Of all the dream destinations available, there are only a few open exclusively to cruisers. These are the private island and beach resorts owned by some of the world’s largest cruise companies.
A private island has a lot to offer cruise passengers lucky enough to spend a day there. The facilities are safe, well maintained, and reflect the standards of the cruise line itself—something that a chaotic port city can’t always provide. In fact, a lazy day cocooned amidst the comfortable, high-quality amenities of a resort beach can be the perfect antidote to the non-stop exciting adventures typical of a cruise’s other exotic stops.
While these resorts have a reputation for being unimaginative if comfy, the truth is that they have a lot going for them. Because they are an extension of the cruise line itself, basic amenities, such as a beach lounger and a lunch buffet, are included in the price of the cruise. No additional purchase is necessary! Souvenirs, shore excursions, and so forth are also available, of course, but are completely optional.
As cruising has grown in popularity, companies have taken pains to differentiate their private resorts. Nowadays, guests enjoy just as many memorable moments on a private island as at any other destination.
The following are a few private island resorts that Royal Holiday members can visit:
* Coco Cay. Owned by Royal Caribbean, this small island offers three beaches and plenty of spots to relax and have a cool drink. Aside from the usual resort experience, this island also boasts a lovely nature hike and an underwater replica of Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the notorious pirate, Blackbeard.
* Great Stirrup Cay. The first private island opened for cruisers, Norwegian Cruise Line’s resort offers visitors a laid-back beach experience on a well-maintained beach, along with a water park, eco-trails, and plenty of other ways to have a good time in the sun.
* Princess Cays. Located on the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cruises’ private port packs a mile and a half of beaches into a 40-acre resort. Unlike many other private resorts, this one shares the island with a thriving little town that offers a unique culture all its own, including a summertime Pineapple Festival.
