February 08, 2023

9 Private Islands to Rock a Cruise Vacation in 2023

Spend a Day in Paradise on a Cruise Line Private Island

Many travelers dream of a spending time on a secluded island with white sandy beaches. What if you get everything in one vacation? The cruise line private islands offer the perfect mix of luxury, nature and adventure thrills.

CruiseCompete CruiseTrends™ offers an inside look at what consumers want in cruise vacations based on their requests. And private islands are a top choice for cruises. Here is a list of 9 private islands that travel experts at CruiseCompete have assembled to make it easy for you to decide.

You can choose to relax in your cabanas with private butlers or enjoy water slides with the kids; dive with the dolphins and stingrays or explore a shipwreck underwater. Or maybe give yourself a dose of adventure on zipline and speed boats.

1. Coco Cay - Royal Caribbean International, The Bahamas

The most vibrant island on the list is buzzling courtesy of the huge 13-slide Thrill water park and the Up, Up and Away helium balloon. Get a thrilling view of the island on the helium air balloon from 450 feet above the ground. Or get a margarita by the swim-up bar and jump into the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. Walk into their Coco Beach Club and dip into the infinity pool overlooking the ocean or enjoy the first overwater cabana in Bahamas with a private concierge serving you their signature Coco Cuveecocktail.

Unique Experience: Enjoy gliding through the tallest waterslide in North America at Perfect Day Coco Cay.
Tip: Get around the island on the complimentary tram to maximize your day and don’t forget to try the Snack Shak’ delicious burgers.

2. Harvest Cay - Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Belize

Unique Experience: Visit the Mayan ruins at Nim Li Punit to explore their history or go on a culture & medical trail with a Mayan shaman.
Tip: Guests can hike at Harvest Caye, so carry a pair of hiking shoes for an impromptu hike around the island.

3. Princess Cays - Princess Cruises, The Bahamas

Unique Experience: Enjoy a complimentary beachside barbecue to energize after a tiresome match of water volleyball.
Tip: Sunscreen is mandatory anywhere but bring ample sunscreen to Princess Cays since most activities are outdoors.

4. Halfmoon Cay - Holland America Line, The Bahamas

Unique experience: The little chapel on the beach is open for wedding ceremonies or vow renewals, making it a beautiful venue for a romantic gathering.
Tip: There are about 40 unique species of birds on the island, pack in your binoculars and check how many you can spot.

5. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line, The Bahamas

Unique Experience: The Island offers a one-of-a-kind experience of fun swimming with the pigs of Treasure Island.
Tip: Don’t forget to carry closed heel shoe for ziplining and enough USD for on-island purchases & souvenir shopping.

6. Bimini Beach - Virgin Voyages, The Bahamas

Unique Experience: Guests can dive and swim around the Wreck of Sapona with nurse and reef sharks at Triangle Rock in a safe and controlled environment.
Tip: If you want to dive with the elusive hammerhead sharks in their natural habitat at Bimini reefs then December through April is your window.

7. Ocean Cay - MSC Cruises, The Bahamas

Unique experience: Enjoy an evening of stargazing with state-of-the-art tracking telescopes figuring out constellations and planets on starry Bahamian sky.
Tip: Book a twilight cruise taking you around Ocean Cay onboard the double decker catamaran as you see the ocean come to life at night.

8. Catalina Island - Costa Cruise Lines, Dominican Republic

Unique Experience: Walk through the underground museum of the Cave of Wonders with over 800 meters of tunnels with native Indian paintings – follow this with a visit to cigar factory.
Tip: Bring in your A-game if you’re participating in the Catalina Marathon challenge that happens every year.

9. Castaway Cay - Disney Cruise Line, The Bahamas

Unique Experience: Guests could mail charming cards postmarked Castaway Cay to friends and family through the working post office on the island.
Tip: Make sure you sip specialty frozen drinks in souvenir cups at Olaf's Summertime Freeze near the Pelican Point tram stop.

Copyright 2023 CruiseCompete. All rights reserved. From https://www.cruisecompete.com.

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