6 cruise line private islands and who owns them

Did you know that many cruise lines own or lease their very own private islands? From giant zip lines to private marine reserves, each island offers its exclusive guests something different. 

So, next time you’re looking to set sail to a private island, consider taking a cruise with one of these four cruise lines: 

Holland America Line has one private island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™. When the cruise line signed a 99-year lease agreement for the island in 1996, it had no facilities. Holland America Line invested more than $16 million in “building mechanical systems, adding a marine for safe tender operation and creating the infrastructure to turn the island into a private beach resort.” RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ was officially opened as a port of call in December 1997. 

As the winner of Porthole Cruise Magazine’s ‘Best Private Island’ for more than 20 years, Holland America Line’s private island boasts “true bucket list excursions, secluded cabanas and stunning beaches.” 

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is located in the Bahamas. The port features on Caribbean cruises and is reserved exclusively for Holland America Line guests sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Boston. 

• Explore RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ on horseback during a horseback riding excursion. Guide your steed into the ocean and experience a memorable saddleback swim. 
• Learn about the island’s mangroves and bird species as you glide through the warm waters of 1,400+ acres of habitat on a kayaking tour. 
• Hike to the ridge of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ for incredible views of the island. Take advantage of the opportunity to spot wild birds in their natural habitat. 

Accessibility: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is a tender port, which means you must board a smaller tender boat to access the island. You may need a ticket to board the tender, especially if you want to go early in the day. Some guests receive priority access. 

Costs: Visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is included in your cruise fare, with most food and beach access complimentary. Extras, such as excursions, cabana rentals and water sports, carry an additional charge. 

Who it’s for: Families, solo travellers, couples, multigenerational cruisers, honeymooners and adventure-seekers.

• Arrive early: Get to the tender line as early as possible for a shorter wait onboard and more time on land. 
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ can get very hot, especially in July and August when temperatures can reach up to 32°C. 
• Plan your return: Head back to the tender area well before the ship’s last departure to avoid long queues.
• Bring supplies: Pack plenty of suncream, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, a towel and a beach bag to keep your essentials organised. 

Norwegian Cruise Line has two private islands, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye. In 1977, the cruise line purchased Great Stirrup Cay and, over the years, has made vast improvements to the island’s infrastructure, putting it on the map as one of the best private islands. In 2016, the cruise line welcomed guests to its second private island, Harvest Caye. This island is “designed to showcase all that Belize is known for. Harvest Caye is filled with native plants and trees that play a part in the ecosystem, and indigenous hardwoods are used in local buildings to keep that authenticity.” 

Great Stirrup Cay is an “idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Line guests.” Situated among the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, the island is a 25-acre tropical oasis where you can discover a slice of paradise. 

Great Stirrup Cay is located in the Bahamas. The port features on Caribbean cruises sailing from Miami and Port Canaveral. On some exclusive itineraries, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises guests have the opportunity to visit Great Stirrup Cay. 

• Hop aboard a 40-foot-long pontoon catamaran for a scenic, relaxing guided tour of Great Stirrup Cay’s marine life. 
• Go up, up, up and away on a parasailing tour. Soar 400 feet above the ocean in tandem while being towed by a parasol boat for a bird’s eye view of paradise. 
• Experience a unique stingray encounter at Stingray City. Pet, feed, play and snorkel with stingrays in the turquoise Bahamian waters. 

Accessibility: Great Stirrup Cay is currently a tender port, but by the end of 2025, a new pier is set to open, capable of accommodating two cruise ships at once and eliminating the need for tendering. 

Costs: Visiting Great Stirrup Cay is included in your cruise fare, with access to the beach, buffet lunch and certain activities complimentary. Extras such as shore excursions, cabana or villa rentals, premium dining and water sports experiences are available at an additional cost. 

Who it’s for: Solo cruisers, multigenerational and families, adventure-seekers and couples. 

