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!

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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

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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.

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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 Coastal Cruise

Exceptional value.

Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.

• EXCURSION DETAIL
• CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Description

Points of Interest

• Outdoor Adventure

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

It's a wonder that Christopher Columbus continued his travels after discovering Eleuthera, the southernmost portion of the Bahamas, in 1492. Greeted by white-sand beaches, lush mangrove trees, and turquoise waters, he must have felt that he had arrived in paradise. Eleuthera's pristine coastline awaits your discover when you travel its silky waters on a relaxed, one-hour coastal cruise. Begin at Princess Cays, our beautiful island resort available exclusively to Princess passengers. You'll board the 40-foot Reef Princess boat and travel along the shores of Eleuthera, an untouched paradise. Coasting alongside this pencil-thin island on soothing crystal-clear waters, you'll spy white-sand beaches and natural foliage. You'll learn about its rich maritime heritage and many reefs and hear fascinating facts about the island from a sailor's point of view. Upon arriving back at Princess Cays, you'll have the opportunity to shop or enjoy the beach and watersports.

Special Notes:

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Coastal Boat Cruise

Arrive back to the marina and enjoy the rest of your time at princess cays..

Princes Cays

About Cruise Information

10 Things to Do at Princess Cays: Unforgettable Adventures

Welcome to the tropical paradise of Princess Cays, a private resort destination exclusively offered to guests of Princess Cruises. Nestled on the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, Princess Cays is a dreamlike destination that offers a plethora of activities for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a touch of luxury.

Table of Contents

In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the 10 Things to Do at Princess Cays . Whether you’re a nature lover, a water sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Princess Cays has something extraordinary to offer for every type of traveler. Let’s dive into the wonders that await you at this enchanting destination!

things you can do at Princess Cays

• Snorkeling: The clear, calm waters of Princess Cays are perfect for snorkeling. You can see a variety of colorful fish and coral reefs.
• Sunbathing: There are plenty of white sand beaches to relax and soak up the sun.
• Swimming: The water is warm and inviting, perfect for swimming.
• Water sports: There are a variety of water sports available, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and banana boating.
• Hiking: There are a few hiking trails in the island, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
• Shopping: There are a few shops on the island where you can buy souvenirs and gifts.
• Canopy tour: Take a thrilling ride through the rainforest on a zip line.
• Jet skiing: Zoom through the water on a jet ski.

Bask in the Serenity of the Private Beaches

Princess Cays boasts some of the most stunning private beaches in the Caribbean. Sink your toes into the powdery soft sand, bask in the warm tropical sun, and take in the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters. The beaches here offer a serene and secluded ambiance, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the blissful surroundings.

Snorkeling Adventure in Crystal-Clear Waters

Dive into an underwater wonderland and explore the mesmerizing marine life through snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters of Princess Cays are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish. Grab your snorkeling gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.

Kayak Exploration of Nature’s Beauty

Embark on a kayak excursion and paddle your way through the mangroves, witnessing the untouched beauty of the island’s nature. As you glide along the calm waters, you may spot exotic bird species and other wildlife inhabiting the lush greenery surrounding the island.

Thrilling Jet Ski Rides

For adrenaline junkies, jet ski rides are an absolute must! Feel the thrill as you speed through the pristine waters, making exhilarating turns and splashing waves. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, jet skiing at Princess Cays promises an exhilarating experience.

Discover Underwater Treasures through Scuba Diving

For certified divers, Princess Cays offers an opportunity to dive deep into the mesmerizing depths of the sea. Explore shipwrecks and encounter an array of marine creatures in their natural habitat. Scuba diving here is an adventure that will leave you in awe.

Unwind in a Private Cabana

Indulge in luxury and relaxation by renting a private cabana overlooking the turquoise waters. Enjoy personalized service, delicious refreshments, and a shaded oasis where you can unwind with your loved ones in absolute comfort.

Aquatic Fun at the Water Park

For families and kids, the water park at Princess Cays is an absolute delight. With exciting slides, water fountains, and splash zones, it’s a playground of aquatic fun for all ages. Let your inner child out and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Beach Volleyball and Sports Galore

Stay active and enjoy beach volleyball with fellow travelers or join in other beach sports like soccer and paddleball. It’s a fantastic way to make new friends, have fun, and bask in the sun-drenched beach atmosphere.

Cultural Encounters at the Local Craft Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Bahamian culture by visiting the local craft market at Princess Cays. Discover handmade treasures, souvenirs, and crafts created by talented local artisans. It’s an excellent opportunity to support the local community while taking home unique keepsakes.

Relaxation and Rejuvenation at the Spa

Indulge in some well-deserved pampering at the onboard spa. Treat yourself to a soothing massage, refreshing facials, or other wellness treatments while overlooking the stunning ocean views. This is the ultimate relaxation experience to complement your rejuvenating vacation.

Are the beaches at Princess Cays suitable for swimming?

– Absolutely! The beaches here have calm waters and gentle waves, making them perfect for swimming and wading.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

– While Princess Cays provides snorkeling gear for rent, you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Can beginners participate in scuba diving activities?

– Yes, beginners can take part in introductory scuba diving sessions led by experienced instructors.

Is the water park suitable for young children?

– Yes, the water park offers various activities suitable for children of all ages, and safety is a top priority.

Are the private cabanas worth the investment?

– Absolutely! The private cabanas offer an unparalleled level of luxury, comfort, and personalized service, making them well worth the investment for a special experience.

What is the best time of year to visit Princess Cays?

– Princess Cays can be visited year-round, but the peak season is during the winter months when the weather is mild and dry.

Conclusion: Unforgettable Memories Await at Princess Cays

In conclusion, Princess Cays is a treasure trove of enchanting activities that cater to every traveler’s desires. From the tranquility of private beaches to thrilling water adventures, this captivating destination promises an unforgettable vacation filled with cherished memories.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, family fun, or a rejuvenating solo journey, Princess Cays has it all. Embrace the natural beauty, immerse yourself in the vibrant Bahamian culture, and bask in the warm hospitality offered by Princess Cruises.

Meet Rana Umar , your cruise connoisseur and travel aficionado. With a passion for exploration and a wealth of cruise knowledge, Rana’s blog is your compass to navigate the seas of wanderlust and plan unforgettable journeys.

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The Best Things to Do in Princess Cays, Bahamas

Posted on Published: March 1, 2024  - Last updated: March 13, 2024

Categories Bahamas , Blog , Caribbean , Caribbean Princess 2015 , Cruise

Princess Cays, Bahamas is a private cruise ship resort on Eleuthera island in The Bahamas. Many popular cruise lines own private islands in the Caribbean that they add to their Caribbean cruise itineraries. This private tropical island destination is reserved just for Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line passengers.

We had a day in port at Princess Cays on a cruise aboard the Caribbean Princess, though I have visited Princess Cays on a few other occasions in the past. For this reason, I know all the best things to do in Princess Cays, Bahamas.

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Princess Cays is situated on 40 acres of land with over a half-mile of white sandy beaches. The resort provides cruise ship guests with a great opportunity for a beach day with the chance to participate in an assortment of beach activities.

Go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, ride a banana boat or relax on the beach. It’s a fabulous destination to soak up the sun, park yourself at one of the thousands of beach loungers, and curl up with a good book. 

You might be wondering, how should I spend a day in Princess Cays? What are the best things to do there? Is there food, drink, souvenirs, and how do I pay for everything? I’ll answer all of your questions in this blog post about Princess Cays, Bahamas.

Table of Contents

Princess Cays, Bahamas: A Short Video

If you’re interested in seeing Princess Cays resort in all its splendor, there’s no better way than watching our travel video. You’ll see exactly what to do in Princess Cays: relax at the beach and go snorkeling. This is only a small glimpse into the things we did on Princess Cays. You will be able to see how beautiful it is there and how you reach the island from your cruise ship.

