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Just about every cruise line has its own spot dedicated solely to their passengers. The biggest difference you’ll find is with Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, which is a model we expect other cruise lines to follow in the years ahead. It has a large pool, tons of different zones around the island, a splash pad for kids, and a complete waterpark.
Things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay
Half Moon Cay is the largest of all the cruise ship private islands, but it keeps facilities and amenities to a minimum, with most of the island remaining undeveloped. That means passengers can enjoy relaxing on the expansive white sand beach or hiking through three miles of nature trails. If you love a good beach day, you'll likely be a fan of cruise line private islands.
Other Things to Know About Ocean Cay
Pack all the beach necessities the night before so you're not stuck paying inflated prices at the island's straw market. For instance, Holland America has a venue serving up grilled lobster and conch stew for a fee. Norwegian appeals to gourmands with complimentary food trucks serving tacos, ceviche and pulled pork sandwiches. On MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay, you can buy a lobster roll and indulge in ice cream served in a fish-shaped cone (also for a fee). Some are reserved for VIP passengers (those in suites and high-level loyalty program members) but offer a waitlist for average Joes if they don't book out completely. If you want pool noodles, inflatable rafts, snorkel gear or even clamshell shades for your lounge chair, you'll need to pull out the aforementioned cruise card.
Missing the alternative lunch options
It will certainly be more crowded with double the number of passengers in port, but Cruise Critic members report there's usually plenty of sand space, though lines at lunch do get excessive. It will combine the island’s stunning beaches with the cruise line’s signature experiences to create the ultimate beach day. Your ship will dock at nearby Maputo and you can take a tender to the island from there. Local food and drinks are available including Tipo Tinto rum, and there are beach sports you can join in with if you’re feeling energetic. The island has distinct beach areas for various ages – the Family Beach, the Sports Beach and the adults-only Serenity Bay. The Family Beach is the closest to the ship and here you’ll find loads of child-friendly activities such as a 2,400-square-foot floating platform with two water slides, spray cannons and a giant tipping bucket.
Throughout your day on Motu Mohana, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Tahitian culture with coconut demonstrations and basket weaving. Learn to tie a pareo, or watch a culinary exhibition featuring Tahiti’s national dish Poisson Cru. As mentioned, the island is free to enjoy, but there are plenty of extras that will cost money. The prices below for various items are from a recent trip and are subject to change. As well, sunscreens should be safe for coral reefs (it’s sold on the island if you need some). There are also no paper maps of the island to cut down on the waste.
Voted the Best New Cruise Port in 2017 by Porthole Magazine, this 75-acre island in southern Belize features numerous activities and excursions to keep a family busy. There's even an organic chocolate farm on the island where you can see locals craft chocolate from the pod to a bar. For instance, Royal Caribbean allows use of the drink package on CocoCay, just like you would on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line allows the use of the package on Great Stirrup Cay, but not on Harvest Caye.
If you can't hack it in the sun all day, there isn't as much else to do compared to calling on a port that's open to the public. These private destination paradises offer the ultimate beach day with smaller crowds, no fights for a beach lounger, and meals included in your cruise fare. All food at the club is complimentary for “sailors” (as Virgin calls its cruise passengers) featuring island favorites like banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, conch and mango salad, and Bahamian rum cake. Adult beverages are available with an added charge at the club’s six bars. The club is in a private section on an inhabited island, exclusive to Virgin Voyages’ guests (Bimini has a population of just under 2000 people across its two islands).
Why cruise lines are investing in private islands - Business Insider
Why cruise lines are investing in private islands.
Posted: Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Walk a bit farther and you’ll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach, away from the crowds. Enjoy a vast lunch spread (brought over from the ship) at one of the picnic tables. There’s always plenty of shade from the huge wedding-style tents set up over the dining area. Food options include burgers, hot dogs, pasta salads, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Given the size, while there are busy areas, you can always find spots to spread out. So if you’re looking for a place where you can just relax on the beach in paradise, this is it. That catering to cruise passengers means your every need is considered. Transportation isn’t needed, and if it is, there are shuttles that will run.
Both venues offer hot and cold options including burgers, hot dogs, salads, and side dishes. Or grab a wrap from Beach Blanket Wraps food truck, offering both veggie and meat options. Cruisers looking to chill on the beach won’t be disappointed. Or, book a pass for the exclusive Coco Beach Club for access to a private beach, infinity pool, and clubhouse.
The resort’s name was unveiled in August 2023 – Celebration Key – and we now know it will open to guests in July 2025, with cruises open for booking from September 2023. In 2019, Royal Caribbean announced plans to develop another private island, Perfect Day at Lelepa in Vanuatu, which was scheduled to open in 2022. Royal Caribbean is developing a private destination in Nassau called Royal Beach Club. Guests will be able to visit the island from the summer of 2024 – great timing for the debut season of the new DCL ship, Disney Treasure, in 2024. One of the smallest islands on this list, Motu Mahana really is a tranquil tropical escape.
So, the kids will love the Splashaway Bay aquapark and the shipwrecked Captain Jill’s Galleon located near the pier. Don't spend tons of money on rentals when you're allowed to bring your snorkel gear to a private island's beach. A family of four could save $120 or more in rental equipment fees with a BYO approach.
Ocean Cay cost a reported $300 million to develop, and it’s likely much of that cost is due to the private island’s size. Put simply, the spot is massive and by far the largest private island we’ve visited. What exactly is the big deal with a private destination for the cruise line? As the name suggests, it’s a spot — sometimes an island and sometimes a carveout of a larger island — that’s operated purely for cruise line guests.
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