Caribbean Cruises

Private Island Cruise Excursions

Updated December 17, 20257 min readBy the Cruise Compass editors

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The short answer

Private island cruises offer exclusive beach experiences, with costs ranging from $100 to $300 per person.

Private island cruises provide an exclusive and luxurious getaway, with many cruise lines offering private island stops, such as Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay, these islands offer a range of activities and amenities, including beaches, water sports, and fine dining, the cost of private island cruises can vary greatly, depending on the cruise line and length of stay, but typical costs range from $100 to $300 per person.

This article will cover the details of private island cruises, including the different types of private islands, the activities and amenities offered, and the cost of these exclusive getaways, we will also provide tips and recommendations for booking a private island cruise, and highlight some of the best private islands in the Caribbean, such as Half Moon Cay and Castaway Cay.

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Types of Private Islands

There are several types of private islands, including those owned by cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean's CocoCay, and those owned by private companies, such as Paul Gauguin's Motu Mahana, each type of private island offers a unique experience, with its own set of activities and amenities, for example, CocoCay has a water park and a zip line, while Motu Mahana has a spa and a spa, the cost of visiting these private islands can vary, but typical costs range from $100 to $300 per person.

The type of private island that is best for you will depend on your interests and preferences, for example, if you are looking for an active vacation, you may want to consider a private island with a water park or a zip line, on the other hand, if you are looking for a relaxing vacation, you may want to consider a private island with a spa or a secluded beach, it's also worth considering the size of the private island, as some islands can be quite crowded, while others are more secluded, with fewer than 100 passengers.

CocoCay has a water park
Motu Mahana has a spa
Some private islands have secluded beaches

Activities and Amenities

Private islands offer a range of activities and amenities, including beaches, water sports, and fine dining, for example, Royal Caribbean's CocoCay has a water park, a zip line, and a private beach, while Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay has a snorkeling lagoon and a beach volleyball court, the cost of these activities can vary, but typical costs range from $20 to $100 per person, some private islands also offer luxury amenities, such as spas and fine dining restaurants.

The activities and amenities offered on private islands can vary greatly, depending on the island and the cruise line, for example, some private islands may offer snorkeling or diving excursions, while others may offer kayaking or paddleboarding, it's also worth considering the level of service on the private island, as some islands may offer more personalized service than others, with staff to passenger ratios of less than 1 to 10.

CocoCay has a water park
Great Stirrup Cay has a snorkeling lagoon
Some private islands offer luxury amenities

Cost of Private Island Cruises

The cost of private island cruises can vary greatly, depending on the cruise line, the length of stay, and the type of accommodations, typical costs range from $100 to $300 per person, but can be higher or lower, depending on the specific cruise and private island, for example, a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean with a private island stop may cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per person, while a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas with a private island stop may cost between $500 and $1,500 per person.

It's also worth considering the cost of activities and amenities on the private island, as these can add up quickly, for example, a snorkeling excursion may cost $50 to $100 per person, while a spa treatment may cost $100 to $200 per person, however, many private islands offer all-inclusive pricing, which can help to simplify the budgeting process, with typical costs ranging from $100 to $300 per person.

Typical costs range from $100 to $300 per person
Costs can vary depending on the cruise line
Some private islands offer all-inclusive pricing

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Best Private Islands in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is home to many private islands, each with its own unique character and amenities, some of the best private islands in the Caribbean include Half Moon Cay, Castaway Cay, and CocoCay, these islands offer a range of activities and amenities, including beaches, water sports, and fine dining, and are accessible by cruise ship, with typical visit times ranging from 8am to 5pm.

Half Moon Cay is a private island owned by Holland America, and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, it's a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in the sun, with a typical visit time of 8 hours, while Castaway Cay is a private island owned by Disney, and is designed with families in mind, it offers a range of activities, including a water play area and a character meet-and-greet, with a typical visit time of 9 hours.

Half Moon Cay has beautiful beaches
Castaway Cay is designed for families
CocoCay has a water park

Tips for Booking a Private Island Cruise

When booking a private island cruise, it's worth considering the time of year and the weather, as these can impact the quality of the experience, for example, the Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, and can impact the availability of private islands, it's also worth considering the size of the private island, as some islands can be quite crowded, while others are more secluded, with fewer than 100 passengers.

It's also worth considering the level of service on the private island, as some islands may offer more personalized service than others, with staff to passenger ratios of less than 1 to 10, and it's worth researching the specific private island and cruise line to get a sense of what to expect, including the types of activities and amenities that are available, and the level of service that is provided, with typical response times ranging from 1 to 3 days.

Consider the time of year and weather
Research the private island and cruise line
Look for personalized service

Private Island Cruise Itineraries

Private island cruises can range from 3 to 14 nights, and can include a variety of ports and private islands, for example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise may include stops at Cozumel, St. Thomas, and a private island, such as CocoCay or Great Stirrup Cay, while a 3-night Bahamas cruise may include a stop at Nassau and a private island, such as Half Moon Cay or Castaway Cay, the cost of these cruises can vary, but typical costs range from $500 to $3,000 per person.

The itinerary of a private island cruise can also vary, depending on the cruise line and the specific private island, for example, some cruises may offer a full day at the private island, while others may offer a half-day or overnight stay, it's worth considering the type of activities and amenities that are available on the private island, as well as the level of service, when choosing a private island cruise, with typical crew to passenger ratios ranging from 1 to 3.

Private island cruises can range from 3 to 14 nights
Itineraries can vary depending on the cruise line
Consider the type of activities and amenities

Key takeaways

Private island cruises offer exclusive beach experiences
Typical costs range from $100 to $300 per person
Consider the time of year and weather
Research the private island and cruise line

Where to book this cruise

When booking a private island cruise, it's worth considering the time of year and the weather, as these can impact the quality of the experience, it's also worth researching the specific private island and cruise line to get a sense of what to expect, including the types of activities and amenities that are available, and the level of service that is provided, to compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking, and to consider working with a travel agent who specializes in private island cruises, they can help you find the best options and provide personalized recommendations, based on your interests and preferences.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit a private island?

The best time to visit a private island depends on the location and the weather, but generally, the dry season is the best time to visit, typical dry seasons range from December to April.

How much does a private island cruise cost?

The cost of a private island cruise can vary greatly, depending on the cruise line, the length of stay, and the type of accommodations, typical costs range from $100 to $300 per person.

What activities are available on private islands?

Private islands offer a range of activities, including beaches, water sports, and fine dining, some private islands also offer luxury amenities, such as spas and fine dining restaurants, with typical costs ranging from $20 to $100 per person.

Can I book a private island cruise online?

Yes, you can book a private island cruise online, through the website of the cruise line or a travel agent, it's also worth considering working with a travel agent who specializes in private island cruises, they can help you find the best options and provide personalized recommendations.

What is the difference between a private island and a public beach?

A private island is a island that is owned by a cruise line or a private company, and is only accessible to passengers of that cruise line, a public beach is a beach that is open to the general public, and may have more crowds and less amenities, typical private island visit times range from 8am to 5pm.