Was wondering who here has experience being on a cruise (Disney in particular) and being able to still swim. Swimming keeps me mentally and emotionally grounded (something I will need when dragging a 3 year old and a 5 year old around for a week), which is why I don't want to give it up for the week I am away. I realize I can run for cardio in a pinch, but ideally I would like to hit the water a few times! I am all but certain swimming while on the ship will be out of the question (correct me if I am wrong here, those who have experience), but we spend a few days on the Castaway Cay Island. Anyone have experience swimming there? Pool? Open water? Good spots/best time to go?
I am indifferent to the whole cruise/vacation thing. I am really just there to chaperone my kids :P
Only other hitch is determining how far I swim. Hopefully there is a marker to at least give me a distance. I don't have the electronics to monitor distance. I suppose I could use google maps to just measure distances from one side of the swimming area to the other.
Cal -- Here's my suggestion...and what I did before I began using a waterproof GPS watch (that I put on the crown of my head under my swim cap). Download an app to your cell phone that will use the phone's GPS capabilities...such as Strava (it's free). When you get to the beach...pick out a landmark for your start/finish that will be easy to see from the water. From that point...start the app. Then, walk down the beach and at every quarter-mile...or 'whatever' meters if you choose to use that measurement...find a landmark and make a mental note of the landmark and distance. In other words...walk 100 meters. Note that you're at the "towel cabana" for example. Walk to the 200 meter mark. Note that you're at the refreshment cabana for example. Etc, etc.
One other piece of advice I'd offer...before you take off for your swim...get in and just float around for a few minutes. Take note of any currents, tide, wind, and other weather conditions. If you don't, you could swim a half-mile down the beach in 'record time' only to discover that you have to swim back against a strong current. It might be worth it for you to do just a little online research (or ask locals) about currents at the specific beach where you'll be.
Have fun.
Dan
Thanks dan! I actually used google maps to measure distances around the “snorkeling lagoon.” Have basically a roughly 1.2 km “triangle” I mapped out which I plan to try and use. Basically swim along the short side of the lagoon, from shallow (read beach side) to deep side (the edge of lagoon that borders open ocean). Then up the length of the lagoon, then cut through the lagoon (the “hypotenuse” of the triangle) back to the starting point.
I’m guessing there won’t be too much current as this is the area for free swimming and snorkeling excursions (which as far as I can tell aren’t led by boat, there should be little or no boat traffic). But I will be sure to “test the waters” first!
For OW swims it is important to be prepared. Review satellite imagery of area beforehand. Most of the time these resorts will have a good 200-300m roped off for swimming. It is not recommended to venture out beyond, there are hazards, especially from boats (dragging an inflatable buoy for visibility good to have), obstacles, or critters.
Most importantly, enjoy the time with your children, they grow up fast.
For OW swims it is important to be prepared. Review satellite imagery of area beforehand. Most of the time these resorts will have a good 200-300m roped off for swimming. It is not recommended to venture out beyond, there are hazards, especially from boats (dragging an inflatable buoy for visibility good to have), obstacles, or critters.
Most importantly, enjoy the time with your children, they grow up fast.
I'm a stay at home dad, I already spend a lot of time with my children :P
Thanks for the OW tips. I haven't swam in a non-pool in probably 7 years, and haven't done an open water ocean swim since probably Junior year training trip (2005-2006). I figure I will have an area where I can avoid being bothered by boats. Looks like a large portion of the southern part of the island is roped off. Only other hitch is determining how far I swim. Hopefully there is a marker to at least give me a distance. I don't have the electronics to monitor distance. I suppose I could use google maps to just measure distances from one side of the swimming area to the other.
If you venture out into the open water, use bright caps, and consider one of those inflatable visibility buoys to drag behind you. They’re about $30 and can save you from fishing and recreational boats. You won’t even notice it while swimming.
@Calvin, please come back to this post and let me know your experience. I too will be on a Disney Cruise in summer and I was already assuming that I won't be swimming for the 10 days I am out there.
@Calvin, please come back to this post and let me know your experience. I too will be on a Disney Cruise in summer and I was already assuming that I won't be swimming for the 10 days I am out there.
Will post a full update. I probably won’t be able to blog any workouts I do that week, but check that too I may be able to post real-time updates.
