Cruises private islands, a real treat?

Many cruise lines own their own private islands which are designed to give a different experience to their guests and stops are part of the itineraries. It’s not possible to stay extra days on these islands as they don’t offer accommodation facilities.

These are small Caribbean islands which are exclusive for the gusts travelling on the Caribbean itineraries where clients can stop for a day at the beach, so they tend to be busy on the day the cruise stops. 

In general you can find sun loungers, beachfront cabanas, snorkelling equipment, tennis courts, water sports, kids’ waterpark, a 2,600-foot-long Dragon’s Breath Flight Line zip-line and even shops. And what I like the most is that you can top up your day with a barbecue on the beach where you can eat free of charge as part of the cruise fare. The activity levels vary island to island and can vary dramatically between cruise lines. The type of cruise line will normally determine what to expect, so the more family friendly is the cruise line the more facilities there’ll be on the islands. Still these islands manage to maintain a feel for the unspoiled but that i suppose it depends where you look and again this depends on the cruise line and the island they own.

Like any other resorts these are maintained and refurbished by the cruise lines. We have been advised the well-known Great Stirrup Cay is going to be closed for a refurbishment. This one belong to NCL and it is part of the Bahama’s Berry Island Chain. The closure will be for two months until the October 2016. The itineraries have been changed and cruises are now stopping in Nassau and Grand Bahama instead.

The refurbishment is set to cost $1 million in new landscaping, 100,000 square feet of new pathways, including a new boardwalk along the beach, the addition of two zip lines; an underwater sculpture garden; new shaded areas and rest stops; a complex with basketball and volleyball courts, as well as a stage for entertainment; more dining options, including a free taco bar and Land Shark Bar & Grill, an a la carte  Jimmy Buffet restaurant; and a Lagoon Retreat area with a spa, restaurant and rented villas for passengers staying in the Haven and Suites.

Do you think is a real treat to be able to stop at these private islands? 

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