When planning a Caribbean cruise, you might be surprised to learn that many cruise lines have their own private islands in the region. These unique destinations offer a range of activities and amenities reserved exclusively for guests of the specific cruise ships that own these destinations. In fact, these islands are among the most attractive cruise destinations because they cater to almost every type of traveler.
One of the most popular private islands for cruise ships is Castaway Cay, owned by Disney Cruise Line. This 1,000-acre island in the northern Bahamas has something for everyone, from snorkeling and water sports to biking and nature walks. Families with children will enjoy the supervised youth program, while adults can enjoy a massage or tropical drink at one of the island’s bars. Castaway Cay is consistently rated as one of the best private islands in the Caribbean and it’s easy to see why.
Another top destination is Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. The island recently underwent a major renovation and now has a variety of attractions including a water park, zip lines and helium balloon tours. If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, you can relax on the island’s beaches or in a private cabana.
The history of cruise ship private islands
Cruise line private islands have been a popular feature of Caribbean cruises for years. The islands were originally developed by cruise lines to provide passengers with a unique experience. Most of them are multi-faceted, offering activities for different categories of travellers. For families, for example, there are supervised teen programs and kid-friendly activities; for those who want simple rest and relaxation, there’s the option of lounging in a breezy cabana on the beach.
Early development and expansion
The idea of cruise lines owning private islands was first mooted in the 1970s, when Norwegian Cruise Line purchased Stirrup Island in the Bahamas. The island was developed as a destination for Norwegian Air passengers and offers a variety of amenities and activities.
Other cruise lines soon followed suit, with Royal Caribbean leasing Labadee in Haiti in 1986 and acquiring Coco Cay in the Bahamas in 1990; Disney Cruise Line acquired Castaway Cay in the Bahamas in 1997. It is expected that as the demand for these private islands continues to grow, it is likely that more cruise lines will invest in developing their own private islands in the future.
Caribbean Private Island Cruise
The most exciting private island cruises are in the Caribbean. Here are some of the most popular Caribbean cruise lines private islands and the cruise lines that own them:
Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay is one of the most famous private islands in the Caribbean. The 140-acre island in the Bahamas underwent a $250 million renovation in 2019 and now features an array of attractions, including a water park, zip lines and helium balloon rides offering panoramic views of the island. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax, with hammocks, cabanas and beach chairs dotted around the island.
Disney’s Castaway Island
Disney’s Castaway Island is a private island in the Bahamas available exclusively to Disney Cruise Line passengers. The island has family, adult and teen beaches, as well as a range of activities including snorkeling, kayaking and water slides. There’s even a replica of a pirate ship, complete with water cannons and a rope bridge.
Stirrup Island in Norway
Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Island is a 250-acre island in the Bahamas that offers an array of activities, including snorkeling, paddle boarding and paragliding. There is also a beach club with a poolside bar, taco bar and DJ. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can rent a private cabana or lounge in a hammock under palm trees.
Private island facilities and activities
As mentioned earlier, private islands owned by cruise lines offer travelers a wide range of amenities and activities. Here are some of the most popular:
Beaches and water sports
Two things that private cruise islands have in common are pristine beaches and clean, clear waters that encourage swimming, sunbathing and enjoying water sports. You can rent equipment for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and parasailing. Some islands also offer more adventurous activities, such as zip lines and water parks.
Dining and shopping options
All cruise ships offer a variety of dining and shopping options on their private islands. They may have open bars, souvenir shops and beach equipment rentals. Additionally, some islands offer a variety of dining options, from casual beachfront grills to upscale restaurants. These are ideal if you want to enjoy a refreshing drink while lounging on the beach or a bite to eat before returning to the ship.
Unique resorts and cabins
If you’re looking for a more unique experience, some private islands offer retreats and cabins for rent. These luxurious accommodations feature amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and plush furnishings. You can enjoy some privacy while still being close to the beach and other activities. Some cabins even offer personal butler service and exclusive access to secluded areas of the island.
environmental and economic impacts
Cruise ships to private islands in the Caribbean can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment and local economies. Therefore, the companies that own them try to adopt sustainable development initiatives, which can bring economic benefits to nearby countries and local communities.
sustainable development initiatives
Cruise lines have been implementing various sustainability initiatives to reduce their impact on the environment. For example, Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay has installed a solar power generation system that can meet up to 90% of the island’s energy needs. Additionally, there is a water park on the island that uses a state-of-the-art filtration system to recycle water and reduce the need for fresh water.
Another example is MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay marine reserve, which was developed with a focus on environmental sustainability. The island is powered by renewable energy and the company has implemented a coral restoration program to protect the local ecosystem.
local economy and employment
The development of private islands has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to local communities. Cruise lines have invested millions of dollars in developing the islands, creating jobs for locals. For example, Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay has created more than 400 jobs for Bahamians.
However, there are also concerns that the development of private islands may have a negative impact on the local economy. Some believe the influx of tourists to the islands could displace local businesses and vendors because they cannot compete with the prices offered by cruise lines.
While private island cruising in the Caribbean has both positive and negative impacts, it is important that cruise lines continue to implement sustainable initiatives and work with local communities to ensure economic benefits are shared equitably. Also, there must be a continued focus on the environment and how to protect it.
FAQ
What amenities are available on private islands for cruises in the Caribbean?
Cruise private islands in the Caribbean offer guests a variety of amenities. These amenities may include beaches, water sports, bars, restaurants, private cabanas, shopping and entertainment. Some private islands even have their own water parks or ziplines. Amenities available may vary by cruise line and specific island.
Which cruise line offers the best private island experience in the Caribbean?
The best cruise private island experiences in the Caribbean are subjective and come down to personal preference. However, some of the most popular private islands in the Caribbean are owned by Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line.
How many private islands does Carnival Cruise Line own in the Caribbean?
Carnival Cruise Line owns two private islands in the Caribbean: Half Moon Island in the Bahamas and Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
What is the name of Royal Caribbean’s private island? What are its characteristics?
Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas is called Perfect Day at CocoCay. It offers a variety of amenities, including water slides, a wave pool, a helium balloon ride, zip lines and a freshwater pool. There are also beaches, cabanas, restaurants and bars.
Do any cruise lines have water parks on their private Caribbean islands?
Yes, some cruise lines have water parks on their private Caribbean islands. Royal Caribbean has a water park at Perfect Day in CocoCay, and Norwegian Cruise Line has a water park at Harvest Caye in Belize.
Can you provide a list of cruise lines that have their own private islands in the Caribbean?
Of course, here is a list of some of the cruise lines that have their own private islands in the Caribbean:
- Royal Caribbean (Perfect Day at CocoCay)
- Royal Caribbean (Labatee, Haiti)
- Disney Cruise Line (Castaway Cay)
- Carnival Cruise Line (Half Moon Island and Grand Turk Island)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (Harvest Caye)
- Princess Cruises (Princess Reef)
- Holland America Line (Half Moon Island)
- MSC Cruises (Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve)
image: Jono Hirst via Unsplash
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