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 teeming with fish. As such, there are numerous land and water activities to keep cruisers busy during a visit.
Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line both call on this destination since they’re owned by Carnival Corporation, meaning guests sailing with either brand may visit Princess Cays. Carnival ships may also visit Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key in The Bahamas.
Here is what you need to know before you visit the Princess Cays cruise port.
Princess Cays weather
Eleuthera’s weather is typical for The Bahamas. It's drier and slightly cooler in late fall and winter, and 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 definitely hotter, 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 summer cruise to Princess Cays.
Sea temperatures are similar in pattern to temperatures in the 70s to 80s, making it a great time for water activities like swimming or jet skiing.
Going ashore
Guests need to tender to get to Princess Cays, as the water is too shallow for the cruise ship to dock. Once on the island, there is an information center, and posted maps to guide passengers along the walkways.
It is advisable to pack everything needed for the day since returning to the ship is not as easy as walking along the pier. You'll want to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, towels from the ship, cash, and your cruise Medallion. You may also want to pack water shoes, as some beaches are rockier than others.
Ashore, there are lockers available for rent for around $10.
Things to do in Princess Cays
Activities on Princess Cays focus on the island's natural beauty, 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, Carnival's Celebration Key, or NCL's Great Stirrup Cay.
Once arriving at the Love Boat Marina, many passengers head to North Beach, which is arguably the most popular spot ashore. There are plenty of free loungers, some of which are in the shade. Clamshell loungers are also available for rent, which can be a good idea on a hot, sunny day. According to Princess Cruises' website, these clamshells are $44.95 per couple.
South Beach, located on the opposite end of the destination, is more relaxed. It is a more peaceful area with the longest stretch of beach. There are bars and food venues close to both beaches, so you don't have to wander far once you get 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 (from $29.95)
- Clamshell beach chairs (from $44.95)
- Daybed rental (from $149.95)
- Beach umbrella full-day rental (from $34.95)
- Volleyball and basketball (complimentary)
- Kids' Pelican Perch playground (complimentary)
Water activities:
- Water noodle rental (from $4.95)
- Princess Cays coastal cruise (from $39.95)
- Princess Cays coastal cruise, snorkel equipment, and floats for two people (from $69.95)
- Stingray beach encounter (from $39.95)
- Glass-bottom boat cruise (from $49.95)
- Surf fishing (from $34.95)
- Hobie sailboat rental (from $54.95)
- Floating mats (from $9.95)
- Aqua chair rental (from $9.95)
- Lagoon clear-bottom kayaking adventure (from $44.95)
- Ocean kayak rental (from $19.95)
- Banana boat ride (from $19.95)
- Snorkel vest rental (from $9.95)
- Snorkel equipment rental (from $19.95)
- Snorkeling for experienced snorkelers (from $59.95)
- Paddle wheeler rental (from $34.95)
- Stand-up paddleboard rental (from $24.95)
- Aqua bike rental (from $29.95)
- Beach party pack for two people (from $54.95)
- Beach party pack for four people (from $74.95)
Cabanas
There are two main types of cabana rentals at Princess Cays, which should be booked in advance through the Cruise Personalizer.
Private bungalow – starts at $254.95
- 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, adults-only bungalow – starts at $334.95
- 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 ashore at Princess Cays. The Grill Crazy BBQ and Sea Breeze Grill both offer lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. However, double-check the hours on your daily schedule! They're subject to change.
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 throughout the private resort 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 near the food pavilion, Grill Crazy BBQ.
The Banana Beach Bar is midway along the resort, followed by the 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. Carnival guests cannot use their drink packages ashore — every beverage is charged individually.
Read more: Cruise Line Alcohol Drink Packages Guide
How to visit Princess Cays?
Many Princess and Carnival ships offer sailings to Princess Cays. Itineraries vary from short Bahamian getaways to port-intensive Caribbean adventures.
The following Carnival ships have at least one visit to Princess Cays scheduled through April 2028:
- Carnival Conquest
- Carnival Elation
- Carnival Freedom
- Carnival Glory
- Carnival Legend
- Carnival Magic
- Carnival Paradise
- Carnival Pride
- Carnival Spirit
- Carnival Sunrise
- Carnival Sunshine
- Carnival Valor
The shortest cruises are simple 4-night sailings, while the longest is a 10-night voyage aboard Carnival Legend from Galveston, Texas. Other ports on the itinerary include Celebration Key, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove.
Similarly, Princess Cruises has 14 ships scheduled to call at Princess Cays through September 2028, including:
- Crown Princess
- Coral Princess
- Discovery Princess
- Emerald Princess
- Enchanted Princess
- Grand Princess
- Island Princess
- Majestic Princess
- Royal Princess
- Ruby Princess
- Sapphire Princess
- Sky Princess
- Star Princess
- Sun Princess
Like Carnival, the shortest Princess cruise to Princess Cays is a 4-night getaway from Florida. The longest is a 20-day Caribbean Explorer sailing.
Princess Cays Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi available on Princess Cays?
Medallion Net Wi-Fi is available to Princess Cruises guests. However, since Carnival Cruise Line uses a different internet service, Carnival passengers cannot connect to Wi-Fi during their visit.
Princess Cays was the first cruise line private island to expand its 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 individually. Additionally, the Cheers! Drink Package does not work on any private island, including Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key. This is something to consider when you are debating whether 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
