Private Island Experiences

All the cool things you can do on cruise lines’ private paradises!

Did you know some cruise lines have their very own private islands? And they are set aside for the exclusive use of cruise guests? Yep! Not only are you already treated to an incredible Cruise experience, but you also get time to give those sea legs a break on tranquil, customised, natural island paradises. Sign me up!

Step off the deck and onto an oasis that will rival your wildest dreams. Here, we have found all the cool things you can do on these epic day trips, from snorkelling to water parks and idyllic private havens.

PRIVATE ISLAND #1 – ‘Perfect Day’ at Coco Cay

CRUISE LINE: Royal Caribbean

Looking more like a scene from a Pixar movie than real life, this hidden haven, in the heart of The Bahamas, is your childhood dreams come to life. Can we talk about the coolest thing first? Massive, colourful helium balloons can carry you over this wonderland of an island, almost 140 metres above land and sea. Get your bearings up in the sky to plan your day’s adventure on land.

• Brave the tallest waterslide in North America, ‘Daredevils Peak’. Can you say, ‘wedgie’?!
• Zipline across the island and splashdown in the harbour.
• Go nuts with huge drench buckets, slides, fountains and pools at Splashaway Bay.
• Drift off on the Floating Bar at South Beach.
• Paddle board on crystal-clear waters.
• Indulge at 5 new restaurants for delicious dining.

PRIVATE ISLAND #2 – Labadee

CRUISE LINE: Royal Caribbean

This one’s a doozie, a Labadoozie! Labadee on the northern coast of Haiti even has a frozen juice named after it (with rum and coconut of course). Wade out to a shipwreck, listen to Caribbean tunes, then close your eyes as you sink into a heavenly cabana massage. Or coast around on the mountain slide for a birds-eye view.

• Zoom up to 90 kilometres per hour down the world’s longest zipline over water to a rock that hisses like a dragon!
• Speed boat and snorkel your way around the Bay of Acul.
• Parasail amid the mountains and islands of the Caribbean Sea.
• Sneak off to a private cove brimming with lush vegetation via catamaran.
• Stretch out on Nellie’s Beach with floating mats or scale the coastline in a kayak.
• Walk through one of Haiti’s last rainforests on the beautiful nature trail.

PRIVATE ISLAND #3 – MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

CRUISE LINE: MSC Cruises

Exclusive to Half Moon Cay, saddle up and meander along this private island with your very own horse. Award-winning and with 20 years of experience, the crew know how to bring the goods, lobster included. Serene and luxurious, the pristine white-sand beach is waiting. Lounge in a dream at the ‘I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar’ or commit to forever with your special someone at the beautiful island chapel and revel in the luxury of private cabanas and beach villas.

• Jet-ski through the coastal inlets and islands of an inner saltwater lagoon.
• See the aquatic wildlife on a glass-bottom boat or snorkelling adventure.
• Join in on family-friendly activities.
• Be sure to upgrade to butler service, you know you deserve it.
• Let the kids run wild at the new water park.
• Swim in tranquil waters with silky-winged stingrays.

PRIVATE ISLAND #4 – Great Stirrup Cay

CRUISE LINE: Norwegian Cruise Line

Swimming with pigs! Need we say more? If this is your real-life Insta goal, tick it off the bucket list at Great Stirrup Cay with cute piggies in pristine waters. Ditch the selfies and allow the professional photographer to capture your #bliss. This private island in the Bahamas sprawls 250 acres and is just waiting for you to enjoy new adventures. With its very own Underwater Sculpture Garden, specifically made to entice fish and aquatic life, you can snorkel your way through colourful fish neighbourhoods among mermaid statues and fountains. You might even spot an octopus in this garden…in the shade.

• Get set for a berry fun time zooming through nearby Berry Islands on a WaveRunner®.
• Hop a boat and visit Stingray City.
• Lift off to 120 metres in the sky for a tandem parasail or kayak in shallow waters.
• Learn about starfish and marine life on an Eco Boat Tour.
• Wear your stretchy pants for a beach buffet the size of 2 basketball courts. Drool.
• Did we mention swimming with pigs?!

PRIVATE ISLAND #5 – Princess Cays

CRUISE LINE: Princess Cruises

Pink sand that looks more like sugar crystals? Eleuthera Island, take my money! Offering all the perks you’ve come to expect on these immaculate, dreamy private islands, Princess Cays ticks off pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and private bungalows (do we really need more? I feel like we’re getting greedy here) plus, short dune buggy rides south of the island to Pink Sand Beach. Order a beach party pack with a paddle-wheeler or let the wind do the hard work as you glide around on a sailboat.

• Banana boat baby! Jump on and go bananas.
• Aqua bike. Because pedalling on roads is so last year.
• Take a tour on a clear-bottom kayak.
• Snorkel or, if you don’t want to get your hair wet, look through a floaty board. Holiday blow-wave status: intact.
• Opt for a view of the sea life – with less physical exertion – on a glass-bottom boat.
• Visit locals at the nearby town of Rock Sound, on a scenic drive.

After seeing all these amazing private island paradises, if you want to book a Caribbean cruise you can see all our Caribbean deals here!

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