Chapter VI Private Islands Make Fabulous Memories for Families Private butlers and other luxury amenities cater to those who want to be pampered, while plenty of island activities appeal to people on the go.
A recent visit to Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas, illustrates the cruise travel industry’s ongoing effort to exceed the expectations of its guests. Air-conditioned, open-air beach cabanas are available just a few steps from warm, blue, pristine waters. Private butlers magically appear (for a small fee) from nowhere to fill one’s beverage glass; others prepare hot and chilled appetizers, as well as cool cucumbers to sooth guests’ eyes from the tropical sun. Is this heaven? Not quite, but these breathtaking private islands are surely memorable for cruisers who want to enjoy total stress reduction. Many Caribbean cruises include a stop at some of the Caribbean Sea’s most picturesque islands. Turquoise waters, stunning coral reefs, beautiful beaches, and native fauna and wildlife draw the awe of visitors. For the more active crowd, a variety of optional island exploration and water sports activities keep people busy all day long.
Beach umbrellas, cabanas, and other shady spots are available to those who want to step out of the sun. Beachside massages sooth the senses. Guests who want privacy are invited to visit many of the islands’ more isolated and secluded beaches. Families are more than welcome, with plenty to do for all ages, including aqua parks, hiking trails, and other kid-
friendly activities. Many areas on the islands are handicap accessible. Here’s a rundown of the private island ports of call by cruise line:
Costa Cruises – Costa Cruises guests visit Catalina Island, off the coast of the Dominican Republic. It features activities such as volleyball, beach Olympics, snorkeling, and massages on the beach. Cruise passengers can also rent jet skis, go for banana-boat rides, or relax on a long beach edged with palm trees. Music and barbecues complete an idyllic day and, for the tourist-minded, visitors can purchase jewelry, beachwear, and other souvenirs. Disney Cruise Line – Disney’s Castaway Cay provides plenty of magic and fun for people of all ages. The three-mile- long island, of which only ten percent has been developed, provides plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy its natural beauty. The island caters to guests in true Disney style. This is the only private island featuring cruise ship docking capabilities (as opposed to shuttle boats between the ship and the island). This allows guests to come and go as they please. Attractions include the Castaway Family Beach, Serenity Bay (for adults), Teen Beach and Scuttle’s Cove (for kids), plus numerous water sports, snorkeling, and water tour excursions. Holland America Line – Half Moon Cay, rated the “Best Private Island” by Porthole Cruise Magazine eight times now, is located on three mile-long Little San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, of which only two percent has been developed. Half Moon Cay was built on a crescent-shaped white sand beach more than a mile in length. Island attractions include horseback riding, snorkeling with stingrays, personal watercraft tours, kayak lagoon tours, parasailing, massages, and the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park. Your private butler will attend to virtually any need during your stay, and the island makes a lovely setting for a destination wedding. MSC Cruises – Many MSC Caribbean cruises stop for the day at Cayo Levantado, off the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic’s Samana Peninsula. As at all the other private islands, passengers can enjoy a beautiful beach and go snorkeling or swimming. There are beach chairs, umbrellas and walking paths, plus tables for an open-air lunch. Travelers
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
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