Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay underwent a huge refurbishment in 2019, which saw the addition of jaw-dropping facilities such as the tallest waterslide in North America, a 1600-foot zipline, and a huge wave pool.
The Bahamian island of CocoCay, which is only accessible by a cruise ship, offers a fantastic day ashore for families with children, including babies and toddlers.
We visited CocoCay in December 2019, and I can honestly say it’s the best port I’ve ever visited for children. This post explains everything you need to know about visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay with a baby, toddler or young child.
Things to do at CocoCay with small children
Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay island offers so much to keep young kids happy. Whilst many of the activities that older kids will love, such as the waterpark and zip-line are chargeable, most of the tot-friendly activities are complimentary.
The island has been updated a couple of times since it first opened, but the biggest addition was in January 2024 with the opening of Hideaway Beach, which is an adults-only space – so irrelevant for this article. Most of the kid-friendly features have been there since 2019.
Here’s what you and your little ones can look forward to on the island:
Captain Jill’s Galleon
Price: FREE
As you step onto CocoCay from the pier, the first attraction you’ll see is the huge pirate ship – Captain Jill’s Galleon.
Small kids will love to climb aboard this big pirate ship and shoot water out of the spray cannons. They can whoosh down the slides, climb the netting or run through the water, which squirts up out of the floor. It’s the perfect way to cool off!
Splashaway Bay
Price: FREE
Splashaway Bay is a water play zone that is found on many of Royal Caribbean’s ships and features small slides, tipping buckets, fountains and water jets.
CocoCay has its very own Splashaway Bay, which is bigger and better than the ones on the ships. Plus, a huge bonus for parents of toddlers is that whilst swimming nappies are banned from Splashaway Bay on the ship, they are allowed at Splashaway Bay on CocoCay.
Oasis Lagoon
Price: FREE
The largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon, has a party atmosphere with a swim-up bar at one end and a more chilled, family vibe at the other.
Entry to the water is gradual, just like a beach, which makes it perfect for splashing around, and there are fun water fountains for kids to play in. When the pool is quiet, it’s often frequented by seagulls which kids love to chase through the knee-deep water.
Just like everywhere else on CocoCay, swimming nappies are allowed in the Oasis Lagoon.
Chill Island
Price: FREE
If your little one likes playing in the sand, head to the beach area, Chill Island, where parents can relax while kids build sandcastles or toddle in the sea. You can rent your own private cabana for a luxury experience.
Here you’ll also find sand games like skittles and giant pool, and comfy bean bags. There’s also a swim-up bar, which is for adults only. Don’t try to swim to it with kids because the staff will send you back to shore.
Up, Up and Away Balloon Ride
Price: (varies depending on the sailing)
Age 13+: $39-$99 per person
Age 4-12: $24-$64 per person
Age 0-3: FREE
This helium balloon rises 450 feet in the air, making it the highest vantage point in The Bahamas. Whilst toddlers probably won’t appreciate the view, under-fours ride for free so you might as well bring them along for the ride.
The balloon ride is very much weather dependent, and there has to be virtually no wind for it to take off. If it is too windy, you’ll be refunded your fee.
Airbrush Tattoos
Price: FREE
As you’re heading back to the ship at the end of your Perfect Day you’ll find a stall with souvenir tattoos. There are hundreds of designs to choose from and different colours of ink. Your tattoo will last for a couple of days before washing off easily.
Family facilities at CocoCay
Whilst it’s good to know that there’s lots of fun to be had for small children on CocoCay, it’s all very reassuring to know that Royal Caribbean has taken care of all the practical stuff too.
Trams
Many parents bring pushchairs to CocoCay, but if you choose not to, there are regular trams that transport passengers from the ship to the island and all around it. Walking from the ship to the furthest point of CocoCay takes around 15 minutes.
Sand pushchairs
Most of CocoCay has paved paths, so it is possible to bring your pushchair off the ship, but you may find it easier not to. If you decide to carry your baby or toddler instead, you’ll find sand pushchairs available to hire free of charge from collection points around the island.
Baby Changing Facilities
There are several baby changing stations around CocoCay, making it easy for parents to change nappies and dispose of them.
Swim Vests
Kids swim jackets are available to hire free of charge from many locations including Oasis Lagoon and Splashaway Bay. There are different sizes, with the smallest ones being suitable for kids weighing 15kg and up.
Food
Whilst there are no children’s menus on CocoCay, there are plenty of kid-friendly options like French fries, sandwiches, fresh fruit and ice cream. Should you have a fussy eater, you could also bring some food from the ship to be safe.
Drinks
If you have a Royal Caribbean drinks package, it will work on CocoCay just as it does on the ship. If you don’t have one, you’ll find lots of drinks available free of charge, including water, lemon and lime juice, tropical mango juice and strawberry and kiwi juice.
Shade
CocoCay has plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas, so it’s easy to find somewhere to sit in the shade. Some people opt to hire a cabana, but there’s lots of shade without one.
Lockers
We all know that babies don’t travel lightly. Luckily, there are ample lockers available should you need to store anything.
Towels
Beach towels are provided on the ship, and guests are advised to take these with them when they head to CocoCay. Should you need fresh towels whilst on the island, just head to one of the dedicated towel-changing stations.
Showers
Need to rinse all that sand and saltwater off before heading back to the ship? CocoCay has some basic but handy outdoor showers.
Cruises to CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay is a port of call on many Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries with Royal Caribbean. If you’re planning a cruise to the Caribbean, it’s probably one of the best places there is to visit with young kids and will offer a day you’ll never forget.
Have a question about visiting CocoCay with children? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll tell you the answer!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
If you book a cruise in the Bahamas, you’ll often find that your itinerary includes a trip to a private island, where only guests from the ship are permitted.
Royal Caribbean has CocoCay and Labadee, Carnival has Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays and so on. But the Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini is a little different – it’s private, but it’s not a secluded resort that’s closed off.
Let’s take you through some Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club photos, what the Beaqch Club is, and how to get the most out of your cruise to this unique destination.
The Beach Club resort explained
The Bimini Islands are in the Bahamas. The islands are close to the US coast (about 50 miles from Florida), and are around 110 miles to the west of Nassau, the capital of the country.
The Beach Club is a private resort at Bimini that covers four and a half acres of land. Rather than being a private island, or a private resort that is separated from the rest of the island, it’s just a resort that is open only to select guests. Those guests are free to explore the rest of Bimini if they wish.
The facilities at the Beach Club are shared. Whenever a Virgin Voyages ship is docked in Bimini, the resort is exclusively available for guests of that ship. If there’s no ship in port, then the resort is open to other guests of Resorts World.
With the proximity of the Bimini Islands to the coast of Florida, there are often short-haul ferries that bring guests to the resort on days when a Virgin ship is not docked. So it’s possible to enjoy the Beach Club without being on an ocean cruise.
Activities at the resort
Virgin Voyages’ guests (called sailors) will find a lot to enjoy at the Beach Club. It’s essentially an upmarket beach resort, so the obvious attractions include relaxing on a private beach and grabbing a drink at one of the bars.
There are six bars at the resort in total, each of which has ample comfy seating nearby. Whether you want to sit in a deep-cushioned booth, swing in a wicker chair over the pool or just lie in a hammock, you’ll find plenty of cosy spots to pass the day.
And yes, there is a pool if you would prefer to sit there rather than down on the sand – you have the choice of both.
There’s a shack that rents out water sports equipment too, for any guests who want to try their hand at snorkelling or paddle boarding.
You can also go shipwreck diving. There’s an old World War 1 ship called SS Sapona, that ran aground in the 1920s during a hurricane and has remained stuck since. It’s now filled with wildlife, so it makes for an excellent excursion from the shore.
Virgin Voyages is a cruise line that’s only for adults. The Beach Club reflects that atmosphere, with a vibe that feels similar to an upmarket resort you’d find in Ibiza.
During the day, expect a place of tranquillity and relaxation. This includes optional yoga and meditation sessions on the beach, and a quiet space where you can enjoy self-reflection away from the bustle of the bars.
But at night the party starts, both at the beach and around the pool. With renowned live DJs performing for guests, beach bonfires and more, there’s a lively atmosphere long into the evening.
And you’ll have time to enjoy them, because on a Virgin cruise your ship will stay in dock for longer. Rather than having to get back on board between 3pm and 5pm like you would at most destinations, you can stay at the resort until the evening to see the sunset and experience the party atmosphere.
Food’s free – drinks aren’t
Virgin sailors who head to the Beach Club will be able to enjoy complimentary food, including barbecue options and some tropical salads and fruits. Drinks are not included, and will need to be paid for. You can use your credit card or pay in US dollars.
Unlike with some private resorts, it’s not really convenient to head back to the ship from the Beach Club if you want to return again after lunch. You will have enough time to do so, with the longer stay in port, but it’s a 20-minute journey in each direction on foot. Bus transfers are available, but you may have to wait.
So it’s best to make the most of your time and enjoy the free food at the resort if you can.
Cabana rental – luxurious but pricey
There are cabanas that you can rent at Bimini Beach Club. There are three options: Bimini Beach, Bimini Grove and Bimini Lagoon. All cabanas cost $350 per day, and include a round of drinks as part of the price you pay.
The only difference between the three types of cabana is their location. Bimini Beach cabanas are situated at the beach, Bimini Grove cabanas overlook the hammock groves that are part of the Beach Club, and the Bimini Lagoon cabanas are close to the swimming pool.
Richard’s Retreat for the RockStars
Richard’s Retreat is an area of the Bimini Beach Club that is reserved for guests staying in the RockStar Suites on the ship. These sailors are able to relax in an exclusive terrace area which has loungers, its own bar and private cabanas.
There’s also a dedicated DJ for this ‘retreat within a retreat’. Guests don’t even have to leave if they want a bite to eat, as they can order food for delivery to their cabana.
This area is reserved for RockStar Suite guests only, but there may be occasions when they are not all used. When this happens, the cabanas are released to other guests to book on a first-come first-served basis. So you might be able to snap one up if you’re lucky.
Take a look at this video to learn more about Richard’s Retreat on Bimini.
So Virgin doesn’t own the resort…
The Beach Club at Bimini is owned by Resorts World, which in turn is owned by the Genting Group. Virgin Voyages worked with Resorts World to build the Beach Club, but they are not owners. Instead, they are contractually given exclusive use whenever a ship is in port.
The Genting Group parent company is a huge organisation based in Malaysia. It owns a large number of resorts and casinos around the world, including casinos throughout the UK, Malaysia and the US.
Other cruise lines visit the island but not the resort
Virgin Voyages is not the only cruise line to travel to Bimini, but it is the only cruise line with access to the Beach Club. Other cruise lines that visit Bimini include Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America and Royal Caribbean.
The pier is capable of hosting more than one cruise ship at a time, but it’s rare that you’ll have two ships docked on the same day. There may be ferries bringing casual guests to the island though, so you may not be the only group present on the island at once.
That’s why having access to a resort like the Beach Club is great, as you’re guaranteed a slice of tranquillity away from bigger crowds.
Don’t fancy the resort? Bimini has others!
While Virgin Voyages guests will usually want to make the most of the Bimini Beach Club day pass, there is plenty to see and do on the island for all cruise guests.
There are other resorts that cruise passengers can buy a day pass for. These resorts are similar to the Beach Club, offering comfortable seating areas, private beach access and luxurious pools.
Although these resorts often host parties in the evening, it’s unlikely that your ship will be in port long enough for you to enjoy them. That’s what makes a Virgin Voyages cruise to Bimini that extra bit special. The longer hours in port are ideal if you want to see the island at night, and not feel like you’re rushed.
