Cruise lines know how to make you feel like a superstar. Not only can you enjoy the wonderful luxury while onboard, but many cruise lines have their own private islands for you to visit too. These islands really up the glamour a level or two, providing you with the most exceptional and memorable experiences.
The big question is which cruise line has the best private island. Here are 7 of our top picks.
Best for wildlife
MSC Cruises: Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi
On Sir Bani Yas, you have all the luxury of a private island oasis with the added opportunity to explore its extensive nature reserve. This protected area is home to over 13,000 indigenous and endangered animals, such as giraffes, flamingos and cheetah, as well as millions of trees and plants. With water sports, dancing, barbecues and beach parties too, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Best for idyllic tranquillity
Norwegian Cruise Line: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
If total tranquillity, amidst a landscape of turquoise waters and white powder sands, makes your paradise, Great Stirrup Cay is the island for you. Whether you’re sharing the tropical waters with sea turtles and colourful fish or unwinding in your luxurious villa with expansive ocean views, the chilled-out vibe will leave you utterly rejuvenated.
Best for fun
Royal Caribbean Cruises: Chill Island, Coco Cay, Bahamas
Find your thrill-seeker to take on the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean or the tallest slide in North America. At the Thrill Waterpark, even the greatest daredevils will feel exhilarated. But you’ll also discover a slower pace of life amongst the island’s cabanas. Here you can gaze out towards the quiet, glistening waters from your day bed or sample tasty Caribbean bites from the Chill Grill.
Best for young families
Disney Cruise Line: Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Castaway Cay provides the Disney magic that young children will just love. As well as special appearances from your favourite characters, there’s a 2,400-square foot floating water-play area, a snorkelling lagoon, live music, dancing and beach sports. Teenagers can escape to their own Teen Hideout, while the Serenity Bay offers an adult-only oasis.
Best for parties
Virgin Voyages: The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas
The Beach Club may seem serene with quiet kayaking, yoga, and meditation during the day. But, as the cocktails flow and the music turns up, you’ll be enticed to leave your hammock in the luxury lounge area to join the Sailor pool party, where DJ residents, such as Grammy-award-winning Mark Ronson, curate the tunes that energise you into the night.
Best for epic views
Royal Caribbean: Labadee, Haiti
If you have a head for heights, then a stop at Labadee, where you can ride the world’s longest zipline over water, must not be missed. Stretching half a mile across the ocean, the zipline provides the most spectacular views across Haiti’s white sands, dense green jungle undulations and intermittent, quintessential terracotta rooftops. With two feet back on the floor, the intriguing culture, history and natural beauty make exploring more of the island irresistible.
Every private island has something wonderfully unique to offer its visitors. Yet, wherever you dock, one thing you can be sure of is that you’ll discover a little slice of paradise that you’ll be keen to revisit in the not-too-distant future.
To find out more about the private islands you can visit on your cruise, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
