Really,
any cruise line private island could be on this list of the best: all of them
are lovely tropical getaways designed to provide a relaxing experience. While cruise
line private islands have that in common, each has unique features, and focusing
on the differences enabled us to make these picks:
Castaway
Cay, Disney Cruise Line. We
rate this 1,000-acre island in the northern Bahamas highly for its wonderful array
of family activities, combined with serene adults-only spaces. There’s a splash
playground for the youngest guests, a club for school-aged kids and a teen
hideout. Everyone can enjoy kayaks and paddleboats, foosball and table tennis in
the Game Pavilion, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear lagoon. Rent a cabana –
in the family area or at adults-only Serenity Bay – to enjoy comfortable lounges,
a stocked mini-fridge, your own shower, beach gear and butler service. Guests rave
about the quality of the food at Castaway Cays’ beach buffet, too.
CocoCay,
Royal Caribbean. Royal
Caribbean recently spent $250 million to refurbish this island in the Bahamas, and
the results are fantastic. The centerpiece is a waterpark with North America’s
tallest water slide (the 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak), a giant wave pool, and a
helium balloon that will take you 450 feet up in the air. Grab a bite at the
Chill Grill, or enjoy upscale fare at the Coco Beach Club. Visit the swim-up
bar at Oasis Lagoon, then lounge on a swim-up island. Rent a clamshell chair or
a cabana on the sand; or, try Bali-style luxury in an over-water cabana with
bottled water, fresh towels, a USB outlet and a Bluetooth speaker for your
music.
Harvest
Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line
Harvest
Caye is distinctive because it’s one of few cruise ship private islands outside
the Bahamas. Just a quick ferry ride off the coast of Belize, Harvest Caye has
a resort vibe, with a 15,000-square-foot pool, a seven-acre beach, and a splash
playground for little ones. Glide across the caye on a zip line; paddle across
the lagoon in a kayak; and visit macaws, toucans and other tropical friends in
the nature park. Shady cabanas equipped with air conditioning, bathrooms and
Wi-Fi are available for rent. Surprisingly, there’s no buffet: instead, select
from locally-operated island bars and restaurants.
For
more information about these and other private islands – including Princess
Cays, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay and MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay –
talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
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