Did you know that some cruise lines own private islands exclusively for their passengers?
Cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney, Royal Caribbean International, and others have islands that exclusively cater to their passengers and give you an extraordinary experience. From private beaches to unique amenities and experiences like snorkeling, zip lines, wildlife sanctuaries, and helium balloon rides, these islands elevate your cruise experience to whole new heights. Check out these cruise lines with their own private beaches and islands.
MSC Cruises: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas
MSC Cruises Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a private marine sanctuary, with a ton of attractions including superior snorkeling opportunities in the lagoon, a light show over the beach in the evening, and a fantastic red and white striped lighthouse that you can explore. This MSC-exclusive destination combines natural beauty with curated amenities, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure in a protected marine environment.
Virgin Voyages: The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini features a spectacular beach club and offers an array of relaxation options from inviting hammocks to whimsical bubble swings and comfortable loungers nestled in the sand. While visiting Bimini, you can experience an extraordinary beach bonfire celebration, an experience so exhilarating it’s likely to have you eagerly planning your next rock star-style cruise adventure.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay is a super relaxed private beach. While it doesn’t offer the same party vibe as other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay offers some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Favorite activities here include the swings on the beach and over the water, great eateries, and live music.
Royal Caribbean: Chill Island, Coco Cay, Bahamas
Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay is a family-oriented lively destination that boasts an expansive aquatic playground, featuring overwater bungalows, a conveniently placed swim-up bar, and generous stretches of pristine, white-sand beaches. Chill Island offers a unique blend of tropical paradise and aquatic adventure all in one exclusive location.
Holland America Line: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Cruise the Caribbean and Panama Canal with Holland America and enjoy a Bahamian paradise that boasts fine, sugar-sand beaches and offers personal cabanas complete with attentive butler service or charming beachside bungalows, ensuring an idyllic day by the shore. Half Moon Cay has a pristine natural beauty and tailored comforts making it a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Disney Cruise Line: Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Castaway Cay is Disney’s exclusive Caribbean paradise full of aquatic adventures, including swimming alongside graceful manta rays and paddling kayaks through crystal-clear lagoons. True to Disney form, beloved characters roam the island, ready to interact with guests creating a unique destination that combines tropical allure with the magic of Disney.
Costa Cruises: Catalina Island, Dominican Republic
Catalina Island provides a tranquil escape with its unspoiled tropical beaches. and peaceful atmosphere that allows visitors to unwind in a serene natural setting. It has convenient access to a nearby barrier reef, presenting opportunities for underwater exploration. This exclusive destination combines the allure of pristine coastal beauty with the potential for marine adventures, making it a distinctive highlight of Costa Cruises’ Caribbean voyages.
Royal Caribbean: Labadee, Haiti
Royal Caribbean’s exclusive Haitian destination, Labadee, features beachside accommodations along its picturesque shorelines. Thrill-seekers can experience the world’s most extensive overwater zipline, while families can enjoy the aquatic playground. The island even has a roller coaster with ocean views.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Harvest Caye, Belize
Explore Southern Belize’s natural wonders, including the planet’s second-largest barrier reef. The island boasts sun-drenched beaches, tranquil saltwater lagoons, and inviting beachfront cabanas. A centerpiece of the destination is its expansive pool area, complete with a cascading waterfall and secluded private cabanas. This retreat gives cruise passengers a convenient base for exploring the rich marine ecosystems of Belize’s renowned barrier reef while enjoying natural beauty and luxurious amenities.
Paul Gauguin Cruises: Motu Mahana, French Polynesia
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a more personal, high-end seafaring experience with a smaller passenger count than other cruise lines. Their exclusive island retreat, Motu Mahana, offers a vibrant underwater spectacle. There are emerald and lavender coral formations teeming with diverse schools of tropical fish, making this secluded beach destination a vivid, paradisiacal escape for those seeking a more intimate cruise adventure.
MSC Cruises: Portuguese Island, Mozambique
An uninhabited tropical gem encircled by luminous, temperate waters, Portuguese Island allows you to embark on adventures to discover hidden coves, seek out playful dolphins in their natural habitat, or explore vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling excursions. The island’s surrounding waters are also known to be home to the region’s elusive dugongs, also known as sea cows.
MSC Cruises: Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Sir Bani Yas, a desert island, is particularly noteworthy for its expansive wildlife sanctuary. This protected area houses an impressive 16,000 animals, featuring oryxes, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, and cheetahs. The island’s landscape is equally varied, with the central desert refuge encircled by lush mangrove forests, pristine beaches, and wetland areas.
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