Is There Anything To Do On A Private Island?

I vividly remember my first visit to a cruise line’s private island, and the sybaritic pleasure of sipping a cocktail in a hammock as the waves gently lapped at the beach. For many passengers, the best part of a Caribbean itinerary is the day spent on a private island, where you can be as languid or as active as you please. 

When a ship docks at a private island, guests first come ashore to stake their claim on a spot in the sun or the shade; many will then set off to explore the island at their leisure. Of course it’s the cruise line’s job to feed you, and they certainly deliver – usually with a barbeque (and they’ll sell you a cold beer to wash it all down with). And while it’s true that every private island offers more or less the same setting (white-sand beaches and an azure-blue ocean), each offers its own brand of fun. 

Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line)

Disney hit a home run with Castaway Cay, their private Bahamian island, because of its sheer abundance of activities and its spectacular scenery. The island boasts separate beaches for families, teens, and adults (the teen and adult beaches are further afield than the family beaches; as a result, they’re usually less populated). Alongside the teen beach you’ll find Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure, where (for a fee) you and your family can feed stingrays and swim with them in an enclosed lagoon. 

Half Moon Cay (Holland America Line)

Half Moon Cay, my pick for the most pristine private island, is located less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau. A tram runs between the landing dock and the island’s main restaurant, and there are numerous paved pathways for both baby strollers and wheelchairs. There are three watersports centers on the island that rent snorkel gear, aqua bikes, windsurfing boards, kayaks, and beach floats. Half Moon Lagoon features an aqua park for the kids boasting large, stationary water toys (shaped like sea creatures) and a pirate-ship waterslide that sprays water from its cannons. Shore excursions, ranging from horseback riding and deep-sea fishing to glass-bottom boat tours and guided kayak outings, are also available.

Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay underwent a $20 million makeover of their 250-acre Bahamian paradise, adding beachside cabanas, expanded dining facilities, a stingray experience, and new shore excursions (including kayak tours via man-made rivers within the island) to existing offerings. Current facilities include catamarans and rafts, and guests can circle the island via kayak or sailboat. Take a hike along one of the island’s nature trails and locate the lighthouse, play a game of volleyball, or search out one of the palm-shaded hammocks and relax. Massages, courtesy of your ship’s spa staff, are available beachside (at a cost of $1 per minute). Your ship’s calypso band, on the other hand, will come ashore to help you refine your limbo technique for free. 

Princess Cays (Princess Cruises)

40 acres in total and located on the southern tip of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays boasts more than a mile-and-a-half of unspoiled beach. Watersports abound (sailboats, catamarans, paddle wheelers, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment are all available for rental), and thrilling banana-boat rides are also on offer. Guests seeking a gentler pace will find floating mattresses for rent as well as plenty of free hammocks situated beneath groves of palm trees. Princess Cays also features a supervised play area for children (“Pelican’s Perch”).

CocoCay & Labadee (Royal Caribbean International)

Royal Caribbean boasts two private beach stops: CocoCay (located in the Bahamas) and Labadee (located in Haiti). 

CocoCay has tons of watersports for guests to enjoy including snorkeling, kayaking, and parasailing. Caylanas Aqua Park, meanwhile, is the place to be for kids on CocoCay. This “floating playground” (the largest aqua park in the Bahamas) features in-water trampolines, oversized sand castles, and plenty of inflatable apparatus to climb, jump, and walk on. 

There are tons of options at Labadee as well, including watersports rentals (similar to CocoCay) and shore excursions (a guided kayak tour through the Bay of Labadee, amidst mountains which cascade to the sea, is a highlight). On one side of Labadee’s beach you’ll find the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, a 2,600-foot zip line that stretches across the ocean and affords magnificent views of Labadee’s mountains, the sea, and your cruise ship. Labadee is also home to an extensive aqua park and the SeaTrek waterslide (40 feet high and “the world’s largest inflatable waterslide,” according to Royal Caribbean).

By Anne Campbell, cruise critic

9 Dumbest Cruise Questions We’ve Ever Heard

Over the years, we’ve heard some pretty incredible questions about cruising. Here are the 9 that floored us:

9. Is this island completely surrounded by water?

Image courtesy of Catalina Chamber

8. Can I use American currency in Alaska?

7. Where is the elevator that takes us to the front of the ship?

Image courtesy of About.com

6. Why don’t inside cabins have a porthole/window?

Image courtesy of Cruiseline.com member Lappi

5. What time does the midnight buffet start?

4. Do you have to leave the ship to take a shore excursion?

Image courtesy of Cruiseline.com member Lebet

3. What do they do with the beautiful ice sculptures after they melt?

Image courtesy of Very Very Fun

2. Is the water in the toilet salt or fresh?

1. Does the crew sleep on board at night?

Image courtesy of Cruiseline.com member Webb

Do you have any more to add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!

