AAA Carolinas GO Magazine....

YOUR VERY OWN PRIVATE ISLAND

Many cruise lines have developed ports of call with “private islands”, popular additions that give passengers access to their own private oases with special activities, dining, and more. All offer luxurious versions of sunning, eating, and watersports, many also providing some entertainment and shopping venues.

These excursions, available mainly on cruises to the Caribbean, bring the cruise ship experience ashore in a way popular for both veteran and first-time cruisers.

Calls are around eight hours long and ships typically anchor beyond the island, although Disney did build it’s own deck.

Once ashore, passengers enjoy beach activities ranging from parasailing to oceanside cabana massages, special competitions or age-appropriate activities.

Cruise staff can transport ship services to the islands, and most island facilities are handicapped-accessible, including trams, paved pathways and wheelchairs with umbrellas and balloon tires for use on the sand.

Norwegian

Private island experiences began with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in the 1970s with the development of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, creating a ripple effects in the industry.

It offers white sand beaches, majestic palms and other tropical vegetation, and calm crystal-clear waters with marine inhabitatants in colorful coral reefs. The island has a new “Dive-In” watersports center. Its options include a snorkeling program with free instruction and rental equipment; paddle boats; boogie boards with viewing windows; 10-person banana boats; floats; sailboats; kayaks; and parasailing.

Princess

Since 1992, Princess passengers have enjoyed Princess Cays on the southern tip of Eleuthera. The 40-acre complex includes a pristine 1 ½-mile beach, bars and beachside barbecue, and shopping at the Tropical Treasures.

Reggae and calypso music at the beach set the mood for relaxation and children can play at Pelican’s Perch, a supervised play area complete with a replica galleon and a sand playground.

Holland America

Holland America’s Half Moon Cay debuted in 1997 to rave reviews. The 65-acre complex on the 2,400-acre Little San Salvador is less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau.

A welcome Center, lots of shopping, a wedding chapel and three watersports centers offer many options to cruise visitors.

It includes a new aqua park and a “Private Oasis,” built to accommodate groups seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.

Disney

Disney Cruise Line did things a little differently when it opened its private island, Castaway Cay, in 1998, with activities and areas for every age group.

Watersports include a snorkeling trail, walking and kayaking tours and a new Stingray Adventure program for ages five and up. Children ages 3-17 have specific water choices including Search for Atlantis, a special quest for crystals that are the source of life in the mystical city, and “Wild Side” teen excursions of snorkeling, biking and kayaking. Serenity Beach is for adults, with massage cabanas, a bar and lunch buffets.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has two private islands: CocoCay, a 140-acre island in the Berry Islands, and Labadee, located near Cape Haitien, on a wooded peninsula of Haiti. Both have beaches, three and five, respectively, with recreation activities such as boating and hiking. CocoCay has a unique floating sandcastle for kids and Labadee offers Haitian folklore and a local marketplace. The Dragon's Flight Zip Line on Labadee runs 4,000 feet over the water of Dragon’s Tail Beach.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Sevens Seas took private islands to another level with its French Polynesian islands Taha'a and Motu Mahana, accessible only by boat. Amenities include: beachside barbecue lunch, floating bar, snorkeling, kayaking, massages, and special performances by a Polynesian storytelling and dancing troupe.

It’s easy to see why cruises feature private island excursions; with all the different options, privacy can be pleasing!