Private island cruise destinations have never been more popular, but which is your ideal getaway?

Great Stirrup Cay was a trailblazer back in the late 1970s, and now, the NCL destination is welcoming a revamp.

It is one of several new cruise-line-owned private island developments. Evidently, these private destinations have never been more popular - among guests and cruise operators alike.

Excitement for the 'new' Great Stirrup Cay ramped up this month, thanks to the marketing efforts of NCL. A new pier that eliminates the need for tendering and a new plaza are among the enhancements coming this year, showcased during August’s marketing push.

The ‘Great Life Lagoon’ as well as an adults-only area called ‘Vibe Shore Club’ and a new development of private villas are slated to follow next year, further expanding Great Stirrup Cay in 2026.

It follows July’s launch of Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, a new private resort on Grand Bahama Island, and precedes the planned December debut of Royal Caribbean’s all-inclusive private resort in Nassau, Bahamas, called “Royal Beach Club Paradise Island”.

And, all these projects come after Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, in the Bahamas, opened in 2024.

It’s a big, popular trend

You don’t have to be the most observant to notice the trend.

The private island trend began decades ago, when Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept with Great Stirrup Cay, in 1977, but it has accelerated rapidly in the last decade.

These private islands, and the very similar coastal enclaves, are like a mashup of a tropical beach resort and a theme park – think ‘Disney World bubble, but with beaches and turquoise ocean.

They offer cruise guests a slice of paradise, all contained exclusively within the purview of the cruise operator. From white-sand beaches and swimming lagoons to water parks, zip-lines, and private cabanas, it's perhaps easy to see how these destinations often end up being the highlight ofthe cruise itinerary for many guests.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at the top private islands being run by cruise lines, delve into who’s built what, and, see if we can see what all the fuss is about.

Royal Caribbean: Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay has become the blueprint for modern private cruise destinations.

Located in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas, CocoCay underwent a $250 million transformation in 2019, turning a sleepy stop into a “thrill and chill” resort.

Ships now dock directly at a pier, so there’s no tendering, and guests are welcomed to beaches, waterparks, and overwater cabanas.

The island’s signature attractions include Daredevil’s Peak (the tallest waterslide in North America), the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, a 1,600-foot zipline, and a helium balloon ride soaring 450 feet into the sky.

Many beach areas – such as Chill Island and South Beach – offer free loungers and access to the ocean, along with complimentary dining at BBQ shacks and snack stalls. Thrill Waterpark, overwater cabanas, and the exclusive Coco Beach Club with infinity pool are premium experiences at extra cost.

CocoCay consistently earns rave reviews, even being voted the world’s best cruise port in 2024.

Royal Caribbean: Labadee

While not a standalone island, Labadee is a secure, private enclave leased by Royal Caribbean on Haiti’s northern coast.

Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, the resort blends natural beauty with adrenaline-fuelled attractions.

Guests dock directly at the pier and can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or trying some of the Caribbean’s most daring activities.

Highlights include the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, once the world’s longest overwater zipline, and the Dragon’s Tail alpine coaster that twists down the hillside.

Beaches like Nellie’s and Columbus Cove provide calm waters, with private cabanas available to rent.

A complimentary BBQ lunch, served by ship staff, is included, and the island’s many bars honor Royal Caribbean’s drink package.

Extras include water sports, parasailing, floating aqua parks for kids, and craft shopping at a local Haitian artisan market. Labadee is widely praised as a “private paradise” where guests can both relax and play in a safe, curated environment.

Disney Cruise Line: Castaway Cay

Disney’s Castaway Cay, located in the Abaco chain of the Bahamas, has set the gold standard for family-focused private islands since opening in 1998.

Unlike tender ports, ships dock right at the pier, making access easy for all ages.

From the moment you step ashore, Disney’s famous attention to detail is on display – even the beach chairs sport Mickey logos.

The island offers distinct zones: family beaches with a snorkel lagoon (complete with sunken statues), Pelican Plunge offshore water slides, and Serenity Bay, a serene adults-only beach.

