Top Five Private Cruise Islands

Ever wanted to escape to a private island? Well, now you can. Some cruise lines not only offer fun on deck, but on their own exclusive cruise resorts which can only be visited during a sailing with them!

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean’s second private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the perfect retreat to kick off the list. Boasting white-sand beaches and spectacular ocean views, this island offers the Perfect Day at CocoCay. You can look forward to trying the tallest waterslide in North America, viewing the world from the 450-foot-high helium balloon and enjoying a tipple at the swim-up bar in the largest freshwater pool in all the Bahamas, the island is certainly one-of-a-kind.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is currently featured in a number of Caribbean itineraries with incredible ships visiting here, including Symphony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas. The island can hold up to 8,000 guests at any time, meaning there is place of space for ever guest to relax in their own private reserve.

Half Moon Cay

Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive escape is also situated in the Caribbean, found in a secluded private cay surrounded by tropical wonders and natural beauty.

The island has won Porthole Cruise Magazine’s ‘Best Private Island’ award for 17 consecutive years and was also named the best in Travel Weekly’s Reader’s Choice Awards – so it’s no surprise that your time here will be unforgettable. With experiences including snorkelling, kayaking, catamarans, paddle boarding and more, look forward to the ultimate private-island sanctuary.

Almost all of both cruise lines’ ships visit here, with the port being a popular addition to most Bahamian itineraries, so there is plenty of choice! Look forward to horseback riding in the surf, relaxing in a beachside cabana, and dining on barbeque lunches during your time on Half Moon Cay.

Princess Cays

Stretching 100-miles, Princess Cays features over 40 acres of pristine white-sand shoreline and wonderfully preserved natural paradise to enjoy at your leisure. Found on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, the island boasts outstanding amenities while still carefully preserving the natural paradise of Princess Cays, enabling guests to enjoy unspoiled beaches, white-sands and more.

Six of the Princess Cruises’ fleet visit Princess Cays, including two brand new ships: Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess.

During your time here, take in the views from the observation tower; explore the both sea or land with activities such as snorkelling or dune buggies; enjoy a range of water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing or paddle wheelers.

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

First announced back in 2016, MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay Marine Reserve is a stunning island found as part of the Bimini islands in the western Bahamas.

The development is the biggest of its kind by any cruise company in the Caribbean and has taken a few years and an investment of $200 million from MSC Cruises. With soft white sands, seven distinct areas and family-friendly activities, it’s most definitely been worth it.

Guests will be welcomed by an island-themed musical gazebo, ready to explore amenities such as a 2,000-seat amphitheatre, Bahamian village, wedding pavilion and a lagoon, as well as a spa and wellness sanctuary for guests of the MSC Yacht Club.

The island is also an ecological project as the 95-acre stretch will be home to 80 varieties of native trees and plants. Expert ecologists have also been enlisted to undertake coral restoration, helping to create and maintain marine habitats.

Great Stirrup Cay

Another idyllic island paradise is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, found just off the coast of Great Harbour Cay in the Bahamas. With peaceful coastlines, wildlife sightings and relaxing retreats, its ideal for unwinding.

The 250-acre island was the first private island getaway to be owned by a cruise line, purchased back in 1977 by Norwegian Cruise Line. Decades on, the island is just as pristine and untouched. Animal lovers will enjoy spotting tropical fish in the waters and watching out for stingrays, while the exclusive lagoon is perfect secluded and relaxing. Those seeking action can opt for parasailing or paddle boarding to explore the island’s waters at their leisure.

Each of these private islands offer their own slice of Caribbean paradise, it’s no surprise that they are exclusive! No matter which you visit, you’re sure to enjoy tropical temperatures and sea breezes during your relaxing retreat.