Did You Know Cruise Lines Own Private Islands?

Have you dreamed of owning a private island, but just don’t quite have the cash to make it a reality? Well, you’re in luck! Some cruise lines have handcrafted their very own remote island destinations, and you’re allowed to visit them.

Private islands have actually become staple port destinations on several cruise ship itineraries, including those offered by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and others. From the gorgeously sunny Half Moon Cay to the family-friendly Castaway Cay, check out these amazing private islands owned by some of our favourite cruise lines.

• CocoCay
• Half Moon Cay 
• Harvest Caye
• Castaway Cay
• Princess Cays
• Labadee
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Bimini

Location: The Bahamas
Owned by: Royal Caribbean International*

Get ready to make a splash! The Bahamian island of CocoCay is essentially a massive water park. Seriously…it has everything you need for a fun-filled day, including a 135-foot waterslide known as Daredevil's Peak^®, an obstacle-laden Adventure Pool, a helium balloon ride, a thrilling zip line and a wave pool (which just so happens to be the largest one in the Caribbean!).  

In between dips, rides and waves, stop by Chill Island^® for a free beach barbecue or grab a cocktail from the swim-up bar at the Oasis Lagoon^®. Both can help fuel your next adventure — or get your heart rate back to normal. In the mood for a more relaxing private island experience? Purchasing a day pass to Coco Beach Club^® will get you access to a luxury infinity pool, overwater cabanas and additional dining options. 

With so many incredible amenities, it’s really no wonder why Royal Caribbean International markets this stop on its itineraries as “Perfect Day at CocoCay”. 

*Royal Caribbean International’s sister line Celebrity Cruises recently announced that it has added CocoCay to two of its ships’ itineraries. In other words, you have endless options for visiting this amazing spot.

Location: The Bahamas
Owned by: Carnival Corporation (Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line)

Every Caribbean cruise on Holland America Line’s 2023–2024 schedule includes a stop at Half Moon Cay — and for good reason! This island paradise is one of the highest-rated in The Bahamas. In fact, it’s won Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine’s Best Private Island award for 20 consecutive years.

So, what makes Carnival and Holland America’s private island so special? For starters, it has the white sandy beaches and private villas that your sunny vacation dreams are made of. It also opens up your world to a wide range of tropical adventures. Some of the most popular things to do on this Bahamian island include:

• Interacting with sea creatures at Stingray Cove
• Hiking to Half Moon Cay’s highest ridge
• Kayaking in a majestic saltwater lagoon
• Getting hitched at the island’s little white chapel
• Horseback riding on the beach

At first glance, it seems as if Half Moon Cay only caters to adult cruise passengers. But that’s  simply not the case. Many of the activities and shore excursions on offer are family-friendly. Plus, there’s a kids splash park for your little ones to enjoy.

Location: Belize
Owned by: Norwegian Cruise Line

Harvest Caye, the first Norwegian Cruise Line location mentioned on this list, is an idyllic spot off the coast of Belize. In addition to white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and unique shore excursions — the building blocks of a private island experience — it offers some can’t miss opportunities to connect with nature.

Live life on the wild side as your flutter through the Blue Morpho Butterfly House, get up close and personal with toucans at the Nature Centre and swim with colourful marine life in the world’s second largest barrier reef. 

Once you’ve gotten your fill of flora and fauna, you can head to the shopping village to pick up local crafts and souvenirs. Alternatively, you can unwind at the expansive pool area; it has a swim-up bar, a cascading waterfall and a collection of private cabanas just waiting to be rented by you and your cruise companions. This private island is also home to a large saltwater lagoon that’s perfect for water sports — think kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and more.

Location: The Bahamas
Owned by: Disney Cruise Line

Castaway Cay is truly a magical place, but that should come as no surprise given this private island is owned and operated by Disney Cruise Line. From Gil’s Fins and Boats rental shop to Olaf’s Summertime Freeze drink stand and Cookie’s BBQ, there are nods to beloved movies everywhere. Classic characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto have also been known to make special appearances.

