Cruising is the ultimate mode of hassle-free holidays. What more could you possibly seek, besides endless blue skies, unlimited amenities and bottomless buffets? Well, for your ideal Caribbean cruise, add a trip to a private island too!
Castaway Cay boasts immaculate white sand beaches and sparkling azure waters. A retreat for both kids and adults alike, there is something for everyone on this shipwreck-themed island. Children can frolic in the splash area and if they’re old enough, ride the exhilarating water slide the spills onto the sea.
Dive into the underwater paradise and go on a snorkelling adventure. You may also happen across shipwreck remains and other fascinating items!
Plus, you can feast your eyes at the all-inclusive beach BBQ, as all meals on this island are free! Only one ship docks at a time, allowing you free rein of the tiny isle. After exploring the luscious, green island, raise your feet, sip a refreshing cocktail, and take in the alluring beauty of the tropics.
Some Caribbean liners, like Norwegian, believe that variety is key and own not one but two slices of island exclusivity. Another benefit is that visitors can select from two different places of distinctive attractions. Ranked as the best in entertainment onboard a cruise liner, their island escapes reflect this honour.
The recently acquired Harvest Caye showcases Belize's finest coastal nature. Aquamarine beaches line the soft golden sand of this family-friendly bay. One of Harvest Caye's star attractions is the 15,000 sq foot swimming pool featuring a swim-up bar. Without leaving the pool, guests can order drinks and delight in their refreshments seated on underwater bar stools.
Take the zip line and soar 100 ft above for unwavering views over the grand bay. Cross the opulent jungle and land in the enticing turquoise lagoon. Unmatched vistas of the world's second-largest coral reef and Mayan mountains unravel from this spectacular trip.
After the flush of adrenaline, why not kayak and paddleboard on the saltwater beach as you discover the beautiful marine life? Or get lost in abundant foliage in the wildlife sanctuary. The merry birdsong of macaws and toucans are among the tropical birdlife.
Great Stirrup Cay was the first enclave to be purchased by a cruise ship. Devoid of other islands' bells and whistles, Great Stirrup Cay is the ideal location to take in the magnificence of nature.
The untouched landscape is also less developed, but this is a blessing. To reach utmost bliss, unwind in the picturesque paradise of palm trees and sun-kissed shores.
Discover the pristine land's splendour by snorkelling the coral reef, kayaking the crystalline waters, and even swimming with domesticated pigs!
Royal Caribbean is another cruise operator that embraces the concept of options. Like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean has two private islands with distinct identities that it owns in various nations.
Haiti's tropical jungle and diverse wildlife await you on Labadee. Caribbean holiday makers adore Labadee's lush landscape and serene, calm beaches. Visitors can choose from five gorgeous beaches where they can lie back and allow the crashing waves to send them into total relaxation.
For those more adventurous, dare to fly the 2,800 ft zip line over the leafy hillside and sapphire bay. You can also board the alpine coaster that plummets 680 ft from the hilltop, displaying the finest views of Labadee.
Visit the Haitian artisanal market to buy handcrafted items, or swim ashore to Adrenaline Beach's floating bar to cool off with a drink and take in the gorgeous bay.
If your ideal Caribbean holiday cruise involves liveliness, fun and festivities, then a trip to Perfect Day at CocoCay is imminent. A thrill-seeker's dream, lather on the sunscreen as you take to the waterpark, loved by kids and adults alike.
Will you be brave enough to ride Daredevil's Peak, the highest waterslide in North America at 135 ft?
If fear of heights does not discourage you, ride in a helium balloon 450 feet above CocoCay to take in the scenic beauty.
After riding a selection of 13 water rides, make a giant splash in the Caribbean's largest wave pool. And once you've exhausted all the amenities, you have a private island beach all to yourself.
MSC Cruises is one of the latest cruise liners to jump on board the private island trend. In a fascinating feat, they developed an old sand excavation site in the Bahamas and turned it into a picturesque beach paradise.
As the island’s name suggests, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve conserves the island’s precious ecosystem. Since the land redevelopment, marine life has flourished through careful restoration efforts by marine biologists and scientists.
With such unrivalled beauty before you, delight in the tropical scenery of azure waters, fine white sand, and swaying coconut trees. To enhance your relaxation, book a spa treatment as you unwind to the sound of the breaking waves.
Pick your favourite of the eight pristine beaches, cooling off in the inviting waters. At night time, make sure to watch the lighthouse’s light show extravaganza. Another must-do is to witness the Junkanoo Parade’s dazzling dance work and colourful costumes.
Carnival Cruises completes our list of appealing private islands for Caribbean holidaymakers. Situated on the Bahamian archipelago, Carnival Cruise’s Half Moon Cay steals the heart of any die-hard beach lover. Catering for the likes of young adults, Carnival ensures you're kept active throughout the day on paradise island.
Undisputed heaven on Earth, Half Moon Cay’s crescent-shaped isle features nature’s best. A watercolour of tranquillity and a soundtrack of gentle lapping water let you succumb to holiday bliss.
Feel the wind in your hair as you go horse riding on the sandy bay, an iconic Half Moon Cay activity. Other options are also abound, including swimming with stingrays, parasailing, and snorkelling.
With this information at your fingertips, why not visit one of these beautiful private islands yourself? Simply click here to check out our award-winning cruise holidays.
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