The entire information to cruise line personal islands, what’s included and what’s going to price you additional when visiting these unique Caribbean locations
The Caribbean cruise business has undergone a outstanding transformation in recent times, with main cruise traces investing billions of kilos in creating unique personal islands and seaside locations. These resort-style experiences, accessible solely by cruise ships, have develop into among the most anticipated stops on Caribbean itineraries. However what precisely is included in your cruise fare once you go to these tropical paradises?
From Royal Caribbean’s action-packed Good Day at CocoCay to Disney’s family-friendly Castaway Cay, every cruise line takes a unique strategy to their personal island expertise. Understanding what’s included and what comes at an extra price can assist you finances correctly and set real looking expectations on your Caribbean cruise vacation.
Personal Islands, what’s included? On this article:
The Main Gamers: Who Operates Personal Islands?
A number of cruise traces have established unique Caribbean locations, starting from fully-owned personal islands to partnership preparations with native governments. Royal Caribbean Worldwide operates Good Day at CocoCay, a 140-acre Bahamian island that includes North America’s tallest waterslide and intensive waterparks. Disney Cruise Line manages two locations: the long-established Castaway Cay and the newer Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Level on Eleuthera.
Norwegian Cruise Line operates Nice Stirrup Cay within the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, while Holland America Line owns Half Moon Cay, a 2,400-acre island that has gained “Finest Personal Island” from Porthole Cruise Journal for 20 consecutive years. MSC Cruises remodeled a former industrial website into Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, investing £160 million in environmental restoration.
The most recent addition is Carnival Cruise Line‘s Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island, which opened in July 2025 as a £480 million mission spanning 379 acres. Princess Cruises operates Princess Cays on Eleuthera, while Virgin Voyages maintains The Seashore Membership at Bimini by a partnership association.
What’s Truly Included: The Complete Breakdown
Royal Caribbean – Good Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean units the gold normal for included facilities at their personal island vacation spot. Cruise passengers obtain complimentary entry to seaside chairs, umbrellas, and towels in any respect three seashores, plus limitless use of the island’s tram service. The spectacular water options included in your cruise fare embody the Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool, Splashaway Bay youngsters’s waterpark, and Captain Jill’s Galleon pirate ship for youthful youngsters.
Eating choices are intensive and absolutely included, with Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill buffet eating places, two Snack Shack areas serving scorching canines, burgers, hen sandwiches, fries, and salads, plus desserts together with brownies, cookies, and recent fruit. Extra complimentary actions embody seaside volleyball courts, South Seashore Sports activities Courtroom, choose health lessons, and Wi-Fi entry for friends with ship web packages.
Listed here are the specifics:
Complimentary Seashore Entry & Facilities
Seashore chairs, umbrellas, and towels in any respect beachesComplimentary tram service all through the islandThree stunning seashores with full accessChanging rooms, lockers, and showersBeach entry wheelchairs obtainable
Free Water Options
Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool with swim-up accessSplashaway Bay youngsters’s waterpark with slides and drenching bucketsCaptain Jill’s Galleon pirate ship water function for youthful youngsters
Included Eating
Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill buffet restaurantsTwo Snack Shack areas with scorching canines, burgers, hen sandwiches, fries, and saladsDesserts together with brownies, cookies, and recent fruitFive eating outposts whole included in cruise fare
Extra Free Actions
South Seashore Sports activities Courtroom and choose health classesBeach volleyball courts
What’s NOT included?
Alcoholic drinks – until you’ve an onboard drinks packageInternet entry is chargeable until you’ve an onboard VOOM packageThe Thrill Waterpark is a paid upgradeHot air balloon ridesShore excursions and actions (zip lining, parasailing and so forth)Cabanas and daybedsAccess to the Coco Seashore ClubAccess to the adults-only Hideaway Seashore space
Disney Cruise Line – Castaway Cay: Household Paradise
Disney’s strategy focuses on complete household facilities with distinctive eating choices. All seaside tools together with chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks are complimentary at each household and adults-only seashores. The island options three all-you-can-eat barbecue eating places: Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ, serving hamburgers, veggie burgers, scorching canines, pork ribs, hen sandwiches, sides, and desserts.
Distinctive to Disney, friends take pleasure in limitless ice cream from self-service machines all through the day, plus complimentary tender drinks together with water, Coca-Cola, Weight loss plan Coke, Sprite, lemonade, and sports activities drinks. Actions embody the Pelican Plunge waterslides, Castaway Cay 5K run/stroll, and Disney character meet-and-greets with Mickey and Minnie in seaside apparel.
