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You might not be rich, but a private paradise island is still within reach – so long as you’re happy to share it with other passengers on a sunshine voyage. Cruise lines are snapping up and redeveloping sites in tropical locations to ensure their guests can enjoy a day as a pampered Robinson Crusoe.
Here we take a look at the existing island resorts and what’s in the pipeline…
Perfect Day at Lelepa
Where is it?
The island of Lelepa in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.
The low down
You’ll have to wait around for this one – it’s opening in 2022. Royal Caribbean says that Perfect Day at Lelepa will be developed in partnership with the Vanuatu community with the aim of highlighting the ecological beauty and the culture of the South Pacific nation, which comprises around 80 islands and has a population of 300,000. Royal Caribbean says the island will be the first carbon neutral private cruise destination in the world. Cox Architecture, an Australia-based sustainable architecture firm, will lead the project. It is thought that Royal Caribbean cruises sailing from Australian ports will visit Lelepa via New Caledonia.
What can I do there?
Royal Caribbean says it will have a different look and feel to CocoCay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas (and the first of five Perfect Day islands to open). But if the attractions at the Bahamian outpost are anything to go by, Lelepa is likely to feature waterslides (CocoCay has 13), beach bars, a pool or two, and rides – CocoCay offers a zip line, a helium balloon and Zorbing.
Paradise rating: A tentative 8/10 – few details have been released, but the setting is certainly paradise.
Itineraries including Perfect Day at Lelepa have yet to be announced.
Ocean Cay
Where is it?
In the Bimini islands, 65 miles east of Miami.
The low down
Opening in November this year, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve will be used by five MSC Cruises ships. The development on a former sand extraction site covers 95 acres with two miles of beach, surrounded by 64 sq miles of protected waters, including a shipwreck. Ships dock at the island so passengers can come and go as they please, using electric carts to get around the seven beaches. To create the reserve, MSC is restoring natural coral and planting 75,000 native shrubs and plants.
What can I do there?
Snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, diving and beach volleyball. A family explorer club will offer activities for children. Food options include a buffet, snack carts, an ice-cream parlour and bars. The ship stays docked into the evening when guests can watch a movie under the stars, catch some live music or take a sunset catamaran tour.
Paradise rating: With ice cream, this is truly a dessert island. 8/10
A seven-night cruise on MSC Seaside leaving Miami on January 4, 2020, costs from £729pp, excluding flights (020 3426 3010; msccruises.co.uk).
Harvest Caye
Where is it? Southern Belize
The low-down
Opened in 2016 by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 75-acre site offers locally owned restaurants and shops, employs Belizean staff and uses the local currency (not dollars). The port, which has its own dock, has a large pool area with swim-up bar and waterfall, plus cabanas that include concierge food and drink service. More than 10,000 mangroves were planted to create a habitat for birds, fish and other marine species.
What can I do there?
Thrill seekers can take a 3,000ft-long zip line, try parasailing or go kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing on the salt water lagoon. Excursions are offered to a Mayan temple, a wildlife centre and river tubing in the rainforest, or guests can simply relax in villas along the seven-acre beach. There are no less than five food and drink spots.
Paradise rating: Fun with a conscience: 8/10
A seven-night Western Caribbean cruise from Miami on Norwegian Getaway this winter costs from £769pp, excluding flights (0333 241 2319, ncl.co.uk).
The Beach Club at Bimini
Where is it? The Bimini islands in the Bahamas.
The low down
Virgin Voyages’ private resort will open for the adults-only cruise line’s first sailing on April 1, 2020. Sir Richard Branson promises it will rival the best beach clubs in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez. He’s even persuaded superstar DJ Mark Ronson to play four gigs there.
What can I do there?
Virgin Voyages says the club will “overlook the ocean and cascade down to the sea with an expansive lagoon-style pool”. Mornings will begin with yoga and meditation followed by DJ-led pool and flotilla parties in the afternoon. The day will end with a beach bonfire and an acoustic musical performance. Complimentary food will include conch and mango salad, banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper and Bahamian rum cake, while drinks will be available at six bars.
Paradise rating: a child-free and chilled 7/10
A four-night Fire and Sunset Soirées cruise leaving Miami on September 23, 2020, costs from £1,520pp, excluding flights (0344 488 3084; virginvoyages.com).
CocoCay
Where is it?
CocoCay – or Little Stirrup Cay – is one of the Berry Islands, 55 miles north of the Bahamian capital Nassau.
