You've booked your Bahamas cruise, and now you're staring at three different private island options wondering which one will give you the best beach day. After visiting each of these islands multiple times across different cruise lines, I'm here to break down the honest truth about Half Moon Cay, CocoCay, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Each island promises paradise, but they deliver very different experiences. One excels at pure relaxation, another is an adrenaline junkie's dream, and the third offers the perfect middle ground. Let me help you choose the right fit for your cruise style and budget.
Half Moon Cay feels like stepping into a postcard from 1985 – and I mean that in the best possible way. This 2,400-acre private island owned by Holland America and Carnival Corporation keeps things refreshingly simple compared to its flashier competitors.
What Makes Half Moon Cay Special:
The biggest advantage here is space. Even when the Nieuw Statendam brings 2,666 passengers, the beach never feels packed. You can actually find a quiet spot to read a book without someone's bluetooth speaker drowning out the waves.
The Reality Check: Half Moon Cay is decidedly low-key. There's no waterpark, no zip lines, and no Instagram-worthy infinity pools. If you're traveling with teenagers who need constant stimulation, they might find it boring after two hours.
The island's restaurant serves solid barbecue and Bahamian specialties, but don't expect gourmet dining. Clamshell rentals run about $25 for the day, and beach chairs are free – a refreshing change from some competitors.
Best For: Couples seeking relaxation, families with younger kids, and anyone who wants an authentic Caribbean beach experience without the manufactured resort feel.
Share your Half Moon Cay experiences in our Bahamas Ports forum!
Royal Caribbean transformed CocoCay into "Perfect Day at CocoCay" with a $250 million renovation, and the result is basically a water park that happens to be surrounded by ocean. This isn't your quiet beach retreat – it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure playground.
CocoCay's Biggest Draws:
Here's what Royal Caribbean doesn't advertise prominently: almost everything costs extra. The "free" parts of the island include basic beach access, complimentary lunch, and a few swimming areas. But the activities that make CocoCay famous? You'll pay separately for each one.
Hidden Costs to Budget For:
The good news? The complimentary areas are actually quite good. South Beach offers excellent snorkeling, and the free lunch includes options like jerk chicken, pulled pork, and fresh fruit that rival many cruise ship buffets.
Insider Tip: Book waterpark tickets in advance through Royal Caribbean's app – they often sell out on sea days. Also, the Up, Up and Away balloon ride gets suspended frequently due to wind, so book it early in your visit.
Best For: Families with active kids, groups looking for variety, and anyone willing to pay extra for unique experiences.
Norwegian's newest private island destination in Vanuatu offers what I consider the sweet spot between Half Moon Cay's simplicity and CocoCay's chaos. While technically not in the Bahamas, Norwegian's Harvest Caye in Belize and their various private beach experiences follow a similar philosophy.
What Norwegian Gets Right:
Norwegian's approach feels less commercial than Royal Caribbean's but more developed than Holland America's. You get modern amenities without feeling like you're in a theme park.
The Catch: Norwegian's private destinations aren't as consistently available on Bahamas itineraries. You're more likely to encounter their private island experiences on longer Caribbean cruises.
Find fellow Norwegian cruisers to share tips in our Bahamas Ports forum!
Let me break down realistic daily spending for a family of four at each destination:
Half Moon Cay Budget:
CocoCay Budget (Going All-Out):
CocoCay Budget (Free Areas Only):
The math is clear: you can do CocoCay cheaply if you stick to free areas, but the temptation to upgrade is strong when you're surrounded by premium options.
Choose Half Moon Cay If:
Choose CocoCay If:
Skip All Three If:
After 15+ visits across these three destinations, here's my take: if this is your first Bahamas cruise, choose based on your cruise line first, then your personality second.
Royal Caribbean passengers should absolutely try CocoCay once – it's genuinely impressive and represents excellent value if you use the free areas strategically. Holland America guests will love Half Moon Cay's laid-back vibe, especially if you're over 40 or traveling as a couple.
For families, CocoCay wins on variety but Half Moon Cay wins on budget. For couples, Half Moon Cay offers romance while CocoCay provides adventure.
My personal favorite? Half Moon Cay on a Holland America ship with fewer than 2,000 passengers. There's something magical about having two miles of perfect beach with only a few hundred people enjoying it.
The bottom line: any private island day beats a sea day, but managing your expectations (and budget) makes the difference between disappointment and the highlight of your cruise.
Which private island is on your Bahamas cruise? Share your questions and experiences with fellow cruisers in our Bahamas Ports forum!
Each island promises paradise, but they deliver very different experiences. One excels at pure relaxation, another is an adrenaline junkie's dream, and the third offers the perfect middle ground. Let me help you choose the right fit for your cruise style and budget.
Half Moon Cay: Holland America's Slice of Untouched Paradise
Half Moon Cay feels like stepping into a postcard from 1985 – and I mean that in the best possible way. This 2,400-acre private island owned by Holland America and Carnival Corporation keeps things refreshingly simple compared to its flashier competitors.
What Makes Half Moon Cay Special:
- Two miles of pristine white sand beach with virtually no crowds
- Crystal-clear turquoise water perfect for snorkeling
- Genuine Bahamian culture with local staff and authentic food
- Horseback riding directly on the beach (around $89 per person in 2026)
- The famous Pink Flamingo Bar with reasonable drink prices
The biggest advantage here is space. Even when the Nieuw Statendam brings 2,666 passengers, the beach never feels packed. You can actually find a quiet spot to read a book without someone's bluetooth speaker drowning out the waves.
