14 Cruise Private Islands Ranked: What They Offer and Who Owns Each One

Cruise line private islands are extensions of the ships themselves – featuring larger versions of onboard splash parks and the same great food you’ll find on the ship. You may even find that cruise ship drinks and wi-fi packages are able to be used on land, at no extra cost.

Just as some people book a cruise solely to experience the ship, cruise line private islands are becoming so good that people are booking short two- or three-night cruises just to visit a private island.

But, which islands should you put at the top of your wish list? I’ve rounded up the best.

1. Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises
• Location: Bahamas
• Size: 140 acres
• Tender or dock: Dock

Widely regarded as the best cruise private island in the world, Royal Caribbean’s island underwent a huge $200 million revamp in 2019. This project saw the addition of many Instagram-worthy features, including the tallest water slide in North America, the largest freshwater swimming pool in the Caribbean and a 1600-foot-long zip line.

To take in the views of this incredible island, cruisers can head up in a helium balloon to snap photos from 300 feet in the air. The Coco Beach Club includes Maldives-style private overwater villas and an exclusive infinity pool overlooking the private beach.

Perfect for children of all ages, on CocoCay, children can enjoy a huge Splashaway Bay water park with slides and tipping buckets, as well as Captain Jill’s Galleon, which is a large pirate ship with cannons that spray water. Unlike the main Thrill Waterpark on the island, these children’s facilities are all available to enjoy without an extra charge.

Read more: Tips for Visiting CocoCay with Young Kids

Since April 2024, cruisers can also visit CocoCay when sailing with Celebrity Cruises on selected ships.

2. Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises

• Cruise line: MSC Cruises
• Location: Bahamas
• Size: 95 acres
• Tender or dock: Dock

MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, is a peaceful retreat in the Bimini chain, designed around nature and sustainability.

Motorised water sports are banned to protect the reefs, so guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving and even electric pedalos. There’s also a relaxing spa area, yoga sessions and late-night stays for stargazing with minimal light pollution.

Families will love the shallow Family Lagoon Beach, and the 100-foot lighthouse offers incredible panoramic views.

From January 2026, Ocean Cay is getting a fresh wave of family-friendly enhancements. New additions include daily beachside fitness sessions led by onboard wellness coaches, an educational augmented-reality treasure hunt showcasing local marine life, and a colourful LEGO pop-up experience at the Welcome Pavilion.

These upgrades are designed to make the island feel like a natural extension of the MSC onboard experience, with wellbeing and sustainability at the core.

Read more: 26 Secrets You Must Know Before You Visit Ocean Cay

3. Celebration Key

Cruise line: Carnival, Princess Cruises
Location: Grand Bahama
Size: 65 acres
Tender or dock: Dock

Carnival’s Celebration Key is a purpose-built private island experience on the south coast of Grand Bahama, designed to feel like a full-scale tropical resort just for cruise guests. At its heart are expansive freshwater lagoons, long stretches of soft white-sand beach and colourful Bahamian-inspired architecture that give the island a lively, festival-style atmosphere rather than a quiet, secluded retreat.

Families can enjoy large splash zones, shallow swimming areas and water play features, while adults can relax in vibrant swim-up bars or upgrade to the exclusive Pearl Cove Beach Club, which offers an infinity pool, upgraded dining and private cabanas overlooking the ocean.

Across the island, guests will find beach bars, live music, shopping villages and plenty of shaded areas designed to make moving between relaxation and fun completely effortless.

Designed to balance high-energy entertainment with laid-back beach time, Celebration Key delivers a more social, resort-style private island day that appeals to cruisers of all ages.

It was also announced in late 2025 that Princess Cruises would begin including calls to Celebration Key as part of its future Caribbean itineraries.

4. RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line & Carnival

• Cruise line: Holland America Line and Carnival
• Location: Bahamas
• Size: 2,400 acres
• Tender or dock: Tender boat

The largest of all of the cruise line private islands, Half Moon Cay, was previously voted ‘Best Private Island’ by Porthole Cruise Magazine for 17 years in a row. It has since lost the title, but that’s mightily impressive!

