Cruises to Princess Cays, Bahamas
Cruises to Princess Cays
Book a cruise ticket to this amazing island of fun, relaxation, and activities filled with kayaking, sail boating, and fishing! At CruiseBooking, find the best Princess Cruise deals possible!
HOW TO SPEND THE DAY AT PRINCESS CAYS, BAHAMAS
- Snorkel in Clear Waters: Start your day by snorkeling in the clear waters. You’ll see lots of colorful fish swimming and beautiful coral reefs below the surface.
- Relax on the Beach: Find a comfy spot on the Princess Cays beach and enjoy the warm sunshine. It’s the perfect place to just relax and let your worries drift away.
- Try Paddleboarding or Kayaking: If you want to get moving, try paddleboarding or kayaking. The water is calm and clear, making it easy to enjoy these fun activities.
- Lunch at the Buffet: Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat lunch with BBQ, fresh salads, tropical fruits, and grilled meats. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
- Take a Nature Walk: Walk around Princess Cays' private island and enjoy its lovely nature. You’ll see beautiful plants and maybe even some wildlife along the way.
- Rent a Cabana: If you’d like some shade and a little privacy, consider renting a cabana for the day. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the island at your own pace.
- Swim in the Warm Waters: Cool off by swimming in the warm, inviting ocean. Or, if you prefer, you can float around in the calm waters and just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Try the Water Slides: If you're traveling with kids (or just feel like having some fun yourself), check out the water slides or splash pads on the island. They’re a blast for everyone!
- Shop for Souvenirs: Take a walk through the local shops to find some unique Bahamian souvenirs to bring back home. It’s a nice way to remember your trip.
- Catch the Sunset: End your day by watching the sunset from the beach. The sky will be filled with beautiful shades of pink, orange, and purple as the sun goes down.
- Enjoy Local Music: Sit back and relax as local musicians play traditional Bahamian music. It adds to the island vibe and is the perfect way to wind down your day.
- Cocktails by the Beach: As night falls, sip on a tropical cocktail while you relax on the beach. It’s a peaceful way to wrap up your perfect day at Princess Cays.
Things to Do on Princess Cays Private Island
- Snorkeling: The waters around Princess Cays are perfect for snorkeling. You’ll find colorful fish and possibly even sea turtles swimming by.
- Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle through the calm waters of the island. It’s a great way to see the coastline.
- Paddleboarding: For something a bit more challenging, try paddleboarding. You’ll glide across the water while enjoying the beautiful views.
- Relax on the Beach: Princess Cays has plenty of beach chairs, so you can spend the day lounging by the water.
- Explore the Island: Take a walk around the island to see its lush green areas or rent a bike for a quick tour.
- Beach Volleyball: If you’re in the mood for a bit of fun, join a beach volleyball game with other guests.
- Rent a Private Cabana: For extra comfort, you can rent a cabana to have your own space with shade, chairs, and sometimes even a small fridge with drinks.
- Book an Excursion: To make your day extra special, consider booking a boat tour or a guided excursion on the island.
- Book a bungalow: Princess Cays offers private bungalows for rent, providing a more luxurious, secluded experience. These bungalows are on the beach and include shaded seating, a private area with lounge chairs, and beach access. They are perfect for families or groups looking for extra comfort and privacy during their stay on the island. Rental fees vary based on the season and booking.
- Clamshell booking: The Princess Cays Clamshell is a private beach rental option available for guests visiting Princess Cays. These shaded, comfortable clamshells provide a relaxing spot on the beach, offering protection from the sun. They can be rented for a fee and are ideal for those who enjoy the island's beauty in comfort and privacy, with a dedicated space to unwind.
Dining on Princess Cays
- Island BBQ: Enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch with grilled meats, fresh salads, tropical fruits, and hot sides like corn on the cob and baked beans.
- Sandwiches and Snacks: If you’re not feeling like a full meal, grab a quick sandwich or snack from food stands around the island.
- Try Local Dishes: Princess Cays offers some great Bahamian food like conch fritters, jerk chicken, and fresh seafood.
- Refreshments and Drinks: Don’t forget to try the local drinks, from fruity cocktails to refreshing tropical juices.
What to Know Before You Go to Princess Cays
Booking and Cancellation Policy for Princess Cays, Princess Cruise
Princess Cays, as part of Princess Cruises' private islands, follows the same booking and cancellation policies as the cruise line. Guests must adhere to Princess Cruises' general policies for booking, payments, and cancellations. For most cruises:
- Final Payment is due 90 days before departure for cruises of 1-24 days.
- Cancellation Fees start at 25% of the total charges if canceled 75-89 days before departure and increase as the departure date approaches.
For the most current and detailed information, please refer to Princess Cruises' official cancellation policy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Princess Cays only for Princess Cruise guests?
Princess Cays is only available to Princess Cruises guests. However, Carnival Cruises and Holland America make occasional visits to the island.