Right here’s the specifics:
Complimentary seaside facilities
Seashore chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks at each household and adults-only beachesBeach towels providedRestrooms, showers, and altering areasBeach wheelchairs obtainable
Free eating
Three all-you-care-to-eat barbecue eating places: Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ. The menu contains hamburgers, veggie burgers, scorching canines, pork ribs, hen sandwiches, sides, and dessertsFree ice cream from self-service machines all dayComplimentary tender drinks together with water, Coca-Cola, Weight loss plan Coke, Sprite, lemonade, and sports activities drinks
Included actions
Pelican Plunge waterslidesCastaway Cay 5K run/stroll (virtually each crusing)Disney character meet-and-greets with Mickey and Minnie in beachwearSnorkelling with supplied life vests (gear rental additional)
What’s NOT included?
Excursions and experiences (together with stingray encounters, parasailing, deep sea fishing and so forth)Snorkelling gear rental (£25-£25 per particular person)Bicycle rental (£15-£25 per particular person)Aqua trikes, paddleboards, kayaks and so forth (£10-£20 every)Cabanas (beginning round £760) or grand cabanas (£1,085+) though these costs do embody bike rental, snorkel gear, drinks, snacks and extra.Alcoholic drinksCanned tender drinksMassagesLockers (£8-£12 per day)Spa therapies and massagesIsland-exclusive souvenirs, merchandise and postmarked stamps
MSC Cruises – Ocean Cay Marine Reserve: Eco-Aware Luxurious
MSC’s environmentally restored vacation spot presents entry to seven distinct seashores with complimentary chairs and umbrellas. The included Seakers Meals Courtroom buffet serves Caribbean and American classics, barbecue, salads, and youngsters’s choices, supplemented by 4 meals vehicles providing hamburgers, scorching canines, and grab-and-go objects.
Conventional tram service gives island transportation, while Wi-Fi entry and ship drink packages stay legitimate all through the vacation spot.
Take a look at our Full Information to MSC Cruises Drinks Packages to find how you can elevate your Ocean Cay expertise.
Right here’s the specifics:
Seashore Entry & Services
Seven distinct seashores with free accessBeach chairs and umbrellas availableChanging rooms, showers, and restroomsBeach wheelchairs for mobility-impaired friends
Included eating
Seakers Meals Courtroom buffet with Caribbean and American classics, barbecue, salads, and kid-friendly optionsFour complimentary meals vehicles serving hamburgers, scorching canines, and grab-and-go itemsTraditional tram service for island transportation
Extra facilities
Wi-Fi entry (ship web packages work on island)Drink packages from ship legitimate in any respect 10 island barsAir-conditioned procuring areas for respiteFamily leisure and children’ actions
What’s NOT included?
Water sports activities and leases (together with jet ski excursions)ExcursionsPrivate cabanas, premium umbrellas, daybeds or clamshellsAlcoholic and tender drinks – until you’ve an onboard drinks packageSpa treatmentsSpeciality meals vehicles, premium coffees or ice cream parloursExperiences (lighthouse climb, stargazing and so forth)Locker rentalRetail procuring
NOTE: These exclusions additionally apply to Yacht Membership friends
Princess – Princess Cays: Good worth for bundle holders
Princess operates Princess Cays on the southern tip of Eleuthera island within the Bahamas, that includes 40 acres with over a mile of white-sand seashores. Not like many islands operated by cruise traces, Princess Cays has been left largely untouched, making it perfect for snorkelers and nature followers. This vacation spot is shared with Carnival Cruise Line ships and has been welcoming friends since 1992.
What’s included?
Seashore Entry & Facilities
Over one mile of white-sand beachesFree seaside chairs and primary amenitiesComplimentary barbecue buffet lunch served 11:30 AM to 1:30 PMFour strategically positioned bars throughout the island, all drinks included with Princess’ onboard packages
NOTE: Carnival friends visiting Princess Cays should buy alcoholic drinks – they’re NOT included in onboard drinks bundle allowances
Take a look at our Full Information to Princess Cruises Drinks Packages to find how you can elevate your personal island expertise at Princess Cays.
Included amenities
Paved walkways connecting all areas (excellent news for scooter customers!)Adults-only Sanctuary space for 18+ guestsPrincess MedallionNet Wi-Fi for Princess friends with the related WiFi packageTender pier entry with organised transportation
Free eating
Buffet contains barbecue favourites, salads, and native specialtiesComplimentary drinks throughout meal service
What’s NOT included?
ExcursionsWatersports (together with snorkel rental, kayaking, glass-bottomed boat excursions dune buggy excursions and so forth)Clamshells, daybeds, bungalows, premium umbrellas etcSpeciality experiences like stingray encounters and boat cruisesSnack objects or boxed lunches exterior the buffetLocker rentalsSouvenirs and items
Norwegian – Nice Stirrup Cay
Norwegian has spent tens of millions of {dollars} refining and lengthening their Nice Stirrup Cay resort. Opening in late 2025, there’s an all new pier, expanded water park and an adults-only ‘Vibe Shore Membership’.
