More exclusive islands and private port destinations are coming to cruise itineraries soon, finds Alice Barnes-Brown
The facts: VIP experiences on board cruise ships are on the up – and cruise lines have been looking to offer a taste of exclusivity on land too, with many companies buying entire islands or developing huge, private-use ports in dreamy tropical destinations for their passengers.
Each exclusive destination is a medley of what makes the region so appealing, such as idyllic white-sand beaches, phenomenal cocktails in bamboo bars and plenty of great watersports. This year and beyond, a selection of new private islands and ports are set to welcome passengers, and will make for some exciting stops on their itineraries.
The lines: Among a haul of new destinations in the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key will be opening its proverbial doors in summer 2025. The line has been drip-feeding details: it’s set to welcome two million passengers a year and will feature a huge family-friendly lagoon with waterslides, an adult-only pool and private club, plus a retail area selling Bahamian-made souvenirs alongside duty-free shops.
Disney Cruise Line is set to launch Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point even sooner, this June. The exclusive Disney port on Eleuthera pays homage to the culture of the Bahamas in its architecture and excursions, which are led by local tour operators. Besides areas for families and for adults, there’s a kids’ club staffed by Disney Cruise Line’s ‘counsellors’, where younger cruisers can play in a Little Mermaid-inspired splash park.
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay officially opened in 2019, but the first adult-only area (Hideaway Beach) opened in January this year. The new zone is set around a turquoise C-shaped cove with hammocks and sunbeds, and offers 10 exclusive cabanas to rent. Besides lounging, Hideaway Beach offers an all-day beach party experience at a swim-up bar, soundtracked by a DJ.
The attractions: A private port can offer mega attractions not found on typical cruises. Perfect Day at CocoCay, for instance, features the Caribbean’s largest wave pool and North America’s tallest waterslide.
All-inclusive value: Entrance to private destinations is generally included in the cruise fare, as are standard sunbeds, play areas, basic beverages and sometimes buffet lunches. However, even if there are extra costs, they can usually be charged to a cruise card, removing the need to exchange and carry a multitude of Caribbean currencies.
Natural wonders: Private islands aren’t mere extensions of cruise ships – some have gorgeous natural areas and environmental projects that passengers can get involved in. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay offers eco-boat and kayak tours around its foliage-packed fringes, while MSC Marine Reserve has revitalised the island and its marine life.
