Did you know that many cruise lines maintain their own secret private islands in the Caribbean? Have you ever wondered what they’re for? Well now you can find out!
These days it’s actually pretty common for a cruise line to have their own private island to whisk guests off to. Visiting them give you the chance to sit back, relax and sunbathe… or else hop on a roller coaster, play with stingrays or try parasailing!
With so much to do on these islands and every island being so different from the next, the www.CRUISE.co.uk team thought we would investigate! So read on to find out exactly what to expect from these hidden isles of paradise…
Disney’s Castaway Cay
We have to admit – Castaway Cay is one of our favourites! The island is unique for its family friendly atmosphere yet also has a private adult beach and teen only zone – giving everyone their own space. No one does family fun, mayhem and relaxation quite like Disney.
Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises’ CocoCay
As well as playing host to the world’s largest inflatable water slide, CocoCay gives you the chance to enjoy glass bottom boat rides and a waterpark with a floating sandcastle. If you want a quiet experience with less children around, head to Barefoot Beach. It’s the furthest beach away from where you dock – but the walk is worth it!
Princess’s Princess Cays
Princess own a peninsula in the Bahamas to provide a welcome oasis. The added extra of visiting Princess Cays is the fact that you aren’t just travelling to a beach – you have cultural spots to visit as well as the island has some 11,000 inhabitants. If you aren’t up to an excursion simply enjoy the 40 acres secluded paradise – with a cocktail in hand from one of the five bars!
Holland America’s Half Moon Cay
One of the more active private islands, Half Moon Cay promises a whole heap of activities! You can tour the island on your own personal watercraft or enjoy a drink at the Captain Morgan on the Rocks bar. Only 2% of the island is developed, letting you get close to local nature and there is even a tram to get you around.
Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises’ Labadee
Labadee is Royal’s private beach just six miles from Cape Haitian. The island has plenty of activities, with a 2000 foot zip wire and roller coaster to name a few! Labadee also has an artisan’s village and market if you want to shop for a bargain as well as an ocean view spa if you really want to be pampered. The use of sports courts, hammocks and lounge chairs is also complimentary.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay offers plenty of beaches, activities and even a Bacardi Rum Bar, which is the first permanent Bacardi bar in the Caribbean. Only one of their beaches is maintained – making you feel as though you really have landed on a wild Caribbean island!
If you like to read our consultant Anthony’s views on cruise line’s private beaches, click here!
Have you ever visited any of these private beaches?
Would you like to?
Let us know in the comments below!
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