When you book a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise with Carnival, there’s a strong chance your itinerary will include one of the signature Carnival cruise lines private islands.
These exclusive beach escapes offer calm turquoise water, soft sand, and plenty of Carnival-style fun, often turning into the most memorable port day of the entire trip.
The islands are operated by the cruise line exclusively for their guests, offering turquoise waters, soft white sands, BBQ lunches, and plenty of space to relax or play — with no crowds from other ships.
In this post, we’re diving into the three private islands available under the Carnival Corporation umbrella:
- Celebration Key
- Princess Cays
- Half Moon Cay.
Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet beach day or planning for waterslides and cocktails, this guide will help you choose the perfect island escape at.
🆕 Celebration Key (Carnival Cruise Line Only)
📍 Location:[See on Google Maps Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas]
🚢 Access: Dock (no tender required)
🎉 Opened: July 19, 2025
☀️ Who Visits: Carnival Cruise Line ships only (for now)
Carnival’s brand-new private destination, Celebration Key, is a game-changer.
Designed from scratch with cruise guests in mind, this vibrant, colorful, and high-energy port is already a standout for families, couples, and friend groups alike.
🔥 What Makes Celebration Key Special?
Celebration Key is built around five themed “portals,” each offering a unique experience:
- Paradise Plaza – The arrival hub with live music, local shops, and a Bahamian vibe
- Calypso Lagoon – A massive beach with calm waters, loungers, and activities for adults.
- Starfish Lagoon– A family-friendly playground for families, kids, and teens.
- Pearl Cove Beach Club– An adults-only retreat with overwater cabanas and a swim-up bar
- Lokono Cove – Home to authentic Bahamian-themed shops, kiosks, and a straw market.
Food & Drinks: One quick-serve lunch is included per guest. This is loaded onto your sail and sign card, so make sure you have it.
Additional dining options and drinks are available for purchase. An island only drink package can be purchased for your visit.
Your CHEERS package is NOT honored here.
Read more about Drink packages in our guide Do you need a drink package on a Carnival Cruise?
Tip: CelebrationDo you Need a Drink Package on a Carnival Cruise?
Key is the only private island not shared with Princess or Holland America, and only Carnival ships visit.
Expect this port to be a major highlight on Carnival’s Bahamas itineraries moving forward.
Celebration Cay is located on Grand Bahama Island. You might be wondering, do I have to stay at the private island, or can I go explore Grand Bahama?
You are not locked in. You can walk right out of the gate. There is a taxi stand and people offering tours there.
During our Carnival Mardi Gras cruise, we decided to go out of the gate and hired a taxi tour of the island.
🏝 Princess Cays
📍 Location:[See on Google Maps: Southern Eleuthera Island, Bahamas]
🚢 Access: Tender required (water shuttle to shore)
🎉 Opened: 1992
🌺 Who Visits: Princess Cruises, Carnival ships, and Holland America
Tucked away on the southern tip of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers over a half-mile of beautiful beach, calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, and a touch of Bahamian culture in the village market.
It’s a low-key stop with charm and authenticity — perfect for relaxing under a palm tree or paddling a kayak.
Good to know: The later you wait to go back to the ship, the longer line you will be waiting in. Typhoon1 Cruise Critic.
🏝 Princess Cays
📍 Location:[See on Google Maps: Southern Eleuthera Island, Bahamas]
🚢 Access: Tender required (water shuttle to shore)
🎉 Opened: 1992
🌺 Who Visits: Princess Cruises, Carnival ships, and Holland America
Tucked away on the southern tip of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers over a half-mile of beautiful beach, calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, and a touch of Bahamian culture in the village market.
It’s a low-key stop with charm and authenticity — perfect for relaxing under a palm tree or paddling a kayak.
Tip: The later you return to the ship, the longer line you will be waiting in. Typhoon1 Cruise Critic
☀️ Princess Cays Highlights
- Snorkeling straight from the beach
- Local crafts and souvenirs in the Bahamian village
- BBQ-style lunch included (think burgers, chicken, and island sides).
- Princess cruise passengers can use their Plus or Platinum Drink Package on the island.
- Carnival guests can purchase drinks à la carte.
