carnival cruise princess cay reviews

Ultimate Guide to Princess Cays

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: November 19, 2021  - Last updated: March 20, 2023

Princess Cays is a private island destination in the Bahamas for both Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line. With sandy expanses stretching toward crystal-blue water, Princess Cays offers cruisers a relaxing beach day. Or spend your time on the island enjoying water sports—the choice is yours!

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy your day at Princess Cays. Be sure to check out my Princess Cays FAQ at the bottom of the page, where I answer the most commonly asked questions about this exclusive port of call.

Princess Cays: The basics

Princess Cays sits at the southern tip of Eleuthera , in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. Eleuthera is about 50 miles (80 km) from Nassau and 263 miles (423 km) from Miami.

Princess Cays sits on over 40 acres of land, and the resort features more than a half-mile of beaches for cruisers to enjoy.

The private island destination opened in 1992, and underwent significant renovations in 2018, including constructing a larger marina, installing WiFi connectivity, building new guest services stations, and extensive landscaping improvements.

The island is a popular port of call for many of Princess’ and Carnival’s Caribbean cruises. Without a deep harbor for docking, guests reach the port via tenders. These smaller boats ferry groups of passengers between the cruise ship and the tender dock on the island.

Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise

Unfortunately, during bad weather and rough sea conditions, tendering to the island often isn’t safe.

The port of call at Princess Cays is canceled more often than ports with cruise ship docks, especially during the hurricane season from June through November.

Beaches on Princess Cays

Princess Cays offers multiple sandy beaches, so there’s always plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling from the beach.

Most visitors flock to the main beach with its easy access to the Grill Crazy buffet lunch venue, restrooms, bars, and souvenir shops.

But taking a slightly longer walk in either direction will give you access to less-crowded beach areas that are still close enough to the action.

From the tender port, walk past the main beach to find the smaller North Beach .

Or venture a bit farther to the small cove across from the colorful bungalows—this beach is open to everyone and features fantastic snorkeling! You can swim out from this little beach and to the left to view live corals and thousands of colorful fish.

For an even more secluded beach experience, head to the southern end of Princess Cays. Many first-time visitors don’t even know that this part of the resort exists!

To get there, head forward and to the right (with your back facing the water) after you exit the tender. You’ll see a small wooden bridge that will take you right to this much quieter area.

But don’t worry that you’ll be far away from amenities—this section also has restrooms, bars, a small straw market, and a BBQ buffet lunch that serves the same choices you’ll find on the busier side of the resort.

More experienced snorkelers will love this beach! Swim out and to the left toward the reef to see colorful fish of all sizes, large corals, purple sea urchins, and other marine creatures.

This section of the water can get a bit choppy, especially when the tide is coming in. The lifeguards don’t patrol this section as closely as in the busier areas, so snorkel and swim at your own risk.

Or just relax on the sand in one of the loungers—there are plenty here in both sunny and shaded spots. Princess actually claims to have over 3000 complimentary lounge chairs available on the resort for guests!

Tip: If you want to be near the water but need shade, rent a clamshell for $39.95. These collapsible sun shelters will fit two loungers inside.

Adventurers will want to make the trek out to the point at the southernmost tip of the beach to truly get away from it all. You’ll need to wear water shoes or waterproof sandals to navigate the terrain, but the short hike is so worth it!

Follow the coast to the tip (you can see the point at the top of the photo above) to reach a secluded area where all you can hear is the crash of waves and the plaintive cries of seabirds.

Here you’ll also find the burial site of two young local women who died on the island in the late 1940s. Their simple grave markers are no longer visible (I believe 2017’s Hurricane Irma may have knocked them from their upright position and covered them with sand).

But you can still see the decorative rock piles that visitors have left in their memory at this peaceful place.

Water sports and activities on Princess Cays

If you’re looking for an active day out on the water, Princess Cays has you covered with lots of water sports to choose from! You can book a guided activity or rent equipment for a DIY option.

Be sure to book guided water sports before your cruise (via the cruise line’s online planner) for the best availability. Or you can book on board if you’re a last-minute decision maker.

Equipment rentals are available to book before your cruise as well. When you pre-pay for rentals, you’ll have a ticket delivered to your stateroom that you can redeem at the rental desk.

Or you can rent right on the island with your cruise card or medallion! Check the map by the first aid station when you exit the tender for rental locations.

For those who prefer to explore the water on their own, available water sports rentals include:

• Water noodle rental ($4.95 for six hours)
• Float rental ($9.95 for six hours)
• Aqua chair rental ($9.95 for six hours)
• Snorkel equipment rental ($19.95 for six hours)
• Snorkel vest rental ($9.95 for six hours)
• Oceanviewing sea board rental ($14.95 per hour)
• One-person ocean kayak rental ($19.95 per hour)
• Two-person ocean kayak rental ($24.95 per hour)
• Stand-up paddle board rental – SUP ($24.95 per hour)
• Two-person aqua bike rental ($24.95 per hour)
• Four-person paddle wheeler rental ($29.95 per hour)
• Hobie Wave sailboat rental ($49.95 per hour for up to 3 people)

(All prices are in USD and are current at time of publication)

You can also book tickets for guided water sports. Options include:

• Banana boat ride ($19.95 per person, 15 minutes)
• Surf fishing ($29.95 per person, 2.5 hours)
• Lagoon clear-bottom kayaking adventure ($39.95 per person, 75 minutes)
• Snorkeling tour for experienced snorkelers ($54.95 per person, 90 minutes)

Of course, you can always swim or snorkel from the beach on your own. I always bring my own full-face snorkel mask and gear when I cruise.

They’re not expensive at all, and the masks are much better and easier to use than the rentals!

Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise

Shore excursions on Princess Cays

Most shore excursions for your day at the private destination operate right on the resort grounds or very close by.

Cruisers have the opportunity to buy tickets to feed and interact with friendly stingrays at a cove near the tender dock, or try your hand at surf fishing just offshore.

You can also enjoy adventuring by bicycle or on a clear-bottom kayak. Experienced snorkelers can even book tickets to see marine life with a guide at a live coral reef.

Popular shore excursions at Princess Cays include:

• Island Bike Adventure ($29.95 per person, 1.5 hours)
• Stingray Beach Encounter ($39.95 per person, 1 hour)
• Coastal Cruise ($34.95 per person, 1 hour)
• Coastal Cruise + Snorkeling ($59.95 per person, 1 hour cruise + 6 hours snorkel rental)
• Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise ($45.95 per person, 1 hour)

For a complete list of shore excursions (including prices) for your cruise line, check out these resources:

• Princess Cruises’ Princess Cays shore excursions
• Carnival Cruise Line’s Princess Cays shore excursions

Tip: Guests with early shore excursion tickets through the cruise line can take advantage of priority tendering to Princess Cays—you won’t need to wait in line for a tender ticket!

Other activities on Princess Cays

Although many cruisers who don’t book a shore excursion just enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, Princess Cays also offers other activities that are free of charge.

On the south side of the resort you’ll find beach volleyball and a basketball court, perfect for a bit of exercise (or just watching a lively game).

Your cruise activities team will also usually host some fun contests after lunch. Compete in the tug of war or potato sack races and you could win a prize!