• Book early: Excursions, cabanas and villas are popular and often sell out before sailing, so secure your spot in advance.
• Pack wisely: Bring reef-safe suncream, a hat, water shoes and a reusable water bottle for a comfortable day ashore. 
• Arrive hungry: A complimentary beach buffet is included, with Caribbean-inspired favourites and refreshing drinks to enjoy.
• Plan your time: Decide whether you want a relaxing beach day, an active adventure (like snorkelling or jet-skiing), or a mix of both so you don’t miss out. 

Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in Southern Belize, offering guests a true taste of the Caribbean. Spend the day unwinding on a white-sand beach, cooling off in the lagoon-style pool, or seeking out adventure with a zip line ride or a nature encounter - there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. 

Harvest Caye is located in Southern Belize. The port features on Norwegian Cruise Line’s, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises Caribbean cruises and is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' premier island destination. You can sail to Harvest Caye from Miami, New Orleans and Tampa. 

• Spend time at the saltwater lagoon for watersports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and electric float boats. 
• Shop ‘til you drop at the expansive shopping village, which features popular name-brand retailers as well as local Belizean crafts. 
• Head to The Flighthouse, a thrilling 136-foot high venue for aerial activities including 3,000 feet of postcode lining across the island, quick jumps and an observation deck with mainland views. 

Accessibility: Harvest Caye has its own pier, allowing ships to dock directly. This makes it quick and easy for you to step ashore without the need for tender boats. 

Costs: Visiting Harvest Caye is included in your cruise fare, with access to the island, its beach and pool complimentary. Food and drinks on the island, along with extras such as zip-lining, water sports, wildlife encounters and cabana rentals, are available at an additional cost. 

Who it’s for: Couples and honeymooners, solo travellers, multigenerational or families, shoppers and thrill-seekers. 

• Bring your card: Unlike many private islands, food and drinks on Harvest Caye are not included in your cruise fare, so be prepared to pay separately. 
• Book activities early: Popular options like zip-lining, snorkelling and wildlife encounters sell out quickly, so reserve in advance if they’re on your list.
• Make the most of the pool: The island’s enormous lagoon-style pool is a highlight and a great alternative if you’d like a change from the beach.
• Take your time ashore: With a dedicated pier, getting on and off the ship is quick and easy, giving you more hours to enjoy the island. 

Princess Cays boasts outstanding amenities while carefully preserving the island’s natural beauty. Princess Cruises invites guests to “take in the views from the observation tower, enjoy a complimentary beach barbecue or sip a cool drink.” 

Princess Cays is located in the Bahamas. The port features on Caribbean cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral and is reserved exclusively for Princess Cruises guests. 

• Zoom around the island on a neon yellow banana boat. 
• Explore Beach Clamshell, a private retreat situated on the sandy shore. Perfect for a relaxing escape, you can take in the island’s natural beauty while lazing on a comfortable beach chair. 
• Head to Rock Sound, Princess Cays’ town, which is known for its pristine beaches, sparkling blue water, spectacular views and colourful island buildings. 

Accessibility: Princess Cays is a tender port, allowing ships to anchor just offshore and giving guests access to the island’s unspoilt beaches and crystal-clear waters. 

Costs: Visiting Princess Cays is included in your cruise fare, with beach access and a barbecue-style lunch complimentary. Optional extras such as water sports, cabana rentals, equipment hire and shore excursions are available at an additional cost. 

Who it’s for: Solos, family and multigenerational cruisers, honeymooners and couples. 

• Head ashore early: Arriving on one of the first tenders means you’ll have the best choice of loungers and shady spots. 
• Bring beach shoes: The sand can get hot underfoot, and water shoes are handy if you’re swimming near rocks or coral.
• Keep essentials with you: As the ship remains at anchor, popping back on board isn’t convenient - pack suncream, swimwear, and anything you’ll need for the day.
• Plan your activities: Whether it’s snorkelling, a glass-bottom boat ride, or simply relaxing on the beach, decide in advance so you make the most of your time ashore. 

