I’m a big fan of cruise line private islands and ports! I find them a perfect solution when you want a beautiful destination and need it to be budget friendly! Not all of us can afford expensive excursions when we cruise but we want a memorable experience. Visiting a private island or port on your itinerary can give your budget a little break!

Cruise lines’ private islands and ports offer several advantages that can really enhance your overall cruise experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits, from both a guest and a travel agent or cruise line perspective:


Exclusive Access and Fewer Crowds

• Only passengers from the cruise ship can access the island.
• Less crowded than public ports—ideal for relaxation and family fun.

Safe and Controlled Environment

• Enhanced safety and security.
• Staffed entirely by the cruise line, making it easier to get help or ask questions.

Included Amenities

• Many activities (beach chairs, water parks, BBQ lunch) are included in the cruise fare.
• Easier to budget with fewer unexpected costs.

Beautiful, Well-Maintained Beaches

• White sand beaches and turquoise waters are often pristine and postcard-perfect.
• Clean restrooms, ample seating, and shady areas are readily available.

Easy Access

• Ships usually tender very close or dock directly at the island.
• No long customs process or city travel involved—straight to the fun!

Cruise Line-Themed Experiences

• Activities, food, and events are tailored to match the cruise brand (like Carnival’s island parties or Royal Caribbean’s thrill parks).
• Loyalty perks can apply on the island (drink packages, Wi-Fi, kid clubs) for some cruise lines.
  

POPULAR CRUISE LINE PRIVATE ISLANDS

Cruise Line	Private Island/Port	Highlights
Royal Caribbean	Perfect Day at CocoCay	Thrill water park, helium balloon, lagoon
Carnival Cruise Line	Celebration Key (2025)	Bahamian-themed experience, beach clubs
Disney Cruise Line	Castaway Cay	Family beach, kids clubs, 5K run
Norwegian Cruise Line	Great Stirrup Cay	Zipline, private villas, lagoon
MSC Cruises	Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve	Eco-friendly, stargazing, marine reserve

CARNIVAL’S PRIVATE ISLANDS & EXCLUSIVE PORTS

Carnival Cruise Line provides exclusive access to private islands and ports. These destinations are either wholly owned by Carnival or specially developed for their guests. These destinations combine tropical beauty with the convenience, value, and all of the fun Carnival is known for!

Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador Island, Bahamas)

This is one of my very favorite beach destinations, ever! It’s absolutely beautiful! Soon to be named “Relax Away Half Moon Cay”

Carnival’s most iconic private island

• Award-winning beach – powdery white sand, calm turquoise water
• BBQ-style lunch included (served buffet-style)
• Horseback riding on the beach and into the water (extra cost)
• Kayaking, snorkeling, cabana rentals available
• Freshwater showers, shaded picnic areas, and bars
• Wedding chapel for beach ceremonies
• Shared with other Carnival Corp brands

Tender port – guests take a small boat from the ship to shore

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic)

Carnival’s private port complex on the Dominican Republic’s north coast

• Free pool area with loungers and lazy river
• Swim-up bar and splash pad for kids
• Shopping village and craft market
• Shore excursions include waterfall hikes, ziplining, city tours
• Carnival-run transportation and shore excursions only

Docking port – ship docks directly at the pier

Celebration Key (Grand Bahama Island)

Carnival’s newest and first cruise destination built exclusively for its guests

• 5 distinct “portals” or zones (Family, Adult, Exclusive Club, Retail, etc.)
• Huge freshwater lagoon with paddleboarding, kayaks, and floats
• Swim-up bars and Bahamian-style food and drink
• Shore excursions and nature experiences
• Cabanas, beach loungers, and VIP upgrades available

Docking port – designed for large Carnival ships including Excel-class

Will be included on over 500 itineraries across all 10 Carnival homeports

Ports with Carnival-Style Experiences

These aren’t private islands but are enhanced for Carnival Corp ships:

Port	Highlights for Carnival Guests
Mahogany Bay (Roatan, Honduras)	Private beach with chair lifts, Carnival excursions only
Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos)	Walk-off beach with free loungers, Margaritaville, pool
Princess Cays (Bahamas)	Operated by Carnival Corp, beach BBQ, rentals, water sports

Why Carnival Private Destinations Are a Guest Favorite:

• More value: Free access to beach amenities and lunch
• Less hassle: No need to navigate unfamiliar ports or haggle with vendors
• More fun: Activities are designed with Carnival-style energy and service
• More safety: Fully staffed by trained Carnival employees or partners

MY EXTRA NOTES:

You will find that at most of the private ports the lounge chairs are complimentary. However, you usually need to pay a rental fee for an umbrella.

We usually rent a rubber floatie mat which is my favorite thing to do at these private destinations. My whole family will gather around my floatie and we can enjoy hours of fun and conversation. You can also bring your own blow up floaties. Hint: Buy cheap ones so you can discard them after using.

You can easily go back to the ship if they don’t offer a complimentary lunch. Then you can return to the island with no problem.

Shopping areas tend to be more exclusive so you won’t find any real bargains.

There are some Carnival eastern Caribbean itineraries that offer all Carnival ports which makes it a very affordable cruising option!

Not all activities on a private island are complimentary. But there is still plenty to do and enjoy that won’t cost you anything extra.

Yes, you can book other excursions when visiting these ports. However, if you want to save money and still have a great day, a private island port is perfect!

IMPORTANT: Research the port before sailing to find all of the details on what is offered.

Here’s a group just for new cruisers and others! No judgment with correct answers to your questions. Lots of in-depth information, tips and personal advice! 

Carnival Cruising for First Timers & Seasoned Sailors