Right here’s what’s included in your fare as normal:
Seashore & Pool Entry
Free seaside chairs and primary amenitiesNew heated pool as a part of Nice Life Lagoon expansionSplash Harbor complimentary splash pad with interactive water featuresComplimentary loungers round pool areas
Included actions
Island-wide tram service for transportationOver-the-water swings for photographs and relaxationNature trails for exploring
Free eating
Complimentary noon beachside BBQTraditional barbecue buffet lunch included in cruise fareFood truck serving ‘island bites’Two swim-up bars (Reef Bar and Waves Bar). Your onboard drinks bundle covers drinks prices
What’s NOT included?
Watersports leases (snorkelling, paddle boards, jet skis and so forth)Excursions resembling stingray encounters, zip line journey (from $110 per grownup), boat excursions etcCabanas, villas and clamshellsAccess to the adults-only Vibe Shore ClubSpa treatmentsSouvenirsBottled water, vitality drinks or Starbucks – even you probably have a drinks bundle you’ll nonetheless should pay
Norwegian – Harvest Caye
One other personal island vacation spot utilized by NCL is Harvest Caye. Underneath the phrases of possession agreed with the federal government of Belize, the island have to be run to learn the native financial system.
Because of this virtually nothing past seaside entry is included in your fare.
What’s Truly Free
Seashore chairs and primary seaside access15,000-square-foot resort-style pool with waterfall (pool entry solely)Strolling trails and nature sanctuary areasDirect pier docking (no tender boats required)
What Prices Further (Not like Different Personal Islands)
All meals and drinks (anticipate to pay $12-18 per entrée, $9-12 per cocktail)All water sports activities equipmentAll actions and excursions
NOTE: Ship beverage packages CANNOT be used on the island
Carnival Cruise Line – Celebration Key
Carnival not too long ago opened Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island in July 2025, representing the cruise line’s first fully-developed personal vacation spot. The $600 million mission spans 379 acres and options 5 distinct areas, together with an adults-only seaside membership and family-friendly zones with water slides.
Carnival’s latest vacation spot employs a singular “Island Eats” programme, offering one complimentary meal credit score per visitor at 14 completely different eateries. Choices embody burgers, hen tenders, scorching canines, mac and cheese, falafel, and shawarma with fries and a biscuit.
The island options over 275,000 sq. ft of freshwater lagoons, together with the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon and adult-oriented Calypso Lagoon with DJ leisure.
Listed here are the specifics:
Free Seashore & Pool Entry
Starfish Lagoon (family-friendly freshwater lagoon)Calypso Lagoon (adult-friendly with DJ leisure)Over 275,000 sq. ft of freshwater lagoons combinedStarfish Seashore and Calypso Seashore with complimentary loungers and umbrellas18+ adults-only part of Calypso Lagoon
Island Eats Program
One complimentary meal credit score per visitor at 14 completely different eateriesOptions embody burgers, hen tenders, scorching canines, mac & cheese, falafel, shawarma with fries and cookieComplimentary water obtainable all through the island
Transport & facilities
ADA-accessible carts and 14 trams with seating for as much as 12 individuals eachWi-Fi entry by Carnival Hub appFamily actions and dwell leisure
What’s NOT included?
ANY drinks besides iced water. Drinks packages don’t work on the island both. Beer, wine and tender drinks should be bought individually at further price.Any further meals past your Island Eats creditPremium eating at Pearl Cove Seashore ClubSuncastle waterslidesPearl Cove Seashore Membership from $100 per particular person (adults solely)Daybeds, cabanas and leisure equipmentLocker rental
Holland America Line – Half Moon Cay
Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay, also called RelaxAway (and Little San Salvador Island), is a surprising personal island sanctuary nestled within the Bahamas. This crescent-moon-shaped island presents pristine white-sand seashores, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and an array of serene lounging areas designed for easy rest. The island gives an ideal mix of tranquil escape and adventurous actions, together with horseback driving alongside the surf, kayaking by protected lagoons, and encounters with native marine life like stingrays.
Guests can take pleasure in a wide range of facilities, from seaside golf equipment and shaded cabanas to scrumptious island-only eating choices such because the Lobster Shack and tropical barbecue. With paved pathways, tram transportation, and nature trails, Half Moon Cay invitations friends to discover its pure magnificence, vibrant wildlife, and full of life leisure. Solely accessible to Holland America and choose Carnival cruise friends, it guarantees an idyllic Caribbean retreat that blends luxurious, journey, and rest seamlessly.
What’s included?
