Latest Developments in Cruise Line Private Islands

13.02.2024 - 19:36 / travelpulse.com / Holland America Line

Cruise line private islands have been making headlines lately: Most recently, news broke that the government of the Bahamas would rescind the tax-free status enjoyed by the islands on goods and services, which going forward will be subject to 10 percent VAT.

Shortly before that, Carnival Cruise Line unveiled details for Celebration Key, which in 2025 is scheduled to become cruising’s newest private island.

Since Norwegian Cruise Line introduced the first private island cruise port at Great Stirrup Cay almost 50 years ago, private island port calls have become a mainstay of Bahamas and Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Today, over half a dozen cruise lines offer some version of these popular all-day watersports and beach-party calls, and the concept continues to evolve. While all the private island cruise ports listed below are exclusive to the lines that own them, some may be shared with sister lines, as noted.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key will open in July 2025 on the south side of Grand Bahama Island. Its distinguishing design features are five portals—the Welcome Portal, Adult-Friendly Portal, Family-Friendly Portal, Private Club Portal, and Retail Portal. Up to two Carnival ships at a time will dock at an adjacent pier, allowing guests direct access to the destination. Of special note are “the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean,” according to the line, and a pavilion dedicated to hosting weddings. And while it has yet to welcome its first guests, Carnival is already planning future improvements, including a waterpark and zipline. Celebration Key will be visited by 18 Carnival ships sailing from nine U.S. homeports. 

Disney Cruise Line’s all-new private island retreat, dubbed Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, welcomes its first guests this coming June. Inspired by the surrounding Bahamian environment, Lookout Cay is billed by Disney as a place “where magic meets the beauty and culture of the Bahamas.” Like other such new facilities, it promises a full range of complimentary amenities for families, kids, and adults, with everything needed for a carefree day at the beach, including towels, lounge chairs, umbrellas, food, and "a pinch of pixie dust." Lookout Cay will be called at by Disney ships departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and Fort Lauderdale.

Royal Caribbean International’s Hideaway Beach made its debut recently, concurrent with the introduction of the line’s Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. Located on the northwest side of the line’s CocoCay private island (marketed as A Perfect Day at CocoCay), Hideaway Beach is a paid-access, adults-only area for guests 18 and older with its own separate facilities including 20 extra-charge private cabanas, two infinity