26th July 2022

The Caribbean is already dotted with beautiful islands, powder-white beaches and azure waters. But your cruise sailings are elevated to the next level with the addition of cruise lines having their own private resorts. These exclusive destinations are consistently rated as the best ports of call by guests so it's well worth seeking out itineraries that include them.

Great Stirrup Cay

This sandy haven in the Southern Bahamas is the cruise line private island that started it all; it was way back in 1977 that Norwegian Cruise Line purchased Great Stirrup Cay for the exclusive use of their guests, a world first. The island is rich in history and was used by the Americans as an operations base in World War II.

The beaches are buzzing when ships are in port, with barbeques and Pina Coladas in abundance. If you want to get active, compete in an ‘Olympic’ style competition, hire a wave runner or go on a snorkel adventure and follow an underwater trail. You can interact with stingrays, take a ride down a 1400-foot zip wire or even swim with pigs on a neighbouring island! Alternatively, head to one of the quieter beaches, hire a floating mat and just bob around in the wonderfully warm waters.

Access: Tender | Owner: NCL Holdings

Cruise lines scheduled to visit: NCL, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas

Perfect Day @ Cococay

Royal Caribbean ramp it up to a whole new level with Perfect Day at CocoCay. Want to take on the tallest water slide in North America? Yep, you can do that here. Want to take a photo high above the island at 137 metres? Take the helium balloon up and you can do just that. Or maybe you'll decide to get a drink at the swim-up bar or hire your own personal floating cabana. 

If you have purchased a drinks package you can use this at beverage stations dotted around the island, plus food served in the main dining areas is included in your cruise fare. There is just a small surcharge to dine at the speciality restaurant, Captain Jack's.

Access: Pier | Owner: Royal Caribbean Group

Cruise lines scheduled to visit: Royal Caribbean

Bimini Beach Club 

Sitting on the westernmost point of the Bahamas, the neon turquoise water and white sand beaches are just a fraction of what the gorgeous Bimini Beach has to offer. If you want to explore, you can take an open-air tram cart around the island with a tour guide to point out all the important historical spots along the way. 

After all that exploring, you'll want to wind down. From private, beachside cabanas to spots to do slow-flow yoga, the Beach Club offers the perfect restorative day. Lounge by the pool with a rum punch and as the evening approaches, sit next to a bonfire under star-kissed skies.

Access: Pier | Owner: Virgin Voyages

Cruise lines scheduled to visit: Virgin Voyages

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay Marine Reserve which opened in December 2019, is part of the Bimini chain of islands in the western Bahamas, 20 miles south of Bimini and just 65 miles east of Miami. The former sand-mining site is home to eight beaches and a coral reef across 64 square miles of marine reserve. 

The island's Bahamian-style village offers a wide range of places to shop, eat, drink and relax with island-infused cuisine, cocktails and a Bahamian straw market. Ships dock directly at a pier, with an easy walk onto the island. MSC Cruises will, due to it's close proximity to Miami, offer late nights in the port with special evening activities including street parties and fireworks.

Access: Pier | Cruise lines: MSC Cruises

Cruise lines scheduled to visit: MSC Cruises

Princess Cays

Princess Cays is a beach on the island of Eleuthera and this gorgeous little island has miles of pink sand beaches and natural rock formations for you to explore.

This destination offers a very relaxed vibe. There are two protected swimming areas on the north and south of the beach, so after a laze in a hammock, you can enjoy the cerulean waters. The usual watersports are on offer -  you can take out aqua bikes or kayaks and explore the shore. For children, there's a supervised play area with slides and sand-castle making.

Access: Tender | Owner: Carnival Corporation plc

Cruise lines scheduled to visit: Princess, Carnival

Half-Moon Cay

One of the most beautiful of the private islands, Half Moon Cay is a 55-acre private beach on Little San Salvador Island, the rest of the island being dedicated as an International Bird Sanctuary. 

The ultra-soft beach is the biggest draw;  sun-loungers are available to rent or you can indulge and hire out an air-conditioned, private cabana. If you are feeling adventurous, choose an excursion such as horseback riding through the surf or kayaking. You can also do some deep-sea fishing or snorkelling.

Access: Tender | Owner: Carnival Corporation plc

Cruise lines scheduled to visit: Holland America Line, Carnival

Amber Cove

When Amber Cove opened in 2015, it was the first time since the 1980s that a cruise ship stopped at what is known as the Amber Coast, so called for its abundance of translucent, burnt-orange stone. Located along the Bay of Maimon on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, not far from Puerto Plata, this area was used as a filming location for the first Jurassic Park film. 

Originally developed with the intention to use the port for volunteering opportunities, cruisers can join in shore excursions like a tour of a women's cooperative making chocolate, or a recycled paper & crafts entrepreneurship. For beachside fun, you'll find a sprawling pool area with swim-up bar, water slides, zip lines and more.

Access: Pier | Owner: Carnival Corporation plc

Cruise lines scheduled to visit: Holland America Line, Princess, Carnival