When you’re cruising on one of the major cruise lines, a stop at a private island is music to your ears. These oases, which are owned or leased by the cruise lines, offer a safe, convenient and exclusive experience that is clean, contained and carefully quality-controlled. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or get your adrenaline pumping on a water sport, these islands have it all.
Most cruise line private islands cater to their own guests, meaning that you won’t have the same crowds that you might encounter at a public port of call. They’re also designed to have a variety of options that go beyond just sunning on the beach, including golf courses, pools and water parks, shopping, restaurants and more. The majority of these islands have free dining, drinking and other services, while some have additional expenses for excursions, drinks and other activities.
Whether it’s the number of amenities or the sheer size of the island, each cruise line’s private islands vary in scope. For example, the largest, MSC’s Ocean Cay in the Bahamas, is quite a bit larger than its competitors, with seemingly miles of beaches and enough space to feel like you have the entire island to yourself. This is why it’s able to offer a variety of activities, like kayaking and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or taking in the view from high above on a parasail ride.
Other private islands, such as Great Stirrup Cay on Norwegian’s Breakaway class ships, focus more on family fun. Here, you’ll find a water park with a wave pool and slides, a splash park for kids, and plenty of lounge chairs and cabanas for those who want to escape the sun. In addition to all this, you can swim with pigs at the pig island and enjoy a wide array of other fun shore excursions, such as parasailing or riding a WaveRunner jet ski around the Berry Islands.
In addition to the aforementioned amenities, MSC’s private island also boasts some more exotic offerings. One of the most popular is snorkeling with sea turtles, which requires pre-booking and a fee. Adrenaline junkies can book a WaveRunner tour for about $40, which gives you the opportunity to take to the water at high speeds and explore the surrounding coastline of the Bahamas.
The biggest advantage of cruise line private islands, though, is their convenience. Unlike a public port of call, which requires you to hail taxis or navigate unfamiliar territory on your own, these enclaves are fully staffed and will help you with anything you need. Whether it’s a meal or an activity, these people are there to make sure that your vacation is everything you want it to be.
Escape the Roatan cruise ship crowds on this private Little French Key Beach Resort Day Pass. This excursion includes round-trip transportation from your Roatan cruise terminal, use of all Little French Key facilities (including beach chairs, hammocks, floats and lounge areas), lunch, beverages and more.