The Reality Check: Half Moon Cay is decidedly low-key. There's no waterpark, no zip lines, and no Instagram-worthy infinity pools. If you're traveling with teenagers who need constant stimulation, they might find it boring after two hours.
The island's restaurant serves solid barbecue and Bahamian specialties, but don't expect gourmet dining. Clamshell rentals run about $25 for the day, and beach chairs are free – a refreshing change from some competitors.
Best For: Couples seeking relaxation, families with younger kids, and anyone who wants an authentic Caribbean beach experience without the manufactured resort feel.
Share your Half Moon Cay experiences in our Bahamas Ports forum!
CocoCay (Royal Caribbean): The Thrill-Seeker's Paradise
Royal Caribbean transformed CocoCay into "Perfect Day at CocoCay" with a $250 million renovation, and the result is basically a water park that happens to be surrounded by ocean. This isn't your quiet beach retreat – it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure playground.
CocoCay's Biggest Draws:
- Daredevil's Peak waterslide – the tallest in North America at 135 feet
- Thrill Waterpark with 13 slides (around $79 per person)
- Up, Up and Away helium balloon ride offering 450-foot views ($45 per person)
- Oasis Lagoon – the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean
- Chill Island adult-only retreat ($89 per person)
Here's what Royal Caribbean doesn't advertise prominently: almost everything costs extra. The "free" parts of the island include basic beach access, complimentary lunch, and a few swimming areas. But the activities that make CocoCay famous? You'll pay separately for each one.
Hidden Costs to Budget For:
- Thrill Waterpark: $79 adults, $69 kids
- Coco Beach Club cabanas: $499-$899 depending on size
- Zip line: $79 per person
- Jet ski rentals: $95 for 30 minutes
- Private cabanas at South Beach: $249-$499
The good news? The complimentary areas are actually quite good. South Beach offers excellent snorkeling, and the free lunch includes options like jerk chicken, pulled pork, and fresh fruit that rival many cruise ship buffets.
Insider Tip: Book waterpark tickets in advance through Royal Caribbean's app – they often sell out on sea days. Also, the Up, Up and Away balloon ride gets suspended frequently due to wind, so book it early in your visit.
Best For: Families with active kids, groups looking for variety, and anyone willing to pay extra for unique experiences.
Perfect Day at Lelepa (Norwegian): The Balanced Approach
Norwegian's newest private island destination in Vanuatu offers what I consider the sweet spot between Half Moon Cay's simplicity and CocoCay's chaos. While technically not in the Bahamas, Norwegian's Harvest Caye in Belize and their various private beach experiences follow a similar philosophy.
What Norwegian Gets Right:
- More included activities than Royal Caribbean
- Better food quality than typical private island fare
- Reasonable pricing on premium experiences
- Good balance of relaxation and activity options
- Authentic local culture integration
Norwegian's approach feels less commercial than Royal Caribbean's but more developed than Holland America's. You get modern amenities without feeling like you're in a theme park.
The Catch: Norwegian's private destinations aren't as consistently available on Bahamas itineraries. You're more likely to encounter their private island experiences on longer Caribbean cruises.
Find fellow Norwegian cruisers to share tips in our Bahamas Ports forum!
The Money Talk: What Each Island Really Costs
Let me break down realistic daily spending for a family of four at each destination:
Half Moon Cay Budget:
- Beach chairs: Free
- Clamshell rental: $25
- Drinks at Pink Flamingo Bar: $8-12 each
- Horseback riding: $89 per person
- Snorkeling gear: $25 per set
- Total family day: $150-250
CocoCay Budget (Going All-Out):
- Thrill Waterpark family pass: $296
- Private cabana: $499
- Up, Up and Away: $180 for family
- Drinks and snacks: $80
- Total family day: $1,055
CocoCay Budget (Free Areas Only):
- Beach access: Free
- Complimentary lunch: Free
- South Beach activities: Free
- Drinks: $8-12 each
- Total family day: $50-80
The math is clear: you can do CocoCay cheaply if you stick to free areas, but the temptation to upgrade is strong when you're surrounded by premium options.
Which Island Should You Choose?
Choose Half Moon Cay If:
- You want authentic Caribbean culture
- Relaxation trumps activities for your group
- You prefer smaller crowds and pristine beaches
- You're on a tighter shore excursion budget
- You're cruising with Holland America or select Carnival ships
Choose CocoCay If:
- You're traveling with teens or thrill-seekers
- You don't mind paying extra for premium experiences
- You want Instagram-worthy photo opportunities
- Your group enjoys water parks and adventure activities
- You're sailing Royal Caribbean
Skip All Three If:
- You prefer exploring authentic local ports
- Private islands feel too manufactured for your taste
- You'd rather spend the day on Nassau or Freeport
- Your cruise budget is already stretched thin
My Honest Recommendation
After 15+ visits across these three destinations, here's my take: if this is your first Bahamas cruise, choose based on your cruise line first, then your personality second.
Royal Caribbean passengers should absolutely try CocoCay once – it's genuinely impressive and represents excellent value if you use the free areas strategically. Holland America guests will love Half Moon Cay's laid-back vibe, especially if you're over 40 or traveling as a couple.
For families, CocoCay wins on variety but Half Moon Cay wins on budget. For couples, Half Moon Cay offers romance while CocoCay provides adventure.
My personal favorite? Half Moon Cay on a Holland America ship with fewer than 2,000 passengers. There's something magical about having two miles of perfect beach with only a few hundred people enjoying it.
The bottom line: any private island day beats a sea day, but managing your expectations (and budget) makes the difference between disappointment and the highlight of your cruise.
Which private island is on your Bahamas cruise? Share your questions and experiences with fellow cruisers in our Bahamas Ports forum!
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