Can I rent water sports equipment at Princess Cays?
Yes, you can rent equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding directly on the island.
Do I need to bring cash to Princess Cays?
Most transactions may be performed using your cruise card, but you should keep extra cash or a credit card on hand for any further purchases.
Can I use my cruise card on Princess Cays?
Yes, you can charge purchases on the island to your cruise account, so you don’t need to carry cash for most things.
Is Wi-Fi available on the island?
You may stay connected while sunbathing on the gorgeous beach of Princess Cays in The Bahamas utilizing the new high-speed Wi-Fi service, MedallionNet.
Is Princess Cays Bahamas a tender port?
Yes, Princess Cays is a tender port. Since it does not have a cruise ship pier, passengers must take small tender boats from the Princess cruise ships to the island. This process allows guests to disembark and enjoy the private beach destination in the Bahamas.
Which one is better, Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay?
Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are private cruise line islands in the Bahamas but offer different experiences. Princess Cays (Princess Cruises) has more local shopping, snorkeling spots, and family-friendly activities. Half Moon Cay (Holland America Line & Carnival) boasts a more serene, powdery white sand beach and a tranquil, nature-focused vibe. If you prefer relaxation, choose Half Moon Cay; for activities and shopping, Princess Cays is better.
Where is Princess Cays private island?
Princess Cays is located on the Bahamas' southern tip of Eleuthera Island.
Is Princess Cays safe?
Yes, Princess Cays Bahamas is generally very safe for Princess Cruise passengers. Since it is a private island owned by Princess Cruises, access is restricted to guests and crew, ensuring a controlled environment. The island has lifeguards, security personnel, and medical assistance available. While the waters are usually calm, visitors should take precautions when swimming or snorkeling. As with any destination, keeping valuables secure and following safety guidelines is best.
Does the Princess cruise drink package work on Princess Cays?
The Princess Cruises drink package (such as the "Premier Beverage Package") typically works on Princess Cays. This includes alcoholic beverages, soda, and certain non-alcoholic drinks at the island's beach bars and dining areas. However, it's always recommended to double-check specific terms or exclusions with Princess Cruises, as policies may change.
What are the free things to do for kids and adults in Princess Cays?
Princess Cays Private Island offers many free activities for kids and adults, making it a fun and budget-friendly stop. Enjoy the pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and sandcastle building. Kids can explore the Pelican’s Perch Playground while adults relax by the shore. Snorkeling in the shallow waters lets you spot colorful fish. Take a scenic nature walk along the trails or enjoy a friendly volleyball or basketball game.
Is food & drink free at Princess Cays?
Food at Princess Cays is free as part of the cruise fare, with a beachside BBQ buffet serving burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads, and fruit. However, drinks are not complimentary—alcoholic beverages, sodas, and specialty drinks must be purchased separately. Guests can use their cruise cards for purchases.
What’s the difference between Bimini and Princess Cays for cruise travelers?
Bimini (visited by various cruise lines) offers a more developed experience with resorts, casinos, and adventure activities like snorkeling and jet skiing. It has a local town feel with historical sites. Princess Cays (exclusive to Princess Cruises) is a private beach retreat with a quieter, resort-like atmosphere, perfect for relaxation, BBQs, and water activities. Bimini is livelier, while Princess Cays is more secluded.
What time zone is Princess Cays in?
Princess Cays is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone, the same as the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast. During Daylight Saving Time (DST) (March to November), it follows Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC -4 hours. Always check with your cruise line, as ships may follow "ship time," which can differ from local time.
What items and activities are prohibited on Princess Cays private island?
Guests cannot bring personal alcohol, coolers, or outside food onto Princess Cays. Drones, fireworks, weapons, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Open flames, including personal BBQs, are not allowed. Also, shells, coral, or marine life must not be removed to protect the ecosystem. Pets (except service animals) are also not permitted. Always follow Princess Cruises’ guidelines for a smooth experience.
Does Princess Cays have a pink sand beach?
No, Princess Cays does not have a pink sand beach. The island features beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. If you're looking for a true pink sand beach, you may visit Harbour Island in the Bahamas, famous for its naturally pink-hued sand.
Where can I find the Princess Cays port schedule?
The Princess Cays port schedule varies depending on cruise itineraries from Princess Cruises and other lines. You can check the latest arrival and departure times by visiting Princess Cruises' official website, your cruise line's itinerary, or online port schedules. It's always best to verify closer to your sailing date, as schedules may change due to weather or operational adjustments.
Do I need a passport for Princess Cays?
A passport is not required to visit Princess Cays if it's part of a closed-loop cruise (departing and returning to the same U.S. port). However, carrying a passport for added security and identification is always recommended, especially if your cruise departs from a non-U.S. port or plans to visit other destinations. Always check with your cruise line for specific travel requirements.
