Four 2026 Caribbean cruises with private island access
Sailing away to a private island in the Caribbean, far from crowds, commutes and cold snaps, could be just the reset you need to start 2026 right. And with a variety of Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries to choose from, that sun-drenched escape might be easier to pull off than you think.
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At a glance
- In the 1970s, NCL pioneered the concept of a private island exclusively for cruise passengers and hasn’t looked back since.
- The cruise line now has two private islands: Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye off the coast of Belize.
- Great Stirrup Cay is getting a refresh, with cruisers in late 2025 and early 2026 among the first to enjoy the new enhancements.
- NCL offers over 40 unique Caribbean itineraries, including plenty of family-friendly options.
- With popular staterooms and excursions already selling fast for 2026 sailings, we recommend booking soon.
Can I really visit a private island on a Caribbean cruise?
Yes, you certainly can, which often surprises first-time cruisers. For many, the phrase ‘private island’ conjures visions of tropical playgrounds reserved exclusively for the ultra-wealthy or world-famous. But on select Caribbean cruises, you can experience them for yourself, no A-list invite required.
Who made that possible? We have Norwegian Cruise Line to thank. In 1977, after more than a decade of sailing the Caribbean, NCL pioneered the concept of private islands exclusively for cruise guests. It leased – and later purchased – Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which remains a firm passenger favourite today.
In fact, the enduring popularity of that first private island eventually led to another. In 2016, NCL cruisers began to land on Harvest Caye, a lush island in the balmy waters off Belize.
What are these private islands like today?
Great Stirrup Cay
This is the private island where it all began – though it looks quite different now than it did when NCL guests first stepped ashore back in the ‘70s. Over the decades, the island has been regularly updated and reimagined.
What’s emerged is a place where cruisers can live out their private island fantasy, whatever that means to them. For some, that might be an adventure-packed day spent snorkelling through an underwater sculpture garden, paddleboarding over turquoise shallows or joining an excursion to swim with a passel of adorable pigs (yes, it’s a thing).
For others, simply lounging with a cocktail on a white-sand beach or in a shaded cabana, followed by a treatment at Mandara Spa, is adventure enough.
Cruisers arriving in late 2025 and early 2026 will also be the first to enjoy a wave of new enhancements: a state-of-the-art pier, an open-air entry plaza, a shaded pergola and a brand-new tram to help you explore the acres of Bahamian beauty with ease.
The biggest draw, however, will quite literally be the new 28,000-square-foot heated swimming pool. For perspective, it’s the size of 20 tennis courts. Expect plenty of cabanas, two swim-up bars and a dedicated kids’ area.
Harvest Caye
This resort-style private island off the coast of southern Belize is also exclusive to NCL guests. Beyond its seven acres of beach and sprawling pool area – complete with a cascading waterfall – there’s a raft of ways to spend your time, including lots of family-friendly options.
Nature lovers are spoiled for choice. Harvest Caye is located along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the second-largest coral reef system on Earth. Marine life can be glimpsed from glass-bottomed boats or experienced close-up on snorkelling excursions. With a bit of luck, you’ll see shoals of colourful reef fish, delicate sea anemones, starfish and even spotted eagle rays.
Back on shore, the island features wildlife exhibits, including a morpho butterfly house; these stunning winged creatures, native to South and Central America, will land directly on you.
For thrill-seekers, the real fun awaits in the skies, whether that’s soaring over the lagoon on a parasailing adventure or ziplining from the Flighthouse – a 136-foot-tall launch point for aerial activities.
Which 2026 Caribbean cruise should I book?
The Caribbean spans over a million square miles and has over 7,000 islands, cays and reefs – so it’s safe to say, there’s more than one way to sail it. That’s something NCL’s seasoned teams of experts know well, which is why they’ve curated over 40 carefully designed itineraries to showcase this diverse region in different lights.
Here are four NCL Caribbean cruises that include private island access, along with a few other spectacular surprises.
Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic
When can I go?
This week-long round-trip cruise from Miami offers flexibility, with a whopping 47 sail dates available across 2025, 2026 and 2027 at the time of writing.
Where does it stop?
After departing from Miami, your first port of call is Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, where you can meet dolphins, explore on horseback or follow jungle trails to hidden waterfalls.