The SS Sapona shipwreck can be visited on excursions led by other cruise lines too, and there are companies hiring out water sports equipment as well. The waters around Bimini are exceptionally clear, so it is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Walkable beaches
You can easily walk to the beach from Bimini cruise port. There are some excellent beaches as soon as you reach the beginning of the pier. The Beach Club for Virgin Voyages’ cruise guests is also within walking distance, although there are bus shuttles to make it easier.
North Bimini island, where the ships dock, is not extremely big so you can see most of the beaches and resorts on foot if you’re comfortable walking. Cruise line excursions that include a resort day pass will often provide transfers too, so you can get to your private beach quickly and set up for the day.
Passport rules for US citizens
US citizens travelling on a cruise to the Bahamas (including Bimini) don’t need a passport, but they do need other forms of ID including a photo ID and usually a birth certificate. It’s often easier to take a passport, since this is the only ID you would need.
Cruise lines generally recommend that you sail with a passport, as it’s easier to rebook any travel if there are delays or cancellations to your itinerary.
Of course, any guests travelling from outside the US need a passport to get into the US before they sail, so a passport to sail to Bimini would again be required.
Final word
Guests sailing to Bimini’s Beach Club with Virgin Voyages will love the exclusive luxury that the resort has to offer. You also have the freedom to wander the rest of Bimini, unlike other private resorts which are often fenced off.
If you’re sailing to Bimini with another cruise line, you won’t be able to attend the Beach Club. However, you may get a day pass to another resort where you can enjoy similar experiences. It’s not quite the same, especially with the late-night parties that Beach Club offers to Virgin sailors, but it’s still a great destination to explore.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Ever fancied spending time on a private tropical island? It’s a dream that’s normally out of reach, but book a cruise to Ocean Cay and you’ll get pretty close to the experience. Technically it is a private island, even though you’ll be sharing the experience with a couple of thousand others at the same time.
Still, it’s a fantastic destination that’s really popular with cruise passengers, despite only being open for a couple of years. Let’s look at some of the key facts and secrets about Ocean Cay, so that you make the most of your time at the island.
1. Ocean Cay is Exclusive to MSC Cruises
The only cruise line that visits Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises, as they own the island. There are seven different MSC Cruises ships that include Ocean Cay as a port of call. These are MSC Divina, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Poesia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore and MSC Seaside.
MSC Cruises bought the island and renovated it specifically to be their own private cruise destination. No other cruise lines can visit, nor can any other holidaymakers. It’s only by booking one of the cruise breaks sailing from either Port Canaveral or Miami that you can visit the island.
Despite some cruise itineraries including a two-day visit to Ocean Cay, you aren’t allowed to stay on the island overnight. You must return to the ship for the evening. There are no hotels on the island, so you are not legally able to stay ashore at night.
Some people might be tempted by the idea of hiding away to enjoy a slice of private island life, even just for a night. You’ll get in a lot of trouble if you do. Just enjoy the late-night show then get back to the comfort of your cabin.
Ship docked at Ocean Cay overnight
3. It Cost Around $200 Million to Renovate the Island
When MSC Cruises bought the island of Ocean Cay, they spent $200 million to make it fit for purpose as a cruise destination. This included building the cruise pier and adding facilities for guests to eat, drink and relax on the island.
Ocean Cay before the renovation in 2019
The work on restoring the island began in 2016, and was held up by Hurrican Dorian just as it was getting close to completion in September of 2019. It was able to open in December 2019 despite the setback.
In August 2023, the next phase of development was announced, with another $100 million investment. The island was closed for six weeks between April and May 2024 as a result, and work is continuing. It is expected to be completed by the end of the winter 2024-25 season.
4. There Are No Swimming Pools on Ocean Cay
There are no swimming pools on Ocean Cay, although if you want to swim then there are secluded lagoons that are safe. They don’t have a strong current and they have gentle slopes, including shallow waters that are suitable for young children.
Ocean Cay Lagoon
The waters around Ocean Cay are really clear and clean, which makes them really pleasant for swimming. You’ll see some marvellous wildlife too. There’s no need for a pool when the lagoons are this pristine.
5. You Don’t Need Your Passport To Visit the Island
You won’t need to take your passport with you when you disembark at Ocean Cay. The island is privately owned, so isn’t classified as a foreign territory despite it being in the Bahamas. You will need to take your cruise card to sign out of the ship and to sign back in.
This is handy since there’s no risk of losing your important ID documents, but you will need to keep the keycard safe.
Some cruise lines offer itineraries that only sail to their own private islands. For those, you don’t need your passport at all for the entire cruise. A birth certificate will suffice.
That’s not the case with MSC Cruises. Their itineraries will always visit at least one other destination, so you will need your passport to board the ship.
6. Ocean Cay is a Man-Made Island
Ocean Cay is an artificial island that was built in the late 1960s by dredging, with the purpose of mining Aragonite sand. It’s now considered a Marine Reserve with conservation status. As part of the renovation, MSC Cruises has preserved the ecosystem.
Ocean Cay is man-made
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is located in the district of Bimini in the Bahamas, around 20 miles south of the Bimini islands. Ocean Cay is actually much closer to Miami than it is to Grand Bahamas, Nassau and the other Bahamas islands.
The cruise line has plans to build a Conservation Center. This will serve as a research base for scientists studying local coral and other wildlife, and will welcome guests to learn about the island and the surrounding waters (Source).
7. Ocean Cay Has Decent Wi-Fi
There is Wi-Fi access available across parts of Ocean Cay, although if you wander to more remote areas, you will struggle to get service. Access to the Wi-Fi on the island is included if you’ve bought an internet package on the ship.
A lot of people prefer to use a private island as a technology detox. But if you can’t resist posting your photographs online as soon as you’ve snapped them, then you’ll be able to.
8. Drinks Packages Carry Over Onto The Island
If you’ve bought a drinks package on your MSC cruise, it will carry over to any visit to Ocean Cay. This means you can enjoy the same drinks that you would on board at the venues on the island.
One of the bars on Ocean Cay
Some cruise lines treat their private island as a separate entity, meaning you have to pay for your drinks even if you’ve got a drinks package. So it’s good that MSC allows you to enjoy the same drinks at Ocean Cay as you would if you’d stayed on your ship (Source).
For a little extra privacy, you can rent a private cabana on Ocean Cay from $249 for the full day, although some cabanas cost more. Each cabana includes beach chairs and a shaded area where you can escape the sun, and they can accommodate six guests.
Cabanas on Ocean Cay
You’ll also be given fresh water to help you cool down. Towels are provided, so you don’t need to take your own ashore if you plan on swimming or snorkelling. More expensive Ocean Cay beach cabana packages include lunch and snorkelling equipment too.
10. Food Is Included During Your Visit to Ocean Cay
Most food on Ocean Cay is included in your cruise fare, including the buffet and food trucks. There are some excursions which may include food, such as picnics. These incur the extra charge that you pay for the excursion.
The buffet at the food court includes traditional Bahamian dishes alongside classic favourites, and there’s also an ice cream parlour for guests to enjoy. Plus, some of the dining venues on the ship remain open while docked at Ocean Cay, so you can eat on board if you prefer.
11. There Are Eight Different Beaches You Can Enjoy
There are eight different beaches open to guests on Ocean Cay. North and South beaches have calm waters and are suitable for families, as is the Seakers Family Cove and the Family Lagoon Beach. Watersports are available at South Beach, while Ocean House Beach is only available to MSC Yacht Club Guests.
One of the beaches on Ocean Cay
Not every beach is monitored by a lifeguard, so you’ll need to be careful if you choose to swim at one of the unprotected ones. However, finding a quiet spot to relax should be easier with so many beaches to choose from.
12. You Can Rent Various Watersport Equipment
There are a lot of watersports you can enjoy on Ocean Cay, including snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding. These activities come with an additional cost, either to rent the equipment or as part of a guided excursion.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
One of the more interesting excursions is a glow-in-the-dark experience available in the evening. You’ll be given a paddleboard with LED lights on the underside. These cast a gentle glow into the waters, attracting some interesting wildlife. Definitely one to try if you have the chance (Source).
13. Ocean Cay Isn’t Very Big
Ocean Cay isn’t a large island. It covers 95 acres and has around 1.5 miles of beachfront. You can walk from one end to the other in around 20 minutes. The size of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is very similar to that of Royal Caribbean’s private island, Coco Cay.
Ocean Cay is two to three times as long as a cruise ship
14. There Are Bikes and Golf Carts For Hire
If you want to travel faster around Ocean Cay, you can hire a bicycle. You don’t have to be excluded if you have mobility issues or find walking long distances difficult. So consider hiring a golf cart if you want to experience all that Ocean Cay has to offer without pushing your walking limits too far.
15. The Ship Can Dock Directly At The Island
Most private islands require cruise guests to take a water shuttle boat to shore, but Ocean Cay has its own cruise pier where the ship can dock directly. As soon as you walk off the ship, you are on the island.
Cruise pier
The pier was built as part of the $200 million renovation. It makes it much more convenient to travel back and forth to the ship if you want a break from the island, or have forgotten something essential in your cabin.
16. The Casino Remains Open on the Ship During a Visit
When a cruise ship docks in port, it normally has to close the casino due to national gambling regulations. However, because Ocean Cay is privately owned, it is considered to be international waters and so the casino can remain open.
So don’t worry if you’ve been itching to enjoy a few casino games, as you can wander back and forth between the island and the casino as you like. Plus it’s likely to be a quieter time since most people will be ashore, which is good if you don’t like crowds.
17. You Can Book a Special Picnic
One of the evening excursions available on Ocean Cay is the Sunset Evening Beach Picnic. This isn’t so much an excursion as the chance to enjoy your own picnic under the stars. It includes a basket with a blanket, a bottle of sparkling wine, and various foods and desserts.
It’s a lovely way to end your day on the private island. If you can find a quiet spot (which shouldn’t be difficult), then it can be a really romantic, memorable moment.
18. There’s a Lighthouse You Can Climb
Ocean Cay has its own lighthouse, and you can pay to climb it. There are three levels with a total of 165 steps if you want to go all the way to the top, where there is a 360-degree viewing platform. The tour is guided, and you’ll learn about the island as you climb.
Lighthouse on Ocean Cay
It’s one of the more popular excursions on the island, so book early if you can. You’ll get amazing views across the whole of Ocean Cay. The whole thing only takes 30 minutes, so you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day (Source).
19. The Lighthouse Plays a Part in Special Evening Shows
With ships staying late at Ocean Cay, there are often evening shows including the popular Evening Lighthouse Show, where the lighthouse is lit up in an impressive demonstration. Live DJs will provide an atmosphere, and fire pits add to the tropical escape feel.
There are other evening events you can enjoy too, including a Luna Libre Party or a romantic Sunset Champagne cruise. The fun isn’t just limited to the daytime on Ocean Cay.
20. Parts Of The Island Have a Dark Sky
Although parts of Ocean Cay will be lit up for the evening shows and as part of the lively atmosphere, there are plenty of secluded spots with a dark sky if you want to go stargazing. You’ll get an amazing view of the night sky from a peaceful beach location, away from the crowds.
Ocean Cay after dark
There are also dedicated stargazing excursions if you’d prefer to be shown everything by an expert. You’ll be able to use state-of-the-art telescopes as part of the excursions, some of which are tailored specifically to children who have a passion for space.
21. You Can Get Married On The Island
Guests can choose an all-inclusive wedding package if they want to get married on Ocean Cay. Staff will arrange all the paperwork, so you just need to book it and turn up. There’s a special Wedding Cabana overlooking the ocean where ceremonies take place.
If you’re already married and feel like you’re missing out, then don’t worry – you can also renew your vows at the cabana in a private ceremony (Source).
The Wedding Pavilion
22. Spa Treatments Are Available On The Island
At The Spa Ocean Cay, you can enjoy massages and gentle yoga classes while surrounded by the pristine marine reserve scenery. All skincare products used at the spa are eco-certified, so you can relax and enjoy a soothing treatment that befits the conservation theme.