Pelicans’ Perch kids area

If you’re cruising with younger kids, they’ll love Pelicans’ Perch , a small fenced-off play area with a playground, swimming pool, and a covered activity pavilion.

Pelicans’ Perch isn’t a drop-off location like the kids’ clubs on the ship, so a parent or guardian needs to stay when their kids are enjoying the facility.

The freshwater wading pool is very shallow, perfect for little ones to splash around. Kids do need to be potty trained to swim in the pool—swim diapers aren’t allowed.

Pelicans’ Perch features plenty of loungers and bench seating for parents to relax while watching the kids, and there’s also a small toilet facility for potty breaks.

Food and dining on Princess Cays

After a morning of fresh air and activity, a hearty island lunch will be just what you’re looking for.

The resort has two identical BBQ buffet venues, one on the main side and one on the south side. Grill Crazy BBQ Grill is in the center of the action on the main side, between Pelican’s Perch and the Crow’s Nest Overlook .

On the south side, you’ll find Sea Breeze Grill , located just over the bridge.

Both venues offer plenty of sheltered outdoor picnic table seating available to eat your meal. Or you can take your food back to your loungers and enjoy it on the beach or under a swaying palm tree!

If your ship isn’t at full capacity (as I noticed on my 2021 Carnival Pride cruise during COVID), Sea Breeze Grill might not open due to the lower number of passengers on the island.

The complimentary lunch is usually available from 11:30 AM through 1:30 PM and features casual beach food like hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and jerk chicken. There are also salads and side dishes, along with a selection of desserts.

Be sure to stop by the free fruit stand (it’s just outside of the venue) to load up on freshly-sliced tropical fruit to complete your meal.

You’ll also find complimentary self-serve drinks inside each buffet venue, including iced tea, lemonade, and water.

Tip: Take along a refillable tumbler (I like this one from Yeti with an attached straw) to avoid waiting in a long line for drink refills—the cups they provide on the island are tiny!

Although there isn’t an exclusive dining venue for suite or Sanctuary Bungalow guests, anyone renting a bungalow also has the option to order a gourmet picnic lunch, delivered right to your door for an additional fee.

Bars on Princess Cays

There’s nothing nicer on a beach day than a cool, refreshing drink! Princess Cays has plenty of bar options for you to choose from, located on both sides of the resort.

• Bungalow Bar: located near the Private and Sanctuary Bungalows
• Coconut Bar: located near the end of North Beach by the Offshore Pavilion
• Banana Beach Bar: located in the center of the resort, across from the main beach
• Reef Runner Bar: located on the south end of the resort, near the Sea Breeze Grill

All the bars on Princess Cays are open to all cruisers—there are no exclusive bars set aside for suite or Sanctuary guests.

Tip: Be very careful with the wooden chairs at the bars! They can be very tippy if you lean back against the backrest!

Some of the bars do allow smoking, so keep an eye out for ashtrays on the bar if you’d like to avoid secondhand smoke.

Additionally, there’s usually a cold drink station set up near the picnic tables outside of Grill Crazy BBQ Pavilion to quickly grab bottles of water, soft drinks, and cans of beer. Standard bar prices apply.

Using your drink package on Princess Cays

Cruisers often ask me if you can use your drink package at Princess Cays. It depends on your cruise line!

Princess cruisers can use their drink packages at the private island destination. However, none of the bars offer fountain soda—only cans—so you’ll have to pay for soda even with a beverage package.

If you’re visiting on a Carnival ship , your drink package won’t work on the island. Instead, you’ll need to pay for all drinks at the bar with your Sail & Sign card.

Learn more : Carnival Cruise Line Drink Packages: The Ultimate Guide or Princess Cruises Drink Packages: The Ultimate Guide

Renting Private and Sanctuary Bungalows

If you’re looking for an exclusive spot to relax during your private island getaway, booking one of the candy-colored bungalows is the way to go! Cool off inside your own air-conditioned cabana, or lounge on the patio or under your umbrella.

Each bungalow is equipped with a ceiling fan, a table and four chairs, and an outdoor shower. Your bungalow will be stocked with towels, two flotation rafts to use for the day, and a cooler full of soft drinks and water.

You’ll also find some light snacks inside— usually fresh fruit and chips, salsa, and guacamole.

Waiters will occasionally come by offering drink service, and the open-air Bungalow Bar is also just steps away from the bungalow area.

The bungalows can comfortably accommodate four people, though you can purchase passes for up to two additional guests.

All the bungalows at Princess Cays are located on the far end of the main part of the resort, past the main beach area and North Beach. If you need assistance getting to and from your bungalow and the tender dock, crew members can transport you via golf cart.

There are two categories of bungalow on Princess Cays: Private Bungalows and Sanctuary Bungalows . Both cabana types are sized similarly—but Sanctuary Bungalows feature a lanai over the patio and also have outdoor water misters for additional comfort.

The most important difference is that Sanctuary Bungalows are reserved for adults only (18 years and up), and they sit in a private roped-off area only accessible to ticketed guests.

A Sanctuary Bungalow is the best option if you want peace and quiet, though they’re a bit farther away from beaches and restrooms.

Prices for bungalow rentals are as follows:

• Private Bungalow: $229.95 for up to four people
• Sanctuary Bungalow: $299.95 for up to four people
• Up to two additional guests: $25.95 per person (sold onboard only)

Guests booked in any bungalow also enjoy priority tendering to Princess Cays (tendering back to the ship is on a first come first served basis).

Shopping on Princess Cays

Whether you’d like to pick up a few Bahamas souvenirs or just some essential beach day items you forgot to pack, there are several shopping spots at the resort to suit your needs.

Princess Cays has two indoor shopping venues: the Bahama Treasures Shop and Tropical Treasures Shop , both centrally located just north of the First Aid Station.

Here you’ll find beachy clothing for men, women, and kids, along with essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, flip flops, snorkel gear, and sand toys.

The shops also sell a nice selection of typical souvenirs including t-shirts, mugs, shot glasses, and other trinkets with a Bahamas theme.

More unusual souvenirs in these shops include crystal jewelry, dinnerware, leather accessories, and decorative wood carvings. You can even take home some of the famous Andros batik fabric , either by the yard or made into table linens or resort wear.

Outside there are several local vendors selling handmade crafts straw-market style. You’ll often see artisans weaving or making jewelry and other souvenirs you can purchase. Some will even personalize items for gift-giving!

Local vendor stalls are located near the indoor shops on the main part of the resort, as well as along the pathway to the beach over the bridge on the south side.

Although you can pay with your cruise card or medallion at the indoor shops, most of the local vendors accept cash only—although now a few are starting to accept credit/debit.

US or Bahamian dollars are both fine (the Bahamian dollar is tied to USD, so the value is the same). It’s a good idea to take some smaller bills with you for shopping because you’ll likely receive change in Bahamian dollars.

Amenities on Princess Cays

Princess Cays offers several amenities to make sure you’re comfortable on the island. Most importantly, there are plenty of clean restrooms with changing areas!

Restrooms are located near the First Aid Station as well as by the Private Bungalows, and there’s also a restroom block on the south side near the Sea Breeze Grill.

There aren’t any private shower facilities on Princess Cays, but there are several outdoor showers for a quick rinse scattered around the resort.

Lockers are available for daily rental, at $9.95 per day. You can buy a locker ticket via your online cruise planner, or on-island at one of the three locker rental stations.

