Latest news with #Bahamian
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean and Carnival are racing to grow their private islands and resorts. Here's how their new cruise destinations compare.
Large cruise lines are expanding their collections of private islands and resorts. Royal Caribbean has been a leader with its themepark-like island. Now, competitors like Carnival are coming. Here's how Carnival's Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico compare. Royal Caribbean might need to post a lookout from its theme park-like private island: Its biggest competitor is steaming straight ahead. Carnival is set to open a multi-complex resort, Celebration Key, in July on the Grand Bahama Island. And it'll be packed with amenities that so far have been decidedly Royal Caribbean's turf: water slides, swim-up bars, and pay-to-enter clubs. It's not alone: Almost every major cruise company is rushing to develop its collection of private destinations. Norwegian is building a pier and new resort-like amenities at its Caribbean island, Great Stirrup Cay. And MSC is building a second, smaller island next to its first, Ocean Cay. They all come on the heels of Royal Caribbean's wildly successful island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which arguably kickstarted the cruise-to-resort boom when it launched in 2019. Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into enhancing the island with features like a ticketed adult-only lounge. Emphasis on "ticketed" — it's a key reason cruise companies are expanding their resort portfolios. These in-house warm-weather retreats both maximize profits and reduce fuel expenditure due to their proximity to Florida's major look at how Royal Caribbean and Carnival are going head-to-head with their coming destinations. undefined Celebration Key and Perfect Day Mexico: sisters, not twins. Both cruise-owned resorts are intended to be complimentary to enter. But it's not all free: Guests will encounter add-on fees for different amenities. They'll also each have more than 30 food and beverage options scattered throughout different districts, designed for different travelers. At both resorts, five segments are fairly comparable: an arrivals area, a premium club, stretches of beaches, an adult-only lounge, and a laid-back family-friendly pool. Only Carnival's Celebration Key plans to have a shopping district. The open-air retail center, called Lokono Cove, is set to carry a variety of gift shop inventory made by local Bahamian artists. Royal Caribbean says Perfect Day Mexico will also sell locally made souvenirs, although it's unclear where these stores will be. Similarly, only Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico is expected to have a complete waterpark. Royal Caribbean is recreating Perfect Day at CocoCay's best amenity — its 14-slide waterpark, which can cost about $100 per person to enter — at Perfect Day Mexico. Plans for the new Loco Waterpark span over 30 rides, including a six-person raft slide and two 170-foot-tall, over two-minute-long racing slides. There will also be a kids' section and various pools for the youngest guests. Carnival's Celebration Key isn't expected to have a waterpark, although the company does say its family pool, Starfish Lagoon, will have a children's water play area and two 350-foot-long, 10-story-tall slides. Starfish Lagoon is Carnival's take on a kid-friendly resort pool. In addition to the water amenities, Carnival says Starfish Lagoon will have outdoor games and sports, a swim-up bar, hammocks, and both floating and on-land cabanas — all centered on a large pool. Royal Caribbean's family area, Splash Cove, should look drastically different — and lazier. In addition to a 100,000-square-foot pool and a water playground, Perfect Day Mexico's Splash Cove is said to have the cruise line's first lazy river, dotted with in-water bars, rentable cabanas, and a high-energy path with waves and rapids. Looking for an escape from the kids? Royal Caribbean promises El Hideaway — and Carnival promotes Calypso Lagoon. Calypso Lagoon shares Starfish Lagoon's large pool and sports amenities. To make it grown-up-friendly, its plans also include a bar with 50 swinging seats and an adult-only section marked by a DJ, plenty of lounge chairs, and, of course, rentable cabanas. Both Calypso and Starfish share a mile-long beach. Perfect Day Mexico's beach is set to be about twice as long. Unlike Calypso Lagoon, Perfect Day Mexico's adult-only El Hideaway would require a day pass (likely with a fee) to enter. Once inside, Royal Caribbean says guests will have amenities like a swim-up bar, a DJ, and a rentable 20-person cabana with a private pool and bar. If you want to spend big, pay for the premium beach clubs: Perfect Day Mexico's Costa and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove. Perfect Day Mexico's Costa Beach Club and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove Beach Club are expected to operate as upscale waterfront lounges with high-end restaurants and infinity pools. Carnival's is meant to be adult-only. Both resorts could become the centerpiece of their cruise lines' itineraries. Carnival says it will continue expanding Celebration Key after its July debut, including building a $100 million pier extension to simultaneously accommodate four of its largest ships by 2026. Almost all of the company's vessels are currently scheduled to visit Celebration Key. By 2028, Carnival says the resort will be capable of welcoming 4 million travelers annually. Similarly, Cruise Critic reported that Perfect Day Mexico will be able to accommodate up to 21,000 guests daily. And by 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean guests will sail to a Perfect Day resort: CocoCay, Mexico, or both. Read the original article on Business Insider