Ocean Cay Spa treatment room
You can even combine yoga and paddleboarding for a unique experience. Don’t worry, it isn’t as difficult as it sounds! (Source)
23. The Snorkelling Is Excellent
Many cruisers say that snorkelling is one of the best activities to enjoy at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. The water is crystal clear, and you can see lots of colourful fish as well as turtles and other marine animals.
Snorkelling at Ocean Cay
You can snorkel right off the beach with your own equipment or hired snorkels and masks. For the very best experience, book a guided Ocean Cay snorkelling safari excursion.
24. You Don’t Have To Spend a Penny If You Don’t Want To
A visit to Ocean Cay includes food and some non-alcoholic drinks. There’s live music and entertainment for free, and sun loungers and beach chairs are all free of charge. You can bring your own snorkel, or just enjoy swimming in the ocean or the lagoons.
You really don’t need to pay for anything. But if you want to rent a floating water mat, inflatable ring, kayak, bicycle, pedalo, paddleboard, snorkel or even a cabana, then you can do so by charging it to your cruise card.
Otherwise, the Ocean Cay excursions prices can vary, and you’re best checking for your specific sailing.
Ocean Cay Rental Price List:
Cabanas – $249
Deluxe Cabanas – $349
Inflatable family raft – $25
Floating beach mat – $15
Paddleboard – £29
Kayak – £29
Umbrella – $12
25. Ocean Cay Has a Schedule of Organised Fun
Think you’ll get bored with sunbathing all day? Don’t like to swim? Fear not. Ocean Cay offers lots of organised activities that will keep the whole family entertained.
You can sign up for all kinds of fun things such as scavenger hunts, sandcastle building competitions and even the Ocean Cay Olympic Games.
26. There Are Excursions From Ocean Cay
To really make the most of your time at Ocean Cay, you can book an excursion. Popular options include:
Ocean Cay WaveRunner tour
Night-time stand-up paddleboarding
A boat ride to a shipwreck for snorkelling
Guided kayak tour
Catamaran ride with rum
Sunset Champagne boat cruise
Beachside stargazing
Deep-sea fishing
Scuba diving
Sunset picnic
Stingray adventure
Family catamaran tour
Shipwreck snorkelling excursion
To Conclude
There is an extraordinary number of things you can see and do on the custom-designed island of Ocean Cay, including some wonderful excursions and secrets to uncover.
You’ll no doubt discover your own special surprises and moments during your cruise to the island. Feel free to get in touch via the comments below, and help me expand this list with even more ideas when you do!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The idea of exploring a private island is definitely luxurious, but not completely out of reach – just book a cruise to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
Imagine all of the quality hospitality you’re used to on your cruise ship, but extended to a tropical resort. There are no pushy salespeople pestering you, the food is free and the beaches are pristine. True, you have to share the island with the rest of the passengers on your ship (and sometimes another ship too), but it’s still a really pleasant destination.
Here are some of the best secrets and tips to help you enjoy Half Moon Cay. You won’t have long, so make the most of it!
1. Half Moon Cay is Owned by Carnival Corporation
There are a handful of islands in the Caribbean owned by cruise lines, and Half Moon Cay is one of the highest rated. It’s owned by the Carnival Corporation, although it was previously owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, when it was known as Little San Salvador Island.
Half Moon Cay is visited by two of the company’s cruise lines – Carnival Cruises Line and Holland America Line. None of the other major cruise lines owned by the company (like P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises or Seabourn) have cruises scheduled to visit the island in the next few years.
2. The Food is Free at Half Moon Cay
When you cruise to Half Moon Cay, the food is completely free. The island is owned by the cruise line, so food on the island is considered part of your cruise fare. The exception is ice cream, and sodas and alcoholic drinks are also chargeable.
Guests can enjoy a full barbecue lunch buffet on the island, but only from 11.30am until 1.30pm. After that, guests can pick up a small snack from the bar.
The barbecue is pretty extensive and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, jerk chicken, chips and salsa, potato salad and more. There are also sweets such as banana rum cake, tort, brownies and fresh fruit [Source].
3. US Citizens Don’t Need a Passport To Visit Half Moon Cay
If you’re a US citizen, you don’t need a passport to sail to Half Moon Cay, providing you’re sailing from the US and you aren’t travelling to any other country. You will need a birth certificate, and guests over 16 will also need a state-issued ID. A birth certificate alone is enough for guests under 16.
You can leave your passport on the ship, and just take your Sign and Sail card with you. This is needed to track who has left the ship and who has returned. You can also charge drinks to your cruise account using the card. [Source]
4. You’ve Probably Been Pronouncing Half Moon Cay Wrong
The correct pronunciation of ‘Cay’ is ‘key’. The word is translated from the original Spanish, so locals will pronounce it as ‘key’. You can use either, and the cruise line announcements themselves may use ‘cay’. But ‘key’ is the official pronunciation.
The word ‘cay’ comes from the Spanish ‘cayo’ which means key, and it’s been used to describe islands since 1707 [Source].
5. There Are Sharks at Half Moon Cay
There have been some sightings of sharks at Half Moon Cay, although typically they are smaller sharks such as lemon sharks. There aren’t any reports of great white sharks or other dangerous species swimming around the island.
Having said that, if you do want to go for a swim, it’s always best to stay alert since there will be aquatic wildlife around you. Follow any safety advice you are given. The waters at Half Moon Cay are crystal clear, so it will be easy to keep watch without having to be ultra vigilant. You’ll still be able to enjoy a swim! [Source]
6. There Are Plans To Build a Pier at Half Moon Cay
Currently, cruise ships anchor at sea and use tenders to transfer guests to Half Moon Cay. But there are plans to add a proper pier to the island. The addition of a full-size pier will make it much easier and faster to load and unload guests.
The plans were originally announced in 2019, but then things got held up due to the pandemic. A confirmed date is still yet to be announced, but the plans haven’t been shelved as far as we know.
7. Your Drinks Package Won’t Work on Half Moon Cay
If you have a drinks package already on your ship, this won’t extend to your time on Half Moon Cay. Holland America Line passengers can buy an island drinks package for $25, but this offer isn’t available to Carnival guests, who have to buy drinks individually.
The Half Moon Cay drinks package for Holland America includes up to 15 drinks, but can only be used for a single person. It does include soda and water as well. So even if you’re not planning on drinking a lot of alcohol, it can be good value at that price.
8. There Is No Cellphone Service on Half Moon Cay
There is no regular cellphone service on Half Moon Cay, although there is a mast which some cruisers on an international plan say they could connect to. There is also no WiFi, so don’t plan to spend the day browsing social media.
Half Moon Cay is designed as a tropical resort, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature (and the great food and drink). So try to embrace the lack of technology for the day! If you need to make any kind of emergency call, you can get support from any of the bars or stores on the island.
9. You Should Take Water Shoes for Your Visit to Half Moon Cay
Some of the areas where you access the beach on Half Moon Cay are quite rocky, and in the water there are some rocky surfaces on the seafloor as well. So it’s recommended that you take water shoes with you when visiting the island.
Water shoes aren’t super thick, but they will protect the soles of your feet from jagged edges. The last thing you want is a trip to the medical services to treat a cut.
Half Moon Cay is small compared to some other islands in the area, but at 2,400 acres, it’s still pretty big. The main Half Moon Cay beach is two and a half miles (four kilometres) long. There are also activities farther afield from the tender dock, such as water sports and horse riding.
So bear that in mind when you’re enjoying yourself. Don’t leave too long a walk to get back to the tenders in time for departure!
11. Some Souvenir Vendors Only Accept Cash
When buying drinks on Half Moon Cay, you can use your Sign and Sail card to have them charged to your cruise account. But souvenir sellers on the island often only accept cash, so if you want to pick up a gift you’ll need to take cash with you.
While the official currency is the Bahamian dollar, you should be fine paying with US dollars. The straw market on the island definitely accepts them.
12. There Are Nine Miles of Beach on Half Moon Cay
The main Half Moon Beach, close to the tender dock, runs for two and a half miles (four kilometres. But there are another six and a half miles (ten kilometres) of beach on Half Moon Cay that guests can access. Some of these beaches are a couple of miles from the tender dock, and tend to be quieter.
Of course, because they’re farther away, you can’t just sip on a drink from the nearby bar. And you have to remember to make it back for the return tenders to the ship. But if you like the idea of peace and quiet, consider exploring farther beyond the first beach you come across.
13. There’s a Pirate Ship on Half Moon Cay
It’s not a floating ship, but Captain Morgan’s is a three-storey pirate ship bar situated on Half Moon Cay. The first two storeys are the bar, where you can enjoy drinks and some snacks. The top deck is more of a popular photo opportunity, giving great views of the surrounding island too.
You’ll also find a shipwreck-themed splash zone for kids, complete with squirting water cannons.
14. You Can Hire a Private Cabana on Half Moon Cay
You can hire a private beach villa on Half Moon Cay. These are designed for up to eight people and cost around $600 per day. For that, you get access to a private hot tub (with space for five people), your own refrigerator, air conditioning (which can be valuable) and a misting shower.
You also get free snacks, including fruit and soft drinks along with bottled water. Snorkel gear is provided for the guests if you want to enjoy a swim in the ocean, which your hut is just yards from.
15. 95% of the Island Hasn’t Been Developed
Although Half Moon Cay is a lively destination, most of the island hasn’t been touched. About 95% is still natural forest and beach, along with the lagoon near the centre. Carnival Corporation has announced plans for further development of the island, but details are yet to be announced.
For now, guests can enjoy some beautiful nature walks through the undeveloped areas of the island.
16. You Can Ride a Horse Through the Sea
There are some fantastic Half Moon Cay excursions available. One of the most popular is with Holland America, where you can ride a horse on a trail through land and into the ocean. The horses are safe as the trail is never too deep, and special saddles keep guests in place.
It’s a very popular excursion just for how unique it is, and it’s open to anyone, even if you’ve never ridden before. It’s a moderate activity lasting for around 75 minutes (with 45 minutes of riding), and costs around $100 per person.
Other excursion options include various water sports, glass-bottom boat tours, bike trails (with bicycle and eco-bike hire) and more.
17. You Can Swim With Stingrays at Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay has a special facility called Stingray Cove, where guests can snorkel among stingrays. The area is surrounded by netting to keep other marine life away, meaning you can just focus on enjoying the stingrays themselves.
18. Half Moon Cay Has a Tram Service
While Half Moon Cay is pretty big, you don’t have to walk everywhere. You can hop on the free tram service to get to some of the more distant excursions, such as the stingray swimming experience or horse-riding trails.
Everything on the island is within walking distance, usually no more than 30 or 40 minutes. But if you’ve got tired kids with you at the end of a long day of fun, hopping on the tram back towards the tender dock can be a bit of a lifesaver.
To Conclude
There’s a lot that you can enjoy on a visit to Half Moon Cay, some of which may surprise you. It’s a popular port for guests to disembark, so make sure you’re up early if you want to reserve a deck chair or hammock. The island will get busy with cruise guests, especially on days when there are multiple ships visiting.
Have you been to Half Moon Cay? I’d love to add your own top tips to this list as well. Leave a comment and let me know what you’d recommend.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Admission to CocoCay is free of charge and most of the attractions on the island are free, as is most of the food. Drinks are free if you have a cruise ship drinks package. Some of the thrill rides and the VIP chill areas have a charge.
When I visited Perfect Day at CocoCay I was pleasantly surprised at how much there is to do for free on the island. We didn’t spend one penny during our day on Royal Caribbean’s private island and still had a fantastic time.
What’s included at CocoCay?
