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The allure of private beaches and islands for cruise passengers grows each year. Many of the major cruise lines have developed private islands and beaches specifically for their passengers in order to offer them with exclusivity, unspoiled natural beauty, luxurious amenities, safety, and family-friendly fun to name a few.
Here are our six reasons why private islands are part of a unique cruise itinerary and should be considered when booking a cruise in the Caribbean.
Read more about cruise destinations and private islands in AAA Living.
Get article >>Many cruise lines have their own private islands, which are exclusively designed for their passengers. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into four of the most popular cruise line private islands, including Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disney's Castaway Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay, and Carnival's Private Island Collection. So, let's get started and find out what these islands have to offer!
Royal Caribbean’s private island is in The Bahamas and features a wide range of attractions, from water parks and zip lines to the tallest water slide in North America. Perfect Day at CocoCay is perfect for thrill-seekers who love water sports.
This 140-acre island also boasts over 7 miles of beautiful beaches where you can relax on a lounger, soak up the sun, and enjoy the warm Caribbean breeze. Some of the most popular attractions include The Thrill Waterpark, The Oasis Lagoon Pool, and Up, Up, and Away, the tethered helium balloon that takes you 450 feet above the island.
Disney Cruise Line’s private island is a dream come true for both adults and children. Castaway Cay is a gorgeous retreat located in the Bahamas, with crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. The island offers plenty of activities for everyone, such as snorkeling, water sports, and bike rentals.
Kids will love the water play areas and the Scuttle's Cove kids club, while adults can take advantage of the Serenity Bay, an adults-only area that features a secluded beach and plenty of hammocks for relaxing. If you are a Disney fan, you can also take a picture with Captain Mickey, Goofy, and other favorite Disney characters on the island.
Great Stirrup Cay is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and is located in the Bahamas. This island features a natural deep-water harbor that provides a perfect spot for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.
If you are looking for a more relaxing activity, you can rent a private cabana on the island that comes with a butler service, a fruit platter, and unlimited drinks. Great Stirrup Cay also features a massive beachfront straw market where you can find souvenirs and local artwork.
Carnival's private island collection includes Half Moon Cay for Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cays for Princess Cruise Lines. These islands are in the Bahamas and the Caribbean and offer plenty of activities like snorkeling, jet skiing, and parasailing.
They also provide plenty of beachfront cabanas, restaurants and bars which allow you to unwind and relax. One of the most popular islands in this collection is Half Moon Cay, which is famous for its Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park.
Cruise line private islands are the ideal space to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From sun-kissed beaches to adventurous water sports, these islands have something for everyone. Whether you are interested in thrilling activities or looking for a relaxing retreat, private islands have much to offer.