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Forget Nassau, Royal Caribbean, Carnival find new island homes
As a long-time cruiser and Florida resident, I've visited my fair share of Bahamas cruise ports - from multiple private cruise line destinations to the busy Nassau cruise hub. Although I'm very familiar with The Bahamas and what its beautiful islands offer to visitors, one Bahamian cruise destination really took me by surprise when I visited for the first time last spring. Related: Carnival and Royal Caribbean both have this surprising extra charge Like Nassau, this cruise port has gotten a bad rap – mostly because it's not the kind of Bahamian port where you can walk off the ship and right onto a beach. The island is home to a number of stunning beaches, however. You just need transportation to get to them from the port. To improve your overall cruise port experience in this Bahamian destination, booking a shore excursion is a good call - whether you're looking for a relaxing resort-style beach day or an adventure to explore the wonders of the island's impressive national park. But with a burst of new development projects aimed at attracting more cruise passengers to this underrated Bahamian island, experiencing the charms of the destination is about to get much easier. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Carnival Cruise Line was the first to recognize Grand Bahama's potential as a cruise destination, signing an agreement with the island's government back in 2017 to build its flagship cruise destination there. It took quite a while for the cruise line's vision for the destination to come to life, however. The highly anticipated new $600 million cruise destination, Celebration Key, finally opens this July. Although it's intended to feel like a cruise line private island, Celebration Key is located in a secluded part of Grand Bahama, about 20 miles from the island's existing Freeport cruise port. Royal Caribbean has long been interested in Grand Bahama, too, but past plans to develop a resort-style cruise destination on the island fell through. Related: Royal Caribbean makes big move to invest in new cruise destination But finally this April, Royal Caribbean Group moved forward with a new plan to acquire a 40-acre Grand Bahama resort property with intentions to develop it into a private destination for Celebrity Cruises, according to local Tribune Business media reports. Also in the plans for Grand Bahama is a project that will build a new cruise port and water park at the Freeport Harbour, developed as a partnership between Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. First announced in 2020, that port project once included plans for Royal Caribbean to purchase a Bahamian government-owned resort property, but the deal later fell through due to government concerns about the timeline and terms. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Now, years later, the Bahamian government finally reached a deal to sell that Grand Bahama resort property to be developed into a cruise destination, just not by Royal Caribbean. On May 15, Concord Wilshire Capital signed a deal with the Bahamian government to acquire Grand Bahama's Grand Lucayan Resort, a 56-acre beachfront resort and 160-acre Reef Golf Course, for $120 million. The Miami-based developer will invest a total of $827 million to transform the property into a 36-acre cruise ship destination resort with a capacity of 10,000 passengers per day. Related: Royal Caribbean unveils its biggest and boldest innovation yet Expected to be completed in 2028, the new cruise destination will be open to all cruise lines, resort guests, and local residents. It will feature much of what cruise passengers can find at an exclusive cruise line destination like a water park, adult lagoon, private club with premium amenities, dining options, beach access, water activities, entertainment venues, and more. The new Grand Lucayan Resort will also include a free-standing, indoor and poolside casino, a branded hotel and residential resort, a new Greg Norman Championship Signature Golf Course, and a mega-yacht marina. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Forget Nassau, Royal Caribbean, Carnival find new island homes
As a long-time cruiser and Florida resident, I've visited my fair share of Bahamas cruise ports — from multiple private cruise line destinations to the busy Nassau cruise hub. Although I'm very familiar with The Bahamas and what its beautiful islands offer to visitors, one Bahamian cruise destination really took me by surprise when I visited for the first time last Nassau, this cruise port has gotten a bad rap – mostly because it's not the kind of Bahamian port where you can walk off the ship and right onto a beach. The island is home to a number of stunning beaches, however. You just need transportation to get to them from the port. To improve your overall cruise port experience in this Bahamian destination, booking a shore excursion is a good call — whether you're looking for a relaxing resort-style beach day or an adventure to explore the wonders of the island's impressive national park. But with a burst of new development projects aimed at attracting