Private destinations are popping up all over the Caribbean with current offerings and soon-to-be-available ones as well. Here’s what guests can enjoy exclusively now and into the future.
Castaway Cay ~ Disney Cruise Line
Disney has always been a private island leader with its exquisite Castaway Cay for featuring a convenient dock from the get go as well as a narrative of exploration. Highlights here include areas for families and just for adults, a fantastic snorkeling lagoon complete with a submerged former ride submarine from Walt Disney World and a floating waterslide platform.
CocoCay ~ Royal Caribbean International
One of two Royal Caribbean International destinations exclusively accessible to its guests is CocoCay in the Bahamas. The island newly has an updated South Beach with a shuttle transfer, lounge chairs, floating bar, beach beds, bungalows and loungers. Elsewhere is an aqua park, beach hammocks, suite guest cabanas and available eco-tours.
Great Stirrup Cay ~ Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line’s first 250-acre private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, showcases beach retreats, a snorkel trail, water sports, parasailing, cabanas and more with shore excursion options as well. For dining, it offers a complimentary Beach Buffet and Abaco Taco bar, and LandShark Bar and Grill for a la carte priced items is coming soon.
Half Moon Cay ~ Holland America Line
Half Moon Cay from Holland America Line is one of the nicest private islands. Single- and double-decker cabanas are even available for the most seclusion, and a shipwreck-style bar gives the beach an interesting focal point. Fun activities range from local craft shopping to exhilarating personal water craft riding or leisurely kayaking.
Harvest Caye ~ Norwegian Cruise Line
Harvest Caye is the newest entry on the list having just opened for Norwegian Cruise Line guests. An attached pier ensures easy access to a massive pool facility, nature center, private cabanas and a series of zip-lines including a super man variety that traverses over the pristine beach below. Plus, tasty dining already includes the aforementioned LandShark Bar and Grill.
Labadee ~ Royal Caribbean International
Labadee is Royal Caribbean’s second private destination now with its own dock. The most dramatic attractions here are the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line zip-line, 300-foot-long Dragon’s Splash Waterslide, 30-mile-per-hour Dragon’s Tail Coaster and Arawak Aqua Park. Of course, for those looking for more leisure, Nellie’s Beach has you covered.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve ~ MSC Cruises
This one has yet to open, but come October 2018 it will be a very unique private island that can accommodate guests ashore in the evening for extra entertainment while the casino can operate onboard. Highlights are set to include an attached dock, 11,400 feet of beaches, a Bahamian village, restaurants, bars, shops, a 2,000-seat amphitheater and zip-line.
Princess Cays ~ Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises’ Princess Cays offers guests over 40 acres of seclusion across more than a half-mile of shoreline. Besides a free barbecue, the resort boasts beaches, an observation tower, water sports and volleyball. Also available are snorkel equipment, sea boards, floats, kayaks, paddle wheelers, banana boat rides, aqua chairs, beach clamshells and bungalows.
Jason Leppert is the Editor-in-Chief of Popular Cruising, the leader in video cruise reviews.
