Private Island Comparisons

[blue_water]

Planning a few cruises and researching the different cruise lines “Private Island” options (for the Bahamas only), and thought it would be great to have a quick comparison in one thread if folks would like to provide their feedback, please? And please correct any mistakes or add missing ports/ideas as well!
TIA! 

 

 Favorite for soft sand beach and beautiful water?

 

Favorite for snorkeling?

 

Favorite for getting away from the main area on excursions, golf carts, ATV’s, and day sails?

 

Favorite for a couples quiet spot away from the main crowd, vs 

Favorite for families with the best activities for toddlers and kids?

 

Favorite for comfort and amenities?

 

BIMINI - MSC, Virgin Voyages dock port

 

CASTAWAY CAY (Gorda Cay) - Disney dock port
 

COCO CAY (Little Stirrup Cay) - RCCL dock port

 

GREAT STIRRUP CAY - NCL, Regent Seven Seas tender port

 

HALF MOON CAY - CCL, HAL tender port

 

PRINCESS CAYS (Eleuthera) - Princess, CCL tender port

 

* LIGHTHOUSE POINT (Eleuthera) - Disney

 

 

 

Edited March 5, 2023 by blue_water

[AussieOmni]

Really enjoyed the snorkeling at coco cay with their work to create environments for the sea life.

 

My favorite excursion was from Virgin’s beach club. A shark dive and a visit to the Sapona wreck

[shipgeeks]

MSC's Ocean Cay is, in our opinion, far above all the others, in that it is not an amusement park, but rather a beautiful small island with beautiful aqua water all around it, and just enough amenities to make for a comfortable day.

[Kristelsea]

Half Moon Cay is literally a private island in the middle of the ocean.  There are nice beaches and quite a few natural things to do - sting rays, snorkeling.  Loved the live music on the beach - pretty good band.  Princess Cays is actually a rocky piece of beach on the 110 mile long island of Eleuthera.  There is so much to see if you book a tour beyond the gate.  There are deserted pink sand beaches, blue holes, caves.  There's even a local company offering dune buggy trips out to see Lighthouse Beach before Disney changes it forever (I included some photos of Lighthoiuse Beach).  It's still undeveloped and probably the prettiest beach I've ever seen. Even if you don't go on a tour, go through the gate and have drinks at the local bar "George's" (photo included).  Great local music and pretty scenery.

[Rothko1]

I concur that Lighthouse Beach is spectacular (in its current unblemished form).  Beautiful beach, great reefs for snorkeling, and virtually deserted.