Most cruise lines operating in the Caribbean have an exclusive “private island” for the enjoyment of their guests. On these islands you don’t have to compete with tourists from other ships or tours for beach space or amenities. And there are some really amazing amenities!
Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay is a picturesque setting in the Bahamas where guests have complimentary access to several beaches, a terrific splash park for kids featuring a shipwreck themed water park and Splashaway Bay, Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool, and buffet dining at the Chill Grill. For older kids and adventurous adults there are paid attractions like waterslides (Devil’s Peak is the highest in North America), ziplines, and water sport rentals. If Grandma and Grandpa need a break from the kids, they can rent a private cabana and have a refreshing drink at the adults-only Coco Beach Club.
Disney’s Castaway Cay features Disney’s typical excellent service and character interactions in a beautifully landscaped tropical atmosphere. Beach towels and chairs, a BBQ picnic and transportation around the island are all complimentary as are kids waterslides at Pelican Beach, a snorkeling lagoon and beach sports and games. Options for rentals of cabanas, bikes, and parasailing are all available to guests, and shopping and other port adventures like stingray encounters are also available for purchase.
Half Moon Cay, a private island shared by Carnival and Holland America ships, is a large island in the Bahamas, much of which is dedicated as a nature preserve. Its two-mile long crescent shaped beach features powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Complimentary activities (besides lounging at the beach) include a kid’s splash park and beach sports, a BBQ lunch, and hikes along the island’s many nature trails and paths to enjoy the amazing variety of birdlife in the sanctuary. Horseback riding in the surf, glass-bottom boat tours, and stingray adventures are available for purchase – you can even get a relaxing beachside massage!
Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only cruise and private island experience at the Beach Club at Bimini. Here you can enjoy all sorts of complimentary beach activities – volleyball, yoga, paddleboarding, snorkeling and kayaking. Beach bonfires at sunset, live music, and food and drinks at various locations along the beach and poolside are also included. Shipwreck and eco-tour excursions as well as guided tours of local cultural sites or fishing trips are all available for purchase.
NCL owns two private islands, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas and Harvest Cay off the coast of Belize. Great Stirrup Cay has recently been renovated with a new pier allowing guests to access the beach without tender service from the ship. Another improvement is the addition of a gigantic heated waterfront pool with swim up bars and entertainment. A 6 acre waterpark will be completed in 2026 with waterslides, a bioluminescent float river, and “cliff jumping” areas.
Harvest Cay has a resort-style design and its eco-friendly nature center allows guests to view local plants and animals like toucans, macaws, iguanas and exotic butterflies. The “Flighthouse” includes a zipline which crosses the island as well as a ropes course. The resort can become a base of operations for those who wish to explore beyond its boundaries and visit Mayan ruins or snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef.
Spend one of your days at sea on one of these lovely private islands, compliments of your cruise line! Call Travel Leaders for more information.