Unlike some other private islands, development has been kept to a minimum, meaning guests can enjoy unspoilt nature trails and a relaxing time exploring the ten miles of white sandy beaches either on foot, on a bicycle or on horseback. You can even go swimming with horses, should you wish.

Although 95% of this island hasn’t been developed, there’s still a lot for kids to enjoy. The Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park has slides and a pirate ship that shoots water from its cannons. There’s also a dry playground with slides, swings, see-saws and more pirate ships.

Continuing with the pirate theme, Half Moon Cay also has a huge three-storey pirate ship with fantastic views from the top level; the other two levels are a bar.

The destination was rebranded at the end of 2024 with a new name: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. And by summer 2026 there will ne some upgrades to the resort, including a new pier so that ships don’t have to tender.

Suggested read: 18 Things To Know Before You Visit Half Moon Cay

5. Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line

• Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line
• Location: Bahamas
• Size: 1,000 acres
• Tender or dock: Dock

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is, as expected, a fantastic place for children of all ages. But did you know that there are lots for adults to enjoy too?

The island has distinct beach areas for various ages – the Family Beach, the Sports Beach and the adults-only Serenity Bay. The Family Beach is the closest to the ship and here you’ll find loads of child-friendly activities such as a 2,400-square-foot floating platform with two water slides, spray cannons and a giant tipping bucket.

There’s also a Snorkelling Lagoon with a path to follow to see not only tropical fish, but special buried treasure!

The Sports Beach is popular with teens and is the place to enjoy a wide variety of sporting activities such as volleyball and tetherball. Serenity Bay is a lovely, quiet spot for adults to relax, enjoy the views or enjoy a massage in one of the open-air cabanas.

If you visit Castaway Cay, keep an eye out for Goofy, Olaf and other characters who are known to enjoy a visit to the island too.

Read more: 19 Secrets To Know About Castaway Cay

6. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line

• Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
• Location: Bahamas
• Size: 268 acres
• Tender or dock: Tender boat

Located in the Berry Islands, Great Stirrup Cay offers the ultimate in blissful relaxation. It’s a snorkeller’s paradise with crystal-clear waters where you can see turtles and tropical fish – there’s even an underwater sculpture garden.

Should you wish to swim with the famous Bahamian swimming pigs, they can be found on Treasure Island, which is just a ten-minute boat ride away. You could also take an excursion to nearby Stingray City to swim with the friendly stingrays.

Great Stirrup Cay has three beaches: Bertrams Beach, Cabanas Beach and Fiesta Beach. Bertram’s beach is named after the British naval commander who settled on the island in the 18^th century (and who could blame him!) It has lots of beach loungers, hammocks and shady palm trees.

A little further along is Cabana’s Beach, where you’ll find cabanas to hire. Furthest from the pier is Fiesta Beach, which is a quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle of the other beaches.

Norwegian Cruise Line also offers private villas in the exclusive Silver Cove area of the island. These come with air conditioning, a TV and on-demand movies. Personally, if I wanted to watch TV in a cold room, I’d turn off the heating and do that at home. There’s no way I’d be wasting the day in a villa on a private island!

The island is being renovated and big changes are planned. But, as of March 2026, drinks packages will no longer work on the island – you’ll need to buy drinks individually.

Read more: All About Great Stirrup Cay

7. Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Location: Belize, Central America
Size: 75 acres
Tender or dock: Dock

Harvest Caye was opened in 2016 as part of a massive investment program by NCL, and is part-owned by the cruise line (the other part is owned by the Belizean government).

The bars, shops and restaurants are all run by the government, so while it’s an island that only NCL ships will visit, it’s not really a totally cruise-line-owned island. It’s a more authentic destination.

It’s also the only destination in the entire country of Belize where there’s a pier for cruise ships, so you don’t need to take a tender.

There are plenty of exciting things you can do on the island, including a river tubing adventures through the rainforest and parasailing along the coast. You can also visit a Mayan temple, or take a serene sightseeing tour among the mangrove estuaries to see the native manatees.

Or you can, of course, just chill by the side of the pool. It’s up to you.

Read more about Harvest Caye.

