Table Of Content

While Half Moon Cay and Great Stirrup Cay remain the flagship private islands of Carnival Cruise Line, the company has also collaborated with other cruise lines to offer shared destinations. For example, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic is a joint venture between Carnival Corporation and the Port Authority of Puerto Plata. This destination offers a blend of cultural experiences, water-based activities, and relaxation opportunities for cruise passengers. All cruise line private islands feature alfresco bars, souvenir shops and beach equipment rentals. Some islands also offer amusements like zip lines and water parks, kiddie play areas and rental cabanas of varying levels of luxury. Available shore excursions may include options like swimming with stingrays, jet ski rides and snorkeling.
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (MSC Cruises)

These attractions feature high-speed water slides, winding rivers, and interactive water play areas designed to provide endless fun and excitement for all ages. Be sure to book guided water sports before your cruise (via the cruise line’s online planner) for the best availability. Plans have been approved by the Bahamian government for a new port and pier to be built. To recoup these lost stops, cruise lines can just turn to their in-house destinations — outfitted with up-charged amenities like waterparks and desirable beachfront villas. Beach YourselfThe most popular pastime of all on a cruise has to be beach time, and Princess Cays does not disappoint in this department.
CCL's Carnival Spirit ship welcomes first passengers from Mobile, Alabama
Grand Turk is the capital island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for a blend of scenic beauty and historic charm, Grand Turk delivers. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #halfmooncay — you may see them right here.
CCL-Carnival opens 2025-2026 Caribbean schedule with new itineraries from Galveston TX

Explore more of the island along a winding trail to the highest point for panoramic views. On the return trip you can ride the horses through the shallow waters in a thrilling beach ride. Half Moon Cay has a contrasting mix of green vegetation, white sand and blue sea. Out of the 2400 acres of natural beauty, only 2% ( about 50 acres) has been developed, leaving at least 2350 acres of indigenous flora and fauna to explore. Half Moon Cay is frequently visited by Holland America cruise ships and some Carnival cruise ships.
From water sports and adventure activities to serene relaxation spots and cultural encounters, there is something to suit every guest’s preference, ensuring a truly memorable and enriching vacation. Guests can indulge in a delicious beachside barbecue, savoring mouthwatering grilled seafood, meats, and tropical fruits. Various beach bars and drink stations are strategically located, offering refreshing beverages, including tropical cocktails, soft drinks, and water, to quench guests’ thirst under the warm Caribbean sun. In addition to the beaches, Carnival’s private islands boast a variety of water-based activities.
Longer Sailing Options
Take a dip in the azure blue waters, or try your hand at Snuba™, a mix of scuba diving and snorkeling. Water lovers can swim, snorkel or sail the shallow island waters, or saddle up for a horseback ride by land and sea. If you just want to relax, nab one of the luxury cabanas on the beachfront and order up a tall, tropical cocktail. For water fun, spend the day at the beach or pool, go paddleboarding, swim with the dolphins or head to the Damajagua Cascades, where you can slide down waterfalls into natural, crystal clear pools.
Look forward to shopping for souvenirs, local crafts, and beachwear at the Straw Market, visit the watersports center, go horse riding on the beach or book a treatment at the Half Moon Salon. Young visitors can enjoy the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park with slides and pirate ship. Upgrade your day with access to the Adults-Only Private Club Portal, the exclusive area that takes relaxation and luxury to the next level. Membership features private access to the beach, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the best views of Bahamian waters, elevated dining to savor and more.
You only have half a day at Half Moon Cay so make sure to see the beach during the port visit. Loved swimming and running along the crystal clear blue waters and white sand beach. The island is built on 45 acres along the crescent-shaped beach with more than a mile in length that fronts on a protected bay leading west to Exuma Sound.
Beaches on Princess Cays
Carnival Cruise Line Reveals Name of New Private Destination - Cruise Hive
Carnival Cruise Line Reveals Name of New Private Destination.
Posted: Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Imagine a private island and all the goodies that come with it — white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, sunshine and tropical cocktails. You can experience any of the private islands below just by taking Carnival™ cruise. Found just a few miles offshore from Placencia, Belize, the 75-acre property offers both a beach with loungers and private villas, and a lagoon pool with a swim-up bar, lounge chairs and private cabanas. The island also features shops selling local wares, a zip line, a lighthouse that you can climb, a kids splash park and a wildlife sanctuary that includes birds, butterflies and snakes. For those seeking a more active experience, a range of activities and watersports await.
Tour of MSC's Private Island Ocean Cay Cruise.Blog - Cruise Blog
Tour of MSC's Private Island Ocean Cay Cruise.Blog.
Posted: Fri, 13 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Animal lovers may have the opportunity to snap a selfie with Ted, the island’s absolutely adorable resident donkey. When it comes to drinking and dining on Half Moon Cay, there are several options. Per the travel advisor, those seeking extra seclusion along the sand should walk further down the beach area. Oftentimes, “the further you walk away from the tender area, the more secluded the beach becomes,” Formby explains. Beach volleyball and basketball courts are another popular attraction, allowing guests to engage in friendly competition with fellow passengers or even with the cruise staff. These sports facilities provide opportunities for active pursuits and social interaction.
The story of Carnival Cruise Line’s private islands dates back to the late 1980s when the cruise line purchased a small, uninhabited island in The Bahamas. This island, known as Little San Salvador Island, became the first private destination owned by Carnival Cruise Line, later renamed as Half Moon Cay. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world.
Some of the bars do allow smoking, so keep an eye out for ashtrays on the bar if you’d like to avoid secondhand smoke. On the south side, you’ll find Sea Breeze Grill, located just over the bridge. When you pre-pay for rentals, you’ll have a ticket delivered to your stateroom that you can redeem at the rental desk. Located just steps from the ocean, it gives families a saltwater-free option while still allowing them to enjoy taking in the famous turquoise water views. There is also Lookout Bar, a more tranquil spot, on the opposite side of the island from the beach. Guests seeking something different may be interested in the Lobster Shack, not to be confused with the New England-style Seafood Shack onboard ships, it has a different menu.
We had wondered if excursions on a Carnival private island were worth it, but by all accounts, they are. Also known as Little San Salvador Island, this private island is one of 700 islands in the Bahamas. The only way to get to the island is to take a tender boat from the ship to the island. On the south end of the Island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas lies Princess Cays, a Carnival cruise to this private resort offers pristine beaches and over a half a mile of silky, white-sand coastline. If you’re an animal lover, you can ride horses on the beach and into the sea, swim with dolphins or interact with Honduran pirates, birds and monkeys at Gumbalimba Park. If you’re a certified scuba diver, the waters off Anthony’s Key offer a magnificent coral reef adventure, or you can head inland and explore the jungle of Roatan by ATV.
Water conservation is a vital aspect of Carnival’s environmental initiatives on the private islands. The cruise line has implemented measures to minimize water usage through the installation of water-efficient fixtures and systems. Furthermore, Carnival promotes responsible water use among guests and encourages them to help conserve water during their visit to the private islands. One of the key initiatives implemented by Carnival is the protection and preservation of marine life and coral reefs surrounding the private islands. The cruise line educates guests about the importance of marine conservation and encourages responsible snorkeling and diving practices to minimize any damage to these sensitive ecosystems. Facilities such as shopping areas, souvenir shops, and photo opportunities are also available on the islands, allowing guests to take home tokens of their memorable vacation.
No comments:
Post a Comment