All of the following things are free at CocoCay:
Captain Jill’s Galleon water play area
Oasis Lagoon pool
Splashaway Bay kids’ water park
Chill Island, South Beach and Harbor Bay beaches
Sports such as volleyball, basketball, table tennis and skittles
Sun loungers, hammocks, bean bags and umbrellas
Swim jacket hire
Beach access wheelchair and pushchair hire
Island tram
Airbrush tattoos
Food and ice cream in most dining venues
Water and juices
When planning a Royal Caribbean Bahamas cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, many people want to know what’s included. Of course, you’re a captive audience on the island, so you’ll want to know how much things cost and what to budget for before your cruise.
The great news is that there are enough free activities on CocoCay to keep the whole family happy, without having to spend anything at all. However, if you want to experience everything that CocoCay has to offer, you can book activities such as the Thrill Waterpark, Up, Up & Away helium balloon ride and the zip line for an extra charge.
When I visited CocoCay with my five-year-old daughter, Leonie, we made this video of what we did there…
Free activities on CocoCay
There are lots of free things to do at CocoCay for people of all ages. I visited the island with my five-year-old daughter and my mum, and was pleased to discover that the island has lots for people of all ages to enjoy.
1. Captain Jill’s Galleon
As you arrive from the ship, one of the first things you’ll see is Captain Jill’s Galleon. This huge pirate ship has slides, climbing nets and spray cannons. It’s a great way to cool down on a hot day. Even at the start of the day before the weather heats up, kids can spray the cannons and climb aboard the entrance to the ship without getting wet.
2. Oasis Lagoon
CocoCay’s Oasis Lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas with the capacity to hold up to 2,210 people! It’s so big that you can’t see the whole pool at once.
One end of the pool has a sloping entry like a beach, so it’s perfect for toddlers to splash about. Here there are little water fountains which are great fun to run through. Seagulls like to land in the pool and my daughter enjoyed trying to catch them.
At the other end of Oasis Lagoon is a huge swim-up bar with 23 seats. In the afternoon there’s a real party vibe here with pumping music and people dancing in the water. Oasis Lagoon even has an underwater sound system. Lie back with your ears in the water to hear the underwater music.
All around the Oasis Lagoon are lots of free sun loungers and umbrellas and there are also free swim jackets which you can pick up. The maximum depth of the pool is 5 feet. Swimming nappies/diapers are allowed in the pool but inflatables and floating mats are not.
3. Splashaway Bay
Splashway Bay is a kids’ water park which can be found on several of Royal Caribbean’s ships including Harmony, Ovation and Symphony of the Seas. The Splashaway Bay at CocoCay has a similar style but is much bigger than the ones you’ll see on the ships.
This water park has enough to keep kids entertained for hours with climbing areas, five water slides, spray fountains and tipping buckets. It’s great for kids of all ages from babies and toddlers right up to teenagers.
There is no age limit to use Splashaway Bay and swimming
nappies/diapers are allowed.
4. CocoCay beaches
There are three main beaches on CocoCay and all are free to enjoy. Every beach has lots of free sun loungers and umbrellas.
Chill Island Beach
Head left when you arrive, over the bridge and past the Straw Market and you’ll find yourself at the Chill Island beach. This is a great place to snorkel in the sea. It’s a great spot for snorkelling and you can see stingrays, tropical fish and maybe even a friendly shark. There’s also a sunken shipwreck to explore.
Snorkel gear is available to hire. But, if you have space in your luggage, it’s cheaper to buy a full face snorkel mask on Amazon than to hire one on the island.
South Beach
South Beach is located on the far side of the island, which is around ten minutes’ walk from the Arrivals Plaza. This is a relaxing beach with no wifi access. There are hammocks in the shade and beach bean bags as well as sun loungers. South Beach has a floating bar in the sea which is for adults only.
Harbor Beach
Harbor Beach is the area by the Harbor Lagoon. This sandy beach is a lovely spot to relax with views of the ships.
5. Sports and games
If you prefer to be active rather than sunbathing, there are lots of free sports and activities to enjoy on CocoCay. There’s a basketball court, table tennis, beach volleyball, skittles, a lawn game called cornhole and a giant snooker table with footballs instead of snooker balls. You can also play chess in Captain Jack’s bar. There may also be free yoga or fitness classes on the beach at certain times.
6. Places to relax
There’s an abundance of free sun loungers and umbrellas on
CocoCay. When we visited there were two ships in port, and we never had to look
for somewhere to sit, there were always loads of free loungers and umbrellas.
The island didn’t feel crowded at all. With only one ship, it would be even less
busy.
Sometimes people worry about finding shade and consider booking a private cabana for this reason. But honestly, there is plenty of shade should you need it and paying for a cabana isn’t necessary at all.
7. Airbrush tattoos
Before you head back to the ship, don’t miss the opportunity
to get your free airbrush tattoo from the stand by Captain Jill’s Galleon.
There’s a whole book of designs to choose from and a choice of black or pink
ink.
Free facilities on CocoCay
Swim jackets
Swimming jackets are recommended for all children who can’t swim. We brought inflatable armbands for Leonie but didn’t use them as she preferred the swimming jacket.
Just like a life jacket, the free swim jackets are available in all sizes, you can just pick one up from stand on the beach or by the pools and return it when you’re done. There were always lots available.
Beach wheelchairs
CocoCay also has lots of beach wheelchairs and pushchairs which you can hire for free. You’ll find them by the tram spots and you can just collect one and return it later. These have big wide wheels which are suitable for pushing on the sand.
Lockers
Should you need somewhere to store your belongings, lockers are free of charge.
CocoCay tram
CocoCay has three trams which run all day long. Able-bodied people won’t need to use a tram, as nowhere is more than a ten-minute walk. The tram routes on CocoCay are:
Island Tram – This tram circles the island every 15 minutes, calling at the Arrivals Plaza, the Oasis Lagoon, Chill Island and South Beach
Pier Tram – This tram runs a continuous service between the ship and the Arrivals Plaza
Coco Beach Tram – This VIP tram is dedicated to guests of the exclusive Coco Beach Club and runs every 10 minutes right from the ship
Free Food on CocoCay
CocoCay has lots of free options for lunch and snacks. Skipper’s Grill and the Chill Grill are the main dining venues which are open from 11.30 am until 3 pm. Here you can enjoy a huge buffet of burgers, tacos, french fries, salads and more. For dessert, there’s fresh fruit, cookies, funnel cake and ice cream.
For snacks, there are two Snack Shacks which are open from
11 am until 45 minutes before departure. Here you can get complimentary burgers,
hot dogs, salads and more.
Free self-service soft ice cream is available in vanilla, chocolate
or a mix of the two.
If you have admission to Coco Beach club, you can enjoy a
special menu as well as morning pastries and snacks included in your admission
cost.
For an extra charge, you could choose to dine a la carte at
Captain Jack’s. Honestly, the food in Skippers Grill is so amazingly delicious
that I don’t see how any other food could be worth paying extra for.
Included drinks
The free drinks on CocoCay are cold water and three kinds of juices – lemon and lime, tropical mango or strawberry and kiwi.
If you have a drinks package or a wifi package to use on your cruise ship, you’ll be pleased to know that they also work on the island. Staff come round with trays of the signature cocktail – Coco Loco which is a mix of rum, coconut cream, papaya juice, orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine.
Should you wish to pay for any of the extra activities on
CocoCay, you can book these before you cruise on your Royal Caribbean cruise
planner, or onboard the ship.
Prices vary depending on the sailing and can go up and down before departure. When more people are due on the island, the prices will tend to be higher than on days where there are fewer people visiting.
The CocoCay price list is as follows:
EXPERIENCE / AMENITY
PRICE
Thrill Waterpark
Age 4+: $49-$220 per person Age 0-3: Free
Zip Line
$79-$139 per person
Up, Up and Away helium balloon
Age 13+: $39-$99 per person Age 4-12: $24-$64 Age 0-3: Free
Coco Beach Club
Age 13+: $54-$199 per person Age 4-12: $34-$99 Age 0-3: Free
Kayaks, snorkels, beach mats etc
various
The price of the activities varies depending on your sailing. When two big ships are on the island is when it will cost the most.
In the winter, when only one smaller ship is there, you may be lucky to only pay $49 to visit the Thrill Waterpark. But if you’re cruising on Icon of the Seas in the summer, you could be expected to pay over $200 for your ticket.
The only way to get exact prices for your cruise is to check the Royal Caribbean cruise planner for your sailing.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…
Conclusion
To summarise, there’s so much to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, that you really don’t need to spend any money at all if you don’t want to.
Whilst the water park looks like a lot of fun, younger children will probably be better off using Splashaway Bay, as the slides are a better size for them. With queues of up to two hours reported for the tallest slide, you might want to think about whether that’s worth doing.
We had booked the Up, Up & Away balloon ride but the balloon wasn’t running because it was too windy. Whilst it would have been nice to see the views, it certainly didn’t spoil our day that this was cancelled and we still had a great time.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Thinking of booking a Carnival or Princess cruise in the Bahamas, and wondering what to expect from your visit to Princess Cays?
Princess Cays is one of a number of private destinations owned or leased by cruise lines, and these are becoming more and more popular.
Guests tend to love that feeling of exclusivity in a tropical destination, away from the bigger crowds. Cruise lines can make the most of this through exclusive excursions and activities that attract more guests and can bring in more cash, too.
So, to help you plan your trip, let’s take a look at what Princess Cays has to offer on your cruise.
1. It’s not an island, but it is a private resort
Princess Cays island is not actually a private island, but it is owned by Carnival. It’s a private resort situated at the south end of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. The resort area of the island is only open to cruise guests of the Carnival Corporation cruise lines – Carnival and Princess Cruises.
Cruise passengers are able to leave Princess Cays and explore the rest of Eleuthera if you want to – it’s not fenced off. Just be aware that most of the best attractions will be found at Princess Cays. You also won’t eat for free elsewhere – it’s only the resort where free food is served to guests.
If you do want to explore Eleuthera you also have to make sure you’re back in time for the last tender boat back to the ship.
2. Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are not the same place
Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are two different destinations – they are not the same. Half Moon Cay is a small private island, whereas Princess Cays is a resort on the island of Eleuthera. They are, however, both owned by the Carnival Corporation.
Most cruises in the region go to either Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays but not both.
The two destinations are quite similar in how they operate and the kinds of activities you can get up to, but they have some key differences. Princess Cays is a lot smaller than Half Moon Cay, and doesn’t have quite the range of excursions. Guests tend to prefer the softer sands of Half Moon Cay as well.
Princess Cays doesn’t have a pier and so guests will need to use a tender boat to get to shore from their ship. The downsides of this are that you may have to queue to get off the ship, and it’s not quite as easy to make a quick return to the ship if you’ve forgotten something, or you’d prefer to dine on board.
Otherwise, the tender journey is short and you’ll be at the resort in no time at all, so you’ll still have a long day to explore and relax. Just be mindful that the return tenders to the ship towards the end of the day can get busy. You won’t be left behind if you’re queuing but you might have to stand around until it’s your turn to board a tender.
The only other downside to the resort being a tender port is that it means it can sometimes be cancelled if the weather isn’t suitable. Tender boats can’t deal with stormy waters in the same way that larger ships can, and it could be unsafe.
4. It’s east of Nassau
Princess Cays is a resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera, which lies to the east of Nassau. Most cruises to the resort are short trips that will call at Nassau and Princess Cays before returning to the US coast.
The location does mean that you get a similar climate to other major destinations in the Bahamas, which means it’s warm throughout the year. Cruises are most popular during the winter months to escape the colder weather at home.
5. Food’s included!
Your food is included when you visit Princess Cays. A buffet is provided for all guests to enjoy close to the tender pier, which includes a selection of barbecue favourites, salads and some tasty sweet treats.