8. Labadee, Royal Caribbean

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Location: Haiti
Size: 260 acres
Tender or dock: Dock

Not so much a private island, but a private resort on a much bigger island, Labadee has been leased to Royal Caribbean until 2050 and has been used by both Royal Caribbean and sister line Celebrity Cruises in the past.

It’s a resort that’s cut off from the rest of Haiti, with a private security force keeping anybody else out (and stopping wandering cruise guests from leaving the resort, too, in theory). Not that you’d want to, since there’s plenty to see and do already.

The best attraction is the Dragon’s Breath zip line, which runs from the top of the mountain and reaches speeds of up to 50mph – definitely one for the thrill-seekers.

If you want something a little more laid back, then you can choose from a couple of different beaches, with Columbus Cove being the quietest since it’s the furthest from the port (though there is a free ferry to take you there). Passengers in a Grand Suite or above also have access to the private Barefoot Beach.

There’s a kids’ splash park too, as well as a couple of other water play areas with slides, so the little ones will love the day too. And any drinks package you have onboard carries over onto the island as well.

The cruise line did stop calling at Labadee for much of 2024 due to unrest in Haiti, but it resumed visits to the resort in October.

However more suspensions followed, including into early 2026…

Read more about Labadee, Haiti.

9. Princess Cays, Princess Cruises

Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Location: Bahamas
Size: 40 acres
Tender or dock: Tender

The island of Eleuthera is pretty special – it’s 100 miles long and only 2 miles wide. At the southern tip, Princess Cruises has exclusive access to the Princess Cays resort, including over half a mile of the gorgeous white sands.

There are a ton of different sporting activities you can try, both on land and in the water, or you can climb the observation tower to enjoy some amazing views in all directions.

And if that all sounds like too much effort, just grab yourself a lounger, pick up a cocktail and take it easy, making sure you stop off at the free beach barbecue when you’re in need of a bite to eat.

Read more about Princess Cays

10. Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises

Cruise line: Paul Gauguin
Location: French Polynesia
Size: Approximately 4 acres
Tender or dock: Tender

One of the smallest islands on this list, Motu Mahana, really is a tranquil tropical escape. Both because of the size of the island and also the style of the cruise line, don’t expect massive shopping markets or a huge range of planned excursions.

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do, but it’s a more gentle approach to island life. You can still try some watersports or a game of volleyball, and swim and snorkel amongst the coral and colourful fish.

You can enjoy a massage or learn how to open a coconut, and when you’re ready for a drink, there’s a floating cocktail bar that just sounds heavenly.

11. The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages

Cruise line: Virgin Voyages
Location: Bahamas
Size: 4.5 acres
Tender or dock: Tender

Another destination that is not a private island but instead a private resort on part of a larger island, The Beach Club is a beautiful escape where you can enjoy a tranquil getaway on a beach that’s reserved for cruise guests.

From there, things can get a little more exciting if you want them to – you can take a guided scuba dive through the shipwrecks, and even go shark-diving if you feel like your heart rate has been a little too relaxed for too long.

Plus, there’s the chance to get out and explore the historical sites of North Bimini, with a ton of authentic culture to discover that, to date, has been preserved from the huge tourist numbers that visit other parts of the Bahamas.

Read more about Bimini Beach Club.

12. Catalina Island, Costa Cruises

Cruise line: Costa Cruises
Location: Dominican Republic
Size: 2,400 acres
Tender or dock: Tender

“Isla Catalina” in Spanish, this is a popular cruise destination for a number of different cruise lines, but only Costa Cruises has its own private beach on the island. Motor vehicles are banned on the island despite its relatively large size, which really makes you feel like you’ve escaped from everyday life to a paradise.

You can explore the picturesque village of Altos de Chavon, or take a boat excursion up the river to see the local wildlife from an exciting perspective.

Of course, with a private beach just for your ship, you might be tempted just to take the day to soak up some sun – I wouldn’t blame you on these gorgeous sands.

13. Portuguese Island, MSC Cruises

Cruise line: MSC Cruises
Location: Mozambique, Africa
Size: Approximately 500 acres
Tender or dock: Tender

This small, uninhabited African island offers six kilometres of beaches that you can easily walk around in an hour, letting you sample the peaceful sights of this calm escape. Just make sure you’ve got footwear on as it gets very hot on the sands.