In terms of amenities, Disney Cruise Line has thought of everything for everyone! There’s the Castaway Family Beach, the Snorkelling Lagoon, the Pelican Plunge waterslide park, the Teen Hideout, the In Da Shade Game Pavillion (challenge your kids to a game of table tennis, billiards or foosball!) and the Serenity Bay area — an oasis for cruise passengers who are 18 years of age and older.

If you want to practice sustainable tourism as much as you want to enjoy family fun under the sun, Castaway Cay is a great choice. Disney Cruise Line is doing a lot to preserve and protect this pristine private island, including restoring coral reefs, monitoring endangered sea turtles and using solar panels.

Location: The Bahamas
Owned by: Carnival Corporation (Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises)

Chasing the ultimate beach day? Look no further than Princess Cays. Featured on Southern, Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises, this private island destination on the southern tip of Eluethera is the spot to frolic in the waves and soak up the sun. 

And the best part is, you’ll get an entire day to do it! Cruise ships will usually dock at this tender port for 7–8 hours, allowing travellers to make the most of the island’s secluded beach area and other facilities.

Like many of the other private islands on this list, Princess Cays has something for both active and not-so-active cruise passengers. If you’re part of the latter group (no judgement — we like to read, nap and chill out, too!), there are lounge chairs, floating mattresses and clamshell-style cabanas for the taking. If you’re part of the former group, try the water sports equipment that’s on offer, including paddle wheelers, kayaks, banana boats and snorkels.

Location: Haiti
Owned by: Royal Caribbean International

Pristine white sands, coral reefs, jungle-covered hilltops — Labadee, one of the other private island locales owned by the Royal Caribbean Group, has pretty much everything you need for an amazing vacation. And then some!

The cruise line has divided the private destination into eight distinct areas, including Dragon’s Plaza, Bucaneer’s Bay, Adrenaline Beach and the Barefoot Beach Club (an exclusive spot for Pinnacle members and Royal Caribbean passengers who are staying in Grand Suites). Here’s just a small sampling of the activities, amenities and adventures that you can discover:

• Tram stations
• Lookout points
• Board game tables
• Wave jet tours
• Floating mat stations
• Roller coasters
• Aqua parks and waterslides
• Basketball courts
• Bocce ball lawns
• Taverns and cafés
• Artisan’s markets
• Hair braiding stations

There’s so much to see, do and experience, that you may need more than one trip. Good thing Royal Caribbean International includes this as a stop for many of its Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise itineraries, hey?

Location: The Bahamas
Owned by: Norwegian Cruise Line

Of all the private islands described in this article, Great Stirrup Cay might be the one with the best photo options. This slice of paradise, the second Norwegian Cruise Line location we’ve talked about, has overwater swings, private beach areas and a handful of bars offering tropical cocktails. Snap a pic for your social media and watch the likes flood in!

Great Stirrup Cay also has one of the most unique attractions of all the private islands mentioned in this article. At the underwater sculpture garden, you can snorkel past 23 incredible art pieces — all of which act as artificial reefs. Keep your eyes peeled for statues of fish, mermaids, a ship wheel and a piano, as well as an array of colourful marine life that live in the area.

Afterwards, refuel at one of the island’s many dining establishments. Try fresh ceviche from the Tropic Like It’s Hot food truck, grab a burger from the Jumbey Beach Grill or feast on Mexican cuisine at the Abaco Taco bar. This private island experience will leave you satisfied.

Location: The Bahamas
Owned by: None

Okay, okay…you caught us! This island isn’t private and therefore doesn’t belong to any one cruise line. But the Beach Club at Bimini, which is owned by Virgin Voyages, certainly is exclusive. 

Upon disembarking from the ship, you’ll feel as if you’ve arrived at your very own luxury island resort — complete with sparkling pools, swim-up bars and private cabanas. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax with a cocktail in hand, especially considering that there are no kids allowed on the premises. Since Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, the Beach Club follows suit. 

That said, there are still plenty of ways to have fun and let your inner child play. Hop on a boat to Honeymoon Harbour to swim with stingrays; join a guided scuba dive tour that will take you through reefs and shipwrecks; or venture outside the Beach Club to learn about Bimini’s culture and history.

Now that you know what cruise lines own private islands, it’s time to decide which one (or ones!) you want to put on your travel bucket list. Chat with our travel consultants to learn more or browse our current cruise deals.