- Holland America guests
- Carnival guests can purchase drinks à la carte.
- Cabanas available to rent
- Glass-bottom boat rides, parasailing, and more
Good to Know: While Princess Cays sits on Eleuthera (a populated island), the beach area is fenced off and operated exclusively for cruise guests.
It’s a tender port, so be sure to reserve an early excursion if you want to maximize your time ashore.
Pro Tip: Bring cash if you want to buy from local vendors — many do not accept cruise cards.
🐚 Half Moon Cay
📍 Location: [See on Google Maps: Little San Salvador Island, Bahamas]
🚢 Access: Tender required. Approx. 10-15 minutes shuttle time.
🎉 Opened: 1997
🌿 Who Visits: Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line ships, and occasionally Princess Cruises.
Often called the most beautiful private island in the Caribbean, Half Moon Cay is pure tropical bliss.
With miles of soft white sand and warm, clear waters, it feels like a real escape from the world.
Unlike Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay is mostly undeveloped, with nature trails, quiet beaches, and even wild bird sanctuaries. But don’t worry—there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
🌊 Highlights
- Horseback riding on the beach (yes, really!)
- Stingray encounter lagoon
- Eco-tours and nature walks
- Cabana and villa rentals for private lounging
- BBQ lunch included.
- Ships’ Drink Packages do not work on the island.
- Drinks can be purchased à la carte.
- Kids’ play area and water playground.
Fun Fact: Only a small portion of the island is developed — the rest is a nature preserve, giving it a more secluded, peaceful vibe.
Tip: Half Moon Cay is consistently ranked as a guest favorite — so excursions and cabana rentals often sell out fast. Book early!
What cruisers have to say about Halfmoon Cay:
It was my favorite stop on our cruise last week – beautiful beaches, water is so clear, free lunch. Round_Pain_1869 on Reddit
Lunch buffet is free and basic barbecue type food. octopusxparty on Reddit
🎯 Final Thoughts On Carnival Corps Private Islands
Private islands are some of the most-loved ports in the cruise world — and for good reason.
Whether you’re snorkeling lin the lagoon at Celebration Key, sipping rum punch at Princess Cays, or riding a horse through the surf at Half Moon Cay, these destinations are designed to make your day at sea feel like a day in paradise.
Got questions? Drop me a line.
Continue reading:
Carnival Private Islands FAQs
Do all Carnival ships stop at the private islands?
Most Carnival itineraries to the Bahamas or Caribbean stop at at least one of these private islands. Celebration Key is Carnival-exclusive. Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are shared across brands and may appear on both Princess and Carnival itineraries.
Do I need to pay to go ashore?
Nope! Access is included in your cruise fare, along with a beach lounger and a lunch option. Optional activities, cabana rentals, and water sports cost extra.
Are drink packages accepted on Princess Cay?
On Princess Cay, Princess cruisers can use their drink packages. Neither Holland America Line or Princess offer a drink package for Princess Cays. You can purchase drinks A la carte.
What food is included at Celebration Key?
One quick-serve lunch is included per guest. Additional dining options and drinks are available for purchase A la carte.
What food is included at Princess Cays and Halfmoon Cay?
There are two included barbecue pavilions, buffet style. Drinks can be purchased A la carte.
Does it cost extra to visit the private islands?
Visiting any of Carnival’s private islands is included in your cruise fare. Some areas or excursions may cost additional fees.
How do I get to the private islands?
Carnival’s Celebration Key you will dock and walk right off.
Half Moon Cay and Princess Cay requires a short ride from your ship to the island. “Tender or Water Shuttle”
How long is the water shuttle to Celebration Key?
There is no water shuttle required at Celebration Key. Carnival’s Celebration Key you will dock and walk right off.
How long does the water shuttle take to get to Princess Cay?
The tender ride from a cruise ship to Princess Cays typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes each way. However, the total time spent waiting for and riding the tender can vary, with some reports of waiting times exceeding an hour, especially during peak times.
How long does the tender take to get to Half Moon Cay?
The tender takes approx 10-20 minutes and run every 15-30 minutes. Wait times to return to the ship get lengthy toward the end of the day.
Image attributes:
Thank you, Carnival, Princess, and Holland American Line for the use of the images.
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