Your ship will dock at nearby Maputo, and you can take a tender to the island from there. Local food and drinks are available, including Tipo Tinto rum, and there are beach sports you can join in with if you’re feeling energetic.

The best tip is to make sure you do wander a little distance from the tender port if you want to relax on the beach. With the island being so small, it won’t take long for you to explore, and you should be able to find a more secluded spot for some private relaxation time.

14. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line
Location: Eleuthera, Bahamas
Size: Unknown
Tender or dock: Dock

Lighthouse Point is the newest private destination for Disney Cruise Line – it opened in summer 2024. This is a vibrant beach retreat infused with the colour and energy of Bahamian artistry.

The Family Beach is the heart of the island, and the splash area offers a fun place for kids to cool off, too.

For adults, the exclusive beach retreat offers a serene escape, complete with private cabanas and an open-air dining area serving delicious Bahamian-inspired dishes.

Adventure lovers can explore nature trails or join an eco-tour to learn about the island’s preservation efforts. Snorkelling and kayaking excursions showcase the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life surrounding the island.

Read more about Lighthouse Point.

Future Private Islands

1. Royal Beach Club

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Location: Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas, Cozumel, and Santorini
Size: 17 acres
Tender or dock: Dock and water taxi

Royal Caribbean is developing three private destinations on existing cruise ports – one in Nassau, another in Cozumel, and the first of its kind in Europe, which will be in Santorini. These will be called Royal Beach Club. The Nassau one will be located at the tip of Paradise Island.

The new destination experience was originally announced in early 2020. But plans were put on ice due to global events, and it was only in 2023 that the project was given the go-ahead by the Bahamian government.

The first private resort is scheduled to open in Nassau in 2025, followed by Cozumel and Santorini in 2026. Each will combine the island’s stunning beaches with the cruise line’s signature experiences to create the ultimate beach day.

Read more about Royal Beach Club.

2. Perfect Day at Lelepa

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Location: Vanuatu, South Pacific
Size: Unknown
Tender or dock: TBC – likely dock

In 2019, Royal Caribbean announced plans to develop another private island, Perfect Day at Lelepa in Vanuatu, which was scheduled to open in 2022.

As expected, the development island was delayed, but it’s not off the cards completely. The last updates came in March 2022, giving no concrete date for completion but confirming the island was still being worked on.

The plans for the island are to be less thrill-based than Perfect Day at CocoCay, instead celebrating the local cultures of Vanuatu.

3. Perfect Day Mexico

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Location: Quintana Roo, Mexico
Size: Unknown
Tender or dock: Dock

Royal Caribbean announced another Perfect Day destination in October 2024 – Perfect Day Mexico.

Situated in the Quintana Roo region, the destination will offer all the fun you’d expect from a Perfect Day resort – water slides, bars, a range of activities for all levels and some beautiful beach spaces where you can just unwind.

It’s going to be a modern and sustainable destination, using the latest eco-friendly technology to ensure that guests can enjoy a memorable break while still preserving the flora and fauna of the region.

Perfect Day Mexico is set to open in 2027.

4. Ensenada Bay Village

Cruise line: Carnival (with potential calls from Princess & Holland America Line)
Location: Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Size: Unknown
Tender or dock: Dock

Ensenada has long been the “required” stop on West Coast sailings rather than the star attraction – but that’s about to change in a big way. In December 2025, Carnival Cruise Line revealed plans for a major new development: Ensenada Bay Village: Treasures of Baja, a $26 million waterfront experience designed to transform the city into a genuine highlight on Mexican itineraries.

Set to blend Baja culture with resort-style entertainment, Bay Village will feature:

• A zip line, adventure zones and dune-style off-road experiences
• A boat canal and relaxing river ride
• Adults-only beach club with wellness and hot spring features
• Family areas and hands-on cultural activities
• Food and drink crafted around regional wine, tequila and chocolate
• Architecture inspired by historic Baja and Alta California

The project is led by Hutchison Ports ECV and ITM Group, who are behind several major cruise-destination developments throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Once complete, the complex will be able to welcome up to 9,000 cruise passengers per day and create more than 1,100 local jobs.

