The cruise line private island boom is transforming The Bahamas into a network of exclusive and carefully curated resort-like destinations.
In 2025, for example, many cruise lines made headlines announcing new or upgraded destinations in the coming years, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC. As such, it’s no surprise that Bahamian voyages are becoming more and more popular.
With so many options available, choosing the right cruise line is important, since each owns and operates different destinations. Travelers have different styles and preferences, and selecting the wrong line can lead to a disappointing experience ashore.
In this article, we will explore and review the most popular cruise line private destinations of 2026. Our worst-to-best cruise rankings are based on personal experiences, industry news, and online reviews. At the end of the day, though, a private cruise destination is a unique experience and definitely worthwhile compared to standard, commercialized ports of call.
Worst: Carnival Cruise Line's Amber Cove
At the bottom of the list is Amber Cove. This private cruise port was developed by Carnival Corporation & plc, which invested $85 million into transforming an undeveloped coastal area near Puerto Plata into a resort-style destination.
Although the scenery is beautiful, with lush, green mountains, the offerings fall far short of other private island experiences developed by competitors. For example, food is not included at Amber Cove, and the only complimentary amenity is the large pool. Carnival drink packages do not work ashore, either.
This means that outside of swimming, most activities come with an additional charge. After three visits, I'd recommend a better use of your time is exploring the nearby Puerto Plata, where you'll be better immersed in the local culture than at the Coco Cana restaurant near the pool.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye
Next on the list is Harvest Caye, Belize. Like Amber Cove, Harvest Caye isn't a true private island experience. Rather, the 75-acre oasis was created in partnership with the Belizean government. Consequently, local inhabitants own the businesses and work onsite, which contributes to the economy.
One of the biggest differences between Harvest Caye and Amber Cove is that you don't have to pay extra to access beautiful, expansive beaches. This is not the biggest surprise since the area focuses on natural wildlife and even provides access to the world’s second-largest barrier reef. However, there's also a 15,000-square-foot pool available at no extra charge.
Still, one of the biggest drawbacks is that food isn't included. The island's vendors do not accept ship cards as payment, either, so you must remember to bring a valid debit or credit card ashore.
Carnival Cruise Line's Mahogany Bay/Isla Tropicale
Moving on, Mahogany Bay is another private destination owned and operated by Carnival Corporation. In 2025, Carnival announced major upgrades, resulting in the cruise line rebranding the destination to "Isla Tropicale."
New features include a brand-new pool with a swim-up bar, private cabanas, upgraded beach areas, and easy access to curated shopping and restaurants. The new tropical escape is slated to open sometime during the summer of 2026.
However, one of the most notable limitations — similar to Amber Cove — is that neither food nor drinks are included ashore, even if you have Carnival's pricey drink package.
Princess Cruises' Princess Cays
Next up is Princess Cays, the first real cruise line private destination on the list. Up until this point, the ports have been developed into commercial complexes for cruise passengers.
Princess Cays is a true private beach escape located on the southern tip of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. Although it's definitely postcard-worthy, with white sand and crystal-clear water, there isn’t a wide variety of included activities besides the beach. Not only that, but you must tender ashore since there isn't a pier for the ship to dock at.
Another common complaint is that the Princess Cays' beaches are frustratingly rocky. As such, swim shoes are highly recommended. Moreover, Carnival and Holland America Line's drink packages are not valid at Princess Cays, though Princess cruisers can continue to enjoy their packages' benefits ashore.
Holland America Line's Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay is arguably one of the more well-known in The Bahamas. Originally known as Little San Salvador Island, the 2,400-acre island was purchased by Holland America Line in 1996 and transformed into a laid-back private destination.
Although there’s no denying the island's natural beauty and undeveloped feel, there are some cons that make it one of my least favorite private islands. For starters, umbrellas are not included, and for someone who burns easily, being forced to shell out money for sun protection isn't ideal. Additionally, there isn't a pier (yet). All guests going ashore must tender from the cruise ship.
Carnival announced major changes coming to the island, including a rebranding of the destination as “RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.” Still, despite these planned updates, Half Moon Cay has not quite kept up with the pace of many of the newer, activity-heavy private destinations in the cruise industry. Instead, the experience remains bare-bones and simple.