You’ll find lockers in three spots: near the First Aid Station, at the Snorkel Rental near the Private Bungalows, and on the south side near the Reef Runner Bar.

Tip: Map out where you’ll spend most of the day before getting your locker key. Once you’ve committed to a locker location, you can’t switch to a locker in a different part of the resort.

The First Aid building , which you’ll see as soon as you exit the tender, is available for anyone needing emergency medical attention (or just a bandage or ice pack) during your visit.

Other points of interest at the resort

While you’re exploring Princess Cays, there are a few other points of interest you might like to check out.

Crow’s Neck Overlook

A popular spot on Princess Cays is the top of the Crow’s Nest Overlook, a three-story wooden structure next to the Grill Crazy BBQ.

Climb the steps to the top for a panoramic look at the resort and the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Be sure to take a selfie with the perfect unobstructed view of your ship just offshore!

Caretaker’s House

You might be wondering if anyone lives on Princess Cays (wouldn’t that be nice?) The resort employs a caretaker to provide maintenance to the resort year-round.

The Caretaker’s House , a small ranch-style home with a lovely screened porch, is just off the paved path near the shops and straw market. It’s not open to visit, but you can walk by and dream about living here!

Paradise Lagoon

The eastern side of the resort is bordered by Paradise Lagoon, a tranquil body of water where the kayaking excursions launch.

When there’s not a kayaking group getting ready to leave, you can enjoy gazing out at the water from the sandy beach behind Pelicans’ Perch.

Or head to Lagoon Lookout on the south side behind the restroom block.

Offshore Pavilion

Between North Beach and the snorkeling area is the Offshore Pavilion. This is a great spot to watch colorful fish swimming around its piers. It’s also a good place to snap a pic of your ship, especially if you don’t want to climb the stairs to the top of the Crow’s Nest.

How to get around Princess Cays

Unlike some private island destinations , Princess Cays isn’t huge—you can walk from one end to the other in about ten or fifteen minutes.

There isn’t a tram to get around the resort, but there are wide, paved walking paths from the tender area to the bungalows on the north side.

If you have mobility challenges, the north side of the resort is wheelchair-friendly, while the south side does have a few steps leading up to and down from the bridge that accesses that area.

However (as with many tender ports) wheelchair or scooter access on the tender boats isn’t guaranteed.

Most tenders aren’t roll-on accessible, and crew can’t assist in carrying guests or devices onto the boats. Check with your cruise line and the crew on board before your port day to see if you’re able to tender to the island.

Leaving Princess Cays to explore Eleuthera

Many cruisers wonder if leaving Princess Cays to visit the rest of the island of Eleuthera is a possibility. Pre-COVID, cruise lines did offer some excursions to see Eleuthera’s highlights. However, as of 2021, most of these excursions aren’t offered.

The only exception is the short Island Bike Adventure that lets you see a few scenic areas near the resort by pedal bike.

If you’d like to sightsee on your own, you can leave the resort area—but readily accessible transportation by taxi or bus is non-existent unless you make your own private arrangements before your visit.

The exit gate from Princess Cays is located near Love Boat Marina where the tenders dock. Walk back away from the water as if you were going to the southern part of Princess Cays, and you’ll see an open gate with a security guard on your left.

If you do choose to exit through the gate, be sure that all members of your party (including kids) have their passport or birth certificate / ID, cruise card or medallion, and vaccination card to re-enter the resort area.

In the past, there was usually another straw market set up just past the gate for some added shopping opportunities, but this wasn’t there during my last visit.

Quick tips for visiting Princess Cays

From my visits to Princess Cays, I’ve picked up a few tips and best practices to help you have the best beach day—especially if it’s your first time on the island!

Here are my top Princess Cays tips :

• Watch the daily newsletter (or the planner in your cruise line’s app) to find out when and where tender tickets will be handed out.
• Bring beach towels from the ship (and take advantage of the towel exchange stand to swap any wet towels for dry ones).
• Pack water shoes if you plan to swim or walk along the shore—many areas are rocky.
• Head to the south side of Princess Cays to avoid the crowds at the main beach.
• Choose a locker rental that’s in a location close to where you’ll be hanging out. The first lockers you’ll see aren’t close to the main beaches.
• Bring your own snorkel gear to save on expensive daily rental fees.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the live corals surrounding the island.
• Bring bug spray to combat the sand fleas on the beach.
• Plan to head back to the ship at least an hour before the last tender to avoid the “rush hour” crowds.

Helpful resources for your Caribbean cruise

• What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
• What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag
• Should Be Cruising’s Bahamas page
• Should Be Cruising’s Caribbean page

Princess Cays FAQ

What country is Princess Cays in?

Princess Cays is located in the Bahamas, on the southern end of the island of Eleuthera.

How big is Princess Cays?

Princess Cays sits on 40+ acres of land and features more than a half-mile of sandy beaches.

How do you pronounce Princess Cays?

The word “cay”, meaning a small, low island, is generally pronounced like the word “key”. Native Bahamians use this pronunciation. However, the pronunciation “kay” is also widely used. You’ll hear the ship’s crew and other passengers referring to the private destination as Princess “Key”, Princess “Keys”, Princess “Kay”, or Princess “Kays”. Locals, including the salespeople at the straw markets, tend to call the area Princess “Key”.

What’s the weather like on Princess Cays?

Princess Cays has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. Average highs in the winter months are around 75°F (24°C). Summer’s average high temps are around 88°F (31 °C). Winter tends to be the dry season at Princess Cays, while summers bring more rain and often daily thunderstorms. Hurricane season in the Bahamas runs from June 1 through November 30.

Is Princess Cays a private island?

Princess Cays is Princess Cruises’ private island destination on the island of Eleuthera. The southern tip of Eleuthera is reserved for cruise guests, while the rest of the island is populated and open to the public.

Can you visit Princess Cays if you’re not on a cruise?

As a private cruise line destination, Princess Cays is only accessible to guests visiting on a cruise ship.

Who owns Princess Cays?

Princess Cays is owned by Princess Cruises, which in turn is owned by Carnival Corporation.

What cruise lines visit Princess Cays?

Ships from both Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line visit Princess Cays on select Caribbean itineraries.

How many cruise ships visit Princess Cays per day?

Only one cruise ship visits Princess Cays per day, allowing for an uncrowded experience.

Is Princess Cays a tender port?

Princess Cays is a tender port, meaning that guests reach the island via complimentary water shuttles from the cruise ship.

Is there a charge for beach chairs on Princess Cays?

Beach chairs are complimentary on Princess Cays.

Do drink packages work on Princess Cays?

If you’re visiting on a Princess cruise, you can use your beverage package (except the specialty coffee package) on the island. Visitors on a Carnival cruise can’t use any shipboard drinks packages on Princess Cays.

Is food free on Princess Cays?

A buffet-style beach BBQ lunch is provided for all guests at no charge. The buffet includes burgers, hot dogs, salad, side dishes, desserts, fresh fruit, and a selection of beverages including iced tea, lemonade, and water. Lunch is usually served from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM.

Are there lockers on Princess Cays?

Lockers are available in several locations around Princess Cays. Daily locker rental is $10 per day, and can be pre-purchased or paid for on the island.

Is Princess Cays wheelchair accessible?