more cruise passengers to this underrated Bahamian island, experiencing the charms of the destination is about to get much Cruise Line was the first to recognize Grand Bahama's potential as a cruise destination, signing an agreement with the island's government back in 2017 to build its flagship cruise destination there. It took quite a while for the cruise line's vision for the destination to come to life, however. The highly anticipated new $600 million cruise destination, Celebration Key, finally opens this July. Although it's intended to feel like a cruise line private island, Celebration Key is located in a secluded part of Grand Bahama, about 20 miles from the island's existing Freeport cruise port. Royal Caribbean has long been interested in Grand Bahama, too, but past plans to develop a resort-style cruise destination on the island fell finally this April, Royal Caribbean Group moved forward with a new plan to acquire a 40-acre Grand Bahama resort property with intentions to develop it into a private destination for Celebrity Cruises, according to local Tribune Business media reports. Also in the plans for Grand Bahama is a project that will build a new cruise port and water park at the Freeport Harbour, developed as a partnership between Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. First announced in 2020, that port project once included plans for Royal Caribbean to purchase a Bahamian government-owned resort property, but the deal later fell through due to government concerns about the timeline and years later, the Bahamian government finally reached a deal to sell that Grand Bahama resort property to be developed into a cruise destination, just not by Royal Caribbean. On May 15, Concord Wilshire Capital signed a deal with the Bahamian government to acquire Grand Bahama's Grand Lucayan Resort, a 56-acre beachfront resort and 160-acre Reef Golf Course, for $120 million. The Miami-based developer will invest a total of $827 million to transform the property into a 36-acre cruise ship destination resort with a capacity of 10,000 passengers per to be completed in 2028, the new cruise destination will be open to all cruise lines, resort guests, and local residents. It will feature much of what cruise passengers can find at an exclusive cruise line destination like a water park, adult lagoon, private club with premium amenities, dining options, beach access, water activities, entertainment venues, and more. The new Grand Lucayan Resort will also include a free-standing, indoor and poolside casino, a branded hotel and residential resort, a new Greg Norman Championship Signature Golf Course, and a mega-yacht marina. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas
We look at existing private islands you can cruise to SPLASH OUT The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas 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. Advertisement 4 Splash out at Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day Credit: Supplied 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Inside the huge new cruise ship coming to the US next year - with waterpark, bumper cars, and 20 bars onboard See 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. Advertisement 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. 4 Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships Credit: Supplied 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. See 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. Advertisement 4 The Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 Credit: Supplied 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. Advertisement 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 DISNEY MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas. Advertisement Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line. 4 Mickey Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas Credit: Disney Parks 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement See
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas
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. Advertisement 4 Splash out at Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day Credit: Supplied 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 Advertisement Read More on Travel 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. Advertisement Most read in Cruise 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. Inside the huge new cruise ship coming to the US next year - with waterpark, bumper cars, and 20 bars onboard See 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 Advertisement They sail from their new private terminal in Miami as well as Port Canaveral in Florida and New York, including 4 Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships Credit: Supplied 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. See 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. Advertisement 4 The Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 Credit: Supplied 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. Advertisement 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 DISNEY MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas. Advertisement Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line. 4 Mickey Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas Credit: Disney Parks 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures including the submarine from the classic Disney attraction 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. Advertisement See
