Life’s a beach!

Many cruise lines own or lease private islands or beaches for the private use of their passengers. The idea behind this is to give the guests their own piece of paradise for the day. Here is a list of my top 8.

Castaway Cay – Disney Cruise Line

This Bahaman Island is 1000 acres of fun for both adults and children. Wet fun includes a floating play area with water slides and canons and if the thought of screaming kids is too much there is an adults only beach.

Half Moon Cay – Holland America Line

The cruise line maintains a two mile crescent-shaped stretch of idyllic beach on the Bahamas Island formerly known as Little San Salvador. The remainder of the island is a bird sanctuary.

Great Stirrup Cay – Norwegian Cruise Line

orwegian purchased this 250 acre Bahamas hideaway in 1977. There is great snorkelling around sunken canons while stingrays swim next to you. There are also private cabanas and a Bacardi rum bar which my husband would love.

Coco Cay – Royal Caribbean

This tiny island of just 140 acres is very deceiving for its size. You can snorkel round a replica of Blackbeard’s ship, lounge on three beaches, walk nature trails or enjoy wet fun at an Aqua Park.

Motu Mahana – Paul Gaughin Cruises

This is the ideal romantic paradise and is reserved for those guests sailing with Paul Gaughin Cruises in French Polynesia. Drinks are served in coconut shells as you stroll along the perfect turquoise shores.

Labadee – Royal Caribbean

This is a 260 acre isolated peninsula on the island of Haiti. If fun is what you want then try the 2600 foot zip line. With five beaches and a pirate themed water fun area this is a great day out for all the family.

Isla Catalina – Costa Cruises

Costa leases this UNESCO protected barrier island from the Dominican Republic government. It was discovered in 1492 by no other than Christopher Columbus and is an ideal place for snorkelling.

Mahogany Beach – Carnival

This tiny 10 acre island is co owned by Carnival and a Honduran businessman. The island is accessible from the cruise pier via a 5 minute chairlift ride or walking path. There is an 825 foot long sandy beach for perfect relaxation.

Princess Cays – Princess Cruises

This private beach can be found on Eleuthra Island. This 40 acre retreat has half a mile of white sand beach and the beach has shallow water for about 100 feet making it perfect for families. I have been here when I worked as a Bar Stewardess with Princess Cruises and remember sneaking off to the hammocks at the far end of the beach.

I would not mind spending a day on one or all of these beaches.

How about you?