Most areas on Princess Cays are wheelchair-accessible with wide, paved paths from the tender dock to the dining venue and bars, restrooms, straw market, and bungalow areas. However, wheelchair access to the island is at the captain’s discretion and is not guaranteed on the tender boats to and from the island. Consult with the cruise line before your cruise (and again with the crew on board) if you use a mobility device.

Does Princess Cays have a water park or pools?

Princess Cays does not have a water park. There is one small children’s pool, located in the Pelicans’ Perch play area.

Do you need to bring cash for Princess Cays?

You’ll only need cash if you’d like to purchase souvenirs from the straw markets. All other purchases at the resort can be made with your cruise card or medallion.

Can you rent a bungalow, cabana or villa on Princess Cays?

There are small private bungalows for rent on Princess Cays, including adults-only bungalows in the exclusive Sanctuary area.

Are there lifeguards at Princess Cays?

There are lifeguards on duty who monitor the main beaches. Less-busy beaches may not have lifeguards on duty in all areas.

Is WiFi available at Princess Cays?

Medallion Net WiFi is available (for a fee) for guests visiting Princess Cays on a Princess ship. The WiFi is not accessible to guests visiting on a Carnival cruise.

Is smoking or vaping permitted at Princess Cays?

Cigarette smoking and vaping is permitted at Princess Cays, but only in designated smoking areas around the resort (look for signs or standing ashtrays). Smoking and vaping is also allowed at many of the open-air bars (look for ashtrays on the bar).

Have you been to Princess Cays on a Caribbean cruise? Or do you have a cruise planned that visits this private destination? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Monday 22nd of November 2021

This answered any question I've ever had about Princess Cay.. and I had no clue what it looked like. Now that my youngest is out of diapers, looks like we can go! It looks so fun and that playground looks amazing. Thank you for putting together this awesome guide!

Tuesday 23rd of November 2021

Hi Linzey, I'm so happy you enjoyed reading my Princess Cays guide (and that your son is now old enough to enjoy it!) Thanks for stopping by and commenting :)

Mijia Eggers

Sunday 21st of November 2021

We stopped there for one day from one of our cruise trips. We rented a car and drove around the island with lots of fun. We can think of staying there for a week as well.

Hi Mijia, that sounds like such a fun day! I'd also like to spend a week on Eleuthera, even though you can't visit Princess Cays that way. It's such a beautiful island!

Saturday 20th of November 2021

Thanks for sharing! I found the FAQ section so helpful! I've never been on a cruise before, but now I'll need to consider one to visit Princess Cays! I also love your pictures--the water is so clear and beautiful!

Hi Pafoua, I'm so glad you liked my post on Princess Cays, and I know you're going to love your first cruise. Thanks for reading!

This place looks like paradise! I love the clear, turquoise water. And there is so much to do!! My top picks would be paddle-boarding, snorkeling, or sea kayaking. To snorkel in the live reefs and see the colorful marine life would be amazing.

Hi Ildiko, the snorkeling at Princess Cays is just fantastic! I hope you're able to visit and try all the activities there.

I would love to visit Bahamas one day. Thanks for the detailed guide on Princess Cays. Love the pictures as well.

Hi Kayy, I hope you can plan a visit to the Bahamas - visiting on a cruise is a great way to sample some of the islands! Thanks for reading :D

Princess Cays

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Princess Cays

By Mckoy15 , September 6, 2022 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Its my first cruise and i booked an bungalow in princess cays. Anybody booked before? How was ur experience? Do they have food you can buy? 

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1 hour ago, Mckoy15 said: Its my first cruise and i booked an bungalow in princess cays. Anybody booked before? How was ur experience? Do they have food you can buy? 

There is free food on the island. It will most likely be a lunch buffet.

My recommendation if it is your first ever cruise is to actually cancel the bungalow, unless you are very wealthy. There are a lot of chairs that you can sit on with shade. It's your first time and you may want to spend it exploring the small island, gift shops, or doing excursions. 

Just my 2 cents

7 hours ago, DrSea said: There is free food on the island. It will most likely be a lunch buffet.   My recommendation if it is your first ever cruise is to actually cancel the bungalow, unless you are very wealthy. There are a lot of chairs that you can sit on with shade. It's your first time and you may want to spend it exploring the small island, gift shops, or doing excursions.    Just my 2 cents

I kind of agree with this. Unless you REALLY want the bungalow, I’d cancel. It’s a beautiful island with a ton of beach chairs and a great beach. The ship provides a free lunch buffet on the island and there’s picnic tables to eat at.  Does the bungalow come with anything like drinks or food, or is it literally just a place to sit? 

I know on Half Moon Cay we always get a Cabana and love it there.  While there are a ton of chairs to sit in, they are not in any shade.  Plus on Half Moon Cay you get your own persona little paradise in your cabana.  Loungers, private shower, and table and chairs, air conditioning, snacks, beverages, snorkel equipment, and lounge floats for the water.  

I personally have not been to Princess Cay, and have read repeatedly it does not compare to Half Moon Cay (which is absolutely beautiful), but I do know I have read several times that people indicated the bungalows are in an area away from the "nicer" beach area and you have to walk to go to the beach if you want the nicer beach to swim, etc..  Basically counter intuitive if you ask me why they would put them off somewhere not as nice, but I have seen this posted several times so just keep that in mind too.  They said the beach area where the bungalows is very rocky, etc.

Unlike the PPs, I have rented a Private Bungalow on Princess Cays (actually two bungalows side by side for our large family group) in 2019.  And unlike the PPs, I do recommend a bungalow, if it's something you think you might like.  And, BTW I am not "very wealthy".  They aren't that expensive.  And they are a nice comfort and convenience.  My family enjoyed having the food brought to us, the air conditioning, and somewhere to use as "base camp" while we went about exploring, playing, and on other excursions, etc.

Here's an old thread that discusses it:

Bungalow: Enjoy the ultimate in luxury during your stay on Princess Cays with the use of your own private bungalow, just a 3-minute walk from the beach. Located in a picturesque palm grove, your island-style bungalow is perfect for families to relax and enjoy the cool air conditioning. These colorful bungalows feature a water mister to keep you cool, as well as a ceiling fan, indoor seating, two outdoor sun loungers and an individual open-air shower. Friendly and attentive staff are also available to take drink orders and help you get to know the area.

From Carnival's site: What’s Included:

• A cooler full of soft drinks and water.
• Chips, salsa, and guacamole.
• Fresh fruits.
• Snorkel gear for four.
• Two float rentals.
• Beach towels.
• Priority water shuttle service.

Accessibility: Tour is ambulatory accessible; you must be able to take a few steps (up/down) and walk short distances. Collapsible wheelchair can be stored. Good to Know: The price includes up to four guests; only one person needs to purchase the excursion. An additional two guests can be added for an extra per-person surcharge . The bungalow can be locked at request if you wish to leave your valuables inside while you explore the beach. Bungalow location/choice is on a first-come, first-served basis and may be requested once on board.

Too late to edit my above post.  I rented the bungalows in 2017, not 2019.  Sorry about that. Haven't had my tea yet, this morning. 🤭

Guest BasicSailor

Gawd, now someone will do a poll on Which is better HMC or PC.

Do you rent a  bungalow or not, that is the question.

