As you plan your Caribbean cruise, you may be surprised to learn that many cruise lines have their own islands in the region. These exclusive destinations offer a variety of activities and amenities reserved for guests of the specific cruise line that owns the destination. In fact, these islands are some of the most attractive cruise destinations because they cater to the needs of almost every type of traveler.
One of the most popular cruise line private islands is Castaway Cay, owned by Disney Cruise Line. This 1,000-acre island in the northern Bahamas offers activities for everyone, from snorkeling and water sports to biking and nature walks. Families with children will love the supervised youth programs, while adults can enjoy a massage or tropical drink at one of the island’s bars. Castaway Cay has consistently been rated as one of the best private islands in the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why.
Another top destination is Perfect Day at CocoCay, owned by Royal Caribbean. The island recently underwent extensive renovations and now offers a variety of attractions, including a water park, zip line, and helium balloon rides. For a more leisurely experience, you can relax on the island’s beach or in a private cabana.
History of Cruise Line Private Islands
The cruise line’s private islands have been a popular feature of Caribbean cruises for many years. These islands were initially developed by cruise lines to offer passengers a unique and exclusive experience. Most of them are multifaceted and offer activities for different categories of travellers. For example, there are youth programs and kid-friendly activities for families. For guests interested in a little rest and relaxation, there is the option to lie out on the beach in an airy cabana.
Initial development and expansion
The idea of a cruise line owning a private island was first introduced in the 1970s when Norwegian Cruise Line purchased Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The island was developed as a destination for Norwegian passengers and offered a variety of amenities and activities.
Other cruise lines soon followed, including Royal Caribbean, which leased Labadee in Haiti in 1986 and purchased CocoCay in the Bahamas in 1990. Disney Cruise Line acquired Castaway Cay in the Bahamas in 1997. As demand for these private islands continues to grow, it is likely that more cruise lines will invest in developing their own private islands in the future.
Cruise Line Private Islands in the Caribbean
Some of the most exciting cruise line private islands are located right here in the Caribbean. Here are some of the most popular Caribbean cruise line private islands and which cruise lines own them.
Royal Caribbean Coco K
Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay is one of the most well-known private islands in the Caribbean. The 140-acre island in the Bahamas underwent a $250 million renovation in 2019 and now features a variety of attractions, including a water park, zip line, and helium balloon rides that offer panoramic views of the island. There are plenty of opportunities to relax, with hammocks, cabanas and beach chairs scattered throughout the island.
Disney’s Castaway Kay
Disney’s Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas exclusively for Disney Cruise Line passengers. The island has family beaches, adults-only beaches, and youth beaches, as well as a variety of activities including snorkeling, kayaking, and water slides. There is also a model pirate ship complete with water cannons and a rope bridge.
Great Stirrup Cay, Norway
Norway’s Great Stirrup Cay is a 250-acre island in the Bahamas that offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, paddle boarding, and parasailing. There’s also a swim-up bar, a taco bar, and a beach club with DJs. For a more relaxing experience, you can rent a private cabana or lounge in a hammock under the palm trees.
Private island amenities and activities
As previously mentioned, private islands owned by cruise companies offer travelers a variety of amenities and activities. The most popular ones are:
Beaches and Water Sports
Two things that private cruise line islands have in common are pristine beaches and clear, clear waters where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. You can rent equipment for activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and parasailing. Some islands also offer more adventurous activities such as ziplining and water parks.
Dining and shopping options
All cruise lines’ private islands offer a variety of dining and shopping options. There may be an outdoor bar, souvenir shop, and beach equipment rental services. Some islands also have a variety of dining options, from casual beach grills to fine dining restaurants. It’s especially ideal if you want to enjoy a refreshing drink while relaxing on the beach or a quick meal before returning to the ship.
Exclusive retreats and cabanas
If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, some private islands offer retreats and cabanas for rent. This luxurious accommodation offers amenities such as air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and luxury furniture. You can enjoy privacy while still being close to the beach and other activities. Some cabanas come with personal butler service and exclusive access to secluded areas of the island.
Environmental and economic impacts
Cruise line private islands in the Caribbean can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment and local economy. As a result, the companies that own them strive to undertake sustainability initiatives that can provide economic benefits to nearby countries and communities.
sustainability initiatives
Cruise lines have implemented a variety of sustainability initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. For example, Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay has installed a solar power system that supplies up to 90% of the island’s energy needs. The island also has a water park that uses a state-of-the-art filtration system to recycle water, reducing the need for fresh water.
Another example is MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, which was developed with a focus on environmental sustainability. The island is powered by renewable energy sources, and the company has implemented a coral restoration program to protect the local ecosystem.
Local economy and employment
The development of private islands has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to local communities. Cruise companies are investing millions of dollars in developing the island, creating job opportunities for local residents. For example, Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay has created more than 400 jobs for Bahamians.
However, there are also concerns that private island development may have a negative impact on the local economy. Some argue that the influx of tourists to these islands could drive out local businesses and merchants who cannot compete with the prices offered by cruise lines.
While there are both positive and negative impacts to private cruise ship islands in the Caribbean, it is important that cruise lines continue to implement sustainable initiatives and work with local communities to ensure that the economic benefits are shared fairly. There must also be continued interest in the environment and ways to protect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available on exclusive cruise line islands in the Caribbean?
Cruise line exclusive islands in the Caribbean offer a variety of amenities to their guests. These amenities may include beaches, water sports, bars, restaurants, private cabanas, shopping, and entertainment. Some private islands have their own water parks or ziplines. Available amenities may vary depending on the cruise line and specific island.
Which cruise lines offer the best private island experiences in the Caribbean?
Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean Private island experiences are subjective and depend on personal preference. However, some of the most popular private islands in the Caribbean are owned by Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line.
How many private islands does Carnival Cruise Line own in the Caribbean?
Carnival Cruise Line owns two private islands in the Caribbean: Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
What are Royal Caribbean’s private islands called and what features do they offer?
Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas is called Perfect Day on CocoCay. Features include water slides, wave pools, helium balloon rides, zip lines, freshwater pools, and more. There is also a beach, cabanas, restaurants and bars.
Are there any cruise lines with water parks on private Caribbean islands?
Yes, some cruise lines have water parks on their private islands in the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay has a water park, as does Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye in Belize.
Can you provide a list of cruise lines that have their own islands in the Caribbean?
Of course. Here is a list of some cruise lines that have their own islands in the Caribbean:
- Royal Caribbean (Perfect Day at Coco K)
- Royal Caribbean (Haitian Labadee)
- Disney Cruise Line (Castaway Cay)
- Carnival Cruise Lines (Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (Harvest Caye)
- Princess Cays
- Holland America Line (Half Moon Cay)
- MSC Cruises (Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve)
video: Jono Hirst via Unsplash
