princess cays port excursions

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!

Liked this post? Pin it for later!

• Recent Posts

• Carnival Cruise Line Salutes Military Women During Inaugural Fleet Week in Miami - May 10, 2024
• Holland America’s Culinary Teams Will Be Alaska Seafood University Certified - May 9, 2024
• Carnival’s Celebration Key Construction Empowering Grand Bahamian Workforce - May 8, 2024

Related posts:

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 – Bahamas

Last updated on January 22nd, 2024 at 02:41 pm

Indulge in the tropical beauty of Princess Cays, a private resort owned by Princess Cruises. Sink your toes into soft sand, swim in crystal-clear waters, or explore the underwater world through snorkeling or diving. Enjoy a beachside barbecue, sip refreshing cocktails, or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline. Princess Cays provides a relaxing and idyllic beach escape.

Purchases at Princess Cays will be charged to your shipboard account. Should you venture out of the resort, cash will be required as most establishments do not accept cards. The Bahamian Dollar is the official currency on Eleuthera, however, all businesses accept US Dollars on par.

Wireless Internet:

No Wifi is currently available in the resort.

Where You Dock in Princess Cays – Bahamas

The cruise ship docks offshore and passengers are tendered directly to the resort.

Getting Around Princess Cays – Bahamas

All of the facilities are linked by walkways and easy to find.

Dining In Princess Cays – Bahamas

Complementary BBQs are available at several locations.

Things To Do in Princess Cays – Bahamas

Enjoy the beach party atmosphere of the resort or lounge in the sun, it’s up to you! Rental equipment for nearly any type of water sport is available. Another great option is to relax and fish in grand Eleutheran tradition.

Depending on the length of the stop at Princess Cays the chance to explore the Island might be available. Dune buggies and guided tours can take you into the island for a closer look at the local culture.

A post shared by Princess Cruises (@princesscruises) on Jan 29, 2017 at 10:29am PST

© 2023 cruiseportadvisor All Rights Reserved.

• Book Excursions
• Anchorage, AK
• Baltimore, MD
• Cape Liberty, NJ
• Charleston, SC
• Ft Lauderdale, FL
• Galveston, TX
• Honolulu, HI
• Jacksonville, FL
• L.A. (San Pedro), CA
• Long Beach, CA
• Montreal, QC
• New Orleans, LA
• Norfolk, VA
• NYC – Brooklyn
• NYC – Manhattan
• Port Canaveral, FL
• Quebec City, QC
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• San Juan, PR
• Seattle, WA
• Vancouver, BC
• Whittier, AK
• Alaska & Pacific Northwest
• Central & South America
• Cruise Ports in Bermuda
• Dominican Republic
• Mexico & Mexican Riviera
• Eastern Canada & Quebec
• New England
• Los Angeles (San Pedro), CA
• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Cruise Blog
• Cruise FAQ’s

For the most recent version of this page, visit:

www.cruiseandsea.com

https://www.cruiseandsea.com/port/port-princess-cays-bahamas/

Princess Cays Bahamas

Princess Cays has been Princess Cruise’s private beach since 1992. This port is located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas.

Its facilities include a special area dedicated to children’s activities, a beautiful beach with barbecue and bar, and a basketball court! The island has a population of 11,000 and Princess offers some excursions to the surrounding villages, outside the tourist complex.

Share this page

Useful Information

A 15% tip will be appreciated in restaurants and taxis, but be careful, as it is sometimes already added to the bill.

BSD Bahamian dollar - The U.S. dollar is generally accepted. The Bahamas dollar is at parity with the U.S. dollar. Make sure you receive your currency in U.S. dollars.

Time difference

from New York: 0h

from San Francisco: +2h

from London: -5h

Where is located the Port of Princess Cays Cruise Terminal

Excursions in princess cays.