Carnival Panorama and Carnival Legend are expected to feature Ensenada Bay Village heavily on sailings from Long Beach, and other Carnival Corporation brands may follow.

This development marks a shift for the West Coast – finally offering a purpose-built attraction to rival the private-island experiences booming in The Bahamas. With Royal Caribbean also opening Perfect Day at Costa Maya in 2027, Mexico’s cruise offering is clearly entering a new era.

Cruise Line Private Islands Compared

Great Stirrup Cay vs Coco Cay

Great Stirrup Cay and CocoCay are two popular destinations in the Bahamas, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Great Stirrup Cay, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, is a private island located in the Berry Islands. It features stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing and water activities.

On the other hand, Perfect Day at CocoCay, owned by Royal Caribbean International, is known for its thrill-seeking adventures. CocoCay boasts the tallest water slide in North America, Daredevil’s Peak, and an impressive wave pool called the Oasis Lagoon.

Both islands provide visitors with an unforgettable tropical getaway, however, Great Stirrup Cay offers a more serene and relaxed atmosphere, while CocoCay caters better to those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities.

Half Moon Cay vs CocoCay

Half Moon Cay and CocoCay are both known for their stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. Half Moon Cay, also known as Little San Salvador Island, is owned by Holland America Line. It boasts pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation.

Half Moon Cay also offers a range of activities such as horseback riding, snorkelling, and kayaking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s natural wonders.

CocoCay, which belongs to Royal Caribbean International, is another private island located in the Bahamas. It features a variety of thrilling water slides, a massive freshwater pool, and a floating bar for guests to enjoy. With its vibrant atmosphere and numerous adventure-filled activities, CocoCay is a favourite among adrenaline-seeking travellers.

Half Moon Cay and CocoCay both offer idyllic Caribbean getaways, but the former focuses more on serene natural beauty while the latter provides a lively and adventurous experience for visitors.

Ocean Cay vs CocoCay

Ocean Cay and CocoCay both offer breathtaking ocean views and a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Ocean Cay, owned by MSC Cruises, is known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. The island offers various water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking.

CocoCay, however, is best known for its water park, known as Thrill Waterpark, which features numerous exhilarating water slides and a massive wave pool. CocoCay also offers a range of activities for all ages, including snorkelling, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. The island also provides relaxation areas with pristine beaches and luxurious cabanas.

Each island offers a distinct experience for cruise ship guests. Ocean Cay is best known for its tranquil beaches, vibrant marine life, and Caribbean cuisine, while Coco Cay stands out for its thrilling water park, adventure activities, and relaxation areas.

Whether visitors prefer a serene beach getaway or an adrenaline-pumping water park experience, both Ocean Cay and Coco Cay provide unforgettable moments in a breathtaking Caribbean setting.

Castaway Cay vs Lookout Cay

With the launch of Disney Cruise Line’s second private resort in the Bahamas, you may be wondering how the two compare. I was lucky enough to visit both destinations a month apart in 2024, so I can certainly offer some opinions on that…

While both destinations provide stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and Disney magic, thy stand out in distinct ways.

Castaway Cay is themed around a fictional shipwreck island with lots for guests of all ages to see and do. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, on the other hand, brings a fresh, culturally rich perspective. Designed with Bahamian artistry and sustainability in mind, the island offers more immersive experiences, like eco-tours and nature trails.

Families will still find plenty of fun on the beach and in the water, but the island’s vibrant design and cultural focus provide a deeper connection to its surroundings. I have a full guide that compares the two resorts here: Castaway Cay Vs Lookout Cay: Which Is Best?

The Bottom Line

A visit to a private island is often the highlight of a Caribbean cruise. While all of these islands are beautiful, some are all about relaxation, while others offer much more than that, with a variety of activities you can enjoy.

Have you ever cruised to a private island? What did you think? Please let me know in the comment below, I’d love to hear your opinions.

Related Posts:

• Best Cruise Destinations For Families
• Best Cruise Destinations For Couples
• The Worst Time To Cruise To The Bahamas