Seashore entry
Two miles of pristine white sand beachesComplimentary seaside loungers, hammocks, and towels700-acre saltwater lagoon entry
Transportation and amenities
Free tram service connecting all areasTender boat transportation from ship to islandEnhanced seaside amenities and upgraded facilities
Extra facilities
Protected chicken sanctuary entry for wildlife viewingEnhanced eating amenities and meals courtComplimentary actions and pure preservation space
What’s NOT included?
Personal cabanas and villas ($700+)Gear leases (snorkelling, kayaks, horse driving, paddle boards and so forth)Locker rentalExcursions (stingray encounters, tram excursions, guided walks and so forth)Alcoholic drinks – drinks packages DO NOT work on the islandSpeciality eating, resembling The Lobster ShackSouvenirs and procuring
Virgin Voyages – Seashore Membership at Bimini
Virgin Voyages’ Seashore Membership at Bimini presents an adults-only expertise with complimentary beachside lunch that includes Caribbean flavours, entry to a lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar, and free tram transportation from the ship. Actions embody DJ-led leisure, dawn yoga, seaside volleyball, and night bonfire occasions on choose sailings.
What’s included
Personal seaside entry in unique coveLarge lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar accessComplimentary beachside lunch with Caribbean flavorsHammocks, loungers, and seaside chairsFree tram transportation from ship (15-20 minute experience)Soda and water at designated stations
Included actions
DJ-led leisure and pool partiesSunrise yoga and beachside meditationBeach volleyball and wellness activitiesEvening bonfire occasions on choose sailings
What’s not included
All alcoholic drinks, though you should use pre-loaded drink credit (Bar Tab).Personal cabanasTowels (though you’ll be able to deliver your individual from the ship)Shore excursions (like shark snorkelling, dolphin safaris and scuba diving)Spa companies
What Usually Prices Further Throughout All Islands
Premium Actions and Experiences
Most personal islands cost further charges for thrilling actions and premium experiences. At Good Day at CocoCay, the Good Household Suite cabanas price additional, as do the Thrill Waterpark (that includes the Daredevil’s Peak waterslide), zip-lining, and helium balloon rides. Snorkelling tools, jet skis, and parasailing sometimes incur further prices throughout all locations.
Upgraded Lodging and Eating
Personal cabanas, beachside massages, and spa therapies command premium costs at nearly all personal islands. Specialty eating venues past the included buffets typically require reservations and extra cost. At Castaway Cay, bike leases, snorkelling gear, and parasailing price additional, while Ocean Cay prices for watersports tools, specialty eating, and premium bar service.
Purchasing and Souvenirs
All personal islands function present outlets and memento stands with objects not included in cruise fares. These vary from typical seaside merchandise to cruise line-specific branded objects and native crafts.
Budgeting Suggestions for Personal Island Days
To maximise worth at personal island locations, give attention to the intensive complimentary choices earlier than contemplating paid actions. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, as many islands have restricted provides or cost premium costs. Arrive early to safe prime seaside areas and make the most of complimentary actions earlier than afternoon crowds arrive. You might also wish to take the towels out of your cabin, simply in case they aren’t included in the price.
For households, Disney’s Castaway Cay and Royal Caribbean’s Good Day at CocoCay provide probably the most complete included experiences, probably eliminating the necessity for extra purchases. {Couples} searching for adults-only experiences ought to take into account Virgin Voyages’ Seashore Membership at Bimini, while budget-conscious travellers ought to strategy Norwegian’s Harvest Caye with warning resulting from its pay-per-item construction.
Our take
Though we have now been to the Caribbean, neither of us is a beach-type particular person. We’re rather more desirous about exploring new ports. Sitting on a seaside getting salty and sandy isn’t a pretty proposition.
As such, personal islands actually don’t excite. And when you think about what number of of those stops require further spend, even for sodas, the extent of curiosity drops additional nonetheless. All too typically the reply to the query, ‘Personal islands, what’s included?’ appears to be ‘a seaside’.
However in case you’re a seaside particular person, have at it. Simply ensure you enable a little bit (lot) additional in your finances to cowl the extra prices.
The Way forward for Personal Island Experiences
The cruise business continues increasing personal island choices, with Royal Caribbean creating Royal Seashore Membership Paradise Island in Nassau and Good Day Mexico in Mahahual (scheduled for 2027). These locations characterize the business’s technique to supply unique, managed experiences while producing further income streams and making certain passenger satisfaction no matter climate or native situations.
Understanding cruise line personal islands, what’s included and the way a lot additional every thing prices lets you make knowledgeable selections about their Caribbean holidays. From Disney’s all-inclusive household paradise to Carnival’s credit-based system, every cruise line presents a definite strategy to personal island experiences. By realizing what to anticipate and what requires further spending you’ll be able to absolutely take pleasure in these unique Caribbean locations while staying inside your vacation finances.
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