How does your own slice of sun-kissed paradise sound? As if taking you to incredible destinations, letting you lounge in luxury and providing you with enriching, exciting shore excursions wasn’t enough, many cruise lines also have their own exclusive hideaways on some of the world’s most sought-after islands.
Complete with white sand beaches, sun loungers and delicious cocktails, along with water sports and zip lines for the adventurous, these private delights are often the highlight of many an itinerary. We’ll explore the world of cruise line’s private islands in more detail below. Be careful: the following might prove a little too tempting.
Cruise line-owned private islands have been around in some form or another since 1977, when Norwegian Cruise Line treated guests to a trip to Great Stirrup Cay after purchasing a part of the island from the Bahamian government.
Since then, private islands have become a major part of many a cruise line’s offering. But what exactly is in it for them? Let’s take a look…
Exposure for the brand
A private island gives cruise lines the opportunity to leave their brand’s mark across the globe, ensuring that their values and identity can be felt both at sea and onshore.
Take Royal Caribbean, for instance. Known for family-friendly fun on their ships, their private island CocoCay is no different, featuring hot air balloon rides, an incredible water park and adventure at every turn.
A chance to improve conservation
By purchasing private islands, cruise lines can transform them into something else entirely.
Not only does this mean a great deal of money funnelled into the improvement and upkeep of these islands, but certain lines are also dedicated to the conservation of the land they’ve purchased.
In the case of MSC Cruises, their Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve was formerly an industrial site, an operation that damaged the land and the waters around it. Surrounded by 64 square miles of protected waters, this private island is now a tourist-welcoming eco-friendly environment with its own coral nursery, which keeps the reef around the island in good health all year round.
Greater convenience and luxury
Make no mistake, cruising to a private island offers an exclusivity that other shore excursions simply don’t have. It’s a luxury experience where you’ll only be in the company of other cruisers from your ship.
What could be better than chilling on white sand beaches, sipping on a refreshing cocktail, knowing you’re one of the lucky few getting to do just that?
Many of the major cruise lines own private islands. You’ll find a small selection of islands, and the cruise lines that own them, below.
Awarded Best Private Island by Porthole Cruise Magazine for 20 consecutive years, Half Moon Cay’s reputation practically speaks for itself. No mean feat considering it’s just one of the 700 islands which make up the Bahamas.
With its crescent-shaped beach, horseback rides and nature walks, Half Moon Cay is a testament to the area’s incredible natural beauty and laid-back vibes.
Whether you’re sat on its sands or submerged under its seas, enjoying yourself on Princess Cay isn’t exactly a tall order. From snorkelling and banana boat rides to dune buggy adventures and walking trails, there’s no shortage of things to do here.
Afterwards, retire to one of Princess’ private bungalows and put your feet up like the locals do, taking in the idyllic views of the paradise that surrounds you.
We’ve touched on Ocean Cay’s eco credentials, but there’s plenty more instore for those setting foot on this Bahamian haven. Boasting six entire beaches, an array of water-based activities and a sumptuous buffet preparing local delights, the island is equal parts rest and relaxation, fun and adventure. There’s even a beach dedicated entirely to families!
With a feel that’s totally distinct from neighbouring islands, Ocean Cay feels like a one-of-a-kind paradise that’s entirely its own.
Featuring the tallest waterslide in all of North America and the very first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas, CoCoCay is an island offering something for everyone. Get swept away at the wave pool, soar 1,600 feet above the island on the zip line, or put your feet up and relax at chill island – the choice is endless.
The island is split into distinct neighbourhoods, all designed with their guests in mind. Each one has a completely different feel and vibe, so you can really immerse yourself in the unique experiences and surroundings.
Tucked away in the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, exclusive to Norwegian Cruise guests. With its white sandy beaches, a wide range of eateries and bars, rounded-off by a great line-up of activities - this is the perfect place to chill out and unwind.
After enjoying a day of kayaking, ziplining, snorkelling, or simply doing nothing, you can take relaxation to a whole new level in complete privacy at one of the Silver Cove exclusive villa retreats.
Now — for the first time ever! — Carnival are building a new destination from the ground-up. And this one, nestled on the south side of Grand Bahama island, is exclusively for Carnival guests. It’s perfect for adults, families with kids… everybody who appreciates fun and natural beauty!
So Carnival are marking this spot on the map where what you’ll find perfectly matches the onboard vibe folks love — when your ship pulls up, the holiday possibilities are expanded with unique island-style fun, relaxation and adventure. Get ready for unforgettable experiences like a mile-long white sand beach, freshwater lagoons, local Bahamian flavours and shopping, plus excursions and more when Celebration Key opens in 2025. But look for more details soon!
Carnival’s upcoming exclusive destination, which is set to open in the summer of 2025, will be a major feature of many 2025-26 sailings. Adding 100 more sailings with visits there brings the total number of available itineraries featuring Celebration Key to 500. Now, Celebration Key is set to welcome 18 Carnival ships sailing from nine U.S. homeports.
Don’t be tempted to go for the first beach chair you find
When it’s warm out, beach chairs tend to go like hotcakes. But resist the urge to go for any that are nearest to the pier just so you can snag one. This part of the island is usually the noisiest and busiest.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the shores, try looking for something further afield, especially if your island has more than one beach. You’ll be rewarded for your perseverance.
Book your villa early
If you’re looking for a little extra exclusivity, then cabanas and villas are a lovely perk to have. But the closer your cruise gets, the more their price will skyrocket. If you’ve got your heart set on one, then it’s best to book as soon as you’ve paid for your cruise in full.
Reserve any equipment in good time
The same goes for things like floats, snorkels, kayaks and other water equipment. Avoid those unhappy faces by reserving this equipment before you set sail – or at least while you’re still on the ship.
Better yet, you can always bring your own beach equipment. Not only does that mean you won’t have to worry about the cleanliness of the equipment, but you could save yourself a decent chunk of change this way too.
Shade isn’t always free
Although your lounge chairs will be gratis courtesy of your cruise line, beach umbrellas may not be free of charge.
Clamshell covers for lounge chairs, which provide a cosy hideaway for couples, tend to sell out in advance so be sure to reserve these ahead of time too.
Alternatively, you can always find a shady spot next to palm trees if you’re prepared for the trek. You might even get lucky and find a hammock waiting for you.
Make time for the BBQ
If you plan on skipping out on lunch while you’re there, we’d recommend you don’t. A private island BBQ could well be the best part. A feast of grilled burgers, hot dogs, jerk chicken and ribs, plus plenty for afters, just waiting to be gorged on – there’s nothing quite like eating delicious local fare back at your beach lounger.
Remember the essentials
With all the equipment that needs to be reserved, there’s a chance you might forget some of the basics.
No one wants to be caught short of sun cream, especially in this heat, so be sure you’re taking the time to pack everything that you’d usually bring to a beach. Hats, glasses, beach towels, sandals and other footwear are all absolute essentials that’ll help the day go a little more swimmingly.
Looking for more help and advice? Check out our Cruise Guides hub for holiday insights and inspiration.
