If you’re dreaming of a cruise vacation, you might as well dream big. Imagine a private island and all the goodies that come with it — white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, sunshine and tropical cocktails. If you thought private islands were not within your reach, think again. You can experience any of the private islands below just by taking Carnival™ cruise.
Amber Cove
Along the Dominican Republic’s beautiful Amber Coast lies Amber Cove, a 30-acre cruise port that has beaches, shops and lounging areas as far as the eye can see. From zip lining to riding on catamarans, there is something here for everyone.
The transportation hub at Amber Cove offers handy access to rental cars, taxis and dozens of enjoyable shore excursions. For excitement on land, take off on an ATV adventure or ride a zip line through the rain forest.
For water fun, spend the day at the beach or pool, go paddleboarding, swim with the dolphins or head to the Damajagua Cascades, where you can slide down waterfalls into natural, crystal clear pools.
If you want to explore nearby city of Puerto Plata, you’ll find a waterfront area with a marketplace, restaurants, shops and historical exhibits. For water fun and relaxation, the recreation area features a pool, a splash zone, private cabanas, bars, lounges and lush, green space.
Grand Turk
Grand Turk is the capital island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for a blend of scenic beauty and historic charm, Grand Turk delivers.
Cruise here with Carnival Cruise Line and you’ll find picturesque beaches, grassy walking trails and a dazzling coral reef along with additional unique treasures from the island’s former sea salt industry like salt ponds, old windmills and wild donkeys.
In Grand Turk’s capital, Cockburn Town, you will find streets lined with colorful, Bermuda-style buildings and the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which features all kinds of treasures, from shipwreck booty to a rare Lucayan duho.
The cruise center at Grand Turk spans 18 acres and features a sandy beach, a swimming pool, cabanas, landscaped grounds, a shopping center, bars and restaurants. In addition to all of these great attractions, you’ll enjoy an array of options for exciting shore excursions on the island of Grand Turk.
Spend the day swimming and sunning at the beach, see all that Cockburn town has to offer or interact with stingrays at Gibb’s Cay. For even more fun on Grand Turk, hop on a Segway for an island tour or get an in-depth look at the ocean with a ride on a glass bottom boat.
Half Moon Cay
When it comes to private islands, Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas couldn’t be lovelier. Blue skies, a crescent-shaped beaches, aquamarine seas and warm breezes make this cruise destination a must-see. Half Moon Cay is one of the islands that make up the archipelago of The Bahamas and is a significant nesting area for waterfowl. It is not surprising that nature lovers find plenty to do in this magnificent place.
If you love flora and fauna, take an eco-bike and hike tour. Watch for feathered friends like wood doves and Bahama mockingbirds, and enjoy views of Stingray Park, Goat Cay and Cat Island. For more nature-inspired fun, explore Bone Fish Lagoon by kayak or take a nature walk and get a fun history lesson at the same time.
Do you want to take a splash instead? Water lovers can swim, snorkel or sail the shallow island waters, or saddle up for a horseback ride by land and sea. If you just want to relax, nab one of the luxury cabanas on the beachfront and order up a tall, tropical cocktail.
Mahogany Bay
Located off the northern coast of Honduras, lies the island of Roatan. It is the largest of the country’s Bay Islands and a hidden jewel in the Caribbean Sea. With a cruise to Mahogany Bay on the south shore, you’ll find soft sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush, green landscapes. With a variety of fun-filled shore excursions, you won’t want to leave.
To start your fun, board the Magical Flying Beach Chair, and glide from the cruise port welcome center to Mahogany Beach. Take a dip in the azure blue waters, or try your hand at Snuba™, a mix of scuba diving and snorkeling.
If you’re an animal lover, you can ride horses on the beach and into the sea, swim with dolphins or interact with Honduran pirates, birds and monkeys at Gumbalimba Park. If you’re a certified scuba diver, the waters off Anthony’s Key offer a magnificent coral reef adventure, or you can head inland and explore the jungle of Roatan by ATV.
Want to be where the action is? Head to West End Village, where you’ll find restaurants, bars and plenty of local boutiques.
Princess Cays
On the south end of the Island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas lies Princess Cays, a Carnival cruise to this private resort offers pristine beaches and over a half a mile of silky, white-sand coastline.
Cruise center amenities include a complimentary beach barbecue, an observation tower, sand volleyball courts and varieties of watersport equipment, from kayaks and snorkeling gear to paddle wheelers.
Want a little private time with your sweetheart? Drop the kids off at the supervised children’s area, and head to the adults sanctuary bungalow. If you’re looking for souvenirs, visit the craft market or one of the many shops.
If you thought relaxing on a private island was unattainable, you can check this entry off your bucket list with a Carnival cruise to the Caribbean. Cruise from cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Jacksonville or Tampa or depart from Baltimore, New York City, Charleston, Mobile, Galveston or New Orleans.