Private cruise destinations let you enjoy beaches and facilities reserved just for cruise guests.

You’ll discover custom-built environments at locations like Norwegian’s Harvest Caye in Belize, Carnival’s Mahogany Bay in Roatán, and Royal Caribbean’s Costa Maya in Mexico.

These spots give you access to private beaches, swimming pools and shopping areas designed for your comfort.

You can try exciting activities from zip-lining to exploring Mayan ruins.

Each destination keeps you connected to your ship’s services whilst offering unique Caribbean experiences.

Carambola Beach Club, St. Kitts Cruise Ship Port Guide

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You’ll find Carambola Beach Club just minutes from St. Kitts cruise port. The beach club offers you a perfect day trip from your ship with direct beach access.

You can use the private beach area with sun loungers and waiter service. The clear waters make swimming and snorkelling easy and enjoyable. The beachfront restaurant serves local seafood dishes and Caribbean cocktails with sea views.

The staff will help you settle in quickly, and you’ll meet other cruise visitors enjoying their beach day. You can rent snorkelling gear, beach umbrellas and towels on-site.

Distance from port: 5-minute taxi ride

Opening hours: 9am-5pm daily

Facilities: Restaurant, bar, changing rooms, showers

Pigeon Island Beach, St. Lucia Cruise Ship Port Guide

Pigeon Island Beach offers you a quieter alternative to Rodney Bay, just 15 minutes from your cruise ship dock in St. Lucia. The golden beach sits peacefully between historic ruins and green hillsides.

You can swim and snorkel in the calm waters, or relax under shaded spots along the beach. The bay provides clear views of boats and yachts sailing across the horizon. You’ll find restaurants on the beachfront serving local dishes and refreshments.

The location combines beach activities with historical exploration. You can visit the 18th-century military ruins or take short walks on the nearby trails. The national landmark status makes this spot extra special for history enthusiasts.

Remember to bring:

  • Beach essentials
  • Camera for bay views
  • Snorkelling gear
  • Sun protection
  • Water and snacks

You’ll appreciate this beach’s peaceful atmosphere compared to the busier Rodney Bay area, making it ideal for a relaxed day ashore.

Malfini Beach, Haiti Cruise Ship Port Guide

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Malfini Beach sits on Haiti’s northern coastline, offering you a private beach experience during your cruise stop. The beach features white sand and clear Caribbean waters exclusively for cruise passengers.

Your beach activities include:

  1. Relaxing on comfortable beach chairs beneath palm trees
  2. Playing volleyball with other cruise guests
  3. Snorkelling in the coral reefs near the shoreline
  4. Eating local Haitian barbecue at the beach restaurant

Key points:

  • You need your cruise card to access the beach
  • The beach is reserved for cruise passengers only
  • You can swim and snorkel directly from the beach
  • Facilities include loungers and dining options

What to bring:

  • Your cruise card
  • Beach essentials
  • Sun protection
  • Snorkelling gear (if not renting)

The beach operates during your ship’s scheduled port times, letting you enjoy a peaceful Caribbean setting during your cruise stop.

Jolly Beach, Antigua Cruise Ship Port Guide

Jolly Beach offers you a perfect Caribbean experience right at Antigua’s cruise port. The beach stretches for one mile with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.

You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas and water sports gear directly on the beach. The shallow water gradient makes swimming and snorkelling safe and enjoyable. Local traders sell Caribbean crafts and cold drinks along the shoreline.

Bring local currency to:

  • Pay for beach rentals
  • Purchase local crafts
  • Buy refreshments from vendors
  • Support small businesses

The beach’s main features:

  • Mile-long white sand coastline
  • Crystal-clear waters
  • Gentle slope for safe swimming
  • Easy access from cruise ships
  • Full range of beach amenities
  • Local shopping options

Harvest Caye, Belize Cruise Ship Port Guide (Norwegian)

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Your Guide to Harvest Caye – Norwegian’s Private Port in Belize

This stunning beach destination sits just off Belize’s southern coast. You’ll find a spacious 7-acre beach with clear waters, perfect for your swimming and water activities.