Next up is St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands – a haven for kayaking through mangrove-lined lagoons or snorkelling with sea turtles. This is followed by Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, where white sand beaches, crystal waters and tidal pools await. You can even explore the island said to have inspired the novel Treasure Island.
Last but not least is Great Stirrup Cay. This private Bahamian oasis provides a final dose of sun, sea and serenity before sailing back to Miami.
What makes it special?
You’ll sail on the impressive Norwegian Aqua, freshly launched in 2025. From its three-deck spa to the more than 20 dining venues, there’s something for everyone – but it’s the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, that really takes things to the next level.
Bahamas & Florida from New York
When can I go?
This round-trip, eight-day cruise has five scheduled sailings in late 2025 and early 2026.
Where does it stop?
The voyage starts and ends in New York, so you may want to schedule a day or two before or after your cruise to explore this global capital.
Once you set sail, your first stop is Port Canaveral, Florida. From here, it's about an hour to Orlando, as well as a range of family-friendly attractions, from Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World to Gatorland (it’s exactly what it sounds like) and the Kennedy Space Center.
Next, you’ll head to NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, followed by a day in Nassau, also in the Bahamas. A family favourite here is the Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark, while encounters with marine wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, are also a major draw.
What makes it special?
You’ll have four days at sea, giving you ample time to enjoy all the features onboard Norwegian Breakaway, such as the aqua park, spa and thermal suite and three-deck sports complex.
It also means the More at Sea upgrade, which includes extras like premium beverages, speciality dining, excursion credits and Wi-Fi packages, is particularly handy. Those perks extend to Great Stirrup Cay, too, so you can enjoy your private island day with a cocktail in hand and no surprise charges.
Dominican Republic & Antigua
When can I go?
Norwegian Getaway will set sail on this 10-day island-hopping adventure first on the 5th and then on the 19th of January 2026.
Where does it stop?
Aside from Miami, where the cruise begins and ends, this itinerary includes seven ports of call: Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, St John’s in Antigua, Philipsburg in St Maarten, Basseterre in St Kitts, San Juan in Puerto Rico and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
Each shore day offers something distinct, with optional excursions ranging from rum distillery tours in San Juan and tropical bird sanctuaries in St Maarten to off-roading adventures through St Kitts’ lush interior.
What makes it special?
This longer itinerary gives you time to experience a broader mix of cultures, landscapes and activities. You might dig deeper into one port’s layered past, knowing there will be plenty of time for nature-focused excursions elsewhere along the route.
Plus, with two sea days built into the itinerary, you’ll have time to rest and recharge on Norwegian Getaway between port stops, so you disembark refreshed.
Harvest Caye, Cozumel & Roatán
When can I go?
This seven-day cruise on Norwegian Encore has four scheduled departures across December 2025 and January 2026.
Where does it stop?
Departing from Miami, the cruise first calls at Roatán, an island just off the coast of Honduras known for its biodiversity. You can spend your shore day snorkelling a shipwreck teeming with marine life, lounging in an overwater bungalow or meeting the island’s resident monkeys and macaws.
The adventure continues on Harvest Caye, NCL’s private island off the coast of Belize, before you arrive in Cozumel, Mexico. Here, you can explore Mayan ruins, relax in eco parks or join culinary-focused excursions like tequila tastings or chocolate making.
What makes it special?
This itinerary stands out for nature lovers thanks to the sheer variety of flora and fauna you can experience in one week, from reefs and tropical jungle to eco parks and coastal lagoons. Whether you’re swimming with dolphins in Mexico or spotting sloths in Roatán, it’s an itinerary that brings biodiversity to the fore – while still giving you plenty of time to relax in the sun.
When should I book my 2026 NCL Caribbean cruise?
Simply put, the sooner the better. If you’re dreaming of an NCL Caribbean cruise complete with private island access, there are advantages to planning ahead. This is especially important if you have a particular stateroom in mind – for example, a studio if you’re sailing solo, or the Haven, if you’re after 24-hour butler service.
Booking early also gives you the best chance of securing your preferred shore excursions before they fill up. And best of all, you have peace of mind that your dream holiday is locked in.
