Spontaneous Cruise Booking! Can you help a girl out?

[CruzerDeb]

I tend to cruise every 3 years, whether I need to or not (hahahaha) and was feeling sad that I hadn't seen the beach in a couple of years.  As I frequently do, I looked at sales on Carnival and found a 4-day to the Bahamas, my DH said I could go, I asked a friend and we booked with only 10 days to spare!  I am BEYOND excited!

 

However, I'm not finding a lot of information on Princess Cays and Freeport.  I recently had surgery and am not up for a lot of physical activity, so I'm planning on both days being beach days.  Is Princess Cays the same has Half Moon Cay - owned by Carnival, free chairs available with a buffet included?  What is the best beach to visit in Freeport and the best way to get there?  I'd appreciate any help you can provide!

[Essiesmom]

Princess Cays is Princess Cruise Lines private island and does not have as nice a beach as  HMC.  Someone may chime in here but you can also research on the Ports of Call under Private Islands.  You can also research Freeport under Bahamas.  EM

[CruzerDeb]

Thanks.  I've researched there and am not finding any info.

[GeorgiaMomof4]

We stopped in Freeport a few years ago and did a resort for a day.  Took a taxi over and

had a wonderful day.  It was gorgeous.  It wasn't all inclusive, I don't even remember if they offered that

but we don't drink so we wouldn't have been interested in that anyway.  The resort did have a casino but I honestly can't remember the name of it.  I might be able to go back and find it if you are interested.

Edited October 23, 2018 by GeorgiaMomof4
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[pcvtmom]

We enjoyed Paradise Cove ( http://deadmansreef.com/)  in Freeport.  They will pick you up and transport you to their tiny resort.  It was quiet and relaxing!

 

Princess Cay is set up similarly to HMC, with loungers, picnic buffet, etc.   Reviews are not as overwhelming flattering as HMC (which I feel is the most beautiful beach I've ever seen), but I cannot speak from experience.  My first visit to Princess Cay will be in February.

[The7Harrisons]

just stay on the boat at the pool an you will have a much better time than princess cays and especially that crap-hole Freeport!

You probably already know that Princess cays is owned by Princess cruiseline which is owned by carnival, so yes it is like 1/2 moon, but 1/2 moon is much better!

[Theosprey247]

If you are going to go into the water at Princess Cays than I suggest you get some water shoes (its rocky).

In Freeport I would go to Paradise Cove (actually I would book a Kayak tour of the mangroves, but you don't want anything physical)

 

Whatever you do, enjoy your cruise.

[audcc77]

Look up grand lacayan Freeport on TripAdvisor website. You’ll see a recent review from someone who did a day pass. I’ve been a few times. It’s decent.  

 

Otherwise as EM said, look up cruise critics port of call page for specifics as far as transportation there.  Food is somewhat expensive.  Market is across the street for souvenirs, if it’s still there.  

Have fun on your cruise. 

[pacruise804]

On 10/23/2018 at 11:58 AM, CruzerDeb said:

I tend to cruise every 3 years, whether I need to or not (hahahaha) and was feeling sad that I hadn't seen the beach in a couple of years.  As I frequently do, I looked at sales on Carnival and found a 4-day to the Bahamas, my DH said I could go, I asked a friend and we booked with only 10 days to spare!  I am BEYOND excited!

 

However, I'm not finding a lot of information on Princess Cays and Freeport.  I recently had surgery and am not up for a lot of physical activity, so I'm planning on both days being beach days.  Is Princess Cays the same has Half Moon Cay - owned by Carnival, free chairs available with a buffet included?  What is the best beach to visit in Freeport and the best way to get there?  I'd appreciate any help you can provide!

 

Depending on the surgery issues might change my answer, but I would do a beach day at PC and stay on the ship at Freeport.  Freeport has some beautiful beaches, but you would need to travel.  Staying on the ship should give you a less crowded ship experience.  Princess Cay is rocky so I would pack water shoes if you plan to go in the water.  The beach to the right (across the foot bridge) was a lot less crowded and quieter.  There were restrooms and a buffet/picnic area on that side as well as the main side to the left where most passengers go.