8 beautiful islands you can only visit on a cruise
You don’t have to be a billionaire to enjoy a private island escape. Cruise lines have snapped up their own little pieces of paradise that are reserved just for you.
1. Sir Bani Yas, UAE
From December, passengers travelling with MSC Cruises will be able to spend a day relaxing on a pristine strip of sand off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The first cruise line private island in the region, visitors will be able to go on a safari drive to see giraffe, hyena and cheetah; sail on a traditional Arabic dhow boat; and try horseriding along the beach. There’s even an ongoing archeological dig at an early Christian monastery that's available on a tour. Or if you’d like something a little more relaxing, there are plenty of palm trees and cabanas lining the white sand.
2. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
The original cruise private island, Norwegian Cruise Line opened Great Stirrup Cay in 1977. It’s slated for a huge refurbishment in 2017, which will introduce an exclusive lagoon retreat called The Edge with a secluded beach, high-end restaurants and luxury villas to use for the day. Over the years Norwegian has added an underwater sculpture garden for snorkelers, plenty of drinking and dining options, and a stingray encounter that brings you right up to the majestic creatures.
3. Castaway Cay, Bahamas
The Mickey Mouse-inspired fun continues onshore at Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Caribbean. The whole island has a shipwreck theme (hence the name) with driftwood shacks and thatched palm leaves. There are plenty of watersports on offer, including a calm snorkelling lagoon, as well as a waterpark for the kids. Disney has focused on conservation and environmental sustainability and is working to monitor the state of surrounding reefs and protect the endangered loggerhead turtle population.
4. Labadee, Haiti
While not technically a private island, Labadee is a private peninsula on the island of Haiti that is used by Royal Caribbean. It’s divided into different themed neighbourhoods so guests can find a spot that suits them or escape to the seclusion of a private cabana. The highlight is the Dragon’s Breath, an 800-metre zipline that takes guests right across the bay at speeds of up to 80 kilometres an hour. Don’t miss the island’s signature cocktail, the labadoozie.
5. Harvest Caye, Belize
Another newcomer to the group, Harvest Caye will open in December this year for the exclusive use of Norwegian Cruise Line. Passengers can enjoy a cocktail at the swim up bar in the enormous pool or take a doze in a hammock. For those who want to experience some of Belize’s culture and history, there are excursions to ancient Mayan ruins, eco-adventure tours and the opportunity to come face to face with a macaw or toucan in the aviary.
6. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Holland America Line has left most of its private island untouched and the majority of the 65-acre island is a sanctuary for migrating birds. But the bit that’s left is pretty fabulous. Passengers can relax on a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped beach with powdery white sand or explore further afield on nature hikes, horse rides or kayaking adventures. There’s even a fully equipped kids’ club where the little ones can spend the day.
7. Princess Cays, Bahamas
The aptly named Princess Cays is owned by Princess Cruises and makes up a 40-acre section on the southern tip of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. There’s a one-kilometre beach with plenty of bars and restaurants, a market and plenty of toys for water sports. Families can drop the kids off at the Pelican’s Perch and then head for the adults’ only Sanctuary. Tours are on offer to visit the rest of the island, including small fishing villages, churches and local restaurants.
8. Ocean Cay, Bahamas
MSC Cruises will be launching a second private island at the end of 2017. Ocean Cay was once a sand extraction island and the cruise line plans to spend $200 million turning it into a flourishing marine reserve and resort island. It will be designed as a traditional Bahamian village and will have six beaches (including one especially for families), bars, restaurants, wellness facilities, walking paths, bicycles, a zip line and even a wedding pavilion.
Have you ever been to any of these incredible islands? Do you have a trip planned? Let us know in the comments below.
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