Cruising the attractive itineraries is sure nice, sure there is plenty to see and do. However cruise lines do not stop there. They all made an effort to expand whole ship-vacation experience by building their own itinerary. Almost all reputable lines have a 'private island'.
This is the small island in Bahamas or Caribbean area equipped with all features to make an all-day beach party. You name it, it’s there: water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling, barbeque, kid’s activities… absolutely everything to make a day on the private island a favorite day among big percent of cruisers. Plus, not to mention that they are very hassle free because there are no reservations, no tickets needed.

Another bonus is that those beaches are cruise lines private property so it means there is no other people there, only your fellow passengers. This also makes them crime free and somewhat clean, which is not always case on public beaches on other islands. But be aware that sometimes those islands don’t offer enough privacy because even that there is no other people, mega ships with 3,000 passengers can create a quite crowd on beaches.
It is important to know that those private island beach days are not all inclusive. Most of equipment for activities such as snorkeling, pleasure crafts, scuba diving etc, is available for rental fee. In this way cruise lines make additional revenue but on the other hand they invested some serious money in such islands. For example Disney Cruise Line spent $25 million into developing Castaway Cay.

When it comes to food everything is organized by the ships staff and there is no need to go back on ship for lunch. There are open buffets all day long, offering traditional barbeque, hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, grilled chicken, pastas, salad bar, fresh fruit, desserts and of course all kind of drinks that you can think of. From our experience, the beach activities certainly boost up everyone’s appetite and hardly anyone can resist visiting buffet more than one time during the day. Food is included in cruise fare, but beverages are usually not. However passengers don’t need to bring cash on private island, all expenses are added on their ships account.

Here is overview of top private islands offered by cruise lines today:

1. Castaway Cay – Disney Cruise Lines private island located north of Nassau, Bahamas. It is state-of-the-art oasis reserved exclusively for Disney's passengers who can step on it right from the ship (That's right, no tendering). Both group of the passengers adults and children can enjoy careful planed and designed activities which makes this magical place unforgettable for families.
2. Half Moon Cay of Holland America Cruises is award-winning destination with 2,400 acres of breathtaking natural beauties, totally unspoiled. Wild Bird Preserve park will be especially enjoyed by nature lovers. Of course on small part of the island there is delightful beach with all amenities.
3. Great Stirrup Cay – Norwegian Cruise Line is another tropical paradise. It's all there: white sand beaches, palm trees, sparkling sea, rich and colorful marine life that is available to fortunate NCL's passengers.
4. Princess Cays – Princess Cruises has a amazing coral reef with tropical fish colony that offer breathtaking sight.
5. CocoCay, Bahamas of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises is another tropical paradise point carefully designed to provide rich and unforgettable experience to cruisers of all ages.
6. Labadee, Hispaniola is also own by Royal Caribbean and sister company Celebrity Cruises. It is a wooded peninsula surrounded by magnificent mountains. Beside all 'standard' features typical for private island there is also fantastic Aqua Park for children.

Don’t forget your sunscreen!

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