This food is provided by the cruise line, with staff bringing it ashore and preparing it on the island during the morning. It’s similar to what you would get at the buffet restaurant on the ship but with more of a focus on burgers, chicken and other BBQ favourites.
If you’re used to the huge buffets that you get at Disney’s Castaway Cay or Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, then you may be disappointed by the smaller choice of the Princess Cays buffet.
If you want more variety, you can return to the ship to dine there instead where it will be much quieter than usual.
6. Drinks packages only work on Princess Cruises’ visits
The Carnival Cheers drinks package doesn’t apply when you’re on Princess Cays, or on the other private island Half Moon Cay. You can still use your Sail & Sign card to pay for drinks, so you don’t need to carry a credit card or cash.
However, if you’re visiting Princess Cays on a Princess Cruises ship, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Princess drink packages do work on the island!
This is a little disappointing for Carnival guests because, where the resorts are fully owned by cruise lines, you can usually use your drinks package when ashore. I suppose Carnival guests have a bit of a reputation for drinking a lot and maybe the cruise line doesn’t want to facilitate all-day drinking on the island.
7. The drinking age is a little confusing
While the legal drinking age across the Bahamas is 18, that doesn’t apply on Princess Cays. As it is a privately-owned resort, the minimum drinking age of the cruise line applies, and that is 21. Guests aged 18, 19 and 20 won’t be able to buy any alcoholic drinks while at the resort.
8. The resort has so many activities to choose from
There is a lot of choice when it comes to activities on Princess Cays, but don’t feel like you have to sign up for everything. One of the best things to do in Princess Cays is to head to one of the beaches and sunbathe with a refreshing drink. The views are gorgeous out over the ocean, after all.
But if you do want to get active, there’s a lot of water sports equipment you can hire, including kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards and aqua bikes. You can also hire floating beds and water noodles if you just want a more lazy swim.
There’s a kid’s play area too, and the whole family will want to join in at the Junkanoo beach party.
In terms of organised Princess Cays excursions, you can take part in:
Dune buggy tours
Walking trails of the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve
Boat trips around the island
Fishing trips
Stingray encounters
Bike tours
9. But there’s no main swimming pool…
There isn’t a large swimming pool at Princess Cays, although there is a small paddle pool at the kids’ play area Pelican’s Perch. Guests are instead able to swim and enjoy water sports on the ocean, which has crystal-clear warm waters.
10. Some people have spotted sharks (don’t worry)
There have been some sightings of smaller nurse sharks on snorkeling excursions from Princess Cays but even these are rare. It is generally very safe to snorkel off the island, and the expert guides are on hand to reassure you and explain what wildlife you will see.
If there ever was a shark in the waters, the guides are trained to act quickly and ensure everyone clears the area – you wouldn’t be left at risk. There is one shark at Princess Cays that you definitely will spot – a fake one on the beach. Guests love to take photos of it claiming they’ve spotted a shark during their excursion.
11. Shopping’s available – don’t be afraid to say no
There is a craft market on Princess Cays where local vendors will sell a variety of items including clothing, shells and handmade gifts. You can’t pay for these using your Sail & Sign card – the vendors aren’t employed by the cruise line. You’ll need US dollars, or a credit card.
The sellers here shouldn’t ever scam you, since they operate under the permission of the cruise line, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be very enthusiastic and may haggle rather than have set prices, so you may pay more than something is worth if you aren’t prepared to barter.
Don’t ever be afraid of just saying “no” and walking away. While in some cruise ports, you might still get hassled, but that shouldn’t happen at Princess Cays.
12. Snorkeling is really popular here
Princess Cays is an excellent snorkeling spot, with clear waters and a wide array of natural sea life, including plants and animals that you can spot. Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear or it can be hired at the island.
The waters are great for snorkeling from the beach itself, although if you want to see more unique and exciting flora and fauna, then it’s worth paying for an excursion on a snorkeling boat, which will take you further out to sea.
The guides are friendly and helpful so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to get some great underwater views as you build up your confidence.
13. Excursions aren’t always needed
There are some activities on Princess Cays that are free and don’t require any charges, but there are some excursions that you’ll need to book in advance. These include dune buggy and sand bike tours, fishing excursions, snorkel boating and other guided tours.
Whether you need to book excursions is a personal choice. A lot of people will be happy just wandering the island, relaxing on the beaches and grabbing a bite to eat, or joining in the casual volleyball tournaments.
But there are plenty of exciting excursions that you could try, so it’s definitely worth looking at the options available before you arrive for the day, and see whether there are any you want to sign up to.
14. Nobody lives in Princess Cays
There are no permanent residents of Princess Cays due to it being a small tourist resort. Some locals do come from the rest of the Eleuthera island to work, especially the vendors selling at the market. Other jobs are managed by the crew from the ship.
As the resort is private, island residents can’t wander in whenever they want to, so the resort is safe. It’s only those with permission to work that come to the resort.
15. No passport needed!
As the Princess Cays cruise port is in the Bahamas, US residents don’t need a passport to sail to the destination. Cruises within the Bahamas can be boarded with other forms of ID – a photo ID and a birth certificate.
Anyone who isn’t a US citizen will, of course, need their passport to get into America when they’re first boarding their cruise. And generally, cruise lines recommend that you take a passport if you have one – it makes it easier to rebook travel if your cruise suffers from any cancellations or delays.
16. WiFi is available too
The MedallionNet WiFi internet service is available to guests on Princess Cays. Most private islands owned by cruise lines don’t have WiFi, making this a significant advantage if you want to get online to share photos and stories of your time on the island with friends and family.
17. Which is better: Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay?
Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are both very similar destinations, but they’re not identical. They offer similar water sports activities, but Half Moon Cay has the more unique experience of horse riding through the sea.
However, snorkeling fans tend to give the edge to Princess Cays – the waters are a little clearer, the wildlife more diverse, and it’s easier to explore directly from the shore as well.
You’ll have a great time no matter which private destination you sail to on your Carnival or Princess cruise, but most cruisers give the slight edge to Half Moon Cay for its softer sands and its more expansive area.
Princess Cays
Final word
Princess Cays may be a relatively small resort but it still packs a lot of activities into that space, without ever feeling too crowded either.
This isn’t a day you want to skip if you’re on your cruise. Whether you sign up for action-packed excursions or just sunbathe on the beach, there’s a lot of fun to be had at this private resort destination.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
There are a number of smaller islands in the Caribbean and Bahamas that are now either owned or leased by cruise lines. One of these is Great Stirrup Cay.
These islands have a number of benefits to both cruise lines and to guests. Cruise lines are able to make more money by having an on-land destination, while guests get to enjoy a tropical island without crowds being too crazy – only cruise line passengers will be competing for a lounger on the beach or a spot at the bar.
Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. If you’re planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island.
1. NCL owns the island outright – unlike some other cruise line islands
Norwegian Cruise Line does own Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas, unlike some other private cruise line destinations that are leased from the local government. The cruise line bought the island in 1977 from the Belcher Oil Company and then began work on converting it into a private island for passengers.
NCL spent around $1 million upgrading the island in the early 1990s, during which time it even marketed the island as Pleasure Island. But it has since been renamed back to its proper name Great Stirrup Cay, with further significant renovation in 2017 as private island destinations became more popular for cruising.
It’s worth noting that, next to Great Stirrup Cay is Little Stirrup Cay, which has been renamed to CocoCay and is owned by Royal Caribbean.
2. The island doesn’t have a pier… for now
Great Stirrup Cay does not have a pier or dock, which means that it is a tender port. If you want to go ashore to the island, you will need to take a tender boat from the ship which will be anchored out to sea. The journey by tender only takes a few minutes.
However, because you can’t just step on or off the ship, you’ll need to plan ahead, especially if you want to return to the ship at a specific time (say if you have a spa or entertainment booking). The tender lines can get a little busy at peak times, so make sure you don’t turn up last minute.
You can go back and forth during the day if you wish.
Good news though – the cruise line has announced that it’s building a pier that can accommodate two ships. It’ll be ready by late 2025.
3. There’s no airport either
You can’t fly to Great Stirrup Cay, despite it appearing on some flight booking websites. It does have an ‘international airport’ but this isn’t in use – the only way to visit the island is on a cruise – it’s the NCL private island, after all.
The airport on the island is actually a helicopter airfield that is no longer in use, but was likely used as part of previous military installations on the island. So don’t expect to see any exciting helicopter landings during your visit.
4. From the US? No passport needed
If you’re a US citizen, you don’t need a passport to sail to Great Stirrup Cay or indeed many of the destinations in the Bahamas, provided your sailing departs from and ends at a US port. You still need some form of ID, such as a US state-certified birth certificate.
Guests from all other countries will need a passport, but since sailings to Great Stirrup Cay are all from the US anyway, you would’ve needed one to even reach the embarkation port.
NCL still recommends that all guests travel with a passport if you can, even if you don’t need one. That way if your cruise has any delays or issues and you need to book flights or alternative transport to get home, you should find the process is much easier with a passport in hand.
5. Food is free (with various options available)
The food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, with multiple venues to choose from. The main food venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, where you can enjoy a buffet selection of BBQ favourites including burgers, salads, chicken and a selection of desserts.
There’s also a taco bar serving Mexican food, and a food truck that serves a range of sandwiches and other lighter lunch items. The food truck is close to the cabanas and villas. Guests in a Silver Cove villa have an exclusive buffet that has more upmarket food choices.
Food choices for those with special diets aren’t amazing, and you may prefer to head back to the ship to eat if you have a specific requirement.
6. Drinks aren’t automatically free
By default, drinks are not free on Great Stirrup Cay. There are several bars on the island where you can buy drinks, which you’ll do using your cruise card – the cost of the drinks will just be added to your account, the same as buying drinks onboard.
The main bar is situated close to the beach, and is called the Bacardi bar (although it serves a wide selection of drinks, not just Bacardi). There are other bars located near the Mexican restaurant, the cabanas and the Silver Cove villas too, including those that deliver to the villas.
7. Drinks packages do work! So you can get ‘free’ drinks
If you have an NCL drinks package, it does work on Great Stirrup Cay, so you can enjoy a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for no additional charge. Just hand over your cruise card as normal and the drink will be registered on your account with no charge added.
It’s worth remembering that there are different NCL drinks packages, and some have a value limit per drink. You may still need to pay if you order a drink that exceeds the value allowed on your particular drink package.
8. Most excursions or activities do have an extra cost
While visiting Great Stirrup Cay, you can enjoy free food at the various dining locations, and explore the beaches. Any excursions or activities on the island will incur a cost, as will any drinks unless you already have a drinks package.
There are some exciting excursions you can try, including snorkelling and kayaking in the crystal clear waters, or grabbing a WaveRunner jet ski and touring the nearby Berry Islands. But you’ll need to book these in advance and they do all have a cost.
9. You can swim with pigs – yes, really!
One of the most popular Great Stirrup Cay excursions is swimming with pigs. This excursion actually takes place on a small island off the shore of Great Stirrup Cay, around a 10-minute journey away by speedboat.
Once you’re at the island, you’ll go through safety talks before being able to join the pigs in a cove. Here you can swim with them and feed them – apples and sticks are provided. The swimming takes place in a safe, secured area and the total duration of the excursion is around 90 minutes. It is suitable for families.
The excursion costs around $130 for adults and $95 for children.
10. Cabanas can be rented for the day (they aren’t cheap)
There are both large and small cabanas available to hire on Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Large cabanas can host up to 8 people and cost from $449, while small cabanas are suitable for up to 6 people and cost from $425.
The cabanas are open-air and have a ceiling fan to help keep you cool. You’ll get fresh fruit, chips (crisps) and salsa along with some bottled water for free, and you can order extra food and drink from your cabana attendant.
