Private Islands
and Exclusive Destinations
Almost every major cruise line in the world boasts a private island or destination that is exclusively accessible to guests via cruise ship. In this section, you’ll discover more about each island or destination, including its location and main features.
It’s important to note that while these private destinations are primarily designed for guests, all crew members are welcome to enjoy them during their free time. However, crew members may not always have access to the same features as guests, such as rides and pools. Additionally, crew members are typically prohibited from purchasing alcoholic beverages at the island bars and may not be able to dine at certain venues. Generally, crew members can enjoy activities like swimming in crystalline waters, lounging on sandy beaches, taking photos, and relaxing before returning to work.
Coco Cay (Royal Caribbean Group)
One of the most famous and smallest private islands in the world. Situated in the Bahamas, the east end of Coco Cay serves as the hub for recreational activities, featuring beaches that line a coral basin where visitors can spot manatees, rays, and various fish species. Extensive nature trails traverse the entire length and width of the island.
Following a significant $250 million renovation, Coco Cay now boasts enhanced facilities including a marina dock, a wave pool, dozens of water slides, and a highly acclaimed docking pier. This pier enables large cruise ships to dock directly at the island, eliminating the need for tender boats. The destination can only be reached during selected cruises of Royal Caribbean International or Celebrity Cruises.
Half Moon Cay (Carnival Corporation)
Little San Salvador Island, also known as Half Moon Cay, is a vast private island located in the Bahamas. This island is accessible exclusively by cruise ships and is under the ownership of Carnival Corporation companies. It is renowned for its expansive crescent-shaped beach known as Half Moon Beach. Along the beachfront, visitors can find luxury cabanas offering a comfortable retreat.
Half Moon Cay is also characterized by its lush, trail-lined countryside teeming with birdlife. For those seeking aquatic adventures, the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park features small water slides and playgrounds. Visitors can also explore Stingray Cove, a lagoon enclosure home to tame stingrays. Throughout the island, visitors may encounter lizards, chickens, and various fish species. Additionally, horses can be found around the island, playing a vital role in many shore excursions offered to visitors.
In 2024 it was announced that a pier will be constructed on the island, enabling the largest ships of the fleet to dock. Construction is due in 2026.
Celebration Cay (Carnival Corporation)
Celebration Key marks the first port destination exclusively designed for Carnival Cruise Line. Situated on the south coast of the island of Grand Bahama, approximately 20 miles east of Freeport, Celebration Key is set to become a premier cruise destination. Carnival Cruise Line has revealed that Celebration Key will have the capacity to welcome up to two million guests annually.
Scheduled to open in 2025, Celebration Key’s cruise pier will have the capability to simultaneously accommodate two of Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships. These Excel-class ships are currently the largest and newest additions to the cruise line’s fleet, offering state-of-the-art amenities and accommodations for passengers.
Princess Cays (Carnival Corporation)
Princess Cays is a popular tourist resort situated at the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Owned by Carnival Corporation, which also owns Princess Cruises among other cruise lines, Princess Cays is often associated with the cruise line’s itineraries. Carnival Corporation also owns the nearby private island of Half Moon Cay.
Contrary to its name and the description of other private islands in this article, Princess Cays is not a private island in the strict sense, as it is located on Eleuthera Island. Instead, it is best considered a private location reserved for cruise ship guests during their visits.
Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings)
Great Stirrup Cay is an island situated within the Berry Islands of the Bahamas. In 1977, Norwegian Cruise Line acquired the island from the Belcher Oil Company and transformed it into a private destination exclusively for their cruise ship passengers. Great Stirrup Cay is situated close to Little Stirrup Cay, also known as Coco Cay, separated by less than 500 meters. The northern portion of Great Stirrup Cay features a sandy beach surrounded by rocks, providing ideal snorkeling spots. On the southern end of the island, visitors can find a helicopter airfield marked by a sign reading “Great Stirrup Cay International Airport,” as well as a large vegetation-free area and numerous concrete blocks. These remnants are remnants of a former U.S. military installation and satellite tracking station.
Harvest Caye (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings)
Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, situated in southern Belize. This caye offers a range of attractions, including wildlife exhibitions such as a blue morph butterfly house. Additionally, Harvest Caye plays a significant role in the local economy of Belize and the development of tourism in the region. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island in 2013 from the Belize government for an undisclosed sum. Over the course of three years, approximately $50 million was invested in building various facilities and installations on the island. Today, Harvest Caye stands as a premier destination for cruise ship passengers, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and curated experiences.
Ocean Cay (MSC Cruises)
Ocean Cay is an island in the Bahamas situated in the district of Bimini, approximately 32 kilometers south of Bimini Island. Originally constructed in the late 1960s to early 1970s, Ocean Cay was initially utilized as an industrial sand extraction site. In recent years, Ocean Cay has undergone extensive redevelopment and transformation. It has been repurposed as a private island destination named Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve for MSC Cruises.
Officially launched in 2019, Ocean Cay serves as a travel destination for all MSC Caribbean cruises departing from the United States. The island offers guests a serene and picturesque setting, featuring pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of recreational activities. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is designed to provide visitors with an immersive and sustainable marine experience while preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding ecosystem.
The Beach Club (Virgin Voyages)
The Beach Club is not a private island but rather a private resort that also offers day passes to other cruise lines. Situated on the island of Bimini, The Beach Club is a collaborative venture between Virgin Voyages and Resorts World Bimini. It is prominently featured on all Caribbean cruises offered by the company.
The Beach Club offers guests a distinctive experience with overnight stays and numerous exclusive amenities. These include private parties, performances by world-famous DJs and artists, and a range of curated activities. The resort is designed to complement the cruise experience, providing passengers with a retreat and vibrant entertainment options while their ships are docked at the island.