The cruise industry has made vacationing on a private island easier and more affordable than you may have expected. Several cruise lines own or lease private islands that they port at to give their passengers an opportunity to explore a beautiful island with a limited amount of people.
Beyond the fact that this gives cruisers an opportunity to explore a private island, it can be much cheaper than stopping at traditional ports. Things that are included aboard the ship, like food and drinks, are still included while exploring the island. These private islands also offer guests free entertainment throughout the day. You can visit the water park or take the children to the playground, it’s all included in your fare.
Coco Cay
Coco Cay: First stop on our private island jaunt is Coco Cay, sometimes referred to as Little Stirrup Cay. This Bahamas Island owned by Royal Caribbean is located near Freeport and Nassau. Here you can walk along the white sand beaches, enjoy a cocktail on the beach while watching the sunset, or visit the Caylana’s Aqua Park. If you are up for a shore excursion this is a great place to do it! For a reasonable price para sailing, kayaking, and so many other exciting excursions are available. If Coco Cay is on your itinerary bring your snorkeling gear from home, rumor is snorkeling on this island is amazing! The best news is this private island trip is extremely affordable. With CruiseExperts.com a 3-day cruise with a Coco Cay stop starts at just $200 per person!
Ladadee
Labadee: Another Royal Caribbean private island is Ladabee in Haiti, also located in the Caribbean. If you are the adventurous type you can take advantage of their 2,600 foot zip-line, the world’s longest zip line over water, or maybe the 300 foot long waterslide is more your style. Wait, the excitement doesn’t end there. You might fancy a ride on their roller coaster or you could rent a personal watercraft and enjoy the scenic coast! Royal Caribbean has ensured this island is perfect for the adventurer at heart. Once again prices on this spectacular cruise are extremely affordable. Jump aboard for a 5-day cruise starting around $300 per person!
Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay: It gets even better folks! Take a 4 day cruise with a port stop at Great Stirrup Cay starting at $199 per person with Norwegian Cruise Line. The Great Stirrup Cay is actually the very first cruise industry owned private island. You will find so much to do on this 250-acre island. This is also a must-snorkel island to see the beautiful coral reefs that surround this little island. There is so much available here I guarantee you will love it. Spend the day at the volley courts, or enjoy a leisure walk on one of their hiking trails.
Princess Cay: Princess Cruises offers their own Princess Cay Island as low as $389 per person for a 3-day cruise. This little peninsula area is located approximately 30 miles from Nassau. Beyond just the white sand beach Princess Cay offers tons of water sports and has a fantastic area for children.
Castaway Cay: Speaking of children, I can’t do a blog talking about private islands without mentioning Disney’s Castaway Cay. Although, a little pricier at $795 for 3-days, this is truly a private island that kids dream about.
Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay: Last but not least and my personal favorite, Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s 2,400 acre private island that has been voted “Best Private Island” so many times it’s hard to keep track! Prices start at $429 per person for a 7-day Caribbean cruise. If you are lucky enough to visit this beautiful paradise I highly suggest taking a ride in their glass bottom boat! The sea life you will discover on this tour will be a memory that will last a lifetime. Other great features here are their cabanas that you can rent for the day, horseback riding, and of course the water sports. My husband and I are planning a trip to Half Moon Cay soon to renew our vows at their quaint little chapel located on the island. Out of all the cruise industry owned private islands available Half Moon Cay offered so much romance we knew it would be perfect for us.
For more information about the cruise lines’ private islands, or cruising in general, call our travel advisors at CruiseExperts.com at 1 (888) 804-CRUISE (2784), join our Inner Circle for more exclusive offers, and like us on Facebook.