My 8 Favorite Ports Of Call

There are some ports of call so special that you never forget them. Sometimes, it’s an extraordinary shore excursion that makes one memorable; in other instances, it’s breathtaking scenery, historic treasures, or time spent exploring on your own. Picking out eight favorite ports wasn’t easy (there are some incredible ones that I’ve left out), but I’ve given it my best shot.

Kauai, Hawaii. Aptly nicknamed “the Garden Isle,” Kauai is where I took the best shore excursion of my life, touring the Na’pali coast – where sheer cliffs, rising thousands of feet into the sky, are lined with lush green foliage and surrounded by pristine beaches – via high-speed ZODIAC®. Close to shore, dolphins leapt from the water and sea turtles languidly surfaced for air as we stopped for a picnic lunch.

New York City. Standing on the deck of a cruise ship as it enters or leaves the harbor, one can almost feel the awe that millions of immigrants experienced upon arriving in the United States to begin their new lives. The scenery is dramatic – gliding beneath the enormous Verrazano Bridge, you’ll pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (where those very same immigrants were once processed) en route to “the city that never sleeps.”

Prague. A highlight of any cruise along the Rhine, this historic city is among Europe’s most enchanting. A guided tour leads you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. After the tour, take the remainder of the day to explore. Pay a visit to City Hall to see its intricate, 15th-century Astronomical Clock or browse the boutiques located along Wenceslas Square.

Puerto Rico. Hanging out in San Juan for a day gave me a chance to indulge in two of my favorite activities: shopping and historic sightseeing. El Morro Castle, built more than four hundred years ago to ward off pirates (including Sir Francis Drake, who unsuccessfully attacked the castle in 1595), towers over the harbor. A short distance from El Morro is Old San Juan, the city’s historic colonial area – stroll its cobblestone streets and search its shops for bargains on crafts, jewelry, and other goods.

Stockholm. Before arriving in this stunning port, your ship will pass what seems like a thousand small islands dotted with cabins, summer cottages, and elegant homes. I always make it a point to visit the Vasa Museum, which houses the restored vessel of the same name (sunk in 1628, it was raised and reassembled in 1961). And don’t forget to call upon City Hall and the Royal Palace (home to King Carl XVI Gustaf); these are the grandest buildings in town.

Santorini. The excitement begins the moment you enter the harbor. Perched 900 feet above the rim of an ancient volcano, the island of Santorini is only accessible via cable car or donkey. Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll enjoy spectacular views and narrow (but charming) streets lined with restaurants, cafés, and souvenir stands.

Vancouver. Many people begin and end their Alaskan cruise in this city, and it’s worth at least an extra day of your time for the sightseeing alone. Ringed by high peaks, Vancouver is one of the world’s most beautiful ports of call. Stanley Park, an evergreen oasis located close to the downtown core, is a must-see attraction for both naturalists and tourists seeking a respite amidst scenic surroundings.

Venice. Venice is truly magical – one can almost feel the city’s long history seeping through its narrow stone alleyways. All streets lead to San Marco, Venice’s famous square, where you’ll encounter visitors marveling at popular sights like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

What are your favorite ports of call? Tell us in the comments below!

8 People You Can’t Escape on Your Cruise

Though cruises are all different, there’s no doubt about the fact that they cater to a certain demographic. That means that you’re bound to run into certain characters over and over again every time you cruise. Here’s a list of our top eight passengers that we just can’t seem to escape (despite our best efforts):

8. The guy wearing a T-shirt in the pool.

Image courtesy of Wacky Wet World

What’s with the T-shirt, buddy? Don’t you want to participate in the hairy chest contest?

7. The brat pack.

Image courtesy of Blondie in the Water

These kids clearly have no concept of an adults-only pool.

6. The drunk 20-something-year-olds.

Image courtesy of Way 2 Tan

How does it feel to essentially be slightly older and inebriated versions of the brat pack?

5. That guy that refuses to part with his lei.

So you got one when your ship docked in Hawaii. It felt kind of cool and quirky to wear it. Now take it off!

4. That guy with sunscreen on his nose.

Image courtesy of Bob Chambers

Does that goopy layer really provide more protection? Is looking like a greaseball worth it?

3. The person who’s SO sunburnt that you fear for their well being.

Image courtesy of Palzoo

SPF 80 is a beautiful thing.

2. That really really orange girl.

Image courtesy of Way 2 Tan

Yep. That’s definitely a real tan.

1. The corpulent gentleman in a speedo.

Image courtesy of Riding the Waves

Oooh yeah. Chickachika.

Did we miss anyone? Tell us in the comments below!

