Cruising to Private Islands: Exclusive Island Destinations in the Caribbean

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Great Stirrup Cay—Norwegian Cruise Line


The demand for cruises has increased in the last few years! Today’s major cruise lines are answering by announcing a slew of new ships, onboard experiences, and itineraries. Cruise lines’ investment in developing private destinations throughout the Caribbean has also increased. These exclusive destinations allow you to explore the Caribbean with the same service and quality you experience onboard your cruise ship. These private destinations from Royal Caribbean, Disney, Carnival, and Virgin Voyages offer white sand beaches, water and land activities, shopping, and dining—much of it included with your cruise fare! Below, we profile the highest-quality private island experiences in the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line 

Royal Caribbean offers private island and beach experiences throughout the Caribbean. Here is an overview of the offerings:

Perfect Day at CocoCay 

Perfect Day at CocoCay has been one of the most popular private island cruise destinations since it was revitalized in 2019. Perfect Day at CocoCay is a one-mile stretch of land in The Bahamas that is jam-packed with thrilling activities the whole family will enjoy. Relax and sunbathe on one of five beaches you can access with your cruise fare, or splash the day away at the island’s full-scale waterpark (home of the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean). Hideaway Beach, the adults-only area on the island, features a pool with a swim-up bar and a live DJ. Rent a cabana at the exclusive CocoBeach Club for a secluded and relaxing experience that includes personalized concierge service and access to the private beach. Want a more luxurious escape? Rent an overwater cabana, complete with a hammock, infinity pool, padded beach chairs, a waterslide into the ocean, and a personal attendant. There’s also a 1,600-foot zip line, a tethered helium balloon ride, and a wide range of water and land sports activities. You can also use your SeaPass to purchase food, drink, and souvenirs.    

Royal Beach Clubs

These all-inclusive, private beach experiences offer Royal Caribbean service and offerings near several public ports in the Caribbean. Each destination is within walking distance or a short tram ride from the port, with transportation provided. Paradise Island, the first Royal Beach Club, will open in December 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas. A similar destination will open in Cozumel in 2026. A Day Pass at the club will include all your food and drinks (including alcohol), plus access to two beaches, three pools, and seven bars (including the world’s largest swim-up bar). You’ll also enjoy complimentary beach chairs, loungers, beach umbrellas, towels, and lockers.

*Coming Soon* Perfect Day Mexico 

Royal Caribbean announced in October 2025 that construction will begin on a brand-new Perfect Day location near Costa Maya, Mexico, which will open in 2027. This second Perfect Day location will allow cruisers on Western Caribbean cruises to more conveniently enjoy the thrills and experiences of Royal Caribbean’s private island destination. It will also include an upgraded waterpark, beaches, lounging, and dining options. 

Great Stirrup Cay — Norwegian Cruise Line

Great Stirrup Cay is located in The Bahama’s Berry Island chain and has greeted Norwegian cruisers for several decades. All Norwegian cruises sailing to The Bahamas stop here. Dining options include six bars and restaurants plus an 8,000-square-foot beach buffet. Great Stirrup Cay offers a wide range of water sports and classic beach activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking. There is also a splash area for kids. The Silver Cove expansion will feature luxury villa rentals. Each villa offers the comforts of a hotel room right on the beach, with a bed, AC, mini-fridge, a private bathroom, and gorgeous beach views.

Beach Club at Bimini —Virgin Voyages 

Virgin Voyage’s exclusive destination continues the adult-only vibe the cruise line is known for on the island of Bimini in The Bahamas. A tram takes you to several of the island’s landmarks before dropping you off at the beach club. Then, set off on an island excursion and take a cultural tour, go on a dolphin safari, or swim with stingrays. Stay at the beach club and relax by the side-by-side lagoon pools and private beach. When you’re ready to let loose, get a drink at the bar and listen to the live DJ who keeps the beat up during the day.

Disney Cruise Line 

Disney Cruise Line’s private islands are staples for Caribbean cruising. Here’s what they offer:

Castaway Cay 

Castaway Cay was Disney’s first private island retreat in The Bahamas. Here, you can fill your day relaxing on sandy shores, participating in land and water activities, joining a 5K run throughout the island, and spotting Disney characters unwinding at the beach. Available activities include parasailing, glass-bottom boat excursions, jet skiing, and more. As a private destination, all food and beverages are covered by your cruise fare. Beach towels, lounge chairs, and beach umbrellas are also available at no additional cost. Many three to five-night Caribbean cruises departing from Port Canaveral stop at Castaway Cay.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Located on the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Lookout Cay is Disney’s newest and most innovative private island destination, which opened last summer. Island experiences infuse the vibrant culture of The Bahamas along with the world-class service you expect from a Disney cruise. The destination includes two beach areas, a splash pad, water activities, bicycle rentals, and live entertainment inspired by Bahamian culture. 

Carnival Cruise Line 

Cruisers have enjoyed stops at Carnival’s private island destination for years, with new options opening soon!

Half Moon Cay™ 

This destination has been ranked as one of the top private island destinations in the Caribbean and hosts cruisers from Carnival and Holland America. Carnival-led excursions include eco-bike tours, horseback riding, bird watching, and snorkeling. In addition to its large beach area (with some of the calmest waters on a private island), Half Moon Cay also offers a Caribbean-inspired buffet, which is included with your cruise fare. The island will get a significant update in 2026 with the addition of RelaxAway. This private beach club will consist of an exclusive nature path, private cabana rentals, and more dining options. 

Celebration Key 

Celebration Key is Carnval’s newest private island experience and will open this summer. Tucked away on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key will feature five themed areas spanning 65 acres. These areas will include two large lagoon-style pools (one for families and one for adults), several restaurants, bars, sport courts, a splash pad, a shopping district, and Pearl Cove, a private beach club.

Set Sail to Private Island Destinations with Help from Wishing On A Star Travel®

Many cruise lines offer private island experiences, and these ports of call are the highlight of many itineraries. With so many experiences to choose from, how do you pick the one that’s best for your family? That’s where we come in! Our team of 50+ agents has extensive experience traveling through the Caribbean and will help you choose a cruise itinerary that will fit your needs and allow you to enjoy the Caribbean in unique ways. We book cruises on all major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, Virgin Voyages, and Carnival. Contact our team at 1-888-678-TRIP or get a free vacation quote to start planning your perfect cruise in 2025!