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Tender boats are not always accessible to travelers with mobility difficulties. Perhaps you're having visions of relaxing on a secluded beach, cocktail in hand, without another person in sight. But, when you're on a cruise, private islands are only private in the sense that they're exclusive to passengers on ships that call there. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Sailors staying in the ship’s RockStar Suites have access to an exclusive section of the club. Perks include a dedicated VIP bar, complimentary food service on an outdoor terrace, sun loungers, and private beach cabanas.
Best for Smaller Kids: Castaway Cay (Disney)
But now cruise line islands are much more than just a spot with a nice beach and water. The companies have poured tremendous amounts of money to transform islands into complete destinations. This includes things like cabanas, ziplines, and even enormous pools and waterparks in some cases. The destination also houses a selection of shops, water sports rentals and bars for enjoying a cold adult beverage or two. If you'd like to drink those beverages in peace, you can drop your children in at the small, supervised kids club area, which offers a playground and a wading pool.
Eight Things That Will Surprise First Time Cruisers
That’s a major benefit of private islands over many ports of call. In traditional ports of call, sometimes the areas can be difficult for those with mobility issues. Most of the cruise line private destinations are in The Bahamas, close to busy departure ports in Florida. Outside of The Bahamas, Royal Caribbean features Labadee in Haiti and Norwegian Cruise Line has Harvest Caye in Belize. It features a long stretch of beach, shops, restaurants, bars, and a large pool for guests to enjoy. One unique feature is the wildlife exhibit in the middle of the island (which also is a great place to get some shade and cool off).
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (MSC Cruises)
Hungry cruisers should look for the LandShark Bar & Grill, a dining venue affiliated with Jimmy Buffett. Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay made a big splashy announcement when it started rolling out some of the new amenities offered as part of its $200 million "Perfect Day at CocoCay" campaign. The exclusive area called Coco Beach Club is now open, and it has some incredible perks. Adults also have Serenity Bay, which is only for those over 18 and even physically removed from the rest of the family areas to provide more relaxation.
Most of these exclusive locations are located in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Cruise line private islands offer uncomplicated beach days for cruisers. Though you're on land, the experience is often an extension of the onboard one; it's more of a private, white-washed resort than a regular island visit where you can experience local culture. Harvest Caye opened in 2016 and represents a partnership between the cruise line and the government of Belize, which owns the island. It serves as a private outpost for Norwegian, Oceania and Regent passengers cruising through the Western Caribbean.
Purpose-built ports are another way lines provide cruisers with a homogenized experience that extends from ship to shore. Although MSC Cruises initially spruced up Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas area, it is also used by other cruise lines. The same goes for Taino Bay in the Dominican Republic, which is the latest private area developed for cruise passengers. Ocean Cay is outfitted with a dock, which eliminates the need for tendering. Shore excursions are available, and free eats are served at the island's food court buffet. If you'd like to branch out a bit, try something from one of the multiple food trucks or the Lighthouse Bar (for an extra fee).
Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. Previously set to debut when Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady made her inaugural sailing to the Bahamas in 2021, The Beach Club actually opened to other cruise ships before Virgin Voyages arrived. This is because Scarlet Lady was redeployed to the UK and debuted in the summer of 2021 there instead of from Miami. Opened in 1986, Labadee has changed a bit since those days – including a $55 million upgrade in 2009.
While I enjoyed my time at the upbeat Hideaway Beach, it was nice returning to a low-key ship. I wasn't sure how the package would be honored ashore, though. To my surprise, the Classic Package was treated like the Premium. Celebrity's Classic Package is more restrictive, as it only includes drinks up to $10.
MSC's MSC Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Best for Nature Lovers
Cruise lines will pay new tax on private islands in the Bahamas - FOX 35 Orlando
Cruise lines will pay new tax on private islands in the Bahamas.
Posted: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
So, be sure to grab a coco loco while enjoying your day of fun in the sun. There are two island buffets, Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill. Perhaps our favorite spot for lunch though is the Snack Shacks located around the island. These quick service stands serve up hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, mozzarella sticks, funnel cake, and more. To maintain the beaches and other facilities, your cruise company employs dozens of staff who might live on the island. If you've never sampled the fare at a private island barbecue, skipping this alfresco dining opportunity is a mistake.
Crew will even paddle out a few kayaks and paddleboards if you'd rather see the island from the water. We love this island for just hanging out, decompressing and unplugging (which is extra sweet if you rent a bungalow). Even with all the construction, the space still feels natural and untouched -- a far cry from some of the more gimmicky private islands operated by other cruise lines. Lunch is included on almost all private islands, usually in the form of a barbecue buffet. For purchases, most islands accept cruise cards as payment, which will add charges for things like alcohol to your onboard account (so you don't need to bring cash). An all-you-can-eat BBQ lunch is included in your visit to this port.
You’ll have access to an exclusive part of the resort, with upscale snacks and refreshments available. Perhaps the biggest draw to the island is the surrounding water. A rare color of electric blue, the waters of Ocean Cay are some of the most striking we’ve ever seen. One thing to note is that the winter months can see cooler water temps. So just because the weather is warm year-round doesn’t always mean the water will be as well. Lighthouse Point will open for guests on select sailings in summer 2024.
North and South beaches are perfect for families with kids as the water is shallower and calmer. Despite being an inhabited island, the resort is an oasis surrounded by trees, beaches and crystal clear water teaming with fish. There are numerous land and water activities to keep cruisers busy during a visit. Whether you're looking for a laid-back day on the beach or a thrill-packed island adventure, there's a private island getaway just for you on your next Caribbean cruise.
Sustainability features safeguard the island’s ecosystems, and the development will undergo testing by an independent third-party expert to ensure it meets carbon neutrality standards. Royal Caribbean plans to unveil its newest private island, Perfect Day at Lelepa. The destination was originally scheduled to open in 2022, but pandemic delays pushed back the opening. South Beach is where all of the action is, and Seakers Family Cove sits on a shallow lagoon perfect for the little ones. If you’re willing to walk (or take one of the complimentary trams), you’ll find lots of shoreline away from the more crowded areas.
