, featuring a white-sand beach, wave runners and snorkeling among coral reefs with vibrant tropical fish and sunken wrecks. Perhaps the most popular activity on Coco Cay, however, is parasailing, where guests ascend to 400 feet and get a bird’s-eye view of the island.

The lines’ second island getaway, Labadee, has seen recent enhancements, and now features seven different “neighborhoods” (Buccaneer’s Bay, Dragon’s Plaza, Labadee Town Square, Adrenaline Beach, Columbus Cove, Nellie’s Beach and the Barefoot Beach Club) that have individualized offerings. Ride a rollercoaster at Adrenaline Beach, play at the aqua park in Columbus Cove or lounge in one of 20 private cabanas at the Beach Club (an experience exclusive to guests residing in a Grand Suite or above).