Monday, April 1, 2024

12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2024 and Beyond

cruise line private islands

With a focus on supporting the local economy, Harvest Caye provides plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals. Hardwood exteriors and decorative flora were all sourced domestically, and all venues on the island are staffed by Belizean natives. Like anything to do with Disney, it was all designed with families in mind. That starts with the smart design of the space, which is built behind a rock wall in the water to create a massive lagoon.

cruise line private islands

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Clamshell loungers are available for rent, which can be a good idea on a hot sunny day. Activities on Princess Cays focus on the island's natural bounties such as its beaches, coral reefs and calm waters. The island’s 2,400 acres feature mostly natural landscape, including a 2-mile-long beach. There is lots of room to explore, and guests don’t need to worry about tripping over one another. This guide provides an overview of the islands, major activities, food and beverages, highlights, as well as what you need to know before going onshore.

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Consider bringing your own beach toys and snorkel gear to save money. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line)

Thankfully, there is a pier so guests can simply walk ashore to discover the pristine natural beauty of the area. If you are looking for a little activity while on Half Moon Cay, there are hiking and nature trails, bike tours, snorkeling, horseback riding, watersport rentals, and more. If this sounds like too much thrill for you, you may want to check out the Dragon’s Tail Coaster. It is a 680 foot drop with speeds that can reach 30 mph as you twist and turn your way down through the mountainside.

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The island features a lagoon pool, a 7-acre beach, restaurants and bars, and a variety of shore excursion options. Perhaps the most popular spot is the 15,000 square foot resort pool. It features plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, a swim-up bar, and even a water feature. There is also a splash park for the little ones and a shopping center with local artisans, rum tastings, and the popular Moho Chocolates. If you are a first time cruiser or stay loyal to one cruise line, you may be surprised to hear that a majority of the major cruise lines now have private islands or private resort destinations.

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Exceptions are purchases made in the markets in Half Moon Cay and Labadee, from some of Harvest Caye's and Princess Cay's local vendors, and at the post office on Castaway Cay. Half Moon Cay also offers a range of activities such as horseback riding, snorkelling, and kayaking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s natural wonders. This small, uninhabited African island offers six kilometres of beaches that you can easily walk around in an hour, letting you sample the peaceful sights of this calm escape. Just make sure you’ve got footwear on as it gets very hot on the sands. Of course, with a private beach just for your ship, you might be tempted just to take the day to soak up some sun – I wouldn’t blame you on these gorgeous sands. There’s a kids splash park too, as well as a couple of other water play areas with slides so the little ones will love the day too.

cruise line private islands

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There is a charge for any missing towels not turned in at the end of the cruise. This is a buffet that features buffet staples like burger and dogs. It’s just about in the center of the island, and right near South Beach. There is also bar service at the buffet if you are feeling thirsty. And given the remoteness of the island, it’s a pretty good spot for stargazing.

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As for the rest of the day, this is the port where you’ll want to plan water activities – including snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and more. Perhaps one that won’t have six ships in port on the same day? Your best bet is to book an itinerary that stops at a cruise line private island. Perfect Day at CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay, is a Bahamian island located between the popular cruise ports of Freeport and Nassau.

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A free option is pulling your beach chair over to the shade of palm trees, where you might also find hammocks. However, these shady spots could already be claimed by clamshell rentals or only be accessible if you trek all the way down the beach. That said, you can escape the sun in shaded bar and buffet areas — though they're not necessarily the most scenic spots for lounging. Additionally, some islands have more than one beach, so don't settle for the first one you find. Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay, for instance, has beaches earmarked for families and teens; Serenity Bay, a heavenly mile-long stretch on the island's north side, is reserved for adults. Private islands are an outpost of your cruise ship and charge nearly everything to your cruise card.

In most ways you can consider the islands simply an extension of the cruise ship. As mentioned, think of cruise islands as extensions of the ship. And just like cruise ships, they are all fairly similar, but there are differences.

In most ways you can consider the islands simply an extension of the ship. Although the somewhat sheltered vibe is nice when you just want a day at the beach, it also means your time ashore is likely to be devoid of cultural immersion. If you prefer to visit populated islands and engage with the people who live there, a private island may feel like a wasted port day on your itinerary. Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest private island, Harvest Caye, opened in November 2016. NCL developed the 75-acre island off the coast of southern Belize in partnership with the Belizean government to provide jobs for the community as well as an authentic experience for cruise visitors.

Cruise lines promise free lounge chairs on their private islands but don't guarantee fee-free shade. If your cruise line's beaches offer beach umbrellas, they might not be free. Clamshell covers for lounge chairs always cost extra and are best reserved in advance because they often sell out. Over the years, it has become increasingly popular for cruise lines to have their own private islands where guests can enjoy a day in the sun. On a private island, the extent of your schedule might simply be romping on the white sand beach and swaying in a hammock under a palm tree with a frosty beverage in your hand.

New for 2024 is the private adults-only Hideaway Beach area, with exclusive dining venues and a heated pool with swim-up bar. Chill Island is the place to go for watersports, including snorkel and diving rentals, wave runners, and stand-up paddleboarding. At Thrill Waterpark, you can zip down the 135-foot (41m) Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America.

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