1 hour ago, BasicSailor said: Gawd, now someone will do a poll on Which is better HMC or PC. Do you rent a  bungalow or not, that is the question.

Great idea Sailor. Thanks for the suggestion, stay tuned....

@Mckoy15  Hope it helps. I just wanted to let you know that there are amenities that you don't have to pay for. A bungalow is nice but not mandatory. Thanks.

Happy cruising

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Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay: Comprehensive Review

Two destinations, three cruise lines, and 15 miles apart, so when it comes down to Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay, which one will it be? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for.

Cruise companies continue to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in private destinations to offer passengers customized and unique services and an opportunity to have their little slice of paradise – if only for a few hours.

The allure of visiting a private island creates an exclusive experience, making these islands highly sought after. Private destinations regularly rate at the top of cruise line guest surveys.

Cruise lines love private destinations as they can control virtually every aspect of the experience – and a better return on investment.

Passengers love private destinations as they offer everything associated with warm water cruising – fun in the sun activities, food and drinks, private cabanas, and world-class beaches, frequently as the only visitors.

With seven cruise-operated destinations in The Bahamas, deciding which one to visit can take time. Today, we will compare Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.

You’ll see a lot of Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay debates as these two islands attract tens of thousands of visitors each year, making them some of the most popular destinations of their kind in the cruise industry.

If you need help with which island to choose, we will give you a detailed comparison between Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay. Both are amazing islands in The Bahamas visited by Carnival Corporation.

Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay broken down:

Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay have all the basic amenities you want or need on a private island. You’ll find beautiful beaches with loungers, outdoor eateries, bars, shopping, walking trails, rentable cabanas, shore excursions for every fitness level, and more.

Both destinations are fairly close – the way the crow flies, Princess Cays, and Half Moon Cay are only 15 miles from each other.

Princess Cays

Princess Cays is a sprawling 40-acre beach area at the southwestern point of Eleuthera Island, one of the largest and most popular in The Bahamas. It’s located around 70 miles from Nassau and over 200 miles from Miami.

Despite its name, Princess Cays is not a cay or a complete island, or even a private island for that matter.. It’s a private resort on Eleuthera, an island in The Bahamas home to thousands of residents. Only cruise ships under the Carnival Corporation umbrella can anchor in this part of the island.

Like many tropical destinations, guests must take a water shuttle onshore to Princess Cays because the water is too shallow for the cruise ship. If you’ve never taken a water shuttle, you’ll get on a smaller boat that will act as a taxi to take you to and from the island. Make sure to bring everything you’ll need for the day.

When you get to the island, if you booked an excursion ahead of time, there will be staff members there to guide you to it. Signs will point you to the beach if you want a more relaxed approach. Be sure to bring your cruise card – or, if you’re on Princess Cruises, your Medallion – for purchases along with some cash, as some shops on the island only accept cash as payment.

Half Moon Cay

On the other hand, Half Moon Cay is a full private island experience exclusively for Carnival Corporation passengers, mostly those from the Holland America and Carnival Cruise Line brands.

Formerly known as Little San Salvador Island, this island between Cat Island and Eleuthera is roughly 15 miles from Princess Cays. It’s approximately 100 miles southeast of Nassau and 277 miles southeast of Miami.

Norwegian Cruise Line originally owned it, but Holland America Line bought it in 1996 for $6 million. HAL developed 50 acres of land as a private luxury resort for cruise passengers and managed 2,400 acres as a natural wildlife refuge. As a private destination, several employees live on the island full-time.

If you’re docking in Half Moon Cay, you also will need a water shuttle to go onshore, so pack a bag for the day and get ready to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Half Moon Cay!

Fun fact: If you’re a big fan of HMC, future developments show that Carnival Cruise Line plans to build a deep-water dock to allow its cruise ships to dock directly on the island with its amenities for passengers. This plan is very much in the works, so stay tuned.

Beach Quality and Cabanas

Regarding beach quality, Half Moon Cay has Princess Cays beat here. Princess Cays has a shoreline with quite a few rocks, so wear your water shoes when exploring the area. Half Moon Cay has truly powder-soft white sand beaches.

There are three different beach areas: the main shore area, where most activities happen; Little Bay, around 100 feet from the tender landing; and The Sanctuary, an adults-only beach, which is a perfect place to relax and avoid the crowds.

All beaches offer amenities such as chaise lounges and chairs, private cabanas, and air-conditioned bungalows, which tend to sell out quickly, given the temperatures in The Bahamas. Therefore, booking a bungalow ahead of time is recommended, especially for large families.

Two types of bungalows are available for rent: Princess Cays Bungalow and Sanctuary Bungalow.

Princess Cays bungalow is very close to the beach and fully air-conditioned, with tables and chairs inside, loungers on the deck, a private shower, and bar service. If you book this in advance, there is a motorized transport from the dock.

As for the Sanctuary bungalow, it is located within the adults-only Sanctuary, so only passengers 18 years and above can have access to it. You’ll have the same amenities and the option for a picnic.

Half Moon Cay offers a 2.5-mile stretch of white sand beaches, and of course, it’s the go-to spot for cruise passengers who can walk the shoreline without water shoes.

Hammocks and lounge chairs dot the beach area, providing the perfect refuge for relaxing, napping, or enjoying the gorgeous ocean views.

For those who want to splurge a little and want something private for your family, beachside cabanas cost around $350 and are fully air-conditioned.

The cabanas include a private terrace, fan, refrigerator, indoor and outdoor tables and chairs, deck loungers, misting showers, complimentary snorkel gear, water floating mats, and light snacks like fruits, chips, dip, and soda.

RELATED: What’s Included in the Cabana’s at Half Moon Cay?

For something a bit bigger, you can rent a two-story beach villa with a starting price of $600 that accommodates eight and includes a private deck, hot tub, fridge, misting shower, dining area, snorkel gear, floating mats, and light snacks.

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious experience, the Private Oasis is the perfect choice. Although it’s the most expensive option, starting at $1,600, it’s also the most inclusive. The grand cabana boasts an 8-person hot tub, heated indoor and outdoor showers, privacy gates, and misting stations.

RELATED: A Day at the Private Oasis on Half Moon Cay

But that’s not all – you also have access to your own personal chef (who comes from the ship), butler, cabana steward, lifeguard, and bartender. You’ll be treated to various food and beverages, including BBQ lunch, light snacks, local and imported beers, and tropical cocktails.

The cabanas sell quickly, so book these in advance, as slots are limited.

Water Activities

Regarding water activities at Half Moon Cay vs. Princess Cays, the offerings are pretty much even, with a slight nod to Half Moon Cay.

Princess Cays offer a wide range of water activities, surf fishing, stingray encounters, coastal cruises, sailboat rental, floating mats, glass bottom boat cruises, kayaking, banana boat rides, Oceanview seaboard, snorkeling, paddle wheelers, aqua bikes, and standup paddleboard.

Half Moon Cay offers a similar lineup with swimming and snorkeling, scuba diving, water sports like kayaking, water bikes, paddle boarding, banana boat rides, jet skiing, glass bottom boat tours, stingray encounters, and parasailing.

Both private islands offer some unique excursions so it would depend on your preference. In the end, however, Half Moon Cay offers a more diverse list of activities and is the better choice for adventurous people who prefer something more thrilling.