11. There’s no pool, but the coves are good for swimming
There are no swimming pools on Great Stirrup Cay, although there are some quiet coves that are good for swimming. The ocean waters around Great Stirrup Cay are clear and warm, and provide good swimming conditions.
If you aren’t comfortable with ocean swimming, remember that you can always head back to the ship if you’d prefer to swim in a pool – they’ll be very quiet on days in Great Stirrup Cay after all!
12. You won’t find The Haven on the island
There is no Haven area on Great Stirrup Cay. Instead, there is a more exclusive part of the island called Silver Cove, but this is open to any guest who wishes to book one of the villas in this area, not just to Haven guests on the ship.
The Silver Cove villas are split between Ocean Villas, starting from $699 for the day, and Lagoon Villas which are, unsurprisingly, located on the lagoon. These start from $799 per day for one-bedroom villas, and $1,100 for two-bedroom villas that can accommodate up to 16 guests.
The villas come with a number of features including air conditioning, a TV with on-demand movies, and full bathrooms including a shower. You’ll also get reserved seating at the private beach nearby, away from the busier beaches used by other guests.
Guests at the Silver Cove villas have their own exclusive buffet, and an exclusive Moet & Chandon bar where you can enjoy a Moet Ice Imperial – the first Champagne that has been created to be served over ice.
One-Bedroom Lagoon Villa at Silver Cove
13. Don’t expect WiFi
There is no WiFi on Great Stirrup Cay, but the island does have a cellphone tower, so if you have a data plan with your phone provider that includes international data, then you will be able to get online.
Most guests tend to use the day to switch off, so WiFi isn’t a concern for most people. But if you need to get online and don’t have an international data plan, you can return to the ship to use any WiFi plan you have there.
There are no lockers to store your valuables on Great Stirrup Cay. It’s recommended that you only take ashore anything that you can carry around with you. If you book an excursion that involves being on the water, the attendants will look after it for you but aren’t liable if anything happens to it.
Try to leave anything that you don’t need on the ship for the day – that way you can swim, snorkel or just lounge on the beach without worrying about keeping possessions safe.
15. Some people live (temporarily) on the island
There are a small number of NCL staff who will temporarily live on the island to provide services to guests, but contracts here are seasonal. The island does not have any permanent residents.
Many of the people serving you on the island work on the cruise ship, and the buffet food is prepared by the ship’s kitchen staff, who also bring the food ashore from the ship on a tender boat early in the morning.
The sellers at the straw market on the island travel there by ferry from Great Harbour Cay, a nearby island.
16. Great Stirrup Cay is not the same as CocoCay
CocoCay is another name for Little Stirrup Cay, an island adjacent to Great Stirrup Cay and owned by Royal Caribbean. The islands are similar in what they offer, although Royal Caribbean’s island does have more features aimed at children.
Final word
There is a lot that you can see and do on Great Stirrup Cay, so make sure you’re awake early that day if you want to make the most of it. Tenders back to the ship tend to finish around 3 pm, so you don’t get a huge amount of time on the island, and you ideally don’t want to be caught up in the rush of the last people returning to the ship.
Just be prepared to pay for your drinks and most of the fun activities while you’re there too – unless you’re on a drinks package, anyway. You can still have a great time on the island without spending extra cash if you’re happy enjoying the beach and the free food.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Cruise line private islands are extensions of the ships themselves – featuring larger versions of onboard splash parks and the same great food you’ll find on the ship. You may even find that cruise ship drinks and wi-fi packages are able to be used on land, at no extra cost.
Just as some people book a cruise solely to experience the ship, cruise line private islands are becoming so good that people are booking short two- or three-night cruises just to visit a private island.
But, which islands should you put at the top of your wish list? I’ve rounded up the best.
1. Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises
Location: Bahamas
Size: 140 acres
Tender or dock: Dock
Widely regarded as the best cruise private island in the world, Royal Caribbean’s island underwent a huge $200 million revamp in 2019. This project saw the addition of many Instagram-worthy features including the tallest water slide in North America, the largest freshwater swimming pool in the Caribbean and a 1600-foot-long zip line.
To take in the views of this incredible island, cruisers can head up in a helium balloon to snap photos from 300 feet in the air. The Coco Beach Club includes Maldives-style private overwater villas and an exclusive infinity pool overlooking the private beach.
Perfect for children of all ages, on CocoCay children can enjoy a huge Splashaway Bay water park with slides and tipping buckets, as well as Captain Jill’s Galleon, which is a large pirate ship with cannons that spray water. Unlike the main Thrill Waterpark on the island, these children’s facilities are all available to enjoy without an extra charge.
Since April 2024, cruisers can also visit CocoCay when sailing with Celebrity Cruises on selected ships.
2. Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises
Cruise line: MSC Cruises
Location: Bahamas
Size: 95 acres
Tender or dock: Dock
MSC Cruises’ private island resort, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve is part of the Bimini chain of islands. This paradise island has a focus on connecting with nature and sustainability.
Motorised water sports are forbidden here, in order to protect the delicate coral reef. Instead, activities to enjoy include kayaking, paddle-boarding or, if that sound too strenuous, you can rent an electric pedalo. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular.
Ocean Cay is a place not just to appreciate nature, but also to enhance your own personal wellbeing, and a range of yoga and fitness classes are available, alongside relaxing spa treatments and massages. Late-night stays on the island are possible, giving guests the option to gaze at stars in an area that’s relatively free of light pollution.
Children will love the Family Lagoon Beach with shallow water for little ones to splash around. There’s also a 100-foot lighthouse which you can climb for some amazing views.
The largest of all of the cruise line private islands, Half Moon Cay has been voted ‘Best Private Island’ by Porthole Cruise Magazine every year for the past 17 years.
Unlike some other private islands, development has been kept to a minimum, meaning guests can enjoy unspoilt nature trails and a relaxing time exploring the ten miles of white sandy beaches either on foot, on a bicycle or on horseback. You can even go swimming with horses should you wish.
Although 95% of this island hasn’t been developed, there’s
still lots for kids to enjoy. The Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park has slides and a
pirate ship that shoots water from its cannons. There’s also a dry playground
with slides, swings, see-saws and more pirate ships.
Continuing with the pirate these, Half Moon Cay also has a huge three-storey pirate ship with fantastic views from the top level; the other two levels are a bar.
Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay is, as expected, a
fantastic place for children of all ages. But did you know that there’s lots
for adults to enjoy too?
The island has distinct beach areas for various ages – the Family Beach, the Sports Beach and the adults-only Serenity Bay. The Family Beach is the closest to the ship and here you’ll find loads of child-friendly activities such as a 2,400-square-foot floating platform with two water slides, spray cannons and a giant tipping bucket.
There’s also a Snorkelling Lagoon with a path to follow to see not only tropical fish, but special buried treasure!
The Sports Beach is popular with teens and is the place to
enjoy a wide variety of sporting activities such as volleyball and tetherball. Serenity
Bay is a lovely quiet spot for adults to relax, enjoy the views or enjoy a
massage in one of the open-air cabanas.
If you visit Castaway Cay, keep an eye out for Goofy, Olaf and other characters who are known to enjoy a visit to the island too.
Located in the Berry Islands, Great Stirrup Cay offers the ultimate in blissful relaxation. It’s a snorkellers paradise with crystal-clear waters where you can see turtles and tropical fish – there’s even an underwater sculpture garden.
Should you wish to swim with the famous Bahamian swimming pigs, they can be found on Treasure Island which is just a ten-minute boat ride away. You could also take an excursion to nearby Stingray City to swim with the friendly stingrays.
Great Stirrup Cay has three beaches: Bertrams Beach, Cabana’s Beach and Fiesta Beach. Bertram’s beach is named after the British naval commander who settled on the island in the 18th century (and who could blame him!) It has lots of beach loungers, hammocks and shady palm trees.
A little further along is Cabana’s Beach where you’ll find cabanas to hire. Furthest from the pier is Fiesta Beach which is a quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle of the other beaches,
Norwegian Cruise Line also offers private villas in the exclusive Silver Cove area of the island. These come with air conditioning, a TV and on-demand movies. Personally, if I wanted to watch TV in a cold room, I’d turn off the heating and do that at home. There’s no way I’d be wasting the day in a villa on a private island!
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line Location: Belize, Central America Size: 75 acres Tender or dock: Dock
Harvest Caye was opened in 2016 as part of a massive investment program by NCL, and is part-owned by the cruise line (the other part is owned by the Belizian government).
The bars, shops and restaurants are all run by the government so while it’s an island that only NCL ships will visit, it’s not really a totally cruise-line owned island. It’s a more authentic destination.
It’s also the only destination in the entire of Belize where there’s a pier for cruise ships, so you don’t need to take a tender.
There are plenty of exciting things you can do on the island, including a river tubing adventures through the rainforest and parasailing along the coast. You can also visit a Mayan temple, or take a serene sightseeing tour among the mangrove estuaries to see the native manatees.
Or you can, of course, just chill by the side of the pool. It’s up to you.
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean Location: Haiti Size: 260 acres Tender or dock: Dock
Not so much a private island, but a private resort on a much bigger island, Labadee has been leased to Royal Caribbean until 2050 and has been used by both Royal Caribbean and sister line Celebrity Cruises in the past.
It’s a resort that’s cut off from the rest of Haiti, with a private security force keeping anybody else out (and stopping wandering cruise guests from leaving the resort too, in theory). Not that you’d want to, since there’s plenty to see and do already.
The best attraction is the Dragon’s Breath zip line which runs from the top of the mountain and reaches speeds of up to 50mph – definitely one for the thrill-seekers.
If you want something a little more laid back, then you can choose from a couple of different beaches, with Columbus Cove being the quietest since it’s the furthest from the port (though there is a free ferry to take you there). Passengers in a Grand Suite or above also have access to the private Barefoot Beach.
There’s a kids splash park too, as well as a couple of other water play areas with slides so the little ones will love the day too. And any drinks package you have onboard carries over onto the island as well.
The island of Eleuthera is pretty special – it’s 100 miles long and only 2 miles wide. At the southern tip, Princess Cruises has exclusive access to the Princess Cays resort including over half a mile of the gorgeous white sands.
There are a ton of different sporting activities you can try both on land or in the water, or you can climb the observation tower to enjoy some amazing views in all directions.
And if that all sounds like too much effort, just grab yourself a lounger, pick up a cocktail and take it easy, making sure you stop off at the free beach barbecue when you’re in need of a bite to eat.
Cruise line: Paul Gauguin Location: French Polynesia Size: Approximately 4 acres Tender or dock: Tender
One of the smallest islands on this list, Motu Mahana really is a tranquil tropical escape. Both because of the size of the island and also the style of the cruise line, don’t expect massive shopping markets or a huge range of planned excursions.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do, but it’s a more gentle approach to island life. You can still try some watersports or a game of volleyball, and swim and snorkel amongst the coral and colourful fish.
You can enjoy a massage or learn how to open a coconut, and when you’re ready for a drink there’s a floating cocktail bar that just sounds heavenly.
Another destination that is not a private island but instead a private resort on part of a larger island, The Beach Club is a beautiful escape where you can enjoy a tranquil getaway on a beach that’s reserved for cruise guests.
From there, things can get a little more exciting if you want them to – you can take a guided scuba dive through the shipwrecks, and even go shark-diving if you feel like your heartrate has been a little too relaxed for too long.
Plus there’s the chance to get out and explore the historical sites of North Bimini, with a ton of authentic culture to discover that, to date, has been preserved from the huge tourist numbers that visit other parts of the Bahamas.
Cruise line: Costa Cruises Location: Dominican Republic Size: 2,400 acres Tender or dock: Tender
“Isla Catalina” in Spanish, this is a popular cruise destination for a number of different cruise lines, but only Costa Cruises has its own private beach on the island. Motor vehicles are banned on the island despite its relatively large size, which really makes you feel like you’ve escaped from everyday life to a paradise.
