Visiting a cruise line’s private island? Don’t make these 11 mistakes
Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Private islands operated by cruise lines are beautiful patches of vacation paradise with white-sand beaches, lounge chairs for everyone, refreshing tropical drinks that come to you and activities like water sports and zip lines. Don't create trouble in paradise by making an epic vacation blunder that will leave you with beach-day regrets.
These 11 common mistakes trip up both newbies and experienced cruisers when visiting popular private islands on Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Be forewarned so you can live out your island fantasies without a single travel nightmare.
Staying on board
Some vacationers new to cruising do not consider themselves "beach people" and assume there is no reason to go ashore at a private island. In reality, island days are not only about sitting on the beach; you're missing out if you stay on board.
Tours on the water abound, whether you want to explore via kayak, glass-bottom boat or personal watercraft. You can wade with stingrays or go fishing. In some locations, you can even take tours to nearby islands.
For example, on Carnival Corporation's Half Moon Cay, horseback riding in the surf is a popular attraction. Tours of the island's farm include learning about local plants and agriculture. Nature hikes bring travelers to ruins of limestone fishing huts from the late 18th century and spots to view the island's nesting seabird population.
On Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, you will find over-the-top attractions, such as the tallest waterslide in North America and the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, plus zip lines and balloon rides.
For all tours, advance bookings are required.
Walking to the beach
Your cruise line's private island might be bigger than you think. It can be a long trek on boardwalks or sandy roads to the beach from where you disembarked the ship or tender. Don't make the mistake of walking to the far end of the beach with all your gear when some cruise lines will provide open-air trams to take you where you want to go.
If you want to stretch your legs on purpose, check the island map for suggested hikes, or rent bikes to explore on two wheels. (You'll likely need to make reservations for bikes in advance.)
Related: The 10 best beaches you can visit on a cruise
Grabbing the first beach chair you find
It's human nature to grab the first empty beach chair you see, but if you pick a lounge chair close to the pier, you'll be in the noisiest, most crowded part of the island. Remember that more than one ship can visit a private island simultaneously, so those empty spots near you will fill quickly. Walk away from the ship (and the music-blaring bars), and you'll be rewarded with more peaceful surroundings.
Additionally, some islands have more than one beach, so don't settle for the first one you find. Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay, for instance, has beaches earmarked for families and teens; Serenity Bay, a heavenly mile-long stretch on the island's north side, is reserved for adults.
Tip: If you're planning to snorkel from the beach, you also will want to get away from the crowds for a more undisturbed look at marine life.
Related: Caribbean vs. Bahamas cruises: Which itinerary will I like better?
Delaying your cabana or villa reservation
Cruise lines rent private open-air beach (or pool) cabanas for hundreds of dollars per day and private air-conditioned beach villas for more than $1,000. These exclusive retreats get you VIP treatment and extra perks on your private island visit. Despite the high price tag, they are highly sought after and sell out fast.
Since cabanas sell out so quickly, the key is to reserve them as soon as you can book excursions for your cruise. Priority is sometimes given to suite guests. If you procrastinate, your dreams of relaxing on an uncrowded beach or enjoying lunch served by a butler will likely be dashed.
Waiting to reserve water sports equipment
On your cruise line's private island, you'll find shacks stocked with a limited number of floating beach mats, snorkels and fins, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and other water toys. To ensure you get what you want, reserve the equipment before your sailing or while you're still on the ship. You don't want to be that parent who has to tell your kid there are no more floats available.
Assuming there's free shade
Cruise lines promise free lounge chairs on their private islands but don't guarantee fee-free shade. If your cruise line's beaches offer beach umbrellas, they might not be free. Clamshell covers for lounge chairs always cost extra and are best reserved in advance because they often sell out.
A free option is pulling your beach chair over to the shade of palm trees, where you might also find hammocks. However, these shady spots could already be claimed by clamshell rentals or only be accessible if you trek all the way down the beach. That said, you can escape the sun in shaded bar and buffet areas — though they're not necessarily the most scenic spots for lounging.
Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler
Not staying for the barbecue
Some people head off the ship in the morning, find themselves bored by noon and go back to the ship for lunch. These folks miss the fun of having lunch at picnic tables or taking their meals to their beach chairs. (Yes, we know sand could be involved, but it's still an experience.)
If you've never sampled the fare at a private island barbecue, skipping this alfresco dining opportunity is a mistake. Depending on the cruise line, you'll find grilled burgers, hot dogs, jerk chicken, ribs, steaks, corn and an assortment of salads, desserts and fresh fruit — all served buffet-style from an open-air pavilion.
Also, don't make the mistake of assuming lunch on a private island is always the same. Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America both send ships to Half Moon Cay, but the sister cruise lines offer different beach barbecue menus. Both are worth a taste.
Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 10 best meals you can have at sea
Missing the alternative lunch options
While the island barbecue is a staple of the private island experience, some destinations offer alternative lunch options that you shouldn't ignore. Make sure you know about all your food choices before digging in because you might miss out on a special meal.
For instance, Holland America has a venue serving up grilled lobster and conch stew for a fee. Norwegian appeals to gourmands with complimentary food trucks serving tacos, ceviche and pulled pork sandwiches. On MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay, you can buy a lobster roll and indulge in ice cream served in a fish-shaped cone (also for a fee).
In addition to its two complimentary barbecue venues, Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay offers three Snack Shack outlets, an a la carte menu at Captain Jack's bar and restaurants exclusive to cruisers who pay for access to the Coco Beach Club and Hideaway Beach.
Wandering into private staff areas
To maintain the beaches and other facilities, your cruise company employs dozens of staff who might live on the island. (Other island workers are usually locals who come over for the day.) Their village area, which includes a kitchen, power generator, water and sewage plants, recreation hall and other facilities, will be marked as private. Treat this area like someone's home, and stay out.
Not bringing your own snorkels and beach toys
Don't spend tons of money on rentals when you're allowed to bring your snorkel gear to a private island's beach. A family of four could save $120 or more in rental equipment fees with a BYO approach. Plus, you can ensure that your masks fit properly and not have to worry about the cleanliness of shared equipment.
If you have room in your luggage, you might also want to pack the kids' buckets, shovels, sand toys and beach balls so they don't whine about having nothing to play with or beg you to buy beach toys at the island's shops. Inflatable balls and floats pack down flat for easy transport and keep the kids entertained while you relax.
Related: Best cruise line private islands for families
Forgetting beach necessities
If you hastily toss a few things in a beach bag five minutes before heading off the ship, you're bound to forget something important. Pack all the beach necessities the night before so you're not stuck paying inflated prices at the island's straw market.
Sunscreen, sun hats and sunglasses are a must. You might also want a cover-up for the lunch barbecue and either closed-toe or water shoes for specific excursions. On some lines, you must bring a pool towel from the ship to use on the island; don't assume towels will be provided.
You might also want to have a few dollars on hand to purchase souvenirs at the straw market or tip island staff (especially if you've rented a cabana with an attendant).
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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