You can simply relax on the beach, or choose from one of the many activities and excursions such as:

• Guided tour of the island and its villages
• Renting different aquatic equipment
• Windsurfing
• Paddle board
• Private cabana rentals

Useful References

• Tourism Board - Princess Cays
• Tourism Board - Bahamas
• Princess Cays on Wikipedia
• Bahamas on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)

Castaway Cay Bahamas

CocoCay Bahamas

Fort-Lauderdale United States of America

Freeport Bahamas

Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas

Half Moon Cay Bahamas

Miami United States of America

Nassau Bahamas

New York United States of America

Other cruiseports in the area

• Castaway Cay
• Fort-Lauderdale
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Half Moon Cay
• Princess Cays

More World Destinations

• Adriatic Sea
• Canada and New England
• Central America
• Mediterranean Sea
• Northern Europe
• Norwegian Fjords
• Panama Canal
• South America

Princess Cays

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Princess Cays - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda Cruise Ports

Princess Cays (Bahamas, Eleuthera Island)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-05-21 18:46

Port Princess Cays cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Princess Cays, Bahamas, Eleuthera Island. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Princess Cays is a famous tourist resort situated at the southern end of Eleuthera island, Bahamas, owned by Princess Cruises . The company uses it as a port-of-call on voyages in the Caribbean.

Princess Cays (Eleuthera) lies nearly 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau .

Eleuthera island is long and thin - 180 km (110 mi) long and in places little over 1 mi (1,6 km) wide. In 2000, the population of Eleuthera was nearly 8,000. The isle's topography varies from wide pink sand beaches to vast outcrops of ancient coral reefs. Eleuthera's eastern side faces the Atlantic while the western faces the Great Bahama Bank.

Starting May 2017, this exclusive Bahamian private island destination was added to the itineraries of 6 Carnival Cruise Line ships. Carnival ships had scheduled a total of 40 visits to Princess Cays in 2017, and 98 in 2018. The ships with 2017 itineraries that include the Princess private island destination were:

• 8-day cruises on Carnival Conquest (leaving from Fort Lauderdale FL)
• 7-day cruises on Carnival Pride (leaving from Baltimore)
• 5-day cruises on Carnival Ecstasy (leaving from Charleston SC) and on Carnival Elation (leaving from Jacksonville FL)
• 4-day cruises on Carnival Liberty (leaving from Port Canaveral - Orland0 FL) and on Carnival Sensation (out of Miami FL).

Princess Cays is one of several private island destinations with purposefully-built facilities for cruise passengers from vessels owned by Carnival Corporation. The other Carnival private islands and resort complexes are Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) , Celebration Key (Grand Bahama) , Grand Turk Island , Puerta Maya (Cozumel) , Mahogany Bay (Roatan Island, Honduras) , Amber Cove (Dominicana) .

On February 16, 2018, Princess Cruises completed the island's renovations and program enhancements. The project included refurbishments to all public areas (retail shops, bar areas). Updates were done to landscapes and infrastructure.

• The marina was upgraded to serve larger tender boats, and now has its own security clearance area.
• An Info Booth is now part a new outdoor shaded seating lounge.
• All indoor and outdoor structures were repainted.
• Guest towel station was added at the Welcome Center.
• New palm trees were planted.
• All beach bungalows were refitted.
• New public announcement system was installed.
• A Wi-Fi network was installed to serve Carnival's Ocean MedallionNet (connectivity ashore).
• New shore excursions options were also added, including guided seakayak paddling through the lagoon, Island Bicycle Adventure, Stingray Beach Encounter, water sports (Davy Jones water gear and snorkeling rental equipment)

Princess Cays was inaugurated as private beachside resort in 1992. The beach covers approx 40 acres (162,000 m2) and features over 1,5 mi / 2,5 km long white-sand shoreline. As call port, Princess Cays is included in ’both Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Island fire accident 2019

On January 28, 2019, at ~11 pm, to Rock Sound Police Station was reported a fire accident at Princess Cays. To the site were dispatched units of SEEP (fire trucks) and local police. The fire fully engulfed 4 wooden houses (generator, waterplant, mechanic shop, tool shed). Upon units' arrival, all these structures were destroyed.

Within several hours, the fire was contained to private resort's mid-section. Reportedly, the fire started in the generator house.

Princess Cays cruise terminal

Visitors to Princess Cays island can book a variety of shore excursions, including sea kayaking, banana boating, swimming, paddle boating, snorkeling, skiing, parasailing, wave-running, windsurfing, sailboating, dune buggy rides, glass-bottom boat tours, . There are also basketball and volleyball courts.

The island's facilities include a tourist complex (sized 0,16 km2 (0,06 mi2)) with an observation tower (for panoramic views of the island), bars, restaurants, retail shops (Bahamian handmade crafts, souvenirs, artworks), complimentary BBQ lunch service. Princess Cays' infrastructure has a series of paved paths leading to palm tree-dotted beaches where clamshells, private bungalows and cabanas are available for rental.

Among the recent operational enhancements are larger and more efficient tender boats, which are used for passenger transportation between the cruise ship and the shore.

Carnival Glory starts Transatlantic crossing following 21-day drydock refurbishment

On Thursday, April 18, Carnival Glory resumed operations from Barcelona (Spain) after undergoing a 21-day drydock refurbishment. Embarking on a 14...

Fire on Carnival Freedom ship prompts canceled cruises

Passengers are facing disruptions following an incident involving a CCL-Carnival Cruise Line vessel amid adverse weather conditions on Saturday...

Princess Cruises' largest ship Sun Princess to operate Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale...

In October 2024, Princess Cruises will introduce its newest ship - Sun Princess, in the USA. This ship is the largest in the Sphere class and will...

CCL brings 4th cruise ship (Carnival Miracle) to Galveston Texas

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line announced it is expanding its offerings in Galveston (Texas USA), by bringing a 4th ship, Carnival Miracle, to the port to...

Sea Cloud Cruises celebrating a debut route from PortMiami with Sea Cloud Spirit

The small-ship company Sea Cloud Cruises (fleet) celebrated a debut route on Tuesday, February 21st, in US waters with the 2021-built Sea Cloud...

CCL's cruise ship Carnival Elation restarts operations at JAXPORT after drydock refurbishment

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's ship Elation returned to service at homeport JAXPORT/Jacksonville (Florida) over the weekend sporting a brand-new look...

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line opens bookings for 2025 sailings from Norfolk (Virginia USA)

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line announced that the first series of year-round roundtrips from Norfolk (Virginia USA) are now opening for sale as the company...

Bookings open for the inaugural season of CCL's ex-Costa ship Carnival Venezia

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line opened bookings for the inaugural season of its next new liner, Carnival Venezia (still operating as Costa Venezia), which...

7 Carnival cruise ships meet up at sea to celebrate the company’s 50th Birthday

As part of CCL-Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday festivities and the company's Sailabrations cruises, 7 liners, including Breeze, Ecstasy...

•   show more news

Princess Cays - user reviews and comments

Accessibility Links

12 of the best Princess cruise ships

Those who sail on princess ships can look forward to magic shows, whizzy technology and thrilling shows.

A mysterious black door, tucked away from the rest of the ship, swings open and I enter a dark room. I’m introduced to Isabella, the ethereal resident spirit, and handed a cocktail from a smoking casket as the magical evening in Spellbound unfolds. For me, one of the things that makes Princess Cruises stand out from the crowd is the ever-evolving entertainment scene on its ships.

The 16-strong Princess fleet — which will become 17 in 2025 with the launch of Star Princess — is divided into four classes. Fans of big ships will prefer the Royal and new Sphere class vessels, while anyone who favours smaller vessels can choose the Grand and Coral class. Princess sails the globe and is particularly well-known for Alaska sailings, with seven ships sailing there in 2024 — more than any other line. Here are 12 of our favourites.

Become a subscriber and, along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times, you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners, especially for Times+ members

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue

1. Sun Princess

Launched in 2024, this 4,300-passenger ship is the largest in the fleet and marks the first of the all-new Sphere class. The name comes from the spectacular one-of-a-kind multi-level glass dome, that is a pool area by day and entertainment venue at night, and the two spheres on each side which span nine decks and contain public areas and cabins. Prepare to be enchanted at the Spellbound by Magic Castle experience with its secret entrance and logic-defying stage show. Sun Princess is spending its maiden season in the Mediterranean and Caribbean .

Advertisement

2. royal princess.

This 3,560-passenger Royal class ship made headlines when it was christened in Southampton in 2013 by the Princess of Wales; her last engagement before the birth of Prince George. Today the ship, which carries 3,560 guests, can be found much further afield in Australia , New Zealand and the South Pacific. Providing a traditional cruise experience, Royal Princess introduced SeaWalk, a 128ft glass platform extending from the side of the ship.

3. Enchanted Princess

Another of the six Royal class ships, Enchanted Princess mainly sails in the Caribbean but can whisk you across to the Mediterranean at the same time in the 360 dining experience, also on Discovery Princess. Here, a seven-course menu is served against a backdrop of culinary storytelling and clever visual entertainment. The 3,660-passenger vessel visits Princess Cays, the line’s private resort on the white sand island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas . Back onboard, there’s plenty of outdoor deck space to make the most of the sunshine.

4. Ruby Princess

Launched in 2008, and given a multi-million dollar facelift in 2018, Ruby Princess is the last of the seven Grand class ships that make up the majority of the Princess fleet. Catering to 3,080 guests, it’s among the Princess vessels sailing to Alaska and has plenty of indoor activities and facilities suited to sailing in cooler climates. Like all Princess ships, it has MedallionClass technology. The wearable device, the size of a coin, can be used to open cabin doors, order food and drink, keep in touch with fellow passengers and more.

5. Coral Princess

The baby of the Princess fleet is the 1,970-passenger Coral Princess, conceived in 2002 to be nimble enough to navigate the Panama Canal. Alongside Island Princess, it’s one of two Coral class ships. A refurbishment in 2019 gave it a fresh look which puts it on par with the rest of the fleet. With fewer amenities than its larger siblings, it appeals to guests who prefer a quieter cruise experience. Cruises include longer 22-night sailings out of the US and Canada with a Panama Canal transit.

6. Sky Princess

When Sky Princess debuted in 2019 it was the first ship in the fleet with supersize Sky Suites that sleep up to five. In a prime spot overlooking the main pool area, with huge wraparound balconies and 270-degree views, they provide the best seats in the house for watching films under the stars. In fact, a novel perk for passengers staying in the suites is being able to pick the film that will be screened one night. The 3,660-passenger Royal class ship’s schedule includes no-fly cruises out of Southampton.

• Best transatlantic cruises • Best cruises from Newcastle

7. Discovery Princess

If you fancy a trip Down Under, the sixth Royal class ship Discovery Princess will be based in Australia and New Zealand in 2025. The 3,660-guest vessel, launched in 2022, will be the biggest Princess ship ever to sail in Australian waters and has 22 itineraries, which will offer 11 departures from Sydney . Speciality dining on Discovery Princess includes the line’s signature seafood restaurant, the Catch by Rudi, which can also be found on Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess and Sun Princess.

8. Caribbean Princess

One of the ships that sails out of Southampton, along with cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska, Caribbean Princess is from the Grand class stable. Where it differs significantly from the rest of its fleet mates is having a family-focused pool deck, making it a top choice for anyone travelling with youngsters. The Reef Splash Zone was upgraded during a refurbishment in 2019, which modernised the 2004 vessel. Elsewhere, the 3,140-passenger ship has familiar Princess favourites such as Sabatini’s Italian restaurant.

9. Island Princess

Island Princess, which caters for 2,200 guests, is the second smallest in the fleet so doesn’t feel overwhelming for first-time cruisers. Like its sibling, it was custom-built to offer transit through the Panama Canal. If you’ve got time to spare, Island Princess sails on many long and port-intensive itineraries including world cruises — including segments of the global voyages — and epic trips such as a 53-night South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand cruise.

10. Majestic Princess

Originally designed for the Chinese market on cruises out of Shanghai , Majestic Princess now plies the waters of the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Alaska and Californian coast. Thanks to its heritage, the 2017 ship has some marked differences from other Royal class vessels. It is the only Princess ship to have the speciality restaurant Harmony, created in collaboration with Wing Lei, the first Chinese restaurant in the US to be awarded a Michelin star. There’s a tasty noodle bar too.

11. Emerald Princess

If you prefer not to fly, look out for Emerald Princess which will be sailing out of Southampton in 2025 on trips including Norway ’s northern lights. The Grand class ship, launched in 2007 and extensively renovated in 2019, carries 3,080 passengers. Like other ships in the fleet, the central hub is the multi-deck piazza with places to eat, drink and watch live entertainment. Wine-lovers can head to Vines for wine flights and to enjoy tapas-style bites.

12. Grand Princess

When Grand Princess set sail in 1998 it was billed as the biggest and fastest cruise ship at sea. Of course, time moves on and the line’s first Grand class vessel is now the smallest in the category and the oldest ship in the fleet. Despite its advancing years, following a 2019 revamp, the grande dame wears its age well. It offers good value cruises to some of the line’s most popular destinations such as Alaska, Australia and the Californian coast, including short taster sailings which are ideal for first timers.

Sign up to the Times Travel newsletter for weekly inspiration, advice and deals here

• Best budget cruises in the Caribbean • Best no-fly cruises • Best cruise lines for every kind of traveller

Related articles

MSC Cruises to bring a 2nd ship to Port Canaveral

P ort Canaveral’s cruise ship plate is getting bigger with the announcement Thursday that MSC Cruises will bring in a second ship for the first time starting next year.

MSC Grandiosa will begin seven-night Caribbean itineraries in December 2025 for the winter sailing season while MSC Seashore remains, but sailing short three- and four-night Bahamas sailings to Nassau and the cruise line’s private island Ocean Cay.

It’s the largest MSC ship yet to sail from the port. The Meraviglia Plus-class vessel is among the top 20 largest cruise ships worldwide at 181,541 gross tons and a maximum passenger capacity of 6,334. It debuted in 2019 and features a water park, five pools, nine hot tubs, spa, the MSC Yacht Club exclusive area and a Lego partnership in its kids clubs.

One of the more dramatic features is the 323-foot-long Galleria Grandiosa promenade with an LED projection screen over the length of the walkway. The ship features 10 restaurants including the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Sushi, Kaito Tepanyaki and L’Atelier Bistrot.

This is its first time taking on North American duties, and its arrival coincides with the debut out of PortMiami of the MSC World America, which will be even larger.

“The Winter 2025-2026 season will mark our largest presence in the U.S. to date, and our expansion at Port Canaveral is a big part of that,” said MSC Cruises USA President Rubén A. Rodríguez in a press release. “We know people sailing from Central Florida want options, and we’re delighted to offer them two of our most modern and glamorous ships with itineraries that will appeal to everyone from first-time to seasoned cruisers.”

MSC first began sailing from the port in 2021, joining mainstays Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. It has shuffled several ships for short runs for what Rodríguez said was a taste of what MSC has to offer. That has included MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seashore.

The family-owned cruise line has its roots in Europe, so the line plays up its “unique international flavor” compared with the other lines, while also touting its environmental efforts such as can be found on the private Bahamas island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. It is undergoing a major expansion effort to support excursions and on-island activities.

MSC Grandiosa will trade off alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries. Eastern trips will visit Nassau and Ocean Cay, Bahamas; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands. Western trips will visit Nassau; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; Montego Bay and Falmouth, Jamaica; and Belize City, Belize.

“We are honored that MSC Cruises chose Port Canaveral for the North American debut of their magnificent MSC Grandiosa,” said Port Canaveral CEO John Murray in the release. “Expanding their homeport fleet at Port Canaveral underscores their confidence in our partnership and shared commitment to success.”

The growing port for a time took on the title of world’s busiest cruise port after the pandemic, and while PortMiami has since retaken that title, Port Canaveral continues to expand its ship offerings.

The last sailing season saw 16 ships that either homeported year-round or sailed seasonally, and it expects that number to grow to 19 for the 2024-2025 sailing season, including the debuts of Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises this fall.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• Cruise Podcast

Caribbean Princess Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review 2024 [Podcast]

Doug Parker

• May 19, 2024

In this episode of Cruise Radio, Doug Parker welcomes guest Craig, who recounts his seven-night cruise on Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess.

As a Floridian who runs Florida Key Food Tours , Craig details his onboard experiences, including exceptional dining, diverse entertainment from shows to comedy acts, and the lively music scene across the ship’s bars. He also shares his casino visits, relaxed sea days with activities like art auctions, and engaging kids’ programs.

Craig also describes his port adventures in Princess Cays, San Juan, and Saint Thomas and concludes with the disembarkation process at Port Everglades.

Timestamps:

• Craig’s cruise experience (00:01:46)  Discussion about a seven-night cruise on Princess Cruises Caribbean Princess.
• Boarding the Caribbean Princess (00:03:06)  Experience boarding the Caribbean Princess and using the Ocean Ready system.
• Room upgrade and first impressions (00:05:48): We discussed the room upgrade, room layout, and first impressions of the Caribbean Princess.
• Balcony stateroom review (00:06:39)  Review of the Balcony stateroom, including space, bathroom, and deck number.
• Princess Buffet and International Cafe (00:10:38): A Review of the buffet, a preference for main-room dining, and an appreciation for the International Cafe.
• Using Ocean Ready for ordering (00:12:11)  Experience using Ocean Ready for ordering food and drinks during the cruise.
• Main dining room experience (00:12:48)  Challenges with main dining room reservations, service quality, and food review.
• Specialty dining experience (00:15:44)  Review of the steak place and recommendation for the Grand Grill on the Caribbean Princess.
• Seafood Restaurant Experience (00:15:54)  Speaker 8 describes the impressive service and food at a seafood restaurant on the cruise ship.
• Entertainment and Shows (00:17:20)  Discussion on the quality of entertainment, including singing, dancing, and comedy shows on the cruise ship.
• Live Music and Bar Experience (00:18:46)  Speaker 8 shares his experiences of enjoying live music at various bars on the cruise ship.
• Casino and Smoking Situation (00:20:07)  Speaker 8 talks about his experiences at the casino and the presence of smoking in that area.
• Sea Days and Activities (00:21:57)  Speaker 8 discusses the sea day activities, including games, art auctions, and the overall experience on the cruise ship.
• Ports of Call Highlights (00:25:54)  Speaker 8 shares highlights from the ports of call, including Princess Cay, San Juan, and Saint Thomas.
• Food Tour and Kenny Chesney Concert (00:28:00)  Discussion about a food tour in San Juan and the anticipation of attending a Kenny Chesney concert.
• Disembarkation Process (00:30:14)  Speaker 8 describes the disembarkation process and the challenges of getting back to the car at Port Everglades.
• Family Cruise Tips (00:31:43): This is a discussion on preparing for a family cruise, including dealing with mobility issues and making dinner reservations.
• Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day (00:33:00)  Describing the experience of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on the cruise, including the availability of green beer and family traditions.
• Highlights of the Cruise (00:33:43)  Reflecting on the meaningful experiences and positive impact of the cruise for the family, especially for the elderly parents.
• Ship’s Family-Friendly Features (00:35:14)  Appreciation of the ship’s size and amenities that cater to family members of different ages and interests.
• Appreciation of Traditional Cruising Elements (00:36:27)  Expressing admiration for the traditional aspects of cruising, such as onboard photography and family-oriented atmosphere.

Recent Posts

Royal caribbean, celebrity cruises next to make pricing changes following new law, kentucky woman discovers risks of sharing cruise documents online, cruise line launches all-inclusive live onboard package with no extra fees, passenger files lawsuit against alaska cruise port after scooter incident, share this post, related posts.

Carnival Cruise Line Makes History with 10 Million Guests in Galveston

Civil Unrest Leads Cruise Lines to Bypass Port

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for.

The purchase window for certain products and activities closes before to the sail end date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us on board, we'll help you find what you’re looking for.

Princess Cays The Bahamas

Already booked your cruise?

Log In  to shop food, entertainment and gifts for yourself or a friend!

Feeling Generous?

