One of the most relaxing and enjoyable things about a Caribbean cruise is spending the day at a private beach. Tenders whisk you from your ship to your private, tropical paradise where you can find a quiet corner or hammock to relax in, or enjoy a wide range of activities and excursions. Lunch is provided usually as a beach barbecue with lots of extras and live Caribbean music. Try a tropical cocktail at one of the beach bars. Private cabanas may be available for rent, some with private lunch and butler service. Support the local economy by shopping for handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs. Kids and teens can enjoy fun activities in their own supervised area. There’s something for everyone!
Sounds great, doesn’t it? This is what you will enjoy on a private beach day during your Caribbean cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to establish a private island as a port of call for its ships. The concept proved so popular that other lines soon followed suit. Today, many Caribbean cruises include a day at a private beach with plenty of special amenities laid on.
Private Islands and Coastlines
Our preferred cruise lines are leaders in this area. Take a look at what they offer in the way of “a day at the beach” cruise line style.
Great Stirrip Cay, Berry Island Chain, The Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has owned this island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. The line is currently spending $20 million on enhancements to the island which will be complete by the end of 2011.
Facilities and activities include a welcome area, beachfront for swimming and snorkeling, dining and bar facilities, kids area, floats, hippo slide, parasailing. The ongoing expansion will add more beach space, private beachfront cabanas, a straw market, beach volleyball courts, wave runners, a floating Aqua Park with a variety of water toys, kayak tours through man-made rivers, an eco-cruise and stingray encounter experience and more.
Castaway Cay, Abaco Islands, The BahamasDisney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line: Castaway Cay was used in the filming of the movie Splash and you’ll see the priate ship the Flying Dutchman used in Pirates of the Caribbean movies as you sail in. The island is outfitted for premium family leisure. It is a port of call on Disney’s Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries. There’s even a post office where mail is stamped with a Castaway Cay postmark.
Facilities and activities include open-air barbecue dining; family beach with snorkelling, swmimming and sports; teen beach with swimming and kayaking; adults only beach with open-air massage, bar, and yoga class; biking; nature trails; organized walks and runs; boat harbor with paddle boats and kayaks; excursions including sting ray encounters, off shore snorkelling, glass bottom boat cruises, fishing, parasailing and jet skiing; children’s area with free child care; Disney character greetings and a dance party with Lilo and Stich.
Half Moon Cay, Little San Salvador Island, The BahamasHolland America Line
This island is so unspoiled it is an international wild bird preserve. It’s also the highest rated port of call on Holland America Cruises Caribbean itineraries.
Facilities and activities include a two mile crescent shaped white sand beach, nature trails and birding walks, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, bicycle tours, horseback riding, stingray adventure, Aqua Park, Club HAL children’s playground and supervised swimming area, private beachside cabanas, beachside massage, Bahamian Chapel for destination weddings, three water sports centers, bar and dining facilities plus additional shore excursions.
Princess Cays, Eleuthera Island, The Bahamas
Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Costa
Another idyllic island in the Bahamas is yours for a day on your Princess cruise. Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Costa also call here occasionally.
Facilities and activities include 30 acres of pristine beaches, beach massage, beach volleyball, basketball, straw market, Bahamian barbecue and seafood restaurants, beach bars, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, glass bottom boat adventures, shore excursions and more. Supervised youth and teen programs have their own area with a replica of a pirate’s galleon. Private beach bungalows have dedicated staff to deliver gourmet picnic lunches, cocktails or an assortment of light fare and snacks (pre-reserve). The Clamshell beach loungers for two are also available (pre-reserve).
Labadee, north shore, Hispaniola
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises
Not an island but a secluded coastline, separated from the rest of the island by a ridge of mountains, Labadee has the most breathtaking setting with the spectacular mountain backdrop, exotic foliage and a series of beaches and coral reefs. Labadee has been Royal Caribbean Cruise Line private beach paradise for over 20 years.
Facilities and activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, floating beach mats, waverunners, Aqua Park, hiking trails, guided excursions, shops, outdoor dining and beach bars. Become a pirate for a day at Luc’s Splash Bash where you battle other buccaneers with water cannons aboard a pirate ship and explore the treasure map trail.
Secluded Beaches
While other cruise lines don’t own their own island, they will arrange a private beach day at some of the best beaches in the Caribbean:
- Mayreau Beach Party –Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruises
- Catalina Island, Dominican Republic – Seabourn Cruises, Costa Cruises
- Cayo Leventado, Dominican Republic – Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises
- Prickly Pear Island, British Virgin Islands – Seabourn Cruises
Beach days arranged by your cruise line are certainly one of the best ways to experience the magnificent beaches of the region.
Of course, there other opportunities to spend time at the beach during your cruise.
- You can be on a different beach every day if you want as you cruise from island to island.
- Cruise line excursions combine an activity with time at the beach.
- Head off on your own to public beaches, or private beaches at resorts where you can purchase a day pass.
