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Cruise Lines Owned Private Islands 
Cruise line private islands are extensions of the ships themselves - featuring larger versions of onboard splash parks and the same great food you’ll find on the ship. You may even find that cruise ship drinks and wi-fi packages can be used on land at no extra cost. Just as some people book a cruise solely to experience the ship, cruise line private islands are becoming so good that people are booking short two- or three-night cruises just to visit a private island.
But which cruise line-owned private islands should you put at the top of your wish list? We’ve rounded up the best.
But which cruise line-owned private islands should you put at the top of your wish list? We’ve rounded up the best.
Best Cruise Line Private Islands
Ocean Cay - MSC Marine Reserve
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (Ocean Cay) is MSC's private island in the Bahamas, about 65 miles east of Miami, and offers a beautiful hidden place. Ocean Cay Island features crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a variety of activities for all guests.
Perfect Day at CocoCay - Royal Caribbean
Perfect Day at CocoCay is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean International in the Bahamas, about 140 miles east of Miami. It’s made for all kinds of travelers, offering beautiful beaches, a giant pool, and fun activities like waterslides and ziplining.
Princess Cays - Princess Cruise Line
Princess Cays is a private island in the Bahamas that offers a wonderful tropical experience. This beautiful island is only for Princess Cruises guests and features clear water, soft sandy beaches, and many fun activities.
Labadee, Royal Caribbean International
Labadee, a Royal Caribbean® private island on Haiti's northern coast, combines beachside and mountainous experiences. Its beautiful sands, coral reefs, and jungle-covered hilltops are nestled around lagoon-like bays.
Catalina Island - Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises privately owns and operates Catalina, which has exclusive access to the island off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic.
Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line
Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) private island in the Bahamas, offering crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and various activities.
Harvest Caye - Norwegian Cruise Line
Harvest Caye is a 75-acre resort destination nestled in the heart of southern Belize. It beautifully blends natural beauty, authentic Belizean culture, and modern luxury.
Castaway Cay - Disney Cruise Line
Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, located near Great Abaco. The Castaway Cay Island is exclusively available to Disney cruise guests and offers an amazing tropical getaway.
Lookout Cay - Disney Cruise Line
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a private cruise destination in the Bahamas for Disney Cruise Line guests. It’s located on the southern tip of Eleuthera near Bannerman Town, about 120 miles south of Disney Castaway Cay.
Amber Cove - Carnival Cruise Line
Amber Cove Cruise Port in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is quickly becoming one of the best Carnival cruise ports in the Caribbean. This port area is in Maimón Bay.
Celebration Key - Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key is an exciting new private beach development that will be opened in July 2025 on the south side of Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas.
Half Moon Cay - Carnival Cruise Line
Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Bahamas shared by Holland America and Carnival, offers nine miles of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and wild nature.
Facilities at The Islands Owned By Cruise Lines
Cruise line private islands operate like mini-cities with dedicated staff, essential facilities like power plants and water treatment systems, and even post offices. These cruise line-owned islands offer everything you need for a memorable day, from bars, restaurants, and shopping to restrooms, first aid stations, and water sports.
Before the ship docks, island crews prepare the area by raking the beaches, setting up chairs and umbrellas, and arranging floating mats for guests. Disembarkation typically starts around 9 a.m., with towels the cruise line provides. While beach chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks are plentiful, prime spots near the water are first-come, first-served. Floating mats can be rented for added relaxation.
Activities for All on Islands Owned by Cruise Lines
Whether you dream of lounging on a white-sand beach or diving into thrilling activities, private islands have it all! Some of the popular activities include:
- Relaxation: Floating beach mats, open-air massages, and hammocks.
- Sports: Beach volleyball, aqua cycles, catamarans, parasailing, and kayaking.
- Adventure: Snorkeling, wave runners, banana boat rides, and deep-sea fishing.
- Family Fun: Water playgrounds, treasure hunts, and exploration hikes.
- Unique Experiences: Horseback riding and bicycling.
Some islands owned by cruise lines also offer adults-only areas with exclusive beaches, bars, and massage cabanas, providing a peaceful retreat for reading, sunbathing, or unwinding.
Dining and Refreshments
Private islands include open-air dining areas with tropical buffets. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread of barbecue chicken, ribs, BBQ, burgers, steaks, salads, fresh fruit, and desserts. Drinks like coffee, tea, and juice are complimentary, while sodas, bottled water, beer, and tropical cocktails are available for an additional charge, conveniently billed to your shipboard account.
Fun for Kids and Adults
These private island cruise lines often extend their onboard kids' programs to the island, offering beach games, dino digs, and treasure hunts for younger guests, which kids absolutely love! Meanwhile, adults can explore secluded beach sections or indulge in spa treatments and refreshing cocktails.
With endless activities, relaxation options, and tropical flavors, a day on a cruise line private island is a perfect getaway-all included in your cruise fare.
Top Tips for Visiting a Cruise Line Private Island
- Arrive Early for the Best Spots: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure a prime location near the water, plan to disembark early.
- Pack Smart: While the cruise line provides towels, bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, water shoes, and a waterproof phone pouch. A small beach bag can keep everything organized.
- Pre-Book Activities: Popular activities like parasailing, snorkeling, and wave runners often sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, reserve your spot in advance through the cruise line.
- Stay Hydrated: The tropical heat can be intense, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Non-bottled beverages like juice, tea, and coffee are typically included, but bottled water and sodas may incur additional charges.
- Explore Beyond the Beach: Private islands often have unique attractions like nature trails, bike rentals, or horseback riding. Step away from the main beach area to uncover hidden gems.
- Take Advantage of Kid-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy organized children’s programs, including treasure hunts and beach games. These activities let kids stay entertained while parents relax.
- Check Out Adults-Only Areas: For a quieter experience, head to secluded adults-only sections featuring private bars, massage cabanas, and peaceful beaches. These spots are perfect for relaxation.
- Don’t Forget Cashless Payments: Most cruise line-owned private islands operate on a cashless system linked to your shipboard account. There is no need to carry cash-just charge drinks, rentals, or souvenirs to your cruise card.
- Bring a Waterproof Camera: Capture the beauty of the crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning landscapes. A waterproof camera or case ensures you won’t miss any memories.
- Plan Your Meals Around Activities: Enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet at open-air dining areas, but avoid peak lunch hours to save time. Refuel before or after exploring the island to maximize your day.
Image Source: Freepik.