No cruise to the Caribbean would be complete without a stop at one of the many private islands owned by cruise lines where guests can enjoy a relaxing day in the warm sun, playing in the crystal clear water, and partaking in the many activities offered on these island paradises.
All of the major cruise lines own or have long-term leases on private islands including:
- Royal Caribbean: CoCo Cay, Bahamas and Labadee, Haiti
- Holland America Line: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
- Norwegian: Great Stirrup Cay
- Princess Cruises: Princess Cays
- MSC Cruises: Ocean Cay (under development, not yet opened)
- Disney Cruise Line: Castaway Cay, Bahamas
- Carnival Cruise Line: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
The Caribbean cruise market continues to heat up with MSC now homeporting two cruise ships in South Florida – MSC Divina and the new MSC Seaside – and their purchase and development of their own private island, Ocean Cay. MSC has been using Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay for private island calls on days when Norwegian doesn’t have a ship calling.
Royal Caribbean recently announced a complete overhaul of CoCo Cay transforming it into “Perfect Day at CoCo Cay” are part of a revitalization program for its islands around the world.
Norwegian completed a re-do of Great Stirrup Cay in 2016 and Carnival celebrated the opening of Amber Cove in 2015.
In 1997 Disney Cruise Line entered into a 99-year lease for a 1,000-acre island called Gorda Cay. Over the course of 18 months, the company spent $25M converting the island into Castaway Cay for the exclusive use of Disney Cruise Line guests. When the island opened, it was hailed as the first private island where guests did not have to take tender boats to get to shore.
Earlier this month, a rumor began to circulate that Disney was looking to purchase a second island in the Bahamas called Lighthouse Point. The 700-acre island is currently listed for sale for $200M and is described as:
“A stunning peninsula with incredible beaches on both sides of the property, 3 interior lakes and 50 ft elevations make this a one of a kind opportunity in The Bahamas. Lighthouse Point offers over 4 miles of beachfront and iron shore with deep water access in the protected south-east corner of the property. Lighthouse Point is ideal for the creation of a residential resort development, including marina and golf course, or a private estate.
This property is simply the best development opportunity in The Bahamas.”
Since being listed, it has sparked concern from residents who started a petition on change.org to save Lighthouse Point:
“Lighthouse Point is one of the most popular beach and recreation areas in the entire Bahamas. The biodiversity of the ecosystem and the hugely important cultural and historic resources are irreplaceable and should be preserved for the enjoyment and education of the entire community and not just for a select few.”
Bahamas news source Tribune 242 has confirmed that Disney does have interest in further development in the Bahamas, but not in any particular geographical location.
According to the article, Disney Cruise Line spokesperson Kim Prunty said, while the cruise line didn’t have “anything to share about a specific location” at this time, any project pursued by the company in the future would involve a “partnership with the community” and build on its commitment to “sustainability, protecting the environment, creating jobs and economic opportunity, and celebrating the culture and stories of the area.”
Disney Cruise Line currently has three ships on order, each expected to carry 4,000 passengers. Delivery is expected in 2021, 2022 and 2023. While details on where these ships will homeport and what itineraries they will sail have not been released, if Disney does decide to pursue a second Bahamas island, it should be complete in time for the arrival of the first new vessel.
What’s your favorite private island destination? Mine happens to be Half Moon Cay! Let me know in the comments below.