If you’re thinking, since when do cruise lines have their own private islands, you might be surprised to hear the answer is 1977.
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept when it spotted the potential of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The island’s story stretches back centuries, including a stint as safe harbour for 17th-century pirates, but between its turquoise shallows and powdery sand, NCL envisioned something the world had never seen: a private island exclusively for cruise guests.
While it was considered a bold departure at the time, it proved a roaring success. Nearly five decades on, it’s just as popular as ever, and promises to be even more so thanks to the series of upgrades NCL has made over the last year. That includes the 28,000-square-foot oceanfront pool, the Great Life Lagoon, and the upcoming Great Tides Waterpark, set to open on 4 September, with pre-purchase day passes available now.
In fact, it’s been such a hit with guests that NCL even developed a second private island: Harvest Caye, located off the coast of southern Belize along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
If you’re wondering what these two islands are really like, you’re not the only one. Will Payne, editor of our sister publication Cruise Trade News, has been on dozens of cruises in his life (he lost track of the exact number a while back), but had never been to a private island. When he had the opportunity to visit Great Stirrup Cay on the christening cruise on board the brand-new Norwegian Luna, he was curious to see if it would live up to his expectations.
Meanwhile, Abbie Downes, senior partnerships manager at World of Cruising and Cruise Trade News, was also keen to see what the hype was about. After a decade in the travel industry, she took her first-ever cruise, sailing on Norwegian Escape along the coast of Central America, including a stop at Harvest Caye.
Here’s what these two travel experts made of their experiences, and four key reasons why NCL’s private islands are firmly in the ‘live up to the hype’ bucket for them.
1. Something for everyone
60 years ago, NCL introduced an idea that would go on to revolutionise the cruise industry: weekly departures to the Caribbean. Its mission? To make a region that had long been the preserve of an elite few more accessible to a wider range of travellers.
Today, its come-as-you-are approach is one of the reasons it’s built such a loyal base of returning guests, and why it’s often recommended to first-time cruisers. With 13 ships sailing the Caribbean, more than 42 unique itineraries and seven convenient departure ports to choose from, including Miami, New York and Port Canaveral, it’s never been easier to find what works for you.
On NCL’s private islands, that translates to a warm welcome, whatever your travel style. From solo sailors sipping freshly muddled mojitos to honeymooners having a couples’ massage and families racing down sea-inspired slides, it’s hard to imagine anyone feeling out of place.
It’s something Will immediately noticed as he explored Great Stirrup Cay.
“There’s plenty on offer for all ages. I can see it being particularly popular with families and multi-gen groups. You can understand why the new additions, the 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbour and Great Tides Waterpark, will be a hit with parents and kids. Meanwhile, if grandparents want to go and relax, there are plenty of places to do that, including the new cabanas.”
He continues, “We spent quite a lot of our day at the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, and just relaxing at the beach.”
2. Bucket-list-worthy experiences
Being able to say you’ve been to a private island in and of itself is pretty special. But beyond that, both Harvest Caye and Great Stirrup Cay offer distinct, memory-making experiences.
Abbie says, “My partner and I spent a lot of our time in Harvest Caye by the pool, occasionally cooling off in the water – it was 30C after all – and enjoying cocktails from the swim-up bar. But it also has appeal for those who want to get a bit more adventurous. There was a wildlife sanctuary with iguanas and macaws and the 136-foot Flighthouse with a zipline.”
The zipline on Great Stirrup Cay similarly stands out in Will’s memory. “I ended up not trying it myself because I’m terrified of heights, but it was definitely popular and I could see why. I was almost tempted, until I actually saw someone soaring above me, and thought, I’d best leave it to them.”
Guests who could do without the adrenaline rush of flying through the air will find plenty to suit them to a T, too. On Great Stirrup Cay, that might mean a self-guided snorkelling adventure through a sculpture garden teeming with marine life, while on Harvest Caye, the saltwater lagoon offers water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and electric float boats.
3. Switch-off mode activated
While there is plenty to keep you busy, if you’re looking to do absolutely nothing, you’re in the right place.
On Harvest Caye, luxurious, air-conditioned beachside cabanas featuring concierge service, lounge chairs and private bathrooms are a highlight, while on Great Stirrup Cay, serenity seekers are drawn to Silver Cove’s private beach, spacious villas and Mandara Spa.
Abbie says, “I think Harvest Caye is perfect for guests who want a taste of relaxation. We had quite a busy itinerary on the coast of Central America, with a fair few days of adventurous activities, so it added a great sense of balance.”
She continues, “A real advantage is how much space you have to yourself. In some major ports, you might have two or more ships docked at once, and it can get very busy. Here, it’s exclusive to NCL guests, and there was plenty of room to spread out. And because we had the whole day there, we didn’t feel rushed.”
4. Hassle-free by design
A major appeal of a visit to NCL’s private islands is how smooth the experience is, from beginning to end.
Abbie says, “On Harvest Caye, it’s so easy to get around. You don’t have to worry about transfers or taxis. There are golf buggies available, which are handy for guests with mobility issues or young children, or you can take the walk from the ship along the jetty. After a morning by the pool, we even decided to go back to our ship for lunch and then return to the island, so the convenience really impressed us.”
Will found his experience similarly seamless, particularly given Great Stirrup Cay’s brand-new tram system, which whisks guests around so they can make the most of their time on shore.
It also helps that the Free at Sea™ packages apply on Great Stirrup Cay. Will explains, “It works the same way it does on the ship. It’s very different to most destinations, where you have to think about having your credit card or local currency on you.”
And when the time comes to leave, you don’t have to worry about missing the ship. Will laughs, “Considering you can see it from pretty much everywhere on the island, it would be hard to do.”
Top itineraries with private island access
If you want a taste of private island living, these three itineraries belong on your short list…
Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Harvest Caye
Departure dates: 18 October to 25 October and 25 October to 1 November 2026
If you can’t choose which private island to try, this seven-day cruise aboard Norwegian Aqua is a great place to start.
On a round-trip from Miami, you’ll combine the unspoiled beauty and biodiversity of Roatán (Bay Islands) in Honduras and the island of Cozumel off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with both Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye. Throw two sea days into the mix, and you’ve got the ultimate balance of exploration and relaxation.
Caribbean: Curacao, Aruba & Dominican Republic
Departure date: 4 January to 14 January 2027
This 10-day cruise aboard Norwegian Jewel starts by sailing from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, but that’s just the beginning. In Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic, expect the wild natural beauty of untamed mangroves and lagoons, while in Oranjestad, Aruba, sherbet-hued Dutch colonial buildings are draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus.
Falmouth in Jamaica and George Town in Grand Cayman, meanwhile, bring you the Caribbean of your imagination: white sand beaches, world-class diving and authentic flavours.
Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay, Orlando & Nassau
Departure dates: 10 departures to choose from in November 2026, January, February, March and November 2027 and February and March 2028
This eight-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss has the advantage of sailing from New York, meaning you can combine the Caribbean with cosmopolitan exploration of one of the world’s great cities.
Beyond that, you can look forward to Orlando, perfect for making memories at one of the family-favourite theme parks, or Nassau, known for its world-class rum distilleries, wildlife conservation centres and dynamic cultural scene.
Read next: 10 new additions to NCL's private island in the Bahamas
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