Trams whisk guests across the island, and Disney characters in beach attire make surprise appearances.

A complimentary BBQ buffet with burgers, ribs, and ice cream keeps families fueled.

Extra-charge activities include bike rentals, fishing trips, stingray encounters, and parasailing.

Guests can pay for some exclusive upgrades to elevate their time ashore.

Disney Cruise Line: Lighthouse Point, Lookout Cay

Opened in 2024, Disney’s Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera Island is Disney Cruise Line’s latest private destination.

Unlike Castaway Cay, Lighthouse Point was developed in partnership with local Bahamian communities, giving it a more authentic cultural flavour.

Guests arrive at Mabrika Cove, the colourful welcome hub, before trams shuttle them to the Family Beach, adults-only Serenity Bay Beach, or Goombay water play zone.

The design is inspired by Bahamian art and heritage, with cabanas, craft markets, and performance spaces celebrating local culture.

Free amenities include sun loungers, dining pavilions, and a large lagoon-style family play area. Activities like snorkelling, cabana rentals, and nature trails add variety, while Bahamian food and live music give the island a festival feel.

Though still new, Lighthouse Point is already praised as a vibrant alternative to Castaway Cay, delivering both Disney service and local authenticity in one destination.

NCL: Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay, located in the Berry Islands next to CocoCay, holds the title of the first cruise line private island.

Norwegian Cruise Line purchased it back in 1977, and while modest compared to newer resorts, it has been steadily upgraded. Ships currently tender passengers ashore, though a new pier is under construction.

Guests enjoy wide sandy beaches lined with hammocks and loungers, plus complimentary beach BBQs serving classic grill fare.

Snorkelling is a major highlight, with a unique underwater sculpture garden to explore.

Paid activities include WaveRunner tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, and zip-lining across the island.

In 2019, NCL introduced Silver Cove, a premium area with private villas featuring air-conditioning and bathrooms, catering especially to Haven suite guests.

Though smaller and less “theme park” than other private stops, cruisers appreciate Great Stirrup Cay’s laid-back charm and its long history as the prototype for today’s private island experiences.

Stirrup Cay's phased developments and upgrades are expected to add so much more for guests over the coming years, including additions like the 'Great Tides' waterpark slated to open in 2026.

NCL: Harvest Caye

Norwegian Cruise Line took a different approach with Harvest Caye, a 75-acre resort off southern Belize, which opened in 2016.

Rather than being all-inclusive, it feels like a hybrid between a private island and a resort, connected by a causeway to the mainland.

The $100 million project created a massive pool with a swim-up bar, a seven-acre beach, a kids’ splash park, and even a small wildlife sanctuary.

What sets Harvest Caye apart is its policy: food and drinks are not included in cruise fares. Restaurants and bars are run by local Belizean operators, offering authentic flavours but at à la carte prices.

Activities include zip-lining over the beach, climbing the lighthouse for panoramic views, water sports, and excursions to mainland attractions such as Mayan ruins and river tubing.

Private villas and cabanas are available for rent, and guests often enjoy the island’s expansive pool complex. Some cruisers love the local integration, while others miss the all-inclusive feel found on other islands.

Holland America & Carnival: Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Bahamas, has long been a guest favourite thanks to its natural beauty.

Owned by Holland America Line (and shared with Carnival ships), the island features 2.5 miles of white sand wrapping around a pristine lagoon. Development has been kept light, allowing the island’s unspoiled character to shine.

Guests can enjoy complimentary beach BBQs and loungers, while paid activities include horseback riding into the surf, snorkelling, kayaking, and parasailing.

Families appreciate the aqua park playground, while couples splurge on private cabanas and upscale villas, some complete with butlers and whirlpools.

A quirky highlight is the rustic “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” bar, perched with ocean views.

Currently a tender port, Half Moon Cay will receive upgrades by 2026, including a pier and expanded dining options.

Princess Cruises: Princess Cays

On the southern tip of Eleuthera Island lies Princess Cays, a 40-acre private beach resort owned by Princess Cruises (part of Carnival Corporation).