Royal Caribbean International is home to two much-loved private destinations: Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay. In the years ahead, the line will expand its portfolio with four new beach clubs and island experiences: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (opening December 2025), Royal Beach Club Cozumel (2026), Perfect Day at Sea in Mexico (2027), and Perfect Day at Lelepa in Vanuatu (2027). 

Royal Caribbean International first acquired Labadee in 1986 and has since become Haiti’s leading source of tourist revenue. Two years later, in 1988, the line took over CocoCay and went on to invest $250 million to transform it into the vibrant Perfect Day at CocoCay, which officially opened in 2019. 

Labadee is Royal Caribbean International’s exclusive private destination. Surrounded by lush mountains and sparkling blue waters, it combines adventure and relaxation with beautiful beaches, a lively artisan market and thrilling attractions like the world’s longest overwater zipline. 

Labadee is located in Haiti. The port features on Caribbean cruises departing from Cape Liberty, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Port Canaveral and is reserved for guests of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. 

• Soar along Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest zip line over water and see Labadee from 500 feet above the ground. 
• Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Dragon’s Café. Here, you’ll find all kinds of food served complimentary. 
• Catch some of the best views of Labadee while coasting down a mountainside at 30 miles per hour on the Dragon’s Tail Coaster. 

Accessibility: Labadee features a dedicated pier, so ships can dock directly and you can step ashore with ease - no tendering required. 

Costs: Visiting Labadee is included in your cruise fare, with beach access, a complimentary barbecue-style lunch and plenty of relaxation spots all part of the experience. Optional extras such as shore excursions, cabana rentals and zip-lining are available at an additional cost. 

Who it’s for: Families and multigenerational cruisers. 

• Head for your beach early: Loungers and shaded spots fill up quickly, especially at popular areas like Adrenaline Beach.
• Bring a little cash: Local artisans sell handmade crafts in the market area, and small purchases often require cash.
• Book activities ahead: Experiences like Dragon’s Breath Flight Line and cabana rentals are very popular and sell out before your cruise.
• Take the tram: Complimentary trams run around the peninsula, making it easy to move between beaches, dining areas and attractions.

A private island like no other, Perfect Day at CocoCay offers fun for all the family. CocoCay features the tallest waterslide in North America, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, a giant wave pool and plenty of other attractions, including a helium balloon and a 1,600-foot zipline. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay is located in the Bahamas. The port features on Caribbean cruises departing from Cape Liberty, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Port Canaveral and is reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises guests. 

• Spend the day relaxing at Chill Island, where crystal-clear tropical waters and powdery sands await. 
• Towering slides and rushing tides will greet you at Thrill Waterpark. A drench-a-minute thrill-a-thon for every adventurer, Thrill Waterpark will have you giggling all day long. 
• Take your adventure to the skies aboard a helium balloon and see the private island like never before - from the highest vantage point in the Bahamas. 

Accessibility: Perfect Day at CocoCay has a purpose-built pier, so ships dock directly and you can head straight ashore without the need for tender boats. 

Costs: Visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay is included in your cruise fare, with access to the beaches, freshwater pool, and complimentary dining options all part of the experience. Optional extras such as admission to Thrill Waterpark, helium balloon rides, and speciality dining venues are available at an additional cost. 

Who it’s for: Multigenerational cruisers, families and couples. 

• Decide your day early: Whether you want to relax on Chill Island or splash out at Thrill Waterpark, planning ahead helps you make the most of your time.
• Book extras in advance: Cabanas, Beach Club access, and popular excursions often sell out quickly, so reserve them before your cruise if they’re a priority. 
• Don’t miss the free options: The Oasis Lagoon pool, Chill Island beach, and several dining spots are all complimentary - perfect if you want a great day without added costs.
• Stay sun safe: CocoCay has plenty of open areas, so pack suncream, a hat, and lightweight clothing to stay comfortable under the Bahamian sun.