Private Island Excursion
A visit to a cruise line private island is like the cherry on top of an already great cruise vacation. These islands offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the ship, a chance to relax on soft powder-white sand, and easy access to watersports and a variety of activities.
Most of the major cruise lines have their own private islands they incorporate into the schedule of their Caribbean cruises. Holland America, for example, owns Half Moon Cay, which they use to add a private island experience to many of their Caribbean cruises.
When visiting one of the cruise line private islands, it is important to book your tour in advance so you can secure a spot. Often, the most popular tours fill up quickly. This is especially true when visiting one of the larger private islands, such as CocoCay. To ensure you get the tour you want, book your excursion through Island Marketing Ltd rather than booking it through the cruise line itself. This way, you can avoid the crowds and get the most out of your experience.
The cruise lines’ private islands are also a great place to spend the day if you’re not interested in joining a tour. There is much to see and do on the islands themselves, including shopping at the straw market or ice cream parlour, snorkeling and diving, swimming and relaxing, playing games on the beach, and just taking in the beauty of the islands.
Many of the cruise lines’ private islands are situated in crystal clear waters teeming with wildlife. You can go on a boat trip to see brown bears, sea otters, puffins, and eagles, or just stroll along the pristine beaches and take in the breathtaking scenery. There are also plenty of lounge chairs and hammocks scattered across the beach for laying back, reading a book, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Another perk of visiting a cruise line private island is the ease with which you can return to the ship without having to wait in crowded tender boats. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy their time on the island but need to head back to the ship at some point during the afternoon.
Another perk of a cruise line private island is the open-air lunch. Virtually all of the cruise lines that have private islands will serve a free open-air barbecue style buffet for guests who disembark. This is a great way to save time while still getting an excellent meal and drink. The food is usually pretty standard, with a typical barbecue menu of hamburgers and hot dogs, grilled chicken, ribs, and some sides to choose from.