Top 5 Existing And Upcoming Private Cruise Destinations
Cruise lines have prioritized the development of private destinations in an effort to provide their passengers with a more intimate experience. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by purchasing a private island in a location such as the Bahamas. They are able to give cruise passengers an enjoyable day at the beach as a result of this practice.
Although it may seem to many that they are simply spending another day in port touring a location, in reality, these destinations are extensions of the ship in many ways, with many of the facilities and people being utilized by the ship. Private destinations have grown over the years to provide substantial features such as water sports, roller coasters, zip lines, private premium areas, and expanded kid’s facilities. This evolution has occurred at the same time that the ships themselves have evolved. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let me fill you in on the greatest private spots that you can visit and will be able to visit while on a cruise.
Carnival Corporation’s Amber Cove location in the Dominican Republic
Carnival Corporation built Amber Cove, which is now considered to be one of the newest resorts in the Caribbean, so that its many brands of cruise ships could make port calls there. It is said to be one of the most significant new port developments in the Caribbean in recent years and it is located in the Dominican Republic. The resort features a number of bars, restaurants, and shops, in addition to a sizable pool area that is equipped with water slides. In addition to that, it features private cabanas, a zip line, and a vast transportation hub from which guests may go on a wide variety of excursions over the rest of the island. Amber Cove is also the destination of choice for Carnival’s newest brand, Fathom, which is centered on the concept of voluntourism.
Castaway Cay, Bahamas – Disney Cruise Line
As is common knowledge, Disney is not a company that does things halfway; so, when they entered the cruise market, they constructed a private resort in the Bahamas for their passengers to enjoy during their time on board.
The concept of a castaway society has been included into the island’s design, and the structures on the island have been created to appear as though they were improvised from shipwrecks. As is the case with other types of resorts, this one offers a diverse selection of things to do, such as water sports and other types of sports, the rental of bicycles, and a number of different places to eat, drink, and shop. The resort is fantastic at taking care of children, as one might anticipate; but, there are other places that are reserved exclusively for adults.
Harvest Caye, Belize – Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian just finished building a brand new resort in Belize, which is located in the Western Caribbean. In addition to serving as a destination in its own right, Harvest Caye also functions as a starting point for excursions around Belize. A new pool area is currently being created, together with opulent cabanas, a ‘flighthouse’ that will be 130 feet tall and will house many aerial sports including a 3,000-foot zip line, suspension bridges, free fall jumps, rock climbing, and a tandem zip line in the “superman” style. Additionally, a number of restaurants and bars have been finished or are in the planning stages, one of which is a partnership with Jimmy Buffet.
Labadee, Haiti – Royal Caribbean
Since 1986, Royal Caribbean has been running its private resort on the island of Haiti known as Labadee, which is located in the country’s northern region. The resort has had access to a pier since 2009, which has made it possible for even the largest cruise ships in the world to dock there. The resort benefits from a number of interesting amenities, such as a multitude of water sports, a water park, a roller coaster, a kids area, and one of the longest zip lines in the world. In addition to beaches and numerous places to unwind (including exclusive cabanas overlooking the bay), the resort also benefits from a number of these interesting amenities. The zip line has a length of 2,600 feet and begins at the highest point of the resort, which is located on a cliff. It then travels the entire length of the resort, passing close to the water as it descends.
MSC Cruises visits the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
It was stated before the end of 2015 that MSC Cruises has secured an agreement with the Bahamas to create an island for its customers beginning in December of 2017. The island will be redeveloped by MSC into the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve with an investment of £200 million. This development will include an amphitheater with seating for 2,000 people, bars, restaurants, and a variety of other activities. In addition, there will be a pavilion on the island where couples can do their wedding ceremonies, and there will also be a section reserved solely for visitors staying in the MSC Yacht Club suites.
MSC are not stopping there; they have announced that they would be developing Sir Bari Yan Island in the United Arab Emirates. This island will offer a laid-back beach ambiance beginning in the winter of 2016.
Princess Cays (owned and operated by Princess Cruises), Coco Cay (owned and operated by Royal Caribbean), Great Stirrup Cay (owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line), and Half Moon Cay (owned and operated by Holland America Line) are just some of the other private islands and resorts that I haven’t mentioned here. All of these islands take a resort-style approach.
