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6 of the best Private Islands

Private Islands

Clients can chill out in comfort on private islands owned and leased by Cruise lines.

1. DISNEY CRUISE LINE  – CASTAWAY CAY

Disney Cruise LineThere are activities and areas for all ages offered at Disney’s 1,000-acre Castaway Cay in the northern Bahamas. There’s a 12-acre snorkel trail filled with sunken treasures, swimming with stingrays, parasailing, and a host of watersports. Private cabanas provide the ultimate in relaxation, while the energetic can explore the island in the Castaway Cay 5K run. Exclusive to adults is Serenity Bay’s pristine stretch of beach. And there’s no need to send a message in a bottle; the island has a post office, so guests can send postcards to family and friends back home. 0800 028 3179 | disneycruise.disney.go.com

2. ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL – LABADEE

Royal Caribbean InternationalRoyal Caribbean’s Labadee is a 260-acre private beach resort on Haiti’s lush and forested north coast. Said to have been discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, today it offers beautiful beaches, lush green scenery and fun activities – such as the new aqua park – along with snorkelling safaris, the thrilling 2,600-foot-long Dragon’s Breath zip line, a sandbar island getaway spot and cultural tours to Paradise Cove. Alternatively, visitors can while away the time in a comfy beach chair and pay a visit to the bar and all-you-can eat barbecue.
0844 493 4005 | royalcaribbean.co.uk

3. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE – GREAT STIRRUP CAY

Norwegian Cruise LineThe first cruise line to acquire a private island in 1977, NCL recently announced extensive upgrades to its 250-acre Bahamian island Great Stirrup Cay. The investment will include a new family recreation area, the addition of a 1,000-foot-long zip line, more dining options – including a complimentary taco bar – and an exclusive access lagoon retreat with private, air-conditioned villas. There will be a half-mile boardwalk offering easier access to the white sand beaches, and a Mandara spa in the lagoon area. The facilities will all be in place by summer 2017.
0333 2412319 | ncl.co.uk

4. PRINCESS CRUISES – PRINCESS CAYS

Princess CayOn the tiny Bahamian island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays is a 40-acre island playground reserved for Princess passengers. Visitors can unwind with a massage on the beach or let off steam with a game of beach volleyball. There are watersports, glass-bottomed boat trips, snorkelling, diving and fishing, plus souvenir and handicraft shops for those who prefer dry land. The supervised youth and teen programmes allow parents to enjoy some private time on a beach lounger for two, or in an air-conditioned bungalow with a gourmet picnic lunch.
0843 373 0333 | princess.com

5. HOLLAND AMERICA LINE – HALF MOON CAY

Holland America LineMany of HAL’s Caribbean itineraries stop at this idyllic 1,700-acre island – only 2% of it developed – with a huge interior lagoon and a two-mile crescent of beach. Facilities include a children’s aqua park, three water sports centres and excursions such as horse riding by the sea and cycling. There are 15 beach cabanas, with butler service, and for clients that want to splash out there’s the luxurious private Oasis Cabana perched over the beach, with a bar and barbecue, that can be used for receptions and parties for up to 25 people.
0843 374 2300 | hollandamerica.com

6. MSC CRUISES – OCEAN CAY

MSC CruisesMSC is investing around $200 million in Ocean Cay MSC in the Bahamas, which will open in October 2018. It’s the biggest island development by any cruise line in the Caribbean and the only marine reserve island experience. The 95-acre enclave will have six beaches, a 2,000-seat amphitheatre, watersports, walking and running trails, and a Bahamian village with shops, restaurants and a music gazebo. A purpose-built berth will enable passengers to step straight onto the shore. Details of itineraries calling at the island are due to be announced. 0203 426 3010 | msccruises.co.uk

 

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