Land Activities

The difference between the excursions offered by Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay would be land activities. Most of their land activities are different from each other since each offers its distinct topography.

For Princess Cays, highlights include an Island bike adventure and a local market for locally made Bahamian souvenirs. Princess Cay completed a major renovation in 2018, adding new shore excursions to its portfolio.

Since Princess Cays is only a resort on the island of Eleuthera, there are opportunities to sample the unique culture of The Bahamas. You can also play other sports like volleyball and basketball.

There’s also a shaded and covered kid’s club area for parents who want some “we” time while they partake in shore excursions. There’s a small wading pool here, but it can only be accessed if the parents are around.

Half Moon Cay offers diverse activities you can try. A whole day of trying different land activities wouldn’t be enough to cover everything the island offers.

The island is famous for its horseback riding through the ocean, but visitors can also explore abandoned ruins from the 1700s, rent a bike to Pegasus Ranch, bird watch, stroll the two-mile beach, shop for souvenirs in the Straw Market, and more.

Kids will love the Half Moon Lagoon Water Park, free of charge, with lots of splash options.

Food and Beverage

One of the best things about Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay is that a complimentary lunch is available to all passengers.

Princess Cays offers a full buffet and BBQ at Sea Breeze Grill and Grill Crazy. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the venue features meats, burgers, salads, fruits, bread, desserts, and complimentary soda.

Half Moon Cay’s complimentary BBQ lunch is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It includes various options, including hot dogs, ribs, hamburgers, potato salad, grilled chicken, cookies, lemonade, salad, and more, with sodas, alcohol, and ice cream for a charge.

Just remember, if you’re having fun on the beach, the buffet time is limited, so you could miss it if you aren’t paying attention to the time. Some cruisers bring snacks to the beach and skip the buffet altogether.

There is one difference in dining when Carnival Cruise Line calls at Half Moon Cay vs. when Holland America Line calls there. When Holland America is at Half Moon, a fresh seafood eatery is on the island called Lobster Shack. Guests can pre-order different seafood chowders, fish, and lobster here and pick it up when ready to eat.

When Carnival Cruise Line docks there, the Lobster Shack becomes an extension of the Seafood Shack eatery onboard its ships.

Drink prices at both destinations are similar to the bars on the cruise ship so you will have to purchase them a la carte with your room card.

Those with an all-inclusive drink package can use the program at Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays.

Costs and Inclusions

Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay offer similar free amenities to cruise passengers.

Beach access is free; you can swim and play in the sand as much as you want without any additional fee.

Beach chairs and hammocks are also free of charge, with hundreds available at the beach. The complimentary BBQ lunches are available on both islands and exclusive to cruise passengers.

Other sports, like beach volleyball and basketball, are free of charge, too and both islands have a kid’s area at no additional cost.

Shore excursions need to be booked ahead of time. Upgraded loungers or clamshells with more shade are an additional cost. As mentioned earlier, air-conditioned cabanas must be reserved in advance.

Half Moon Cay and Princess Cruises’ Princess Cays offer passengers a shopping experience local to the area.

Cruisers can explore “The Straw Market,” a charming shopping village at Half Moon Cay that offers local crafts and souvenirs, such as handmade straw hats, bags, jewelry and other handicrafts, all produced by local vendors. It’s a good idea to take cash here.

Princess Cays has its “Straw Market,” where passengers can shop for art, crafts, and gifts that showcase Bahamian culture, much like Half Moon Cay.

Sustainability Practices

The cruise industry is dedicated to protecting the ocean, marine life, and air quality, so Carnival Corporation has implemented several eco-friendly practices for Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay.

Whether it’s a comprehensive waste management and recycling program, energy management programs, or other eco-friendly initiatives, the cruise lines do everything they can to maintain these destinations’ pristine natural environment. In addition to being the right thing to do, it makes for a better landside experience for passengers and ultimately good for business.

Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay: Final Thoughts

Regarding private islands, like other vacation choices, it all boils down to personal preference. Both islands have unique features and amenities, so research what they can offer before you decide. Destinations, while important, are just one component of a cruise vacation, so be sure you’re choosing the cruise line that’s right for you.

Since Carnival Corporation solely owns Half Moon Cay, the island is more secluded and offers more amenities and shore excursions to cruisers. The power-soft sand gives Half Moon Cay a clear advantage regarding beach quality.

Princess Cays is a different adventure since it is like a large resort on a big island in The Bahamas. The allure of exploring the culture of the whole island and its inhabitants can be a game changer.

READ MORE: Unique Views of Carnival’s Half Moon Cay

----------------------------

By: Doug Parker Title: Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay: Comprehensive Review Sourced From: cruiseradio.net/princess-cays-vs-half-moon-cay-cruise-guide/ Published Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:21:04 +0000

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The Private Princess Cays Island In The Bahamas

The Princess Cays Island is a Private Island with over 100 acres of white-sand beachfront access and is one of the Carnival Cruise destination ports.

Our first stop on our Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas was the Princess Cays Island.  This Private Island has over 100 acres of white-sand beachfront access, with a portion of the land belonging to the cruise line. It is incredibly beautiful!  Ships can’t dock on the island, so you have to take small tenders from ship to shore and back.  Immediately we loved how clear and blue the waters are as we took the tender to the island.

While at the island, you will enjoy amazing scenery, lounge chairs and swimming in the ocean without having to fight the crowds from other cruise ships.  The temperature of the waters was perfect and we loved how calm the waves were.   They have cabana rentals and rentals for tubes and other floating devices.  We brought our own tubes with us and were able to use those instead of renting tubes.

The first thing the girls noticed about the island was how cool the sand is.  Even though the sun was shining, the coral the beach rests upon keeps the sand a perfectly cool temperature.  We loved exploring the island with our feet in the sand.

Since the Princess Cays Island is private and owned by the cruise line, lunch and drinks are included in your cruise price.  They served a buffet with an assortment of hot dogs, hamburgers, variety of salads, fruit and desserts.  We enjoyed eating outside along the beach.

How we spent our day on Princess Cays Island

We booked the Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise excursion.  We headed straight to the boat when we got on the island.  This boat ride lasted for an hour and we had a great time!  The host of the boat was friendly and entertaining.  She told us all about their culture and sang us their national anthem.  We saw a lot of different fish, corals, sea turtles and even caught a quick glimpse of a shark!

After our boat tour, we walked around awhile to explore the island.  It’s a beautiful island full of colorful buildings, some shops and vendors alongside the beach.  You can take many other excursions which will take you on tours of the island if you wish to see more.

Related: Family Travel Adventures

We spent the majority of our time in the ocean, floating on the tubes we brought.  The water was a perfect temperature and the waves were very calm and relaxing.  We literally didn’t want to leave the water, except to take a break for lunch or drinks.

When we finally did take a break from the ocean, we enjoyed sitting at the bars with frozen concoctions (they have kid friendly ones as well).  We enjoyed the live beach music as well.

We had an amazing day at the Princess Cays Island.  The only downside to this particular stop was that we had to wait in line awhile to get back on the tender to take us back to the boat.  We waited until closer to the end of our time to get in line because we were having too much fun.  Had we headed back a little sooner, maybe we could have beat the crowds!  If you haven’t already, you can read about our second stop on our Carnival Cruise where we stopped at Nassau and went swimming with dolphins .

