For many cruisers, the mere mention of a private island excites their sense of adventure and beckons them to imagine an uncomplicated beach day in which they can lounge next to turquoise waters and sip tropical drinks while the ship waits ashore. And while a day on a private island can be exactly that, it’s important to remember that not all cruise line-owned islands are created equal.
Most major cruise lines own their own private islands and customize them with a variety of destinations like beaches, courses, pools, playgrounds, dining areas, spa facilities and more. Some even offer extra-fee tours such as snorkeling trips, zipline rides, horseback rides, kayak trips and parasailing. And while the price tags on these excursions vary by island, some may require advanced booking and a cruise card (for use at all of the island’s onboard facilities).
When you book a tour on a private island, it usually includes transportation to and from the island, which means you won’t have to worry about the hassle and expense of renting a car or waiting for a taxi. It also saves you from having to figure out how to get to the port where your excursion is leaving from, since your guide will be waiting for you at a designated meeting spot on the cruise ship.
If you’re traveling with children, a private island is a great option because you don’t have to worry about finding a babysitter or having to find a safe place for them to run off and explore on your own while you enjoy some adult time. And most of the cruise line-owned islands provide free lunches and snacks for their guests, so you’ll always be able to sit down with your family and enjoy a meal together.
On this excursion, you’ll board a boat at your cruise ship’s dock and head out to Little French Key, which is part of Roatan’s Mahogany Bay. Here, you’ll be able to soak up the sun on a picture-perfect beach, snorkel through vivid reefs teeming with marine life and visit Mayan ruins that frame the landscape.
After you’ve had your fill of the sand and sea, you’ll return to your ship for a free, open-air lunch that typically features barbecued chicken, fish and meat dishes, salads, fresh fruit and desserts. Afterward, you’ll be free to explore the rest of the island, where you’ll find food trucks, bars and more.