You can explore the picturesque village of Altos de Chavon, or take a boat excursion up the river to see the local wildlife from an exciting perspective.
Of course, with a private beach just for your ship, you might be tempted just to take the day to soak up some sun – I wouldn’t blame you on these gorgeous sands.
12. Portuguese Island, MSC Cruises
Cruise line: MSC Cruises Location: Mozambique, Africa Size: Approximately 500 acres Tender or dock: Tender
This small, uninhabited African island offers six kilometres of beaches that you can easily walk around in an hour, letting you sample the peaceful sights of this calm escape. Just make sure you’ve got footwear on as it gets very hot on the sands.
Your ship will dock at nearby Maputo and you can take a tender to the island from there. Local food and drinks are available including Tipo Tinto rum, and there are beach sports you can join in with if you’re feeling energetic.
The best tip is to make sure you do wander a little distance from the tender port if you want to relax on the beach. With the island being so small, it won’t take long for you to explore and you should be able to find a more secluded spot for some private relaxation time.
Future Private Islands
1. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line Location: Eleuthera, Bahamas Size: Unknown Tender or dock: Dock
Lighthouse Point is set to be the next private destination for Disney Cruise Line guests, with confirmation at the D23 Expo in 2022 that work had started on the island.
There’ll be water play areas, restaurants, stores and plenty of spots to unwind. The official press release from Disney describes “a vibrant beach retreat infused with the colour and energy of Bahamian artistry”.
It was unveiled in November 2023 that a lot of the activities on the island will bring that artistry to life, particularly through live performances of music, singing and dance.
There will also be a Little Mermaid-themed splash area for kids.
Guests will be able to visit the island from the summer of 2024 – great timing for the debut season of the new DCL ship, Disney Treasure, in 2024.
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean Location: Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas Size: 17 acres Tender or dock: Dock and water taxi
Royal Caribbean is developing a private destination in Nassau called Royal Beach Club. It will be located at the tip of Paradise Island.
The new destination experience was originally announced in early 2020. Put, plans were put on ice due to global events and it’s only now in 2023 that the project has been given the go-ahead by the Bahamian government.
The private resort is scheduled to open in 2025. It will combine the island’s stunning beaches with the cruise line’s signature experiences to create the ultimate beach day.
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean Location: Vanuatu, South Pacific Size: Unknown Tender or dock: TBC – likely dock
In 2019, Royal Caribbean announced plans to develop another private island, Perfect Day at Lelepa in Vanuatu, which was scheduled to open in 2022.
As expected, the development island was delayed, but it’s not off the cards completely. The last updates came in March 2022, giving no concrete date for completion but confirming the island was still being worked on.
The plans for the island are to be less thrill-based than Perfect Day at CocoCay, instead celebrating the local cultures of Vanuatu.
4. Celebration Key
Cruise line: Carnival Location: Grand Bahama Size: Unknown Tender or dock: Dock
While it was believed that Carnival may revamp Half Moon Cay to make it easier to accommodate more ships, it was instead announced in 2022 that a new destination was being worked on.
The destination will take up part of the south side of Grand Bahama, and will have a pier built that can accommodate two of the newer Excel-class ships at once.
It will include an interior pool and a nature reserve, as well as several restaurants, bars and shops themed around the Bahamas for guests to enjoy. There will be five different ‘portals’ that guests can enjoy, along with cabanas and villas to rent. The villas even have their own waterslides into the lagoon!
Great Stirrup Cay and CocoCay are two popular destinations in the Bahamas, each offering unique experiences for visitors.
Great Stirrup Cay, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, is a private island located in the Berry Islands. It features stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing and water activities.
Great Stirrup Cay
On the other hand, Perfect Day at CocoCay, owned by Royal Caribbean International, is known for its thrill-seeking adventures. CocoCay boasts the tallest water slide in North America, the Daredevil’s Peak, and an impressive wave pool called the Oasis Lagoon.
CocoCay
Both islands provide visitors with an unforgettable tropical getaway, however, Great Stirrup Cay offers a more serene and relaxed atmosphere, while CocoCay caters better to those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities.
Half Moon Cay Vs CocoCay
Half Moon Cay and CocoCay are both known for their stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. Half Moon Cay, also known as Little San Salvador Island, is owned by Holland America Line. It boasts pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation.
Half Moon Cay also offers a range of activities such as horseback riding, snorkelling, and kayaking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s natural wonders.
Half Moon Cay
CocoCay, which belongs to Royal Caribbean International, is another private island located in the Bahamas. It features a variety of thrilling water slides, a massive freshwater pool, and a floating bar for guests to enjoy. With its vibrant atmosphere and numerous adventure-filled activities, CocoCay is a favourite among adrenaline-seeking travellers.
CocoCay
Half Moon Cay and CocoCay both offer idyllic Caribbean getaways, but the former focuses more on serene natural beauty while the latter provides a lively and adventurous experience for visitors.
Ocean Cay Vs CocoCay
Ocean Cay and CocoCay both offer breathtaking ocean views and a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Ocean Cay, owned by MSC Cruises, is known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. The island offers various water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking.
Ocean Cay
CocoCay, however, is best known for its water park, known as Thrill Waterpark, which features numerous exhilarating water slides and a massive wave pool. CocoCay also offers a range of activities for all ages, including snorkelling, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. The island also provides relaxation areas with pristine beaches and luxurious cabanas.
CocoCay
Each island offers a distinct experience for cruise ship guests. Ocean Cay is best known for its tranquil beaches, vibrant marine life, and Caribbean cuisine, while Coco Cay stands out for its thrilling water park, adventure activities, and relaxation areas.
Whether visitors prefer a serene beach getaway or an adrenaline-pumping water park experience, both Ocean Cay and Coco Cay provide unforgettable moments in a breathtaking Caribbean setting.
The Bottom Line
A visit to a private island is often the highlight of a Caribbean cruise. While all of these islands are beautiful, some are all about relaxation, while others offer much more than that with a variety of activities you can enjoy.
Have you ever cruised to a private island? What did you think? Please let me know in the comment below, I’d love to hear your opinions.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Labadee, Haiti is a popular port destination for cruises by Royal Caribbean, with occasional visits by Celebrity Cruises ships as well.
But, if you’re planning to cruise there in the future, here are the things you need to know…
1. Labadee isn’t always safe to cruise to
The US State Department has advised against travel to Haiti for some time, citing “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure” among the reasons why tourists should avoid it.
In March 2024, 4,000 prisoners escaped from a Haitian jail, and since then, Royal Caribbean had to suspend visits to Labadee as a precaution.
Labadee is a private resort where only cruise guests and employed locals are permitted entry. There’s a fence and a private security force preventing anyone else from Haiti from entering. So it’s hoped that once Labadee is able to open, it will be much safer than the rest of the country.
Merchants selling souvenirs in Labadee operate under the permission of the cruise line – anyone who tried to scam you would very quickly lose their license and be unable to sell their wares. That doesn’t mean they won’t be pushy, though.
2. People think Labadee is an island, but it’s not
Labadee is a private resort, but it isn’t an island. Even the country of Haiti is not its own island – it shares a land mass with the Dominican Republic. The Labadee Haiti cruise port is a small area to the north of Haiti, fenced off to the general public.
The resort is privately available to guests of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. You can’t visit Labadee unless you are sailing with these cruise lines.
3. Royal Caribbean has leased Labadee from the Haitian government
Labadee is a private port on the northern coast of Haiti, but while it is a private resort it is not owned by Royal Caribbean. Instead, the cruise company has leased the resort until 2050, when it will either revert back to the ownership of the Haitian government or the contract may be renewed.
From a cruise passenger’s perspective, that doesn’t really make any difference. If you’re sailing on a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises ship that calls at Labadee, you won’t be mingling with guests from other cruise lines.
But at the same time, it’s not an asset that belongs to Royal Caribbean either – they’ve paid for the exclusive access, but they don’t own the resort. The cruise line does run the operations of the resort though, with an estimated 300 locals employed by the cruise line.
4. Labadee has a 2,500-foot zipline
Labadee is famous for its the zip line, which runs right across the shoreline, giving you a stunning aerial view of the resort.
Known as ‘The Dragon’s Breath’ it’s the world’s longest over-water zip line, taking you from high up in the hills down to the bay area, across the ocean.
It’s a sit-in zip line so you don’t have to worry about holding on or braking, it’s all done for you.
You will be travelling at 40 to 50mph, meaning you’ll be in flight for around 45 seconds in total. The excursion itself takes a lot longer, though, because you need to go through the safety briefing and get harnessed up.
The zip line is around a 10-minute walk from the main pier, so in all expect the excursion to take you around 90 minutes if you include the walking time to get to it.
The Dragon’s Breath zipline costs $99 whether you are an adult or a child. The minimum height to ride the zipline is 48 inches (exactly 4 feet) while the minimum weight is 75lb and the maximum weight is 275lb.
This may sound like a lot of time and money for a 45-second flight, but most people who review it say that the experience and the views were worth it.
5. Labadee has its own roller coaster
The Dragon’s Tail is an alpine coaster with single-seat cars that you control yourself – you can adjust your speed. It’s not the longest coaster but you get some amazing views, and people generally have a great time.
6. Labadee has four beaches to explore
The biggest of Labadee’s four beaches is Adrenalin Beach, but this means it is also the busiest. It does have its own floating swim-up bar, though, which is a lot of fun.
Columbus Cove is much further away, but you can hop on the free tram to get there.
Nellie’s Beach is rockier, but more secluded and peaceful. You can rent a cabana here for maximum relaxation.
The best beach is Barefoot Beach, but it’s exclusively for guests staying in Grand Suites and above.
The prices of cabanas on Labadee vary depending on which cabana you choose. The beach bungalows are the cheapest cabanas, costing around $270 for the day. The most expensive cabanas are the over-the-water cabanas at Nellie’s Beach at $580 for the day.
If those prices are a little high for you, you can rent a shaded beach lounger for just $48 for two for the day, or for something a little more comfortable you could book a four-poster beach bed for $175.
8. Labadee is good for snorkelling
The snorkelling area at Labadee is off Adrenalin Beach, around a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. You can book a snorkelling excursion in advance when you’re on the ship, or just bring your own snorkelling equipment.
The waters around Labadee are nice and clear and should provide excellent conditions to allow you to see the local undersea wildlife.
9. The shopping in Labadee is pretty good
There are plenty of shops at Labadee, including the main Artisan’s Market. This is where local vendors set up to sell a range of crafts, jewellery, clothes, paintings, hats, fans and other items. All vendors are licensed by Royal Caribbean to operate in the resort.
Because the merchants are given special permission, you can trust that they won’t do anything to outright scam you. If they did, you’d be able to complain to the cruise line, which could take action to remove that merchant in the future.
But that doesn’t mean you can wander without a care – the merchants will still try to sell you items for more than they are worth, and they can be very pushy too. Be firm if you don’t want to buy something, and don’t be afraid to haggle. The merchants themselves often encourage it.
10. Labadee doesn’t have a pool because you really don’t need one
Labadee does not have a swimming pool, but you are able to swim off all four beaches. There’s also an inflatable assault course often set up on the ocean, and if you book the excursion you’ll be able to have a lot of fun clambering over it.
The water temperature in the ocean tends to average between 27 and 29 degrees Centigrade (80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit).
Anything above 26 degrees C tends to be considered a warm sea, so you will be able to enjoy swimming in the ocean without feeling a chill.
11. Lunch is free
There are three main restaurants on Labadee where guests can enjoy lunch. All of the locations serve almost identical food, which is a selection of BBQ items, including burgers, chicken, hot dogs, salads, corn, and fruits. The food is all free.
Some of the bars may serve small snacks, and these may incur a charge – check with the vendor when you order. But the main lunch served at the resort doesn’t cost a thing.