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52 comments.

Princess Cays looks absolutely amazing. Visiting the Bahamas is definitely on my bucket list. Great post!

Thank you!!

Looks like an amazing and fun trip! Can’t wait to visit 🙂

Looks beautiful and family friendly! I have been on many cruises, and I get it…. You want to stay in port as long as possible (which can mean a long wait to get back on the ship) or tender back an hour early and don’t wait. You must have really enjoyed yourself to choose the former!

what a lovely place! great way to spend some vacation days. the place is beautiful and sounds like you and your family enjoyed it a lot. I hope to get the chance to go there one day

This trip looks amazing! We are working towards saving money for a cruise for next year. I can’t wait to go!

Those beach houses are so cute. My next trip is a beach trip.

I would absolutely love to go on a cruise one day and how wonderful does this look as a stop! Such a beautiful Island.

It looks amazing! I grew up in the south pacific so that blue water brings back so many memories. Im glad you guys enjoyed every minute you had there. Memories you will never forget!

ooo this looks like so much fun! I”m loving all the bright colors and wish I was there now!

Princess Cays looks absolutely amazing. It looks like you and your family had a great trip. What a great vacation.

This looks like a great place to take a vacation. Visiting the Bahamas is definitely be my next trip. Looks like you and your family had a great vacation.

Oh my goodness! This place is breath-taking! Makes me wanna visit the beach again soon.

What an amazing place. Bahamas will be listed as one of my Bucket Lists.

Looks like an amazing and fun trip! I can’t wait to see these place.

Oh my goodness! Princess Cays looks absolutely lovely! That’s amazing that a cruise ship stops at a private island! The girls look like they are really having a wonderful time – who wouldn’t, right? My hubby and I have been discussing where we need to go on our next trip, and now I know where I want to go!

Wow what an amazing island! It sounds like you all had a lot of fun – great photos!

How fun! I’ve never been to a private island before! It looks like you had an amazing trip. Love how colorful the island looks!

I am craving some sand and sun after your post. The excursions looks fun too.

❥ tanvii.com

Wow this place looks incredibly idyllic. Those bright beach huts are everything! So glad you had such a great time.

I’m going to be visiting the Bahamas very soon! But only Nassau for a few hours as part of a cruise 🙂 But your beautiful pics have still given me a great idea of what to expect. I can’t wait!

looks so lovely, warm and fun! I need a vacay!

A cruise sounds like a wonderful family vacation especially with a private island day trip getaway included. I didn’t realise until last night that cruise ship companies buy entire islands for their guests entertainment and relaxation.

This looks like such a fun time. I have been dying to jetset off to somewhere tropical.

The Princess Cays looks so beautiful! Warm water and a sandy beach is the perfect vacation.

Love it! I am loving the color of the water. I have been dying to visit the Bahamas, never been

That water looks absolutely beautiful! I’m totally jealous. What a great trip to plan with your family!

This trip look amazing! Definitely adding adding this to my bucket list! And I totally adored those little beach houses!!

The view is amazing! Glad to see the kids having fun! 🙂

LOOK AT THE BLUE WATER AND THE BEACH. BREATH TAKING!! I need to plan a trip to the Bahamas for sure!

Looks like a great place to visit. I’ll definitely go here one day with my family. Will be saving this! Next trip to the Bahamas.

Amazing – the water is so beautiful and I am sure it was the most memorable experience. Looks like you had an awesome time.

Oh my, the colour of the water is absolutely swoon-worthy! I need to book a vacation here ASAP! 🙂

I love the Bahamas and this looks like a great reason to take a Carnival Cruise. =)

we go to the bahamas every year – it’s such a beautiful place!

The color of that water!!! So amazing. I’ve always wanted to try a glass bottom boat adventure and now I’m even more determined to make it happen. Thanks for sharing your trip.

That island is so beautiful. I’ve never seen water that color before, who knew that water could be turquoise.

I wish I had known Carnival had their own private island before my hubby and I booked our cruise! We are going on a Princess one in April. The picnic lunch and cute cabanas look so fun!

Wow, what an awesome place to relax! The science teacher in my loves that your girls noted the temperature of the sand. And the Mom in me is impressed you know the reason for it!

I have always wanted to go to the Bahamas. Now that I have read about the Private princess Cays Island, I want to go even more!

Wow how clear the water is! And the beach is beautiful! This is a fantastic vacation for your family 🙂

This trip looks amazing. I am looking forward to going on a cruise in about 6 weeks time.

Bahamas is in my bucket list. Looks like you guys had so much fun.That water is so inviting

This is so amazing! You’re so lucky to be there right now!

The sun, the sand, the food … ! All of it looks like a pretty good life – vacation or not. I haven’t been to the Bahamas in 25 years, but I can still remember the warmth of the water. Gorgeous!! xo Evelyn, Path of Presence

The Princess Cays Island is a paradise. The water is so pristine and the views are absolutely amazing. What a wonderful destination for family trips!

It looks amazing, the Bahamas somewhere I’ve always wanted to go to – i’ve travelled extensively but never found my way to the Caribbean as yet and it really is on my bucket list !

I have been to the Bahamas but not the private islands. This looked amazing and your girls are adorable!

\i have always wanted to visit the Bahamas and one day i will make it happen its such a beautiful island

This looks like the most idyllic, the most perfect island. Those beach huts and that white sand. Summer dreaming now.

Wow, looks amazing and the water so beautiful. I’ve never been on a cruise but always thought about it. Maybe soon…

Great that they have cabanna for some to stay. Love thw view and the mere thought of relaxing by thw beautiful place.

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Afternoon Relaxing Cruise on the Blues

Costal Cruise: Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the beautiful coastline of Eleuthera and see the pristine shoreline on this relaxing outing to Lighthouse Point. Take in the beauty of this thin sliver of island, only 100-miles long and 2-miles wide. History and Culture: The boat makes a stop at the Lighthouse Point where you can take a picture of the famous historical lighthouse and the beautiful pink sandy beach from the ocean-side of the boat. Learn about the island’s rich maritime heritage, the art of straw planting and how the local bush medicines are used for certain ailments. Enjoy a narration on the early settlers of the Island of Eleuthera and famous landmarks

Accessibility: Tour is ambulatory accessible; you must be able to take a few steps (up/down) and walk short distances. Collapsible wheelchair can be stored. Good to Know: Guest will not be allowed to get off the boat during the tour.

Princess Cays

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Fun Day & Island Bike Adventure - Princess Cays

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• Princess Cays

This was a stop on our cruise with Carnival. Water was nice. The sandy beach lagoon was perfect... read more

The island people were friendly and polite! There is one shop lady we talked for a long while her... read more

Fun Day & Island Bike Adventure

This was the second stop for the Carnival Elation. Surprisingly, there were plenty of recliners, water activities, excursions, and Carnival Team led games and activities. If you want to take a leisurely bike ride exploring the other part of the island and don’t want to be overwhelmed with history and general information, the Island Bike Adventure tour is for you. It was worth the price. The two tour guides were great; they were knowledgeable and informative. This bike ride is not strenuous; the route is on mostly flat terrain. I only noticed two very small hills on the way back. We stopped frequently to see historical points and nature. The beach stop was one of the longest stops where we had time to explore the area. The view at the beach was beautiful. The other longest stop was at the ruins of a church and clergy’s home. I recommend booking a morning tour because it gets very hot later in the day. The tour ticket tells you when to take the first tender/ferry ride to the island. Make sure you do what it says because the tender/ferry does not move until it is full. You do not want to be late for your tour. The tour description listed we would receive a bottle of water and a soda. We only received one bottle of water at the end of the tour. I recommend that you bring a bottle of water with you to drink along the way.

