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Cruise line private islands, a very safe port
Often a highlight of a cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean is a stop at one of the cruise line's private islands. Probably one of the safest, most controlled ports of call you might visit, cruise line private islands are consistently ranked high by passengers. Most are located in the Bahamas and each one is unique.On every private island you will find crystal clear water, sandy beaches, water sports and activities along with beach-side service for drinks and lunch will be served. Some require tendering in from the ship, others dock at the island.
The first passengers off the ship will find a pristine beach raked and clean, along with resident workers ready to make your stay comfortable. There is plenty to do (or not do) for adults and kids and even serene adult-only areas.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, under their care since 1977 when the line became the first to have one. The island features SnorkelingRecent enhancements to the island that started in January of 2010 will continue through the end of this year. Several new island activities have been added since the project began including more than 16 wave runners, kayak rentals and an eco-adventure boat tour around the island. These are in addition to the existing snorkeling; floats; inflatable hippo slide; and parasailing.
The second phase of enhancements includes an arrival/departure pavilion, additional bar facilities; several comfort stations; a band stand; cruise program activity area; private beachfront cabanas; a kid's play area; straw market; and beach volleyball courts. The beachfront will continue to be expanded on the island's west end.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas This Holland America Line island (now also a Carnival island) was originally called Little San Salvador Island and has been rated as "Best Private Island" by Porthole Cruise Magazine. An international bird sanctuary in the Bahamas, the beauty and serenity of Half Moon Cay is unique.There are a variety of exciting and new activities to choose from while exploring this privately owned paradise. You can go horseback riding on the sand and through the surf, take a stingray adventure, visit the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, hike a nature trail or simply relax in an air-conditioned, private beachfront cabana.
Princess Cays, Bahamas is Princess Cruises private island on the south side of Eleuthera Island about 30 miles from Nassau. Princess Cays guests will find equipment for many beach activities. Water sports fans can choose from water craft such as sailboats, catamarans, paddle wheelers, kayaks, and banana boats, while those who wish to explore the island's coral reef can rent gear for snorkeling.Floating mattresses are available for lazily drifting in the sun, and several protected swimming areas are available on both the north and south beach areas. Beachside, reggae and calypso music set the mood, and guests can enjoy a game of volleyball or basketball, or choose to relax with a hammock, beach chair or under an umbrella.
CocoCay, Bahamas is one of two private islands for Royal Caribbean. This one is more along the lines of other cruise lines private islands with sandy beaches (duh) and a nice hammock here and here to enjoy your island-style seaside barbecue.Tip: When you get off the tenders, there are three beaches to go to. The first one is the biggest and the most crowded. Keep walking and you'll find the second beach, which is a little smaller and less crowded. Keep going even further and you'll find the third beach, which is the smallest and least crowded.
Labadee, Haiti in is the home to what Royal Caribbean calls their "private destination" and with good reason. On the north coast of Hispaniola, the secure, secluded area is surrounded by exotic foliage and mountain slopes. Guests can enjoy beautiful coral reefs, a pristine public beach as well as a very nice private beach area reserved for suite guests.A year ago Royal Caribbean International came under close scrutiny as the line planned to visit their private destination of Labadee, Haiti shortly after a devastating earthquake rocked the island. I was on board Freedom of the Seas last January when critics said it was in bad taste for the line to have cruise passengers go ashore for fun and sun while so many were suffering on different parts of the island nation. A year later, not a lot is better in Haiti and Royal Caribbean continues to call.
Castaway Cay, Bahamas is Disney Cruise Line's private island. Unique to Castaway Cay is that the ship docks at the island, no tendering involved, which makes for a great experience. Recently updated, this one has it all.This is Disney Cruise Line turning an island into a theme park, complete with rides, trams to get around on, gift shops plus really good food. All other private islands pale by comparison. Really.
They should build hotels here and let people stay a while. No wonder some sailings include two stops at the popular island.
If all those are not good enough for you, maybe you should just buy your own
Filed under: North America, Bahamas, Haiti, United States, Cruises, Caribbean, Travel Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Charlie Feb 12th 2011 10:05AM
Implicit criticism of Royal Caribbean for continuing to call in Labadee ignores the facts that the ships brought TONS of food and supplies to the island, that Royal Caribbean employs hundreds of Haitians and is responsible for millions of dollars being pumped into the Haitian economy. Indeed, had Royal Caribbean STOPPED calling in Labadee, the situation would be worse than it is.
Jim Antista Feb 23rd 2011 11:52AM
Royal Caribbean has also built a school in Haiti and is planning on buidling another one. As usual, the critics don't know what they are talking about!
Jim Antista Feb 23rd 2011 12:11PM
Although it is not a "private" Island (people live there), the Island of Grand Turk is fast becoming very popular as a new Caribbean destination. The island has it's own web site grandturkcc.com