The low down
Unveiled this month after a £155m transformation, Royal Caribbean’s resort will be the first of five “Perfect Day” islands, with others due to open for cruise markets in Asia, Australia (Perfect Day at Lelepa) and the Caribbean.
What can I do there?
Non-stop fun with 13 water slides, including the tallest in North America – the 135ft-high Daredevil’s Peak – plus a 1,600ft-long zip line, a helium balloon floating 450ft above the ground and even Zorbing on the beach. CocoCay will also feature the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool with a swim-up bar. The Coco Beach Club will offer the first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas and from 2021 there will even a chance to stay in a suite overnight.
Paradise rating: a thrills-and-spills-inducing 8/10
A four-day Bahamas and Perfect Day cruise on Navigator of the Seas, leaving Miami on December 6, 2019, starts from £406pp, excluding flights (0844 493 4005; royalcaribbean.co.uk).
Great Stirrup Cay
Where is it?
In the Berry Islands, bang next door to Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay
The low down
The 250-acre oasis was opened by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1977. Ships anchor off shore and guests are transferred to the island.
What can I do there?
Snorkelling through an underwater sculpture garden, jet skiing, paragliding, kayaking, paddle boarding or simply relaxing in a hammock or cabana. Guests can also try the stingray encounter experience, buy local goods at the market, or experience the zipline that’s opening soon. There’s a complimentary beach buffet and Taco Bar, plus three places to grab a mojito or margarita as the sun goes down.
Paradise rating: a high-octane 7/10.
A four-night Bahamas from Miami on Norwegian Sky, leaving Miami on April 13, 2020, costs from £459pp, excluding flights (0333 241 2319; ncl.co.uk).
Motu Mahana
Where is it?
Off the coast of Taha’a in French Polynesia.
The low down
After a 20-minute boat ride cruise passengers are given a melodic Polynesian welcome.
What can I do there?
Snorkelling, badminton, kayaking, Polynesian activities, volleyball. Islanders will demonstrate how to open a coconut, weave a basket or tie a pareo (type of sarong). Guests can also enjoy an overwater massage and sip tropical drinks from a coconut husk at the floating lagoon bar. Plus there’s time for shopping (for pearl jewellery and handicrafts).
Paradise rating: this slice of South Pacific heaven earns a 9/10.
A seven-night Tahiti and Society Islands cruise on the Paul Gauguin leaving Papeete on December 7, 2019, costs from £4,295pp, including flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco (020 7399 7691, pgcruises.com).
Sir Bani Yas
Where is it?
Off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi
The low-down
Unusually, this beach resort opened by MSC Cruises also offers the chance to go on a wildlife safari. Guests can take a 4×4 expedition to see some of the 13,000 indigenous and endangered animals including giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs in their natural habitat. Tours also run to the ruins of an early Christian (sixth-century) monastery.
What can I do there?
Snorkelling, jeep safari, paddle boarding, mangrove kayaking, mountain bike rides, beach tennis, volleyball, football, horse-riding and a tour around the island by dhow. Private gazebos cost extra. For children there is an inflatable water park and play area. Light snacks and beach barbecue food is are on the menu and drinks and cocktails are served at six bars. Visitors can also buy local arts and crafts from a Bedouin tent or listen to live music.
Paradise rating: a roaring 8/10.
A seven-night voyage on the new MSC Bellissima leaving Dubai on February 1, 2020, starts from £919pp, including flights (020 3426 3010; msccruises.co.uk).
Half Moon Cay
Where is it?
The 2,400-acre private island is in the Bahamas, 100 miles southeast of Nassau between Eleuthera and Cat Island.
The low-down
Half Moon Cay – previously Little San Salvador Island – is shared between Holland America Line and sister company Carnival. Less than three per cent is developed – the 700-acre saltwater lagoon in the centre of the island is a breeding area for groundfish and turtles.
What can I do there?
Horse riding, kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, swimming with stingrays. There’s even an island chapel for weddings or vow renewals. Fresh-grilled lobster is served Caribbean style and children have their own water park.
Paradise rating: an up-close-to-nature 9/10.
A seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Nieuw Statendam, leaving Fort Lauderdale on December 1, 2019, costs from £579pp, excluding flights (0344 338 8605; hollandamerica.com).
Other cruise line islands include Princess Cays, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay and Royal Caribbean’s Labadee resort on Haiti.
