During the process of planning a Caribbean cruise, you may be surprised to learn that many cruise lines have their own private islands in the region. These exclusive destinations offer a range of activities and amenities, that are reserved for guests of the specific cruise liners that own them. In fact, these islands are some of the most attractive cruise destinations because they cater to the needs of almost every type of traveller.
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 something for everyone, from snorkeling and water sports to bike rides and nature walks. Families with children will appreciate the supervised youth programs, while adults can enjoy a massage or a tropical drink at one of the island’s bars. Castaway Cay has been consistently 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. This island has recently undergone a major renovation and now features a variety of attractions, including a water park, zip line, and helium balloon ride. If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, you can simply relax on one of the island’s beaches or in a private cabana.
History of Cruise Line Private Islands
Cruise line private islands have been a popular feature of Caribbean cruises for many years. These islands were initially developed by cruise lines to provide their passengers with a unique and exclusive experience. Most of them are multi-faceted and provide activities for various categories of travellers. For example, for families, there are supervised youth programs and child-friendly activities; and for guests interested in a simple rest and relaxation, there are options to lie on the beach in breeze-friendly cabanas.
Early 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’s passengers and featured a variety of amenities and activities.
Other cruise lines soon followed suit, with Royal Caribbean leasing Labadee in Haiti in 1986 and purchasing CocoCay in the Bahamas in 1990; and Disney Cruise Line acquiring Castaway Cay in the Bahamas in 1997. It is expected that as the 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
The most exciting cruise line private islands are right here in the Caribbean. Here are some of the most popular Caribbean cruise line private islands and the cruise lines that own them:
Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay is one of the best-known private islands in the Caribbean. This 140-acre island in the Bahamas underwent a $250 million renovation in 2019, and now features a range of attractions, including a water park, a zip line, and a helium balloon ride that offers panoramic views of the island. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax, with hammocks, cabanas, and beach chairs scattered throughout the island.
Disney’s Castaway Cay
Disney’s Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas exclusively for Disney Cruise Line passengers. The island features a family beach, an adults-only beach, and a teen beach, as well as a range of activities, including snorkelling, kayaking, and a water slide. There’s even a replica of a pirate ship, complete with water cannons and a rope bridge.
Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay is a 250-acre island in the Bahamas that offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and parasailing. There’s also a beach club with a swim-up bar, a taco bar, and a DJ. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can rent a private cabana or lounge in a hammock under a palm tree.
Amenities and Activities on Private Islands
As mentioned previously, private islands owned by cruise lines offer a wide range of amenities and activities for travelers. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Beaches and Water Sports
Two things that the private cruise line islands have in common are pristine beaches and clean, clear seas that encourage swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying 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 zip lining and water parks.
Dining and Shopping Options
All cruise line private islands provide various dining and shopping options. They may have alfresco bars, souvenir shops, and beach equipment rentals. Additionally, some islands have a variety of dining options which range from casual beachside grills to upscale restaurants. These are ideal especially if you want to enjoy a refreshing drink while lounging on the beach or grab a bite to eat before heading back to your ship.
Exclusive Retreats and Cabanas
If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, some private islands offer retreats and cabanas for rent. These luxurious accommodations come with amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and plush furniture. You can enjoy some privacy while still being close to the beach and other activities. Some cabanas even come with private butler service and exclusive access to secluded areas of the island.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Cruise line private islands in the Caribbean can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment and the local economy. As a result, the companies that own them try to undertake sustainability initiatives, which can provide economic benefits for nearby countries and local communities.
Sustainability Initiatives
Cruise lines have been implementing various sustainability initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. For example, Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay, has installed a solar power system that provides up to 90% of the island’s energy needs. Additionally, the island 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 the 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 the local communities. Cruise lines invest millions of dollars in developing these islands, which creates job opportunities for the locals. For example, Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay has generated over 400 jobs for Bahamians.
However, there are also concerns that the development of private islands may have a negative impact on the local economy. Some argue that the influx of tourists to these islands may lead to the displacement of local businesses and vendors who cannot compete with the prices offered by the cruise lines.
Whilst there are both positive and negative impacts of cruise line private islands in the Caribbean, it is important for the cruise lines to continue implementing sustainable initiatives and work with the local communities to ensure that the economic benefits are shared fairly. And, there must also be a continued focus on the environment and how it can be protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available on cruise line private islands in the Caribbean?
Cruise line private islands in the Caribbean offer a variety of amenities for their guests. These amenities may include beaches, water sports, bars, restaurants, private cabanas, shopping, and entertainment. Some private islands even have their own water parks or zip lines. The amenities available may vary depending on the cruise line and the specific island.
Which cruise line offers the best private island experience in the Caribbean?
The best cruise line private island experience in the Caribbean is subjective and depends on personal preferences. 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 are owned by Carnival Cruise Line in the Caribbean?
Carnival Cruise Line owns two private islands in the Caribbean: Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas and Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos.
What is the name of Royal Caribbean’s private island and what features does it offer?
Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas is called Perfect Day at CocoCay. It offers a variety of features, including water slides, a wave pool, a helium balloon ride, a zip line, and a freshwater pool. There are also beaches, cabanas, restaurants, and bars.
Are there any cruise lines that feature a water park on their private Caribbean island?
Yes, some cruise lines feature water parks on their private Caribbean islands. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay has a water park, as well as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye in Belize.
Can you provide a list of cruise lines that have their own private islands in the Caribbean?
Sure, here’s a list of some cruise lines that have their own private islands in the Caribbean:
- Royal Caribbean (Perfect Day at CocoCay)
- Royal Caribbean (Labadee, Haiti)
- Disney Cruise Line (Castaway Cay)
- Carnival Cruise Line (Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (Harvest Caye)
- Princess Cruises (Princess Cays)
- Holland America Line (Half Moon Cay)
- MSC Cruises (Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve)
Image: Jono Hirst via Unsplash