It’s served buffet-style, and there are a few good selections, although options for vegetarians and vegans may be limited. You can always return to the ship to eat and then head back ashore for the afternoon if you prefer.
12. Your drinks package works at Labadee
If you have paid for a Royal Caribbean drinks package, or Celebrity Cruises drinks package, this will be valid at Labadee (and at CocoCay if your cruise includes a visit to the other private resort used by Royal Caribbean). Just use your SeaPass when ordering and you will get the drinks without an extra cost.
The only drinks not included are any souvenir glasses/cups that you could buy.
13. US citizens can cruise to Labadee without a passport
Despite Labadee being a resort in Haiti, and therefore a part of a different country, you don’t need a passport to sail there if you are a US resident and you are sailing from the US. You would still need proof of ID – any government-issued photo ID and your birth certificate would suffice.
Obviously, if you are travelling from any other country such as the UK, you’re going to need your passport to get into the US anyway for your departure port, so you will need it to board the ship.
14. Cruisers are banned from leaving the resort
Guests arriving at Labadee are not permitted outside the resort itself. The resort is protected by a security fence and a security force to prevent guests leaving and anyone not from the cruise from entering.
This is for guests’ safety, so don’t try to push it – there is plenty to enjoy in the resort itself, after all!
You can return to the ship and then go back ashore, provided you leave enough time, so if you don’t like the food options on Labadee or you’ve forgotten something you wanted, you can just head back to the ship at any time.
Final Word
There’s a lot that you can enjoy at Labadee when you cruise with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, and because it’s a private resort, you know it’s only going to be as busy as your ship will allow – you won’t be mingling with other tourists or passengers of other ships.
Whether you want to try the thrilling zipline or roller coaster, or you just want to soak up the sun and splash around on the beaches, it’s a fun port of call, and the food and drinks are great, too. Just make sure you’re prepared to pay for all the extras, and don’t let yourself be talked into spending too much at the market either!
There is not much that is free on Labadee – most excursions do have a charge. You can enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch for free, as well as access the beaches and ride the trams around the island. Renting beach chairs or cabanas, or taking part in any of the activities does cost extra.
You can definitely enjoy Labadee without spending any money – and if you avoid taking cash ashore, that’s often a good tactic to avoid the merchants hassling you to make purchases (although some will say they can take a credit card).
Any purchases you do make at the resort – excluding the shops – can be done using your Sea Pass, with the cost added to your cruise account.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Jamaica is a popular destination in the Caribbean where many of the top cruise lines call during the winter months, and some throughout the year. It’s one of the larger Caribbean islands, so it has multiple ports for cruise passengers.
As Jamaica is 146 miles long and 21 to 52 miles wide, many excursions are available regardless of where you dock. But it’s still interesting to see the differences between the ports and which cruise line you need to book with if you have a particular port in mind.
In this guide I’ll take you through the different ports in Jamaica, including which ones are the busiest and which lines cruise to Jamaica by port.
I also have a handy map of the cruise ports in Jamaica that you can use to help with your planning.
Jamaica has 5 cruise ports
Three are larger and are visited by cruise ships year round – Ocho Rios, Falmouth and Montego Bay.
The other two ports, Port Antonio and Kingston (Port Royal), are only visited during the winter months by luxury cruise lines.
Jamaica is very much a destination that is best visited between November and March – most cruises to Jamaica happen during these months. This is when the ports are at their busiest, with ships in port on most days during those months.
During the summer things do quieten down – even the busiest Jamaica ports will only have 6-8 ship visits a month.
In order of number of ships visiting, from busiest to quietest, the ports in Jamaica are:
Here’s a map showing you where each of the ports of Jamaica can be found:
The Best Cruise Ports in Jamaica
Next, let’s learn a little more about each of the ports and what you can expect if you visit on a cruise…
The Best = Falmouth
Number of ship visits in 2024 – 120 (6 more than in 2023)
Year-round or seasonal – Year-round
Pier or tender – Pier
Most popular month – March
Falmouth is a major port town on the northern coast of Jamaica, situated around 60 miles to the west of Ocho Rios.
According to online reviews from Cruiseline.com, Falmouth is the best Jamaican port to visit.
Many reviewers commented how everything is within walking distance of the port, with lots of shopping and the Margaritaville bar that has good food and a pool with a swim-up bar.
It’s a large town with a big port, capable of hosting the largest ships in the world – Wonder of the Seas, the largest ship sailing in 2023, being one of them.
These cruise lines visit the Falmouth Jamaica cruise port:
Carnival
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean
The popularity of the port isn’t a recent development due to cruise ships – it’s been one of the busiest ports in the country since the 18th century, and that’s reflected in the many different historical sites that can be visited during your day in port.
There’s a large commercial centre at the port following a major redevelopment, including various stores selling local wares. There are also plenty of good quality restaurants and bars just a short walk from the pier.
Most of the cruise lines only visit Falmouth during the winter months. In the summer, you’ll only find Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean calling at the port.
Typical shore excursions you can book at Falmouth include:
River tubing down Dunns River
Tours of the nearby waterfalls and lagoons
Catamaran and snorkelling excursions
Exploration tours of the jungle or of nearby caves
Rum tours
Day passes at local resort hotels and waterparks
2. Ocho Rios
Number of ship visits in 2024 – 145 (7 more than in 2023)
Year-round or seasonal – Year-round
Pier or tender – Pier
Most popular month – January
Ocho Rios is the busiest popular port in Jamaica for cruise ships, and the second most popular according to reviews.
Unlike Falmouth, cruise ships visiting throughout the year.
This port town is situated on the northern coast of the island, with a large modern pier that can accommodate some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.
These cruise lines visit Ocho Rios:
AIDA
Carnival
Celebrity Cruises
Costa
Holland America Line
Marella Cruises
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean
TUI Cruises
It’s a vibrant town that has some great restaurants, bars and cafes within walking distance of the port, so there are plenty of spots where you can grab a drink and a bite to eat while you explore.
The town’s market has undergone renovation in recent years, while a new artisan village was also built that includes various small stores selling crafts and other locally-manufactured products.
Nearby, Dolphin Bay is a popular excursion spot – as the name suggests, there are plenty of dolphins swimming in the area, and guests are welcome to join them. And there’s also Columbus Park, the site where Columbus apparently landed. Now it is home to various Spanish colonial buildings.
While the winter season sees a variety of cruise lines visiting the port, during the summer months your options are more limited to Carnival and MSC Cruises only.
Some of the typical shore excursions you can enjoy at Ocho Rios include:
Horseback riding
Zipline tours
Exploring the jungle, on foot or by jeep
Watersports including snorkelling and ocean kayaking
Tours of the Coyaba Botanical Gardens
Jamaican Bobsledding – ideal for any fans of the movie Cool Runnings
3. Montego Bay
Number of ship visits in 2024 – 66 (34 fewer than in 2023)
Year-round or seasonal – Year-round
Pier or tender – Pier
Most popular month – January
Montego Bay is the third busiest cruise port in Jamaica, and also the third most popular according to online reviews.
The reviews on Cruiseline.com are very mixed, with most people loving it, but some that aren’t happy at all…
The setting is breathtakingly beautiful, but some of the local salespeople can be pushy, selling no only trinkets but also some banned substances.
Situated on the north-west coast of Jamaica, Montego Bat isn’t frequented by quite as many ships as Ocho Rios or Falmouth, but it does attract the most cruise lines – 15, including some of the larger lines as well as much smaller ones that you may not even have heard of.
These cruise lines visit Montego Bay:
AIDA
Ambassador Cruise Line
Carnival
Celebrity Cruises
Costa
Marella Cruises
MSC Cruises
P&O Cruises
Phoenix Reisen
Plantours
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Scenic Yacht Cruises
TUI Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
It’s a popular port for those ships that do visit – the town has a lot of friendly shops selling snacks and souvenirs, while there are some lively bars and good-quality restaurants serving fresh seafood and BBQ cuisine.
The town also hosts some fantastic beaches, including some quieter stretches of sand more suited to adults who want to take it easy, and beaches where the families tend to congregate for a fun-packed day of activities.
Further afield, the port is a gateway to some of Jamaica’s beautiful scenery including the Dunn’s River Falls and the Martha Brae river, which is ideal for rafting. Sugar plantation houses can also be toured if you want to see some of the history of the town and the country.
Dunn’s River Falls
Barring a couple of exceptions, the ships visiting Montego Bay during the summer are almost exclusively Carnival ships – the other cruise lines tend to visit only from October to March.
Popular options for excursions include:
Day passes to luxury resort hotels
Spelunking tours of Green Grotto Caves
Catamaran sailing and snorkelling excursions
White-water rafting and river tubing
Horseback riding along the beach
Tours of nearby sugar plantations
4. Port Antonio
Number of ship visits in 2024 – 6 (1 more than in 2023)
Year-round or seasonal – Seasonal
Pier or tender – Pier
Most popular month – December
Port Antonio is one of the smaller ports in Jamaica, with just a few select luxury cruise lines visiting the area. The port is around a 15-minute walk from the main town, with ships docking at the Ken Wright Pier in West Harbor.
It doesn’t do great according to the reviews, with people describing the areas as ‘run down’. However, Jamaica is a relatively poor country, so perhaps these luxury cruisers just weren’t prepared for that?
These cruise lines visit Port Antonio:
Oceania Cruises
Scenic Yacht Cruises
Seabourn
Silversea
Unlike some of the larger ports, you won’t be hit by a plethora of shops and stalls when you step off the ship – it’s off-limits to vendors. There are also no bus services running directly from the port either.
Instead, you’ll either be able to take a leisurely stroll to town yourself and enjoy the scenery, or take advantage of the private tours already arranged for you by your cruise line.
Typical excursions include:
Rafting on the Rio Grand River
Transfers to the best beaches nearby
Swimming in lagoons underneath waterfalls
Guided tours of the town including historical commentary
Nature walks through local trails
5. Kingston (Port Royal)
Number of ship visits in 2024 – 9 (8 more than in 2023)
Year-round or seasonal – Seasonal
Pier or tender – Tender
Most popular month – January
Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica, and the largest city on the island. It’s also a major seaport, but in recent years cruise lines have instead chosen to dock elsewhere on the island.
It remains a major cargo port, but the Port Royal harbour does also allow some smaller ships to anchor and tender guests to shore.
These cruise lines visit Port Royal:
Marella
Seabourn
Silversea
There is much to see in Kingston, including some stunning resorts where guests can enjoy day passes, breathtaking natural scenery, and a wealth of bars, cafes and restaurants around the port area. The city is also home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, one of the best garden attractions in the Caribbean.
The city also hosts some fascinating museums and galleries if you want a more cultural day out. The Jamaica National Gallery is the largest art gallery in the Caribbean, while the Bob Marley museum understandably attracts a lot of tourists to Jamaica.
Crime rates in Kingston are high with violence and shootings common in inner city areas. If you do visit, it’s recommended that you stay with an organised tour, keep your belongings out of sight and be careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs.
Some of the excursions you can try at Kingston include:
Visits to the stunning Blue Mountains
Tours of Devon House and the Bob Marley Museum
Rum tours of Worthy Park Estate
Catamaran sailings with snorkelling
Visits to Dunn’s River Falls
To Conclude
White sandy beaches, stunning rivers and lagoons, and incredible restaurants and bars serving jerk chicken and rum – Jamaica is a great destination. And whichever of these five ports your cruise ship is calling at, you can experience it all.
Things will be a bit busier at the big three ports – Ocho Rio, Falmouth and Montego Bay – and you might spot another ship in port on the same day that you visit. But if you choose a ship sailing to Kingston or Port Antonio, you’re guaranteed to have a much quieter day.
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If you found this interesting, please share!
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
