Princess Cays is Princess Cruises' private destination in the Bahamas. The 40-acre retreat is located in the southern part of Eleuthera, a 100-mile-long island east of the capital Nassau.
Despite being an inhabited island, the resort is an oasis surrounded by trees, beaches, and crystal clear water teaming with fish. There are numerous land and water activities to keep cruisers busy during a visit.
Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line share the destination as they are both owned by Carnival Corporation, so guests from either cruise line may visit Princess Cays. You will know prior to sailing if you are scheduled to visit Carnival's other private island, Half Moon Cay, or Princess Cays, as it will be clearly indicated on the itinerary when booking.
Here is what you need to know before you visit Princess Cays.
What's the weather like at Princess Cays?
Eleuthera’s weather is typical for the Bahamas Islands. Drier and slightly cooler in late fall and winter, cruisers can expect little rain and sunny skies. Temperatures range in the 70s to 80s during this period. Note that sometimes the Bahamas is subject to the occasional cold front. Swimming is still possible during this time; however, the water might be a bit colder than you were hoping for.
Summer is hot, reaching into the 90s with high humidity and the occasional rain shower. Make sure to bring a sun hat and plenty of sunscreen for a summertime trip.
Sea temperatures are similar in pattern with temperatures in the 70s to 80s, great for water activities.
Going onshore
Guests need to tender when going onshore at Princess Cays, as the water is too shallow for the cruise ship to dock. Once on the island, there is an information center and many posted maps to guide passengers along the walkways.
It is advisable to pack everything needed for the day and planned activities since going to the ship is not as easy as simply walking back along the pier. Some areas of the beach are rocky, so water shoes may be of benefit to some, along with sunscreen and insect repellant. There are locker rentals at a price of $10 and towel service is available.
Guests need to take their cruise card/Medallion disk for purchases, such as drinks. There are some shops on the island, which accept cash only as payment. Note that this is in US dollars.
Things to do
Activities on Princess Cays focus on the island's natural bounties such as its beaches, coral reefs and calm waters. There are no large pools or slides like on some other private islands. If you are looking for a more "thrilling" experience, consider Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Once arriving at the Love Boat Marina, many passengers head to North Beach, the most popular spot. There are plenty of free loungers, some of which are in the shade. Clamshell loungers are available for rent, which can be a good idea on a hot sunny day. According to Carnival Cruise Line's website, these clamshells are $39.99 per couple.
Less crowded is South Beach, located on the opposite end of the retreat. It is a more peaceful area with the longest stretch of beach. There are bars and food venues close to both beaches for the convenience of guests, so they do not have to travel far after getting situated.
Eleuthera has abundant marine life and clear water, making it a great place to snorkel and partake in other water activities.
Activities, shore excursions, and rentals:
On land:
- Island bike adventure
- Clamshell beach chairs
- Volleyball and basketball
- Kids area Pelican Perch playground and small pool
- Local market which sells locally made Bahamian souvenirs
- Crow’s nest lookout
Water activities:
- Surf fishing
- Coastal cruise
- Stingray encounter
- Glass bottom boat cruise
- Hobie sailboat rental
- Floating mats
- Oceanview sea board
- Kayaks
- Banana Boat Ride
- Snorkeling
- Paddle Wheeler
- StandUp Paddleboard
- Aqua bikes
Cabanas
There are two main types of cabana rentals at Princess Cays, which should be booked in advance through the Cruise Personalizer.
Princess Cays Bungalow – starts at $399
- Within walking distance of the beach
- Air conditioning
- Table with chairs inside
- Loungers on deck
- Private shower
- Bar service (additional cost)
- Priority tender tickets
- Motorized transport available from the dock
- Includes 4 people
Sanctuary Bungalow – starts at $450
- 3 minute walk to the beach
- Float rentals (2)
- Air conditioning
- Table with chairs inside
- Loungers on deck
- Private shower
- Bar service (additional cost)
- Optional gourmet picnic
- Priority tender tickets
- Motorized transport available from the dock
- Includes 4 guests
- Must be 18+
Read more: The cruise ship island cabanas that cost more than the cruise
Food
Guests are provided a complimentary buffet while on island at Princess Cays. The Grill Crazy BBQ and Sea Breeze Grill both offer lunch from 11:30-1:30. There is plenty of seating on picnic benches, including a covered area.
The menu features hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and ribs, served with salads and other sides like potato salad, coleslaw and beans. Fresh fruit, brownies and other treats are available for dessert. Lemonade and tea are also included with the meal.
The Grill Crazy BBQ is located in the northern part of the island near North Beach and the snorkeling area. Sea Breeze Grill is south near the tender area, not far from South Beach.
Bars
There are a number of spots dotted through the island to get a cold drink or a cocktail. At the northern end of the resort is Bahia Bar, close to the end of North Beach. Coconut Bar is nearby the food pavilion Grill Crazy BBQ.
The Banana Beach Bar is midway along the resort, followed by Reef Runner Bar in the South Beach area.
Guests can use their Princess drink packages on the island, or they can charge beverages to their onboard account.
Read more: Cruise Line Alcohol Drink Packages Guide
How to visit Princess Cays?
There are several great Princess Cruises options for those wanting to visit Princess Cays. The most common, however, are short Bahamas cruises. One of these sailings will present you with more options when it comes to selecting the perfect date, especially if sailing on Carnival, as their fleet is larger.
- 4-day to the Bahamas
- 5-day Caribbean with Cozumel
- 6- and 7-day Eastern or Western Caribbean
- 10-day Southern Caribbean
- 11-day Caribbean Islander
- 16-day Caribbean Southern Adventurer
- 20-day Caribbean Explorer
Regal Princess, Caribbean Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess, Emerald Princess, Island Princess, and Ruby Princess all cruise to Princess Cays.
The majority of Carnival ships are scheduling to visit Princess Cays through 2025, including some of the cruise lines newest ships: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Luminosa, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Jubilee.
Pro tip: do not waste the day! Plan to get off early, especially since you have to rely on a tender boat. You can always retire to the ship earlier; however, if you start enjoying the island later in the day, you will be unable to gain back the time that you spent sleeping in or lounging on the pool deck. Plus, the earlier you get off, the better location you can claim chairs in!
Other posts that may be of interest:
Princess Cays Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi available on Princess Cays?
Medallion Net Wi-Fi is available to Princess Cruises guests. As Carnival Cruise Line use a different internet service, they are unable to connect during their visit.
Princess Cays was the first cruise line private island to expand their Wi-Fi to allow for onshore connectivity back in 2018.
Does the Carnival Cheers! Beverage Package work on Princess Cays?
No, Carnival guests will have to pay for each drink a la carte. Additionally, the Cheers! Beverage Package does not work on any private island, including Half Moon Cay. This is something to consider when you are debating on whether or not the drink package is worth it for your upcoming Carnival cruise!
Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy