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Brief History of Princess Cays on Eleuthera Island, Bahamas

The island of Eleuthera lies about 50 miles east of Nassau. It is the fourth most populated island in the Bahamas with approximately 11,000 residents. Eleuthera is a very long and thin island, stretching 110 miles north to south, but only 1 mile across.

The original natives, the Taino people, were deported by the Spanish. Their population died out by the 1550s. Eleuthera was believed to be unoccupied until the first European settlers arrived from Bermuda in 1648.

Much of the quaint New England architecture here was influenced by the British Loyalist settlers and was adopted by other Bahamian islands. Eleuthera is quite possibly the birthplace of the whole country.

Eleuthera is most known for its white and pink sand beaches, lush tropical greenery, and pineapples. You’ll find some of the sweetest pineapple in the world there. The island celebrates this delicious fruit at their annual Pineapple Festival every June.

If you’re not traveling from a cruise ship and you’re interested in visiting Eleuthera, you can fly directly to the island and stay at a hotel. That way, you can take advantage of the beautiful beaches and water sports for a relaxing or adventurous holiday.

Use the following map to help find accommodation in Eleuthera. Enter your travel dates for more precise information. Then, click on each property to learn more and book your stay.

Visiting Nassau, Bahamas? Check out our Segway Tour in Nassau for a great half-day adventure!

Our Day At Princess Cays, Bahamas

Our cruise ship, the Caribbean Princess, docked off the shores of Princess Cays beach from 9:00am – 4:00pm. On this itinerary, the last tender leaves at 3:15pm. It doesn’t give you enough time to explore all that Eleuthera has to offer, but it’s enough time to have a fantastic beach day at Princess Cays.

My sister and travel buddy, Robyn and I went swimming, snorkeling, and soaked up the sunshine. While you might guess that Princess Cays becomes very busy because it’s the only place for cruise passengers to go, it couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Thankfully, only one ship will ever dock at Princess Cays at a time. Even though you might have thousands of people venturing to the island, there are enough beaches and enough room that it doesn’t feel crowded.

One more thing: Princess Cays is not the same place as Half Moon Cay (owned by Holland America Line), CocoCay (owned by Royal Caribbean), Great Stirrup Cay (owned by Norwegian Cruise Line) or Castaway Cay (owned by Disney Cruise Line). While these are other private islands in the Bahamas, Princess Cays is its own unique place to visit on Eleuthera.

Approaching Princess Cays by Tender

Like I mentioned above, the cruise ship will not dock on the island. There aren’t any docks or cruise terminals here. The ship anchors off the coast of Eleuthera, so cruise passengers will take tender boats across to the island.

As there are a limited amount of tenders, we took tickets and waited our turn in one of the dining rooms. Before long, our numbers were called we boarded the tender and sailed towards Princess Cays. It’s a pretty organized system!

Our first glimpses of Princess Cays were marvelous: white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and tall palm trees. As we were among the first groups of passengers to arrive at the island, we had our choice of loungers.

From the main dock, we walked to the left along a path that meandered past a few small shops, the barbecue lunch area, the bar, and the snorkel rental area. A BBQ buffet lunch is included as the island served as an extension of the cruise ship. Use your ship card for any alcoholic drinks and purchases in the shops. 

Relaxing and Swimming

We found a perfect spot at Princess Cays beach: two loungers in the sunshine, right by the water. Our lounging spot on the beach was located near a small pier where people sat to observe the fish in the water below.

This also happens to be a fantastic spot for snorkeling, so I’m glad that we had two chairs close by. The sun was shining brightly and it was an ideal temperature for sunbathing and swimming. The water was very refreshing with that ideal “not too hot, not too cold” feeling.

I really loved relaxing and enjoying the changing views. The cruise ship was resting off in the distance. Every so often, a speed boat flew past, towing screaming adventurers across the water on rafts. Otherwise, the scenery for the day consisted of glistening turquoise waters with a person or two splashing about in the distance.

Snorkeling at Princess Cays

If you’re looking for what to do in Princess Cays, it’s a fantastic destination for snorkeling. There are many different fish and it’s very easy to snorkel here.

Be sure to bring your own snorkeling equipment . It’s not too bulky to pack into your luggage , and it will save you lots of money from paying expensive rental fees. 

There are two great Princess Cays snorkeling spots. One is right by the dock. You can see so many fish, even if you merely walk up to the edge of the dock and look down into the clear waters.

Next, if you walk beyond the dock to the other side of the island (where you’ll see many shaded clam shells), the snorkeling is perhaps even better. To get to the better snorkeling spot from the tender dock, walk to the right instead of the left, and enter the water at that section of beach.

Swim out to the rocks on the left side (while facing the ocean) and you’ll discover many varieties of fish. It’s also less crowded here than the main beach area.

Order Drinks in a Monkey Head

After snorkeling, Robyn and I were relaxing at Princess Cays resort on our loungers. She overheard some other people ordering a “Coco Loco” and decided that it sounded good, not knowing what it was. Within moments, our server walked over with a tray filled with wooden monkey heads and handed two of them over!

He said that he had to carry the monkey heads separately from the drinks themselves, and the drinks would be over shortly. A “Coco Loco” ended up being a pina colada served inside a wooden monkey head that you could bring home with you as a coin bank. I had one already from a past cruise, so now my two monkey heads sit together on the shelf, side by side.

Dining at Princess Cays Bahamas: Barbecue Buffet

The day went as follows: laying in the sun, swimming, snorkeling, more sun, more snorkeling, and repeat! Finally, it was time for lunch. Cruisers can dine at two locations on Princess Cays: Grill Crazy and the Sea Breeze Grill.

I didn’t have super high expectations for finding vegan food at the BBQ. I knew that they did have veggie burgers, though honestly, the veggie burgers served on Princess Cruises aren’t very good.

I’m not sure why. I haven’t really had a “bad” veggie burger until I tried Princess’ one! It is just flavorless, has an odd mushy texture, and doesn’t really taste good. I haven’t had one of their veggie burgers in years, so I decided to give it another try, hoping that either my tastes or their recipe had changed.

I hate to say it, but the veggie burger was the same and I didn’t end up finishing it. Thankfully, there were some other vegetarian options at the barbecue buffet, including baked beans, a corn salad, and corn on the cob. The other Princess Cays food was really yummy as I really enjoyed all of the side dishes.

More Things to Do: Walk Around the Island

Of course, if a Princess Cays beach day isn’t your idea of fun, you can always go for a walk. Walking up and down the shore is a great way to get some exercise. While there aren’t a huge variety of tourist attractions, I’m certain that you’ll escape the crowds and see some unique scenery.

Try Water Sports on Princess Cays, Bahamas

Princess Cays has a huge amount of water sports to try with equipment rentals right on the beach. I recommend that you reserve your water sports in advance while on the cruise ship. You will have your booking in advance and you won’t have to worry about it once you get to the island.

Simply take your Princess Cays excursion ticket to the water sports rental office, and you’ll be good to go. However, you don’t need to make any reservations ahead of time. It’s possible to decide in the moment whether or not you’d like to do anything. There are a variety of water sports and equipment rental options at Princess Cays:

• Aqua Chair Rental
• Water Noodle Rental
• Float Rental
• Ocean Viewing Sea Board Rental
• Banana Boat Ride
• Snorkel Equipment Rental (although I recommend bringing your own to save money)
• Ocean Kayak Rental
• Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
• Aqua Bike Rental (2 person maximum)
• Paddle Boat Rental (2 person maximum)
• Ocean Kayak Rental for 2 people
• Paddle Boat Rental (4 person maximum)
• Hobie Wave Sailboat Rental

You can also rent lockers at Princess Cays to store your belongings while you’re out on the water. Furthermore, you can also rent clam shells and private bungalows if you are traveling with a group or want some extra privacy.

See More Photos From Princess Cays

Browse our entire gallery of travel photos in one place. You can purchase prints, canvas art and other housewares made from any of our photos here, too.

Princess Cays Bahamas Excursions

While Robyn and I didn’t book any Princess Cays excursions, you can always book a tour through the cruise ship. Book these in advance on the cruise line website before you sail or at the shore excursions desk on board. Here are a few sample activities:

• Island Bike Adventure: a 90 minute bike tour around Princess Cays
• Princess Cays Coastal Cruise: a 60 minute cruise in a small boat along the shoreline
• Clear Bottom Kayaking Adventure
• Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
• Snorkeling Tour for Experienced Snorkelers
• Dune Buggy Cultural Heritage Tour

Beach Rentals and The Sanctuary

You can also book your own private bungalows or beach clamshell rentals to have some privacy on the island. It’s possible to rent a beach umbrella for the day, clamshells (for two people), a private bungalow rental (for four people) or a Sanctuary bungalow rental (for four people).

Fairly new to Princess Cays, there’s an extension of the ship’s “The Sanctuary” on the island. Much like The Sanctuary on board, this is an 18+ area for adults only and a separate roped off area of the beach that’s a little more secluded.

The air conditioned bungalow comes with a ceiling fan, a table and four chairs, two sun loungers outside, and an open air shower. A staff member will be around to take your drink orders. Plus, everyone who reserves a Sanctuary bungalow will receive priority tender tickets to be the first to board the tenders. A motorized cart will transport you to your bungalow, too.

Travel Tips for Princess Cays, Bahamas

Here are a few travel tips to have the best day possible at Princess Cays Bahamas. These are the most frequently asked questions about Princess Cays that will hopefully answer all of your questions about the island.

Don’t Bring Any Money to the Island

Your cruise card is your currency here. Think of Princess Cays as an extension of the cruise ship. Use your cruise card for any purchases like souvenirs or alcohol. Soda cards and all-inclusive drinks packages are honored here, too, if you’re a Princess Cruises guest. Unfortunately, Carnival’s unlimited drink package is not honored on Princess Cays.

There’s No Need to Pack a Lunch

Don’t bring any food or snacks to the island. The BBQ buffet is free and included with your trip. You can dine on the island and there are bars for drinks, too. It’s always possible to zip back to the ship on a tender if you’d like to have more options for lunch and return back to Princess Cays later in the afternoon.

Booking an Excursion Isn’t Necessary

Booking an excursion is not necessary. The most alluring aspect of Princess Cay is the spectacular beach. A trip to Princess Cays resort is best left as a beach day or a way to try a new water sport.

If you’re looking for what to do in Princess Cays, you might be overthinking your day. Oh, and if you’re thinking about going snorkeling, you can rent equipment but it’s a better idea to bring your own snorkel gear .

Don’t Stay Until the Very End

Don’t wait until the last moment to head back to the ship. We waited until the end and the lines to board the tenders were insanely long.

Everyone was trying to board at the exact same time, and we just had to wait patiently for a long while. I’d head back a little bit earlier than the crowds so you can enjoy your time on the ship and not in a massive line.

My sister and I had such an enjoyable day at Princess Cays Bahamas. There’s nothing quite like relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. All in all, it was a fabulous beach day, similar to what we’d experience at an island resort.

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Allison Gibson

Thursday 3rd of October 2019

Hi, are there beach wheelchairs available on the island?

Friday 4th of October 2019

Allison, I am not sure - I really wish I knew the answer to that! I'd send an email to Princess Cruises to see if they have any available.

Sunday 7th of July 2019

SO THE BEACH THAT YOU AND YOUR SISTER WENT TO AT PRINCESS CAYS WAS IT A FEE LIKE FOR AN EXCURSION ?

The beach is free for all cruise ship passengers to use. There is also a free lunch buffet on the beach that is free for cruise ship passengers, too!

Sophia Grace

Friday 30th of March 2018

Princess Cays is one of the most beautiful resort. I never been there but Princess Cays is famouse for it's attraction & Beauty. I love this "A Beach Day at Princess Cays" post it made me crazy for Princess Cays.

Thanks Lauren for this amazing post.

Carmen | Carmen's Luxury Travel

Tuesday 31st of March 2015

The Bahamas is a great weekend getaway for us Floridians. I've done the three day weekend cruises to the Bahamas. The waters in the Bahamas are so clear, and the people so friendly. Glad to see that you had a great time!

Monday 30th of March 2015

beautiful island indeed!! It was also interesting to find out that the Bahamas have an island with a Greek inspired name!

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Princess Cays (Bahamas, Eleuthera Island)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-06-20 06:55

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.

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Princess Cays - user reviews and comments

• Cruise Destinations
• The Bahamas
• Princess-Cays-Cruises

Princess Cays, The Bahamas

• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine

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• Things To Do
• Past Guest Photos

Cruise to Princess Cays and you’ll come ashore in Love Boat Marina — a sign that this private resort on the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas was designed to be classic cruising perfection. Make landfall and discover an island’s worth of vacation fun and amenities. You’ll find a BBQ pit already fired up for lunch, and a supervised kids’ area ready to receive the little ones. Somewhere among the palm trees you might spy the exclusive adult-only retreat. By now it’s clear that Princess Cays is good for more than just a beach day, but plan on fitting one in anyway — this wouldn’t be a prime cruise destination without great things to do, and great ways to get wet, like swimming, kayaking and sailing.

• Rent a private beach bungalow and enjoy your stay in air-conditioned comfort.
• Browse the shops for authentic, handmade Bahamian crafts.
• Tour Princess Cays by dune buggy and sailboat to get the best views from all angles.

Things to do in Princess Cays

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* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

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Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #princesscays — you may see them right here.

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Disney sails away with $220 million from its private island.

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Disney has docked $220m in dividends from its private island (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune ... [+] News Service via Getty Images)

Disney has revealed that it has banked $220 million of dividends from its Castaway Cay private island in the Bahamas over the past decade.

The 1,000-acre private island is used exclusively by Disney's fleet of five cruise ships and looks like a Caribbean community which has been built from the remnants of a shipwreck.

Wayfinders are formed from pastel-colored pieces of driftwood nailed to a post with the location names painted on them. Life buoys are used as frames for food stall signs and tables are made from wooden barrels. Carved Disney characters, which look like figureheads from the prows of old-fashioned sailing ships, are even submerged in the sea for snorkelers to find.

Disney's first guests set foot on Castaway Cay in July 1998 when it launched the Disney Magic cruise ship. The 85,000-ton vessel was Disney's first-ever liner and has 875 rooms designed in an Art Deco style to evoke the golden age of travel. It hosts meet and greets with Disney's cuddly characters and was the first cruise ship to feature theaters showing its musicals. Castaway Cay was equally groundbreaking.

Originally known as Gorda Cay, it is believed that pirates frequented the island in the 1700s, nearly three centuries before Disney first came into contact with it. In the early 1980s its beach was used as the location to film the first meeting between Tom Hanks and a mermaid played by Daryl Hannah in Splash, which was released by Disney's adult-oriented Touchstone Pictures label.

In 1997 Disney acquired a 99-year lease on the island from the Bahamian government and soon made waves. Up to then, when cruise ships visited private islands they had to moor at sea and transport guests to land by a tender boat. Castaway Cay became the industry's first private island which allowed ships to dock directly at the shore eliminating the need for a tender. It even has a private airport for the most well-heeled guests.

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The island is home to several sparkling sandy beaches as well as bars and boutiques. It is also awash with leisure activities including water slides, parasailing, volleyball, and basketball. Many are money spinners for Disney. Bicycles and watercraft can be rented, massages overlooking the ocean can be booked and cabanas cost the princely sum of $880 per visit. The total revenue they generate is a closely-guarded secret as Disney doesn't reveal the results of its cruise line in its financial statements.

Complicating matters, Castaway Cay is run by DCL Island Development in the Bahamas where there is no compulsory requirement for companies to file financial statements. However, DCL Island Development is owned by Disney's Magical Cruise Company subsidiary which also operates its ships and is based in the United Kingdom. This shines a searchlight on the finances of Castaway Cay as companies based in the UK are obliged to lodge annual financial statements.

Although the filings don't reveal the results of DCL Island Development, they do show that it has paid $220 million of dividends to Magical Cruise Company since 2014. A dividend is a mechanism by which a company pays money to its owners out of its profits or reserves. The first dividend that DCL Island Development paid to Magical Cruise Company was $40 million in 2014 and it hit the crest of the wave the following year with $100 million. As the graph below shows, there has been a steady stream of dividends since then with the latest shown in the financial statements being $20 million in 2020.

Disney's dividends from Castaway Cay

To put this into context, over the same period of time that Disney banked $220 million from Castaway Cay, Disneyland Paris burned up total net losses of $1.8 billion (€1.7 billion). It explains why Disney's chief financial officer Hugh Johnston said on its second quarter earnings call last month that "the cruise business, frankly, is one that has an enormous number of opportunities for us over time. And that is why we're leaning more heavily into that business." It is no exaggeration.

Its sixth ship, the Disney Treasure, will launch in December with the Adventure ship to follow next year and another in 2026. That's not all.

Castaway Cay made such a splash that Disney bought a second spot in the Bahamas in 2019 though it wasn't plain sailing.

Around a decade ago Disney began to consider buying other sites in the Bahamas such as Egg Island, Morgan’s Bluff and West End, the oldest town on Grand Bahama. However, all of these plans sunk without a trace due to opposition from residents, environmental issues or operational constraints. Disney navigated these choppy waters and ended up buying a 758-acre parcel of land known as Lighthouse Point.

Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas has become Disney's Lookout Cay © Disney

Unlike Castaway Cay, Lighthouse Point isn't a private island. Instead, it is a peninsula on the island of Eleuthera and the rest of the land there does not belong to Disney. Even though Disney didn't ask for all the land it still took more than a wave of its magic wand to do the deal.

In order to get the green light from the government in the Bahamas, Disney committed to creating approximately 150 permanent jobs for Bahamians on the development. It also agreed that Bahamian vendors will get space there, at a minimal rent, to sell authentic, high quality local souvenirs and services on the days that a Disney Cruise Line ship is in port. Disney expects its cruise ships to call 138 times at Lighthouse Point this year, with a further 48 next year and 52 more from 2026 onwards.

The estimated weekly volume of passengers ranges from 11,400 to 26,600 and, according to forecasts from Oxford Economics, over the next 25 years Lighthouse Point is expected to boost Bahamian Gross Domestic Product by $805.1 million and increase Bahamian government revenues by $357.5 million. Disney is pushing out the boat to make the most of it.

In addition to buying the land, it has leased the surrounding seabed from the Bahamian government at an annual rent of $1,000 per acre for the first ten years with a review due after that. Disney also spent between $250 million and $400 million on developing the land with one key caveat. To pacify protestors, it committed to developing just 16% of the total land that it purchased at Lighthouse Point with the remainder to be left undisturbed or donated to the public.

Disney renamed the resort Lookout Cay and, like Castaway Cay, it is dripping with leisure facilities. There are water slides, nature trails, photo opps with Disney characters and a daily Bahamian junkanoo – a mini carnival of singers and dancers wearing colorful headdresses. No stone has been left unturned and QR codes by the paths even tell visitors about the plants on the island.

Lookout Cay has a daily junkanoo © Disney

The product of Disney's acclaimed designer Joe Rohde, the brightly-colored huts on Lookout Cay are designed in a Bahamian style with rustic curved roofs which look like upturned boat hulls. Elevated wooden walkways lead to the beach and pricey bars where a souvenir tumbler and coffee costs $21.

Disney welcomed its first guests to Lookout Cay last week and it remains to be seen if it will case the same kind of spell as Castaway Cay. As the site isn't self-contained, it is much harder for Disney to stop other guests from entering Lookout Cay and its website says that "full access to the Property for non-commercial purposes will be provided to citizens and residents of The Bahamas."

Embarrassingly for Disney, the first visitors didn't arrive on one of its ships but were instead staying at a vacation home nearby and chartered their own boat to get to the resort. According to the Streaming The Magic account, "because it’s considered public land they were able to walk up to the beach and enter the Disney site." It added that the staff there "invited them to take a tour and even allowed for them to take photos & video" which went viral on social media.

Lookout Cay has been elaborately themed by Disney (Kent Phillips, Photographer). © Disney

It is all the more important for Lookout Cay to pay off as losses swelled at Disney's cruise line during the pandemic. As we revealed , in the year to October 1, 2022 Magical Cruise Company made a $325.8 million net loss – the second-worst result in its 26-year history. Although its revenue rose more than 11-fold to $1.1 billion as demand began to return, it was still far from its pre-pandemic high when the cruise line had annual revenue of $1.6 billion in 2019.

The increase in demand in 2022 led to a need for more personnel with staff numbers doubling to 6,221 and their pay increasing 67.8% to $104.1 million. The rise in revenue far outstripped the overall increase in costs, which doubled to $1.5 billion, thereby halving the cruise line's loss from 2021. By the start of October 2022 the cruise line's net losses since the start of the pandemic had steamed to $1.2 billion which explains why it stopped paying dividends.

Although Disney doesn't release the results of its cruise line in its filings in the United States, it does give general guidance on them and this suggests there has been a sea change in its performance since the pandemic receded.

Magical Cruise Company's 2023 financial statements are due to be lodged in the coming weeks and Disney's earnings announcement for the year gives a glimpse into what is in store. The cruise line sits within the Disney Experiences division and its chief financial officer Kevin Lansberry revealed in November that there had been "strong year over year growth in both revenue and operating income" at the cruise line last year. He added that bookings "continue to be very, very strong going forward".

This trend has continued this year with Disney's first quarter report noting that the "growth at Disney Cruise Line was due to increases in average ticket prices and passenger cruise days, partially offset by higher costs". Disney repeated this in its second quarter filing but added that "the third quarter’s results will be impacted by three additional factors: higher wage expenses; pre‐opening expenses related to the Disney Treasure and Adventure cruise ships as well as Disney Cruise Line’s new island, Lookout Cay".

Undeterred, Johnston said that Disney expects to get "excellent returns" from its cruise line "given the margin profile of the business, and the fact that it's got the highest guest satisfaction scores in the company." Despite its appeal, it is still a minnow of the industry.

Data from market analyst CruiseMarketWatch shows that this year Disney carries just 2.8% of cruise passengers and generates 4.2% of the total revenue. It is a far cry from industry leader Carnival, with its 37.3% share of the revenue and 42.9% of the passengers.

Despite its smaller scale, Disney's cruise line has become a family favorite thanks to its theming and technology though the tide is turning. As we recently reported , luxury operator Princess has cruised past Disney in this field by being the first to introduce a wireless guest recognition system even though Disney developed its own technology years before this for its theme parks.

Likewise, as we also reported , earlier this year Princess swung open the doors to by far the most immersive entertainment experience at sea. Its spooky Spellbound nightspot is the first permanent outpost of Hollywood's exclusive Magic Castle club and it is packed with high-tech trickery. The venue has emerged ahead of a lounge themed to Disney's Haunted Mansion theme park attraction which is due to debut on its new Treasure ship in December. Time will tell whether the new developments will enable Disney's cruise line to keep its head above water.

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