Key Activities:

  • Cool off in the massive 15,000-square-foot pool and enjoy drinks at the swim-up bar
  • Experience thrilling rides on the 3,000-foot zipline course
  • View the entire island from the 130-foot lighthouse viewing platform
  • Visit the nature centre to see local wildlife, including toucans and butterflies

Practical Tips:

  • You can use your ship card for all purchases
  • The beach welcomes all Norwegian cruise passengers
  • The waters remain calm and suitable for swimming year-round

Each facility offers direct access, clear signage, and trained staff to help you make the most of your visit. The port’s layout allows you to move easily between activities, making it simple to plan your day.

Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatán, Honduras Cruise Ship Port Guide (Carnival)

You’ll find Mahogany Bay on Roatán Island in Honduras, serving as Carnival Cruise Line’s private port. The port welcomes you with a modern shopping village, pristine beaches and tropical gardens.

The port’s main feature, the Magical Flying Beach Chair, takes you directly from the welcome centre to Mahogany Beach. You can choose from several activities:

  • Relaxing on beach loungers under palm trees
  • Snorkelling in the clear Caribbean waters
  • Watching colourful fish and coral reefs
  • Shopping at local craft stalls
  • Dining at beachfront restaurants and bars

The port provides basic facilities:

  • Clean changing rooms
  • Fresh water showers
  • Beach equipment rental
  • First aid station
  • ATM services

You’ll need your cruise card to access all port facilities and make purchases at the shops and restaurants. The beach chair ride requires a separate ticket, which you can buy at the welcome centre.

Perfect Day at Costa Maya, Mexico Cruise Ship Port Guide (Royal Caribbean)

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Costa Maya welcomes you as a bustling cruise port on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. You’ll find this public port offers both Mayan heritage and modern facilities.

You can enjoy these key attractions:

1. A large swimming pool area with convenient bars

2. Two significant Mayan sites:

  • Chacchoben ruins
  • Kohunlich ruins

3. A vibrant marketplace with:

  • Local craft shops
  • Traditional restaurants
  • Duty-free shopping

4. Water activities including:

  • Reef snorkelling
  • Beach relaxation

You’ll experience genuine Mexican culture whilst staying close to your Royal Caribbean ship. The port combines essential amenities with authentic local experiences, making it ideal for a day visit.

Remember: Costa Maya isn’t a private port, so you can explore beyond the immediate port area for a more local experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Early Should I Book Excursions at Private Cruise Destinations?

Book your private cruise excursions 3-6 months before your sailing date. You’ll get prime time slots, better rates and a wider selection of activities by booking through your cruise line early. Most sought-after experiences, like snorkelling tours and island adventures, tend to reach capacity quickly at private destinations. Your early booking gives you the best chance to secure your preferred activities and times.

Are Private Islands Accessible to Guests With Mobility Challenges?

You’ll find many private islands offering accessibility features for guests with mobility needs. The key amenities often include:

  • Paved pathways across main areas
  • Specialised beach wheelchairs
  • Transport options like accessible trams
  • Modified accommodation spaces

Many luxury private islands now prioritise inclusive design in their facilities, though availability varies by location. Contact your chosen island directly to confirm specific accessibility arrangements before booking.

Remember that facilities differ from island to island, so it’s worth checking the exact features that matter most to you. You can usually request detailed accessibility information from the island’s management team.

Can Non-Cruise Guests Visit These Private Cruise Destinations?

Private cruise destinations are exclusively accessible to cruise passengers. You can only visit these islands and beaches if you’re travelling on a ship operated by the cruise line that owns them. These destinations are closed to the general public and day visitors, making them a unique perk of your cruise holiday.

What Happens if Bad Weather Prevents Docking at Private Destinations?

If bad weather stops your ship from docking at a private destination:

You’ll experience one of two options:

  • Your ship will sail to an alternative port
  • Your cruise line will add an extra day at sea

Your cruise line will refund any shore excursions you booked for the missed port. Your onboard account will show this refund automatically.

Do Cruise Line Reward Points Apply to Purchases at Private Destinations?

You can earn reward points when using your cruise line’s credit card at their private destinations. Your purchases at these locations typically count towards your rewards programme, similar to onboard spending. Check your specific cruise line’s reward terms, as earning rates might vary between onboard and private destination purchases.