Unlike weeklong Caribbean cruises, only so many ports can be visited on short Bahamas getaways. For example, a 3-night voyage from Florida likely calls at a cruise line private island, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay or Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.
However, Nassau ranks poorly in customer satisfaction surveys, despite consistently setting one-day passenger records. On Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, the Nassau Cruise Port welcomed over 29,000 guests from six ships, breaking the previous record on Feb. 27, 2023.
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley noted that despite the high traffic, Nassau ranks among the bottom 10% of ports in terms of guest feedback. "They’ve come here many times before and there’s nothing new, fresh or innovative. Secondly, there needs to be more product, more experience, more uniqueness, more options,” he said.
Royal Caribbean Group estimates its ships will transport over 2.5 million guests to Nassau by 2030, highlighting the importance of the Bahamas as a cruise hub and the ongoing efforts to improve the overall guest experience.
Royal Caribbean's newest private beach is slated to open in Nassau in December. Guests can splurge on admission to the exclusive Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. The all-inclusive pass will include transportation from the pier, beverages, food, and other amenities.
"The Royal Beach Club Collection is designed for every type of family and vacationer to get everything they want out of their ideal beach day – no matter the vibe they’re looking for,” said Bayley.
They're not the only cruise line working to make Bahamas sailings more desirable, though. Disney and Carnival announced plans to expand their regional offerings.
Disney, for example, recently opened its new private destination in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and Carnival is gearing up to welcome passengers to its new private destination Celebration Key in July 2025.
Read more: The best Bahamas cruises you should try
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is the newest private destination to open in the Bahamas. Unlike Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay isn't a private island. Instead, the Disney-exclusive retreat is located on the island of Eleuthera just miles from Princess Cays.
The destination was created in close collaboration with local artists and advisors to ensure Lookout Cay was designed to celebrate the Bahamian culture while highlighting the magic of Disney.
From family-friendly activities to character meet and greets and luxurious cabanas, Lookout Cay offers something for all travelers. Additionally, as part of Disney’s focus on Bahamian culture, guests will be introduced to local art, music, and dance by performers sporting colorful Junkanoo costumes.
If your Disney ship is docking at Lookout Cay, you can enjoy the island's complimentary amenities for no extra charge. Beach access, an expansive BBQ lunch, splash pads, an adults-only retreat, and Disney-themed events are included in your cruise's cost.
There are opportunities to spend extra money, though. You can rent private cabanas, book a snorkeling excursion, or explore South Eleuthera aboard an ATV.
Note that while Lookout Cay has a pier (i.e., no tender required), guests must walk a half-mile-long bridge to the island. The waters are too shallow close to shore, so Disney couldn't build a dock closer to the island. And once you reach the shore, you have to take a tram to the main activities, making it difficult to return to the ship for a mid-day rest.
Many itineraries visit Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay, meaning you don't have to let the Disney magic stop when you cruise to the Bahamas.
Read more: 5 mistakes I made at Disney’s newest private destination in The Bahamas
Celebration Key
Carnival cruise fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years, starting with Celebration Key, the cruise line's newest private destination in the Bahamas. Opening in July 2025, the Carnival-exclusive area on Grand Bahama Island will give cruisers 65 acres to explore featuring an adult-only beach club, family-friendly pool, and pristine beaches.
Celebration Key will showcase five distinct "portals," each offering unique vibes. Two zones will be dedicated to adults, including the Pearl Cove Beach Club and Calypso Lagoon. The latter is complimentary and will feature a swim-up bar with swings, a live DJ, cabana rentals, daybeds, a secluded beach, and a full-service restaurant.
Adults can also upgrade their day ashore with admission to the Pearl Cove Beach Club. The upscale club will have an 11,000-square-foot private infinity pool, swim-up bar, plush daybeds, pink-striped sun umbrellas, overwater cabanas, and more. Passes start at $99.99 per person and go up to $179.99.
Read more: Carnival's new adults-only beach getaway will have a swim-up bar and poolside cabanas
Other portals include Starfish Lagoon and Lokono Cove. Starfish Lagoon is geared toward families featuring expansive beach and pool areas, a splash pad, water slides, food trucks, and various games such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball There will also be yet another swim-up bar for adults to grab their favorite tropical beverages.
Lokono Cove showcases Bahamian culture with shopping, live music performances, local artist exhibitions, and more. It's named for Grand Bahama's earliest settlers, the Lucayans, and will be where you can go to browse the straw market and other artisanal goods made by Bahamians, as well as other duty-free items and jewelry.
Lokono Cove celebrates Bahamian culture with a variety of shopping options, live music performances, local art exhibitions, and more. Named after the Lucayans, Grand Bahama’s first settlers, this portal offers visitors the chance to browse the straw market and shop for duty-free items and jewelry.
Celebration Key can be visited on various itineraries ranging from short 3-night getaways to 15-night transatlantic crossings.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
2025 will also need the addition of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. The 17-acre slice of paradise will give Royal Caribbean cruisers a new way to experience Nassau, one of the world's busiest cruise ports that's often viewed as dirty, crowded, and lacking unique attractions.
The family-friendly cruise line has a proven track record when it comes to private destinations. Perfect Day at CocoCay, for example, has been named Cruise Hive's Best Cruise Line Private Island for three consecutive years. With everything from a massive waterpark to an adult-only beach, upscale beach club, zip-line, and more, Royal Caribbean set the bar high for future private idestination experiences.
The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will span three zones: Family Beach, Chill Beach, and Party Cove. As the name implies, Family Cove is suitable for guests of all ages with amenities ranging from the zero-entry pool to the two-story Ultimate Family Cabana.
Read more: Disney and Royal Caribbean announced new beach resorts: here's how they compare
Chill Beach will have a range of activities, including The Deep End pool, Chill Beach, local artisan hurts, and dining venues highlighting local cuisine. Finally, Party Cove is where those looking for a lively atmosphere will want to hang out. Not only will it have the world's largest swim-up bar but there will also be a live DJ.
Unlike CocoCay, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island isn't included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare. Admission to the limited-capacity beach club must be purchased through the cruise line's shore excursion program. Thankfully, the pass is all-inclusive, meaning you won't have to worry about paying extra for the water taxi to the island, food, or drinks.
The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be a major win for Royal Caribbean passengers and the Bahamians, who—through a public-private partnership—are invited to own up to 49% equity.
With its blend of exclusivity and cultural investment, Nassau will finally have the fresh experience it’s been missing to make it a desirable port of call for Royal Caribbean cruisers who might otherwise opt to stay onboard.
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay isn't a new destination, but it's set to receive a major upgrade in the coming years. While there's no denying Half Moon Cay's natural beauty, Carnival and Holland are partnering up to give the island some much-needed TLC. Once completed, the upgrades will enhance the overall guest experience.
Plans include a brand-new pier on the north side of the island, allowing Carnival's largest Excel Class ships to visit Half Moon Cay for the first time. The cruise lines also plan to expand the beachfront experience, improve the lunch venues, add a new shore excursion pier, and upgrade the bar scene.
“Calling this piece of paradise RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay reinforces our commitment to preserve the attributes that make the destination so appealing as we expand access and welcome more guests to the destination’s crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and lush landscapes,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line.
“Many of our 2026 and beyond itineraries will feature both RelaxAway and Celebration Key, providing guests with complimentary experiences enjoying both idyllic and ultimate beach days.
Construction at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will begin by summer 2026 and will continue through the end of the year. Other details are forthcoming.
Read more: What is free on Half Moon Cay?
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
