Table Of Content
The awards have been an annual feature since 2014, and offers real cruise fan insights into different cruise lines and experiences so everyone can plan their best cruise vacation. Currently, other cruise passengers have been able to take excursions to The Beach Club, including those from Carnival. It is not known whether other lines will still be able to use the facilities once Virgin Voyages begins sailing in the Bahamas or if other lines will even continue to visit Bimini.
Reviewed: MSC Cruise Wi-Fi Service (Speed, Reliability, Cost, & More)
But first, let’s dive into a little more about what these spots are and why they are so popular. These ports are typically located in The Bahamas, with some others spread around the Caribbean. And while they used to simply be a spot with a nice beach and water, they’ve now turned into so much more. As well, a beach towel from the ship is a must-have, as is sunscreen. Most islands allow you to purchase things with your ship keycard, but it’s a good idea to bring a little cash too for things like souvenirs.
Where Are the Islands Located?
ShopsRight as you walk ashore, you will enter Ocean Cay Village. Here you’ll find an information booth, excursion desk, Springer’s bar, and also shops. Whether you want to pick up some sunscreen that you forgot or want to buy some souvenirs, the shops here have you covered. They are open-air, but provide much needed shade during the day. However, one positive about having a larger island is that there is plenty of space for everyone.
I only go on cruises that stop at Disney's private island Castaway Cay - Business Insider
I only go on cruises that stop at Disney's private island Castaway Cay.
Posted: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 12:16:00 GMT [source]
Carnival’s Half Moon Cay and Amber Cove Resorts Finish in Top 3
In most cases, the beach (or beaches) is the central attraction of the private island. Most activities center on sunning and swimming, water sports or other outdoor pursuits. Lounging on the beach is always a perfect way to unwind on a private island, and Labadee’s four beaches each offer a unique vibe. Suite guests can enjoy an exclusive shoreside experience at Barefoot Beach. Busy Adrenaline Beach is the center of the action, and Columbus Cove also tends to fill up quickly. For a quieter place to spend the day, head to Nellie’s Beach, farthest from the pier.
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises
The tender island of Princess Cays, found on Eleuthera in the Bahamas (about 70 miles from Nassau), covers 40 acres. It's operated mainly by Princess Cruises — hence, the name — but Carnival Cruise Line (which shares the Carnival Corp. parent company with Princess) also calls there. Harvest Caye, Norwegian's second private island, opened in 2016, providing a plethora of outdoor activities for visitors. Private islands are a cruise fan favorite and are stops on the majority of Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries. Set your expectations correctly and you're sure to have a relaxing day on the beach.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is a port of call for many of RCI’s Caribbean itineraries. Sister cruise line Celebrity also makes stops at the private island. Splash in Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas, or ride the surf in the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean. Everything else, including bars and rental stations, you can use your room keycard just like you do on the ship.
Carnival vs. MSC: 11 Major Differences Between the Two Cruise Lines
There is also Chill Grill and Skippers Grill, and an assortment of food choices. Perfect Day at CocoCay has a number of cabana and beach bed options throughout the island. The Thrill Waterpark cabanas come with 6 passes, which can be a good deal depending on the price. For the ultimate in luxury, the floating cabanas even come with their own slide. There are lots of great beaches, including the 1,500 foot long main beach, with ample loungers and some natural shade. Clamshell chairs are also available, a good idea for those who want guaranteed shade.
While some of the most popular beaches can get crowded at peak times, you can simply walk a few hundred feet and have a spot all to yourself. In other words, if you’ve ever wanted to spend a day on your own island, surrounded by the bluest water on the planet, this is your chance. It’s large, with seemingly miles of beaches and enough space to where you can get away from it all.
The main function of these oases, most of which are located in the Bahamas, is to provide cruisers with a relaxing and exclusive experience that's clean, contained and carefully quality-controlled. The island offers an environmentally-focused experience, with the waters surrounding the cay serving as a protected space for coral and marine life to flourish. Those who want to enjoy Celebrity's upscale amenities will be able to do so, while also being able to visit the award-winning island.
The first private cruise line island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, opened to Norwegian Cruise Line guests in 1977. Once a hideout for pirates, Great Stirrup Cay is now a haven for sun-seekers thanks to its expansive beaches. The Thrill Waterpark (book early) carries an extra admission charge but features 13 water slides, including the largest in North America and the largest wave pool in the Bahamas. While always a popular tender port in the Bahamas, a day at CocoCay became perfect after a $250 million rehab that included the addition of a water park, pier, multiple pools, and more. Half Moon Cay is a tender port, but many of the amenities and offerings make up for that inconvenience. Free BBQ for lunch, horseback riding on the beach, a kid’s water park area, and a chance to swim with stingrays are all on offer.
If you’d rather not leave the comfort of your sun lounger, just ask one of the beach waiters to deliver a drink right to you. After working up an appetite, have a bite to eat at Skipper’s Grill or Chill Grill for burgers, sandwiches, veggie options, and more. Or pick up something quick and easy at one of the Snack Shacks around the island.
Thus, you will need to tender to head ashore, which takes about 20 minutes. This allows guests access to walk directly off the ship on to the island. Silver Cove features a private restaurant, private Moet Bar, and private lagoon and beach area. Not to mention, the villas are the ultimate in luxury with private bathrooms, air conditioning, a television, and more. Guests can also go snorkeling, rent kayaks or jet skis, brave the ziplines, or even book an excursion off the island to swim with the pigs. If you hastily toss a few things in a beach bag five minutes before heading off the ship, you're bound to forget something important.
Adults will love unwinding at Serenity Bay, the island’s kid-free oasis. Indulge in an open-air massage under the palms, or enjoy a frosty beverage at the Castaway Air Bar. The Air Bar BBQ serves up cookout-style meals for hungry cruisers, including ribeye steaks and mahi-mahi. This area also features adults-only cabanas as well as a beach if you’re looking forward to sunbathing in a quieter area.
The destination was transformed into the tropical paradise known today as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Guests can simply walk ashore to enjoy all the island has to offer. These 11 common mistakes trip up both newbies and experienced cruisers when visiting popular private islands on Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Be forewarned so you can live out your island fantasies without a single travel nightmare. Just like in other ports, you can come and go to and from the ship as you please, so you could head back for lunch or spend the morning onboard and the afternoon on the beach.
Carnival doesn’t offer the use of its drink package on its private destinations such as Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay. For one, the private islands all revolve around the beach and water. Each of them will have long stretches of beach for passengers to enjoy, as well as lots of lounge chairs and (usually) umbrellas. There are normally some small shops, restroom facilities, food, and plenty of bars. If you’ve ever been to a beach resort, then you have a good idea of what to expect, only on a much larger scale. Water sports rentals and shore excursions such as horseback riding, snorkeling and biking/hiking tours are available for booking.
Ocean Cay strives to be eco-friendlyMSC is making a big push to have Ocean Cay do right by the environment. That means some huge moves like cleaning up the former industrial site the island is built on, but also smaller things. For instance, plastic bottles aren’t on the island so you’ll need to bring a reusable bottle or get a glass for water at the bar. Several different restroom stations are dotted along the island, and feature handicapped accessible stalls. Each restroom also has water fountains for you to grab a drink (disposable plastic bottles are discouraged on the island). The entire building is covered in light panels and circled at top and bottom with bright spotlights.