Disney Cruise Line's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney's newest private destination in The Bahamas blends local Bahamian cultural influences with family-focused amenities, ranging from splash pads to character meet-and-greets, themed shopping, and more. That said, Disney Cruise Line's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point lands near the middle of our rankings for a few good reasons.
For starters, guests must first walk the half-mile pier to shore. Transportation is limited to those with mobility issues only, and there's no shade on the open-trestle pier. After that, you board a complimentary tram to take you to the actual resort area. This came as a surprise to me, as I assumed the walk from the ship to the shore would lead directly to the main beach area.
That said, once you finally arrive, the destination itself is well-designed and utterly breathtaking. My partner and I enjoyed the complimentary beach buffet, and there was no shortage of umbrellas and lounge chairs!
MSC's Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
MSC is a controversial cruise line, with complaints ranging from bad customer service to poor food quality and crowded ships. However, I've enjoyed both of my sailings with MSC Cruises and particularly loved its private island in The Bahamas. The Yacht Club suite area was a standout, offering a quieter atmosphere, attentive service, and higher-quality dining options.
Recently, MSC Cruises announced some upgrades coming to Ocean Cay, including a new pier, four new dining venues, a playground, a splashpad, a ropes course, and more. This will give it an edge compared to other islands that focus more on ocean-based activities.
That said, I can also understand why some might not be the biggest fans of MSC Ocean Cay. For starters, there's a lot of construction going on around the island, which takes away from the serene vibe many are seeking. Not only that, but there is limited shade, and some of the beaches are rocky with coarse sand.
Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key
One of the newest cruise line private destinations is Carnival's Celebration Key. The 68-acre development boasts massive freshwater pools, beautiful beaches, fun bars, an adults-only beach club, a kids' splash pad, and a variety of other exciting amenities.
To my surprise, I enjoyed my visit to Celebration Key way more than I expected. There was so much room to spread out without feeling overwhelmed by other passengers, and the Calypso Lagoon was the perfect place to cool off from the Bahamian heat.
Like Carnival's other private destinations, drink packages do not work at Celebration Key. Moreover, each guest only receives one complimentary "Island Eats" meal, rather than having access to an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay
Disney's Castaway Cay was actually the first cruise line private island I ever visited! Although I don't remember much from the initial visit back in 2005, the "Mount Rustmore" photo spot has been ingrained in my memory ever since.
Castaway Cay offers everything you'd expect from the entertainment, magic-focused conglomerate. Even though it's more low-key than our top two cruise-owned private islands, it offers a little something for everyone.
Adults, for example, will love the Serenity Bay area (which is included!), while the Pelican Plunge waterslide and play structure is ideal for families and kids. Another unique highlight is the snorkeling trail, which features hidden underwater surprises that add a Disney twist. Just don't forget to carve out time to meet your favorite classic Disney pals and shop for exclusive merchandise!
Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay
Our number two spot goes to Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay. However, this would not have been the case before the line's $150 million investment, which really stepped up its game, starting with the brand-new pier. This means that rather than tendering ashore, the pier allows up to two cruise ships to dock steps from the shore.
Other new amenities include the 28,000-square-foot heated pool, upscale poolside cabanas, adult-only Vibe Beach Club area, enhanced tram service, and more. The all-new Great Tides Waterpark will open soon, too. The nearly six-acre water park will have 19 waterslides, a massive lazy river that's almost 800 feet long, and even a hidden cave bar.
Food is included on the island, and those with drink packages don't have to worry about shelling out extra money for beachside cocktails.
Best: Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay
Finally, Perfect Day at Cococay is the best cruise line-owned and operated private island in the industry right now. It was really Royal Caribbean's $250 million renovation of the island in 2019 that set the standard for what the ultimate modern private cruise destination should be.
Today, you will find everything from an easy-to-walk pier, multiple beaches, a large freshwater pool, a water park, an adult-only retreat, a pirate-themed kids' splash pad, an upscale beach club, a zip line, and more.
Plus, most cruise add-ons, including drink packages and Wi-Fi, can be used ashore. Crown & Anchor members can also redeem their free daily beverages on the island. This makes the CocoCay experience feel as close to a seamless extension of the ship as possible.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