Just a stupid cruise stop with junk shops. There are much nicer places on the island, would skip this.

We arrived on the island by tender from the ship. We found it to be very pretty. We had reserved a cabana with a/c and it was maybe a bit smaller than expected. The cabana had a locking door but no key. We would have felt better going to the beach with our door locked but again they don't provide keys. The beach was very rocky and I mean very rocky. There were a few spots within walking distance that you could walk in the water free off large rocks. This is not just a Carnival issue, the island barbecues are really disgusting with all the food covered in flies. Why do cruise lines have open containers of food covered in flies out for human consumption. This is so unsanitary.

Beware that Carnival sends overflow to the south side of the beach where the only amenities are the bar and restrooms. We rented clamshells which were nice but there is no disclosure that you could end up on this side of the beach. The buffet is on the north side about a mile walk away and was very crowded. We decided to eat a little later around 2 and they had closed it. They close down at 1:15. Would have been nice if they had a sign telling us that. All the kayaks/ paddle boards, ect are on the north side. Had Carnival warned us that we could end up on that side with very little amenities we would have gone over as early as possible. We were told by one of the workers that they have been telling Carnival for months to stop sending people to that side with no food. Kurt, the excursion supervisor on the Carnival Freedom was rude and basically could have cared less that we had a poor experience. Could have been enjoyable if Carnival told the whole story up front.

The water was pretty. The snorkeling was not great. We took a nice walk on the beach. The best part of this day was going to George’s Bar. Go out of the cruise line compound and through the gate. The bar is right there in the straw market. The bar is right beside the bridge. They have great mixed drinks and beers for much less than they are inside the cruise compound. George and the ladies behind the bar are awesome!

Carnival Legend promised an all day beach party. But there was a problem with one of the boats taking passengers from the ship to the island. Waited four hours to get off the cruise ship and finally arrived at the island at 1:00p just in time for the courtesy lunch to end at 1:30p. Drinks were expensive. 5 beers (aka bucket) was $53.00. Very short visit thanks to the incompetency of carnival cruise line to ensure I could enjoy a full day on the island. This will be my last carnival cruise.

Carnival Freedom's next two cruises from Port Canaveral canceled after exhaust funnel fire

A fire in the exhaust funnel of the Carnival Freedom this weekend has disrupted a cruise of the Port Canaveral-based ship for the second time in less than two years — and will mean that the ship's next two cruises are canceled.

Damage to the funnel will require the cancellation of Carnival's next two cruises out of Port Canaveral, which were scheduled to depart Monday and Friday.

Thousands of passengers with scheduled cruises will be affected by the canceled cruises during a busy spring break period for Carnival and other cruise lines.

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Carnival initially had said it expected no changes in its upcoming cruises, but on Sunday afternoon said the cancellations would be required.

"Regrettably, the damage is more than we first thought, and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral," according to a statement issued by Matt Lupoli, Carnival Cruise Line's senior manager of public relations. "The funnel has been stabilized for the ship’s return to Port Canaveral overnight to disembark guests, and then it will go to the Freeport shipyard on Monday afternoon to begin the required repairs."

Carnival said it made the decision after "our technical team completed a thorough assessment" during the ship’s visit Sunday to Freeport in the Bahamas.

In the statement, Carnival said: "We sincerely regret the impact to our embarking guests, as we know they have been looking forward to their spring break vacation. We are providing all guests on both canceled cruises a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit, so they can come back and enjoy a future cruise with us. We also greatly appreciate the terrific guests who are currently sailing with us, for their outstanding cooperation and support."

In a Facebook post, Carnival's widely followed brand ambassador, John Heald, conceded that many people who booked one of the canceled cruises are "feeling very disappointed," and he apologized for the turn of events.

But, Heald added that he wanted to assure affected passengers that, "when you rebook, using your full refund and your 100% future cruise credit, that the crew will be standing by to give you all the fun you deserve."

More than 500 people responded to the post, with many saying they thought Carnival was generous with the compensation offer. But some people who said they were on the cruise that experienced the fire said they thought Carnival should have done more for the people who were on the ship.

Carnival said the fire was confined to the funnel area. The cruise line said there are no reports of injuries to passengers. Two firefighting crew members were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Carnival said that, at about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, the Carnival Freedom reported a fire on the port side of the ship’s exhaust funnel. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, heading to Freeport after a canceled call to the Carnival private island of Princess Cay due to adverse weather.

Details of previous fire: Fire breaks out on Carnival Freedom while Port Canaveral-based ship was in Grand Turk

"The ship’s fire response team was quickly activated, and the ship’s captain also turned the vessel towards the heavy rain in the area to maximize the efforts to put out the flames," an earlier Carnival statement said. "Eyewitnesses reported the possibility of a lightning strike, and that is being investigated, but cannot yet be confirmed."

By 5:20 p.m. Saturday, the fire was extinguished. 

Carnival said the ship's captain made multiple announcements to passengers and crew, and advised all but essential safety personnel to stay away from balconies and all open decks. 

The port-side portion of the funnel had fallen onto Deck 10, and the firefighting response put out any flames. 

The U.S. Coast Guard has been notified of the fire, and Carnival activated its incident response team to support the ship’s crew. 

Carnival said there were no other operational issues with the ship’s systems, and the ship, which was on a four-night cruise, was visiting Freeport on Sunday.

The Freedom sailed into the channel at Port Canaveral around 7:30 a.m. Monday, and docked at Cruise Terminal 6, letting off the passengers who were on the cruise. Carnival then awaited a Coast Guard inspection of the ship before it could be cleared to leave Port Canaveral for the Freeport shipyard for repairs. The ship left the port about 6:20 p.m.

A cruise ship funnel generally serves as a smokestack to lift emissions above the deck, thus away from passengers and crew.

On Saturday evening, "Carnival Freedom guests enjoyed the Elegant Night dinner as planned, and, with the exception of the open decks, all areas of the ship are fully functioning," Carnival said in its statement. 

The sailing had about 3,700 passengers onboard. And the two upcoming sailings that were canceled each likely would have had a similar passenger count, because this is a busy time for the cruise industry.

The Carnival Freedom's next voyage was scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on Monday afternoon on a five-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. That cruise had port-of-call stops scheduled at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and at Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

But that sailing and a Friday sailing both have been canceled. Friday's five-night sailing also was scheduled to stop at those two ports of call, but in reverse order.

In May 2022, a fire broke out in the funnel area of the Carnival Freedom while it was docked in Grand Turk. Carnival then canceled three scheduled sailings of the Carnival Freedom out of Port Canaveral because of the need to repair the ship's fire damage at a shipyard in Grand Bahama.

More recently, in October 2023, the Carnival Freedom debuted a new iconic winged funnel after returning from a 16-day dry-dock refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain.

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Carnival Freedom's next two cruises from Port Canaveral canceled after exhaust funnel fire