Ahoy Heather!
Thanks for bringing such a great question our way – this is why we’re here, to offer our experience and heartfelt advice so you can make the most of your Disney Cruise Line vacation! The Disney Fantasy is my favorite ship, and the Eastern Caribbean itinerary visits islands that are close to my heart. My husband and I were married on St. Thomas and honeymooned in the BVI so when we took this cruise as a family it was incredibly and fun and special for our son to see these magical islands. I’ve also stayed on many different parts of the ship, so let’s talk stateroom location for these beautiful ports!
One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is go on my verandah and watch the ship dock each morning in port. It’s fascinating to see the Captain guide these huge vessels so smoothly, and the deck crew working hard with their many tasks and great teamwork to secure the lines so we can disembark safely. When you are facing the bow (front) of the ship, port is left and starboard is right.
I looked back on my vacation photos to confirm but then did some additional research, and unfortunately it seems in both St. Thomas, USVI and Tortola, BVI the direction of the ship at the pier can change based on weather, tides, and other ships in port that day. It seems that more often than not, the Disney Fantasy faces the island of St. Thomas when pulling in – the view from port side staterooms is across the bay and to the town of Charlotte Amalie and the starboard side looks at the lush mountain nearby. In Tortola, your view is very similar whether the ship backs in or pulls forward into the pier – the pier itself is in a wide bay with views of both water and island greenery on either side. On my particular cruise we pulled straight into Tortola, and our starboard room view was lovely.
At Disney Castaway Cay, the ships always have the stern facing the island for that picture-perfect shot! From a port side stateroom you will see across the ocean to other tiny Bahamian islands and palm trees of Castaway Cay. The starboard side staterooms have the quintessential view of the full Guest side of Castaway Cay that you may have seen in photos on the Disney Cruise Line website or the image I selected for you at the top of this answer! Check out the map at the bottom of this page for an idea, too. My family loves to have an early breakfast at Cabanas and sit starboard, aft, outside so that we can take in this heavenly view before the island gets busy. You can see all the way to Serenity Bay and imagine all the fun to be had across the island’s offerings together that day.
No matter your stateroom location, I hope you can get out and explore the ports - the best views are from the ground on this beautiful itinerary! Each of these destinations is full of charming island culture, Port Adventures both exciting and relaxing, and delicious local foods.
I hope this helps give you a fresh perspective on your vantage point, but please know the direction of the ship can change in St. Thomas and Tortola. I know you’ll have a stunning view and even better adventures on each island throughout this special week.
Please let us know what other questions you have as put together the details of your trip. It's truly our pleasure to help however we can!
Wishing you a magical cruise,
Amy