Give a gift to your friend going on one of our cruises!

MSC to base second cruise ship, the Grandiosa, at Port Canaveral starting late next year

MSC Cruises will base a second cruise ship at Port Canaveral , starting late next year, boosting options for cruise passengers and boosting revenue for the port.

The MSC Grandiosa will offer alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, starting in December 2025, which will be the first sailings of that ship out of a U.S. port.

When it comes to Port Canaveral, the Grandiosa will join the MSC Seashore , which will offer three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , MSC's private island in the Bahamas that aims to focus on conservation of marine life.

In announcing the addition of the Grandiosa to the port lineup, Port Canaveral CEO John Murray said the port is "honored that MSC Cruises chose Port Canaveral for the North American debut of their magnificent MSC Grandiosa. Expanding their home-port fleet at Port Canaveral underscores their confidence in our partnership and shared commitment to success."

MSC Cruises USA President Rubén Rodríguez said the winter 2025-26 season will mark MSC's largest presence in the United States to date, "and our expansion at Port Canaveral is a big part of that. Ever since we started sailing from Port Canaveral in 2021, our guests have told us they love how convenient that makes it to experience MSC Cruises’ unique international flavor."

Here are more details about the addition of the MSC Grandiosa to the Port Canaveral lineup:

How big is the Grandiosa?

Another cruise terminal planned: Port Canaveral announces plans for new north side cruise terminal at cargo berth site

MSC Grandiosa — one of MSC Cruises’ "Meraviglia-plus-class" ships — will become MSC Cruises’ largest ship to home-port at Port Canaveral when it arrives next year. It is 1,094 feet long; 141 feet wide; has 2,421 cabins; and has 19 decks, including 15 decks for passengers. It has a passenger capacity of 6,334, plus 1,704 crew members. It began sailings with passengers in 2019.

In comparison, the Seashore has 2,270 cabins, a passenger capacity of 5,877 and crew of 1,648. It began sailings with passengers in 2021.

Both ships rank as among the world's 25 largest cruise ships.

What are some of the Grandiosa's features?

• 10 restaurants, including Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Sushi, Kaito Tepanyaki and L’Atelier Bistrot.
• Five pools and nine hot tubs.
• Wild Forest Aquapark.
• Enhanced MSC Yacht Club, a private luxury area of the ship for passengers who pay additional fees for access.
• Expansive MSC Aurea Spa.
• Large Broadway-style theater and Carousel Lounge for nightly entertainment.
• 323-foot-long Galleria Grandiosa promenade shopping and dining area, with an LED sky screen.

Where will the ship sail to on its seven-night cruises from Port Canaveral ?

• Eastern Caribbean: Various calls, including Nassau (the Bahamas), Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (the Bahamas), Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Charlotte Amalie (U.S. Virgin Islands).
• Western Caribbean: Various calls, including Nassau (the Bahamas), Cozumel (Mexico), Costa Maya (Mexico), George Town (Cayman Islands), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Falmouth (Jamaica) and Belize City (Belize).

How will the addition of the Grandiosa affect revenue at Port Canaveral?

The Grandiosa will roughly double the guaranteed annual revenue Port Canaveral receives from MSC, under a proposed amendment to the port's operating agreement with the cruise line, which Port Canaveral commissioners will vote on at their meeting on Wednesday.

Under the current operating agreement, the annual guaranteed fees payment from MSC to the port is about $6.84 million. That will increase to $13.16 million after the Grandiosa joins the lineup. It will rise to $14.52 million the following year and to $14.95 million the year after that.

The port also will get more parking revenue from MSC cruise passengers, with the second ship and resulting increased passenger counts.

Where is the Grandiosa now?

The Grandiosa currently is doing Mediterranean sailings. Before coming to Port Canaveral, the ship also will do South American sailings out of ports in Brazil.

What other cruise lines have ships based at Port Canaveral?

Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. Two other cruise lines will be bringing ships to the port later this year — Princess in November and Celebrity in December.

How big is MSC Cruises?

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line. It is the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with a growing presence in North America and the Far East. The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 ships, with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

The company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations.

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