Cruise to Princess Cays

Table Of Content

• CCL's Carnival Spirit ship welcomes first passengers from Mobile, Alabama
• Only Carnival's cruise guests will be able to vacation at this $500 million private resort — take a sneak peek
• Gorgeous Private Islands You Can Experience by Cruise
• New law forces Carnival Cruise Line to change advertised price for cruises
• Things to do in Princess Cays
• Beaches

The private islands are equipped with energy-efficient lighting systems, allowing for reduced energy consumption. The cruise line also utilizes renewable energy sources such as solar power where feasible, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy production process. Carnival Cruise Line also takes steps to reduce waste and promote recycling on its private islands. Recycling bins are strategically placed throughout the islands, making it convenient for guests to dispose of their waste responsibly. Additionally, the cruise line utilizes eco-friendly materials and encourages the use of reusable containers and utensils in an effort to minimize single-use plastic waste. Consult with the cruise line before your cruise (and again with the crew on board) if you use a mobility device.

CCL's Carnival Spirit ship welcomes first passengers from Mobile, Alabama

If you’re visiting on a Princess cruise, you can use your beverage package (except the specialty coffee package) on the island. Visitors on a Carnival cruise can’t use any shipboard drinks packages on Princess Cays. Only one cruise ship visits Princess Cays per day, allowing for an uncrowded experience.

Only Carnival's cruise guests will be able to vacation at this $500 million private resort — take a sneak peek

You can also rent a beach clamshell and comfy beach chair to maximize your private island time. If you're more of an experience-focused traveler, there are fortunately plenty of things to do in Carnival's Half Moon Cay to satisfy your wanderlust. Book a tour to go snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding or even horseback riding on the beach.

Gorgeous Private Islands You Can Experience by Cruise

Surrounded by clear warm waters, the cruise line private island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Close to shore there are not much fish due all the visitors but you can join a boat trip to go snorkeling and diving in these clear warm waters. The island has a Welcome Center with information and excursions, a church for weddings, an ice cream parlour, bar, food pavilion, and restrooms.

Shopping on Princess Cays

Family-friendly attractions like beach games, mini-golf, and playgrounds ensure that everyone, regardless of age, can create fond memories on the private islands. Food and beverage options are plentiful on Carnival’s private islands, ensuring that guests never go hungry or thirsty. Beachside dining venues offer a variety of cuisines, from delectable BBQ and seafood to tropical snacks and refreshing beverages.

New law forces Carnival Cruise Line to change advertised price for cruises

You can buy a locker ticket via your online cruise planner, or on-island at one of the three locker rental stations. Although you can pay with your cruise card or medallion at the indoor shops, most of the local vendors accept cash only—although now a few are starting to accept credit/debit. Local vendor stalls are located near the indoor shops on the main part of the resort, as well as along the pathway to the beach over the bridge on the south side.

Things to do in Princess Cays

Passengers who visit with other cruise lines can purchase day passes as long as a Virgin ship isn't in port. Although the somewhat sheltered vibe is nice when you just want a day at the beach, it also means your time ashore is likely to be devoid of cultural immersion. If you prefer to visit populated islands and engage with the people who live there, a private island may feel like a wasted port day on your itinerary. Environmental and sustainability initiatives play a vital role in the development of these islands, ensuring the preservation of the natural beauty and ecological balance. From waste reduction and recycling to water and energy conservation, Carnival Cruise Line is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint and protecting the delicate ecosystems surrounding its private islands.

If you’d like to sightsee on your own, you can leave the resort area—but readily accessible transportation by taxi or bus is non-existent unless you make your own private arrangements before your visit. However (as with many tender ports) wheelchair or scooter access on the tender boats isn’t guaranteed. It’s also a good place to snap a pic of your ship, especially if you don’t want to climb the stairs to the top of the Crow’s Nest. The First Aid building, which you’ll see as soon as you exit the tender, is available for anyone needing emergency medical attention (or just a bandage or ice pack) during your visit. Here you’ll find beachy clothing for men, women, and kids, along with essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, flip flops, snorkel gear, and sand toys.

In the future, it plans to expand Celebration Key with zip lines and waterparks, Carnival said. The cruise line says this slice of the Bahamas — dubbed Celebration Key — is set to flex resort-like amenities, including cabanas by the ocean and an infinity pool at the adults-only club. Just days ago, Carnival Cruise Line invited interested guests to sign up for exclusive updates on Celebration Key, with tremendous response. Not only will those notifications include new itineraries, but also updates on the port’s progress and exciting features. These longer cruises will offer even more variety for travelers while still letting them experience the new and exciting port destination.

Your cruise entertainment crew will organize some team games and fun activities while ashore so get ready to join an impromptu game. The cay has volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoes, shuffleboard and walking trails so there’s plenty for active cruisers to enjoy. Near the church there’s a sports center where you can rent snorkels, floats and sports equipment or sign up for some team beach sports. The further you walk from the ship, the quieter the beach will be so if you’re looking for your own private spot, you will find it here.

The evolution of cruising's private islands - Travel Weekly

The evolution of cruising's private islands.

Posted: Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Whether it’s watching the sunset from a cabana or exploring the underwater wonders, a visit to one of Carnival’s private islands is sure to create lasting memories and leave guests with a longing to return for more. The history and development of Carnival’s private islands, including Half Moon Cay and Great Stirrup Cay, showcase the cruise line’s commitment to creating exceptional and curated experiences for its guests. The ownership and control over these destinations allow Carnival to offer a level of exclusivity and personalized service that is unparalleled.

Great Stirrup Cay, which is owned and operated by NCL, is a tender port that stretches across 250 acres in the Bahamas, about 140 miles east of Miami. Private islands are a cruise fan favorite and are stops on the majority of Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries. Set your expectations correctly and you're sure to have a relaxing day on the beach. Two-story beach villas are also available for rent and include all of the above, plus a five-person hot tub. The starting price of $800 covers eight guests; for groups larger than eight, you’ll incur an extra per-person charge (though there is a maximum of 18 allowed per villa).

Passengers will find an outpost of Jimmy Buffett-affiliated LandShark Bar & Grill, but all the food and drinks come with a fee, and you can't pay with your cruise card. Anyone not wishing to spend the extra cash can head back to the ship for a meal. Perhaps you're having visions of relaxing on a secluded beach, cocktail in hand, without another person in sight. But, when you're on a cruise, private islands are only private in the sense that they're exclusive to passengers on ships that call there. Carnival’s private islands cater to families as well, with dedicated areas and activities for children. Kids’ clubs and supervised programs provide age-appropriate entertainment and activities, giving parents peace of mind while they enjoy their own island experiences.