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Two travel experts have shared their first-hand experiences of what it’s really like on Norwegian Cruise Line’s private islands, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye

If you’re thinking, “since when do cruise lines have their own private islands?” – you might be surprised to hear the answer is 1977.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) pioneered the concept when it spotted the potential of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The island’s story stretches back centuries, including a stint as safe harbour for 17th-century pirates, but between its turquoise shallows and powdery sand, NCL envisioned something the world had never seen: a private island exclusively for cruise guests.

In fact, it’s been such a hit with guests that NCL developed a second private island, Harvest Caye, off the coast of southern Belize along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

If you’re wondering what these two islands are really like and whether your customers will enjoy them, we’ve canvassed the thoughts of Will Payne, editor of Cruise Trade News, who recently visited Great Stirrup Cay, and Abbie Downes, senior partnerships manager at World of Cruising and Cruise Trade News, who called at Harvest Caye on Norwegian Escape®.

Something for everyone

60 years ago, NCL introduced an idea that would go on to revolutionise the cruise industry: weekly departures to the Caribbean. Its mission? To make a region that had long been the preserve of an elite few more accessible to a wider range of guests.

On NCL’s private islands, that translates to a warm welcome, whatever your customer’s travel style. From solo sailors sipping freshly muddled mojitos to honeymooners having a couples’ massage and families racing down sea-inspired slides, it’s hard to imagine anyone feeling out of place.

It’s something Payne noticed as he explored Great Stirrup Cay. “There’s plenty on offer for all ages. I can see it being particularly popular with families and multi-gen groups. You can understand why the new additions, the 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbour and Great Tides Waterpark, will be a hit with parents and kids.”

Bucket-list worthy experiences

Being able to say you’ve been to a private island in and of itself is pretty special. But beyond that, both Harvest Caye and Great Stirrup Cay offer distinct, memory-making experiences.

Downes said: “My partner and I spent a lot of our time in Harvest Caye by the pool, occasionally cooling off in the water – it was 30C after all – and enjoying cocktails from the swim-up bar. But it also has appeal for those who want to get a bit more adventurous. There was a wildlife sanctuary with iguanas and macaws and the 136-foot Flighthouse with a zipline.”

Switch-off mode activated

On Harvest Caye, luxurious, air-conditioned beachside cabanas featuring concierge service, lounge chairs and private bathrooms are a highlight, while on Great Stirrup Cay, serenity seekers are drawn to Silver Cove’s private beach, spacious villas and Mandara Spa®.

Downes said: “I think Harvest Caye is perfect for guests who want a taste of relaxation. We had quite a busy itinerary on the coast of Central America, with a fair few days of adventurous activities, so it added a great sense of balance.”

Hassle-free by design

A major appeal of a visit to NCL’s private islands is how smooth the experience is, from beginning to end.

Downes said: “On Harvest Caye, it’s so easy to get around. You don’t have to worry about transfers or taxis. There are golf buggies available, which are handy for guests with mobility issues or young children, or you can take the walk from the ship along the jetty. After a morning by the pool, we even decided to go back to our ship for lunch and then return to the island, so the convenience really impressed us.”

Payne found his experience similarly seamless, particularly given Great Stirrup Cay’s brand-new tram system, which whisks guests around so they can make the most of their time on shore.

Get on board

Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Harvest Caye
Departure dates: 18 October to 25 October and 25 October to 1 November 2026

If you have customers who can’t choose which private island to try, this seven-day cruise aboard Norwegian Aqua™ is a great place to start. On a round-trip from Miami, they’ll combine the unspoiled beauty and biodiversity of Roatán (Bay Islands) in Honduras and the island of Cozumel off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with both Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye.

To help promote the private islands and NCL’s wider Caribbean product, marketing tools and assets are available to download from Marketing Headquarters on Norwegian Central. There you’ll find editable flyers, itinerary images, suggested copy, booklets, and more, as well as access to webinars where agents can learn more about the line’s Caribbean product and private island experiences.