Drew_Callahan
Moderator
Three Private Islands, Three Very Different Vibes
You're looking at your cruise itinerary and you see a port day at a private island. Sounds amazing, right? But here's the thing—not all private islands are created equal. After 40+ cruises, I've spent time on Princess Cays, Ocean Cay, and Great Stirrup Cay, and I can tell you that each one offers a completely different experience. Some cruisers find them essential to their vacation. Others? They feel like a missed opportunity.
Let me break down what you're actually getting at each island so you can decide if it's worth dedicating your precious port day.
Princess Cays: The Established Classic
Princess Cays is operated by Princess Cruises and located in the Bahamas (just off Eleuthera Island). If you're sailing with Princess—like on the Caribbean Princess, Royal Princess, or Sapphire Princess—there's a good chance you'll dock here.
What You Get
Princess Cays feels like a purpose-built resort, which it essentially is. You get a long stretch of beach, organized beach cabanas, and a solid infrastructure. The main beach is divided into sections: family beach, adult beach, and cabana areas. There's a pier where your ship docks directly (no tender boats), which is a huge convenience factor that many cruisers don't appreciate until they've experienced tendering.
The food situation is respectable. There's a buffet near the beach with basic Caribbean fare—jerk chicken, rice and beans, salads—included with your cruise. If you want more upscale dining, there's a beachside restaurant with grilled seafood and entrees running $15–$28 per plate. Drinks are reasonably priced at $7–$9 for beer and well cocktails.
Activities include paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling (though the reef isn't spectacular), jet skiing, and beach volleyball. These aren't free—expect to pay $55–$99 per person for water sports. But the island has a calm, established feel. The bathrooms are clean. The shade is plentiful. Families appreciate the predictability.
The Honest Downsides
Here's what I'll tell you after multiple visits: Princess Cays can feel crowded, especially on formal sea days when multiple Princess ships dock. The beach itself is nice but not jaw-dropping. The snorkeling is mediocre—you're better off booking a third-party excursion to a different reef if that's your priority. The "adult beach" is quieter but smaller, and sunsets here don't compare to what you'll see in places like Cozumel or Grand Cayman.
If you're a budget cruiser, you'll feel the upsell. Nearly everything beyond the basic beach access costs money. The cabanas (which start at $350+) fill up fast for popular sailing dates.
Is It Worth Your Port Day?
Yes—if you're with Princess and want a guaranteed, low-stress beach day without worrying about tenders or language barriers. No—if you're an experienced cruiser who wants authentic Caribbean culture or world-class snorkeling. For families with young kids, it's a solid choice because of the infrastructure and relative safety.
Ocean Cay: The Newer, Glossier Option
Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises' private island, also in the Bahamas. It opened in 2019 and it shows—everything feels modern and purpose-built. If you're sailing with MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, or other MSC ships, you'll likely stop here.
What You Get
Ocean Cay is more developed than Princess Cays, with better infrastructure and a design that feels intentional. The island has multiple beaches segregated by experience level: family beach, adult beach, and a premium club beach (for higher-tier cruisers). The water is clear and shallow in the designated swimming areas—genuinely gorgeous.
The dining is a step above Princess Cays. The main buffet is expansive and included, with more variety including fresh grilled fish, conch salad, and Caribbean-specific dishes. There are also sit-down restaurants: a beachside grill with fresh seafood ($12–$22 per entree) and an upscale "Taste of Gourmet" restaurant. The presentation and quality are noticeably better than what you'll find at Princess Cays.
Water activities are similar: paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling, jet skiing. But Ocean Cay has added some newer touches—there are more shade structures, better lounging areas, and the overall aesthetic is sleeker. You also get direct ship docking (no tenders), which is crucial for accessibility.
The Honest Downsides
Ocean Cay is newer, but it's also pricier. Everything costs more than Princess Cays. A beer runs $9–$11. Snorkeling excursions are $79–$99. Premium cabanas (with food service included) start at $600+. The restaurant pricing reflects a premium cruise line's clientele.
Second, the snorkeling still isn't world-class. If reef snorkeling is your priority, you'd be better off booking an independent excursion in Cozumel or the Turks and Caicos.
Third—and this is important—the island can feel corporate. You're not experiencing a natural island; you're experiencing a meticulously designed resort. Some cruisers love that. Others find it soulless.
Is It Worth Your Port Day?
Yes—if you're sailing MSC and value modern amenities, good dining options, and a polished experience. It's worth it if you're traveling with a mix of ages and want something that caters to everyone. No—if you're budget-conscious or seeking authentic Caribbean flavor. Also no if you're an experienced cruiser looking for adventure; Ocean Cay is designed for comfort, not exploration.
Great Stirrup Cay: The Eclectic Wild Card
Great Stirrup Cay is Royal Caribbean's private island in the northern Bahamas. You'll visit it on certain eastern and western Caribbean itineraries sailing Royal Caribbean ships.
What You Get
Great Stirrup Cay has a completely different vibe than the other two islands. It feels less polished and more adventurous. The beaches are beautiful—softer sand, better colors—but the island itself feels less developed. This is intentional; Royal Caribbean positioned it as a more natural, less resort-like experience.
There's a large beach area, but tenders are required. Your ship anchors offshore and boats ferry you to the beach. This adds 15–20 minutes each way to your time on the island, which matters if you only have 8 hours in port.
Dining is casual and affordable. There's a buffet included (BBQ, salads, drinks), and a few cash-based restaurants serving conch salad ($12–$15), jerk chicken plates ($14–$18), and seafood. Drinks are reasonably priced ($7–$9). The vibe is more laid-back than either of the other islands.
Activities include snorkeling (which is legitimately better here than at the other two islands), swimming, beach volleyball, and paddleboards. The snorkeling isn't extraordinary, but you'll actually see reef fish and coral.
The Honest Downsides
Tenders are a major inconvenience, especially if you have mobility issues or small children. On rough seas, tendering can be uncomfortable or even delayed. I've had mornings where tender operations didn't start until late, cutting into island time.
The island is less developed, which means fewer shade structures, fewer bathrooms, and a more rustic feel overall. Some cruisers appreciate that authenticity. Others find it underwhelming given that you're giving up a port day.
The "adventure" aspect can be overstated. You're still on a Royal Caribbean-controlled island with curated activities and limited ability to explore freely.
Is It Worth Your Port Day?
Yes—if you value snorkeling, a more laid-back atmosphere, and don't mind the tender experience. Yes—if you're sailing Royal Caribbean and want to save money (it's the cheapest option of the three). No—if you want a polished resort experience or if mobility is a concern. No—if you have limited time in port and can't afford to spend 30+ minutes tendering.
The Direct Comparison: Which One Wins?
For Families with Young Children: Princess Cays wins. Direct docking, organized activities, clean facilities, and a calm atmosphere.
For Snorkeling Enthusiasts: Great Stirrup Cay edges out the others, though honestly, none of the three has "exceptional" snorkeling. Book a third-party excursion if reefs are your priority.
For Budget Cruisers: Great Stirrup Cay is cheapest. Ocean Cay is the priciest. Princess Cays is middle ground.
For the Polished, Stress-Free Experience: Ocean Cay. It's newer, cleaner, better dining, but you'll pay for it.
For Adults Seeking Quiet and Atmosphere: Great Stirrup Cay's adult beach or Ocean Cay's adult zone. Both offer separate adult areas.