The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas

The Sun

26-05-2025

SPLASH OUT
We look at existing private islands you can cruise to
IT doesn't get more exciting than sailing in style to a paradise Caribbean private island.
And even more cruise lines are now going all out to host passengers on their own islands.
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Royal Caribbean last week announced its second Perfect Day destination off Mexico, opening in 2027, which will include a waterpark with 30 slides, the longest lazy river in the world, adults-only beach clubs and a host of bars and restaurants.
Lisa Minot looks at existing private islands you can cruise to.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
IT was Royal who upped the ante with the launch of its revamped Perfect Day at Coco Cay in 2019.
The £185million transformation of its Bahamas island included a new pier, thrill rides and chill zones.
There are seven beaches to laze beside the warm waters and six pools, including Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean with swim-up bar and in-water loungers.
The Thrill Waterpark has 14 slides including the tallest in North America while Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon are perfect places for the kids to play.
There's complimentary food at four restaurants as well as a host of bars and shops.
The adult-only Hideaway Beach opened in January last year and, for an extra charge, over-18s can enjoy a private beach, two pools, seven bars and two restaurants.
Also available to book for an extra charge are overwater cabanas, a zipline and tethered hot air balloon as well as kayak tours and snorkelling excursions.
GO: A week full-board on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is from £1,064pp, sailing from Miami on November 8 and calling at St Maarten, St Thomas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay.
See royalcaribbean.com.
MSC CRUISES
WITH its signature stripey lighthouse and two miles of white sand beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships.
They sail from their new private terminal in Miami as well as Port Canaveral in Florida and New York, including MSC World America, which made its debut in April.
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The Italian cruise line has transformed a former sand excavation site in the last ten years, planting more than 75,000 trees and bringing back marine life and birds.
A newly-opened conservation centre on the island allows guests to discover their achievements and includes a land-based coral nursery and fully-equipped bio-lab.
But cruise guests will also appreciate the island's laid-back vibe with food trucks and restaurants offering Bahamian specialities, barbecue classics, snacks and oodles of ice cream and beach bars serving tropical cocktails.
There's a chance to explore the underwater wonders with snorkelling, kayak, paddle board and windsurfing excursions.
For a bit of luxury, you can relax in a cabana or take a sunset champagne cruise.
GO: Seven nights' full-board on MSC World America is from £649pp.
Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
See msccruises.com.
HOLLAND AMERICA/CARNIVAL
ONE of the original private island pioneers, the Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 and it has been expanding its presence there ever since.
In summer next year, a major upgrade will see a new beach club and lunch venue on its original facilities on the south of the island's stunning two-mile crescent of powder-soft white sand as well as a new pier at the north end of the beach that will be used by both Holland America and its sister cruise line Carnival.
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Thrill-seekers can enjoy horseback riding along the shore, snorkelling, jet skiing, and stingray encounters.
Families will love the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, while nature enthusiasts can explore eco-tours and birdwatching.
Unique experiences include glass-bottom boat tours and a pirate ship-themed bar.
With beach sports, shopping and complimentary barbecue lunches, this is a high-end island escape for cruisers.
GO: A 14-night full-board Western & Eastern Caribbean cruise on Holland America's Zuiderdam is from £1,379pp, departs Miami on November 8 and calls at Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, Miami, Bahamas, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos.
See hollandamerica.com.
MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas.
Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line.
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And last year, they opened Lookout Cay.
As you would expect, there is a huge amount of fun activities for kids including kids' clubs for three to 17-year-olds.
The family beach features plenty of umbrellas, chairs and hammocks plus tube and float rentals and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.
Water babies will love Pelican Plunge, a huge floating platform featuring water slides and cannons.
Spring-a-Leak is a water play area with freshwater jets.
Adults get their own Serenity Bay stretch of pristine sands as well as a restaurant and bar.
The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures including the submarine from the classic Disney attraction 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and there are miles of paths to explore on foot or bicycle.
Over at Lookout Cay, there's more of a focus on nature and celebrating the island's Bahamian location with a cultural centre where you can learn about traditions and crafts.
GO: A four-night full-board cruise on Disney Wish to the Bahamas, including calls at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay is from £920pp, based on two adults and two children sharing.
The cruise departs August 17.