Eager to make their Caribbean experience unique, cruise lines invest heavily into creating their own private islands—little slices of paradise available exclusively to cruise passengers.
Whether you call them “kays” or “keys,” they’re all amazing and sure to please! Besides, more important than how you pronounce their names is whether or not you enjoy yourself. So consider your choice of escapes—from expansive, pristine beaches to tropical thrill parks—and you’ll discover that there’s an island for everyone when you cruise the Caribbean!
Continue below as we spotlight the best private islands that you can only visit on a cruise vacation:
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas)
Why you’ll go:
Beach activities galore, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, a helium balloon ride and never-ending family fun at the splash parks, plus complimentary barbecue and Caribbean-style cuisine.
Why you’ll never want to leave:
The Thrill Waterpark with a gigantic wave pool and 13 waterslides, including the 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak—the tallest waterslide in North America!
Perfect Day at Cococay – Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye (Belize)
Why you’ll go:
The nearly endless list of water activities in the pools and surrounding lagoons—including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, rainforest river tubing and a splash park—along with the complimentary wildlife sanctuary that’s home to several indigenous species.
Why you’ll never want to leave:
3,000 feet of zip lines, because just when you think you’ve done it all, you’ll spot another activity while soaring above Harvest Caye!
Harvest Caye – Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Carnival’s Half Moon Cay (Bahamas)
Why you’ll go:
A delicious complimentary barbecue lunch fuels a day of hiking, birding and water activities—such as kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming with the stingrays at Stingray Cove. Afterwards, treat yourself to an ice cold drink at any of Half Moon Cay’s bars.
Why you’ll never want to leave:
An unforgettable horseback ride—exclusive to Half Moon Cay—will take you along winding trails and even into the ocean for a tranquil island tour.
Half Moon Cay – Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (Bahamas)
Why you’ll go:
Hit one of Ocean Cay’s beaches, and rent a private cabana for the ultimate retreat! Just be careful not to relax too long or you’ll miss out on paddleboarding, kayaking, shipwreck snorkeling and the children’s activity pavilion.
Why you’ll never want to leave:
Take an incredible beachside hangout, then add a massage, and you end up with nothing short of paradise! The Spa on Ocean Cay features locally-inspired treatments with eco-friendly beauty products.
Ocean Cay – Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Holland America’s Half Moon Cay (Bahamas)
Why you’ll go:
Nature trails meander through fascinating flora and fauna, including over 40 bird species, and create the perfect warm-up for a dip with the stingrays of Stingray Cove. Plus, the tropical cocktails from Rum Runner’s Bar taste better the more you earn them!
Why you’ll never want to leave:
Private cabanas and deluxe beach villas combine creature comforts, like air-conditioning, with island necessities such as beachfront views and complimentary floating mats and snorkel gear.
Half Moon Cay – Courtesy of Holland America Line
Princess Cruises’ Princess Cays (Bahamas)
Why you’ll go:
In addition to the ever-popular water activities of snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and windsurfing, at Princess Cays you can tour the island’s scenery by dune buggy, or stroll through the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve.
Why you’ll never want to leave:
The friendly nearby village of Rock Sound features beautiful buildings, scenic views, a large bottomless ocean hole and the stunning Cathedral Cave.
Princess Cays – Courtesy of Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas)
Why you’ll go:
Catch the Caribbean rhythms at the Band Stand, and carry the tune on your way to renting paddleboards, kayaks, wave runners or a catamaran. For a truly unique snorkeling experience, check out the underwater sculpture garden!
Why you’ll never want to leave:
Take a 10-minute speedboat ride to Treasure Island to pet, feed and swim with the island’s lovable pigs! Unfortunately, you will eventually have to leave Treasure Island, and no, you can’t take the pigs with you.
Great Stirrup Cay – Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean’s Labadee (Haiti)
Why you’ll go:
The inflatable slides, trampolines and obstacles of Arawak AquaPark could occupy anyone for hours, but when you’re craving a little shade, head to the beach bungalows or grab a shaded hammock. Of course, it’s also hard to resist snorkeling or taking in the panoramic views from a parasailing excursion!
Why you’ll never want to leave:
Much more than just a zip line, Dragon’s Breath Flight Line will send you soaring from 500 feet above sea level at up to 50 mph across over 2,600 feet—a lot of numbers adding up to an incredible ride!
Labadee, Haiti – Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Learn more about these remarkable private islands and find itineraries that visit them by calling The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383.
Which do you say—“kay” or “key”—and which island is your favorite to visit?
* All private island amenities, experiences, features and prices are subject to change without notice; call 1-800-377-9383 to confirm current pricing and availability.
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