Incredible private islands owned by cruise lines you'll want on your bucket list
Gone are the days when holidays on private islands were exclusively for the rich and famous - nowadays we mere mortals can also partake thanks to cruise holidays.
Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises all have their own private islands exclusively for passengers. They regularly feature on itineraries and mean you can enjoy the likes of those gorgeous white sand beaches, swim-friendly waters, jam-packed activities programmes, and of course heaps of restaurants, shops and cabanas for an unforgettable day out.
Cruise lines are still upping the ante even today - for example, Disney Cruise Line is set to open a second private island retreat, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which will have restaurants, family-friendly beaches, cabanas, water play areas and plenty more.
Unsurprisingly, cruise private islands are in sun-drenched destinations from the Caribbean to the Bahamas and Haiti, so you really will feel like you've joined the A-list. We take a look at some of the dreamy cruise line islands you'll want on your radar...
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Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line
Lighthouse Point will be a new port of call for Disney (Disney)Disney Cruise Line is set to introduce a new port of call to its itineraries in 2024; Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas.
Located on the sun-soaked island of Eleuthera judging by the concept imagery, it's going to have incredible features and pristine white sand beaches, including a dedicated family beach with a water play area for kids. Activities will include the likes of a volleyball, water spots, bikes and hiking trails, as well as heaps of eateries, cabanas and a themed kids' club.
The new destination is set to open in summer 2024 on selected sailings, although Disney has yet to reveal exact dates and details.
You can find out more on disneycruise.disney.go.com.
Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean
It's a brand new private island owned by Royal Caribbean (Royal Caribbean)Royal Caribbean's £191million private island in the Caribbean is sure to be a hit with families. After all, it's home to the Thrill Waterpark which boasts 13 waterslides, Adventure Pool with an obstacle course, and even boasts the Caribbean's largest wave pool. Meanwhile the 135-foot-tall Daredevil's Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America, is sure to be a hit with thrill-seekers.
The island also offers specially-designed beaches, heaps of restaurants from gourmet to laidback dining, luxury cabanas for a touch of indulgence, a zip line and a range of sports from volleyball to paddle boarding. Tempted? Royal Caribbean has a handy list of sailings with Perfect Day at CocoCay on the itinerary.
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises
(MSC Cruises)MSC Cruises' Bahamas hotspot offers total luxury. As well as those white sand beaches and crystalline waters, there's a jam-packed activities programme for those who want to partake whether that be beach yoga, fitness classes, or a spa with some seriously indulgent treatments. The island has heaps of restaurants, shops and plenty of space whether you're after an adults-only zone, or you're travelling with kids.
You can book MSC Cruises with Ocean Cay as a port of call.
Princess Cays, Princess Cruises
Princess CaysThe isand of Eleuthera in the Bahamas is also home to the private resort of Princess Cays, where passengers can enjoy everything from exclusive beach parties to lazy beach days on the white sand shores. Princess Cays offers over 40 acres of land and half a mile of white sand shores. (The whole island is one hundred miles long and two miles wide). Think beach barbecues, local shops, craft markets, water sports, snorkel adventures, banana boat rides and plenty more opportunities for a day out to remember. You can find out more about Princess Cays on the Princess Cruises website.
Disney's Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line
Disney's Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line)Disney's private island is reserved exclusively for passengers on its sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean. Think pristine white beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, and of course those all-important Disney Character Greetings, including a Dance Party with Lilo and Stitch!
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There's heaps of adventure to be had thanks to activities such as sailing, kayaking, snorkeling in the lagoon, beach barbecues, lively music and a wide array of sports. There are dedicated zones for teenagers and kids' clubs, as well as the adults-only Serenity Bay.
Other highlights include the water play areas for kids such as Pelican's Plunge and Spring-A-Leak. Disney Cruise Line predominantly sails from the USA but if you are tempted you can find packages with the Walt Disney Travel Company.
Labadee, Royal Caribbean
Labadee (Royal Caribbean)Labadee is a luxury private resort nestled on Haiti's northern coast which has everything from spectacular beaches to heaps of adventures for thrill-seekers. Highlights include the adrenaline-inducing Dragon's Breath zip line, a Dragon's Tail Coaster, and even an inflatable watery world in the Arawak Aqua Park. Expect plenty of sandy beaches and crystalline waters, activities from snorkeling to parasailing, and a wide array of foodie experiences whether you're after a beach barbecue or want to try out the rum cocktails to be found.
You can find Royal Caribbean cruises with Labadee online.
Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line
Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line)NCL owns this breathtaking private island in the Bahamas where you can expect those pristine white sand beaches and crystalline waters filled with colourful fish and sea turtles. (Basically, a snorkeler's paradise!). Relax in a beachfront cabana, tuck into some delicious tacos, or take on sports like kayaking to explore the breathtaking region.
There are quite a few family-friendly activities too if you're travelling with the kids, such as eco-boat tours and games, not to mention there are heaps of dining venues whether you fancy a burger or simply want to sip on cocktails while taking in the views. You can find out more about Great Stirrup Cay on the Norwegian Cruise Line website.
Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line
Half Moon Cay (Holland America Line)Passengers on Holland America Line's Caribbean and Panama Canal sailings can make use of this very glamorous port of call. The island gets its name from the picturesque moon crescent-shaped bay where you'll find a 2.5 mile-long beach with plenty of sun loungers and cabanas, plenty of dining venues from beach bars to grill restaurants, and of course access to a wide array of sports from kayaking to sailing. Carnival Cruise ships have also been known to visit the destination (Holland America is owned by Carnival Cruise Line). You can find out more on the Holland America Line website.
Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line
Harvest Caye (Norwegian Cruise Line)Harvest Caye is tucked away in Southern Belize and has everything from a salt water lagoon to a huge pool with a swim-up bar. The 75-acre resort offers plenty of water sports, a seven-acre beach with golden sands and crystalline waters, as well as plenty of exciting excursions whether you want to try zip lining across the island, or snorkeling along the world's second largest barrier reef.
The resort also includes a large marina where you can find plenty of food options, as well as a shopping village for picking up souvenirs including local Belizean crafts. You can find out more on the Norwegian Cruise Line website.
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