MSC Ocean Cay Cruise Private Island

12 Reasons Why Cruise Private Islands are Better than Cruise Ports

Are you going on a cruise and visiting the cruise private island? In many ways, visiting a cruise private island can be even more enjoyable than stopping at most cruise ports. Here’s why.

It’s Private

Cruise ship private island
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Private islands are exclusive, and they are only open to the cruise line’s passengers. That means no outside visitors can visit the island, which makes the beach experience more enjoyable because it’s less crowded.

Free Amenities

Cruise Ship Private Island
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All cruise private islands have complimentary amenities such as lounge chairs and tram service. This creates a resort-like experience you won’t find at public beaches at cruise ports.

Free Lunch Buffet

Cruise Ship Private Island Lunch Buffet
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The cruise staff will prepare a BBQ lunch buffet on the island, which is so much better than having to figure out where to have lunch when you’re out exploring a cruise port on your own. The BBQ lunch buffet is a nice catered buffet with freshly grilled hotdogs, burgers, ribs, fresh salads, desserts, and ice-cold drinks. The best part is it’s free and included in your cruise fare.

Clean Bathrooms

MSC Ocean Cay Cruise Private Island
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One of the key advantages of cruise private islands over traditional cruise ports is the cleanliness of the bathroom facilities. The private island bathrooms are well-maintained restrooms regularly cleaned by the cruise staff. While if you’re visiting a cruise port or a public beach, finding clean bathrooms can often be challenging. 

No Need for Transportation

MSC Cruise
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You don’t need to worry about getting an Uber, taxi or joining a tour when you’re at the cruise private island. The logistics of getting off and on the cruise ship are easy since you usually dock right on the island. In most cruise private islands, you just walk off the cruise ship, although some locations may require you to take a tender boat to reach the shore. Check out 13 Safety Tips at Cruise Ports You Need to Know About

Beautiful Beaches

Cruise Ship Private Island
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Cruise lines take great care to keep their private island beaches impeccably clean. With soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, they are likely the most beautiful beaches you’ll visit on your cruise. Check out Should You Remove Automatic Gratuities on Your Next Cruise?

It’s Safe

MSC Ocean Cay Cruise Private Island
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Cruise private islands are safer than public beaches at cruise ports. Since only cruise passengers and staff can access these islands, it’s a safer experience. Check out 11 Anti-Theft Cruise Tips that Every Cruiser Needs to Know

Cruise Beverage Package

MSC Ocean Cay Cruise Private Island
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Most cruise lines include drinks ordered at their private islands as part of your cruise beverage package. Since spending time on the private island is essentially an extension of your time on the ship, you can enjoy unlimited drinks throughout your day there. With various bars scattered across the private island, getting your money’s worth from the beverage package is easy. On the other hand, when you’re at a cruise port, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for any drinks you order. Check out 8 Reasons Why Cruise Ship Beverage Packages are a Waste of Money

Private Cabanas

MSC Ocean Cay Cruise Private Island
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Unlike public beaches, cruise private islands have resort-style amenities such as being able to reserve a luxurious cabana for the day. Many of these cabanas come stocked with food and drinks, creating the perfect setting for unwinding by the beach with family and friends. Check out 8 Proven Ways to Get VIP Treatment on Your Next Cruise

No Pushy Vendors

MSC Ocean Cay Cruise Private Island
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One of the best things about the cruise private island beaches is that there are no pushy vendors! Unlike many cruise ports, these private islands don’t have vendors pressuring you to buy souvenirs. This allows you to relax and enjoy the beach in peace! Check out 22 Things to Pack in Your Cruise Private Island Beach Bag (Free Packing List)

Rentals

MSC Ocean Cay Cruise Private Island
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Cruise private islands have water sport rentals such as stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. The best part is that you can simply charge these rentals to your cruise account—no need to worry about cash! Check out The Worst Months to Go on a Cruise

Activities

MSC Ocean Cay Cruise Private Island
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The cruise private island is a natural extension of the ship itself. When the ship docks, most of the cruise activities shift to the island. The cruise director coordinates a variety of engaging games and activities, ensuring plenty of fun to be had on the private island. Check out 10 Cruise Private Island Mistakes You’ll Regret Making

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