It offers about a half-mile of beach dotted with sunshades, loungers, and optional bungalows. Unlike thrill-focused islands, Princess Cays emphasises simple beach relaxation and water fun.

Complimentary BBQ lunches are served in a large pavilion, while extras include snorkelling excursions, banana boat rides, and float mat rentals.

A supervised kids’ splash pool area adds family appeal, while adults often head to the craft market where local Bahamians sell straw goods and souvenirs.

As a tender port, passengers ferry ashore, but the location’s proximity to Nassau makes it a staple on short itineraries.

While more low-key than other private resorts, Princess Cays delivers exactly what many cruisers want: a safe, easy day of sun, sand, and water sports with Princess’ signature service.

MSC: Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

MSC Cruises has put sustainability at the heart of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a former industrial sand-mining site in the Bahamas transformed into a $200 million eco-paradise.

Opened in 2019, the island now boasts eight distinct beaches, restored coral areas, and a marine conservation center.

Unlike other private islands, Ocean Cay avoids big theme park attractions. There are no pools or giant slides, just miles of soft sand and turquoise lagoons.

Guests can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or join scuba excursions, while evenings bring a spectacular lighthouse light show with music.

Food is complimentary at beachside buffets and food trucks, and multiple bars – including one inside the lighthouse – serve cocktails. Premium extras include cabana rentals and guided tours.

Ocean Cay’s nature-first philosophy has resonated with guests, making it a standout among private islands.

Ongoing investment will add overnight stays and more amenities through 2025, deepening MSC’s eco-tourism commitment.

Virgin Voyages: Beach Club at Bimini

Virgin Voyages has carved out a niche with the Beach Club at Bimini, a stylish resort partnership on Bimini Island in the Bahamas.

Exclusively available to Virgin’s 18+ passengers while ships are docked, the club blends luxury beach vibes with festival energy.

The centrepiece is a massive lagoon-style pool where DJs spin music, creating a day-club party atmosphere.

Morning yoga by the ocean sets a calmer tone before the energy builds with beach games, cocktails, and pool parties.

A complimentary beach BBQ lunch is included, while private cabanas are available for rent. Bonfires and sunset celebrations often close the day before guests return to the ship.

Unlike full private islands, Virgin doesn’t own Bimini outright, but this exclusive club delivers a curated, upscale beach experience that matches the brand’s hip, adults-only ethos.

Carnival: Celebration Key

Carnival Cruise Line is debuting Celebration Key, its first-ever private destination, situated on Grand Bahama’s southern coast—just east of Freeport and about 120 miles from Miami.

Launched in July 2025 following a multi-year build-out, the island promises up to four million guests annually by 2028, with two massive cruise ships able to dock at a dedicated pier.

The resort is structured into five “Portals,” each curated for different experiences—everything from family fun and adult party zones to exclusive clubs and retail areas.

Expect freshwater pools (possibly among the largest in the Caribbean), swim-up bars, floating cabanas, family water zones, and a vibrant food and beverage scene with over 15 dining outlets in collaboration with Grupo Anderson’s.

Royal Caribbean: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Royal Caribbean will launch the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in late December 2025, located on the western side of Paradise Island near Nassau.

This 17-acre all-inclusive beach experience is the first in their new Royal Beach Club Collection.

The site will be divided into mood zones: family, chill, and party with entertainment, local music, artisan shops, and vibrant Bahamian design throughout.

There’s also an option for upgraded experiences like the two-story Ultimate Family Cabana with a whirlpool and a private attendant.

Also slated for 2026 will be Royal Caribbean second'Royal Beach Club', at the Mexican island of Cozumel.

Where next?

There’s no sign that the trend is slowing.

Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean is also expanding the concept globally, with Perfect Day at Lelepa in Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, and a Royal Beach Club in Cozumel, Mexico, is slated for 2026–27.

Could similar resorts be developed in Europe? ... probably not easily and, at least, not anytime soon. Unlike in the Caribbean, Europe does not have the same number of smaller, uninhabited islands ripe for development.

Private resort experiences are nonetheless clearly expected to move beyond the bounds of the Caribbean.