MSC Preziosa Christened by Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren christened the MSC Preziosa yesterday in the fleet’s home port of Genoa to music by Ennio Morricone. The christening, which attracted two thousand guests from around the world, was concluded with a fireworks display. 

With 1,751 cabins, 26 elevators, 18 decks, 21 bars, a casino, four swimming pools including an infinity pool, a bowling alley, a sports area with playing fields, a fitness center and Vertigo, the longest single-rider waterslide at sea, the Preziosa is the twelfth ship to join the MSC fleet. 

The MSC Preziosa also features two Eataly restaurants, Doremi Castle Aqua Park Adventures, an on board aqua park for children, and the luxurious MSC Aurea Spa. 

How to Survive a Cruise in an Inside Cabin

Image by member LeVoyageur

Today’s blog post is by Judi Cuervo. Judi Cuervo began her freelance cruise writing in 1998 with Porthole Cruise Magazine and since then her work has appeared in a number of regional, national, Canadian, U.K. and Australian publications. A New York City native who met her husband Michael aboard Holland America Line’s Statendam and was married aboard Celebrity’s Galaxy, Judi is Associate Director/Client Services at a major book publishing company.

To flip through a thick stack of cruise brochures, you’d think that every cabin aboard every ship offered spacious living quarters outfitted with a baby grand piano, spiral staircase and extravagant veranda. Sorry, Charlie. Even some of the higher category staterooms tend to be smaller than their resort hotel counterparts and, in some of the standard categories, you can’t swing a cat without knocking askew that chrome-framed pastel-colored limbo print hanging on the wall. Check out the best cruise cabin options for families. 

At the lowest end of the stateroom-category spectrum lies the Inside Cabin. Economy priced, the inside cabin is the cruise equivalent of a foot in the door, or should I say on the deck. They may be dark and often snug, but an inside cabin might be the only option when you crave a sun and fun-filled holiday and your bank account doesn’t agree. My advice? Book it! And make the best of it with the following simple strategies:

• Discover the sheer indulgence of the afternoon nap. The inside cabin beats out even the penthouse suite when it comes to an afternoon snooze. With no pesky sunshine filtering in, the instant darkness encourages sweet dreams. But be careful! The inky blackness just might transform that catnap into a full night’s sleep. The last thing you want to do is emerge from your cabin all done up in your party frock only to find it’s 7:00 a.m., NOT 7:00 p.m.
• It’s not a bad idea to call reception for a weather report before coating yourself with sunscreen, donning that little bikini and emerging from your cabin. Another option is switching on the View from the Bridge to see whether the deck is being caressed by brilliant sunshine or being pelted by big fat raindrops.
• Inside cabins tend to be smaller than outside staterooms or suites. If traveling with a friend or spouse, establish separate dress times so that each of you will have the cabin to yourself as you prep and primp for the evening’s festivities. Enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks? Then you might choose the earlier time slot so that you can slug a few down at the bar while awaiting your partner’s arrival.
• An inside cabin often means a small, shower-only bathroom. Why not visit the ship’s spa to luxuriate in a more upscale bathing ritual? Don your robe (bring along a light one if it’s not included in your cabin’s amenities), tote along a small bag of toiletries and stroll right in. Once at the spa, enjoy upscale showcase shower features like power jets and rain-shower heads. Throw in a cleansing steam session or sauna, usually free, and you’ll think you’re in the penthouse.
• If you’re a beauty junkie, don’t even think the bathroom shelf will accommodate your stash of cosmetics and skincare products. Invest in a hanging pocketed toiletries case. After each use, zip up the contents and slip the case on the hook behind the bathroom door where it’s out of the way. 
• A cruise offers all of its guests an equal-opportunity good time. Even as an “insider,” you can step out of your cabin and share all of the dining experiences, lounges, pools, activities and shows with those occupying the ship’s high-rent district. And in the process, you might make friends with someone who has a veranda.

Non-Clothing Essentials to Pack for Your Cruise

Deciding what to pack for your cruise can be tricky, so we’ve taken the guesswork out of what to cram into your suitcase by breaking items down into two categories: the must have and the nice to have. Once you’ve got your clothes packed, check out the rundown of non-clothing essentials: 

Can’t Leave Home Without

• Medication: While there are medicines and medical staff on board, don’t count on them having your specific medication on hand.  Make sure all your daily scripts are onboard with you.
• Medical records. If you have a health condition that could potentially require immediate attention, have your records with you. They can be very helpful if you need to see a doctor onboard.
• Travel documents: Passport, visas, and cruise documents are a must. Each passenger is responsible for ensuring they have the proper travel documents to enter countries on the cruise itinerary. (Tip: Make photo copies of each document and keep them in a different bag from the originals, just in case.)
• Power strip: Want to plug in your iPod, laptop, hair dryer and camera at the same time?  Most cabins only include a few electrical outlets, so bring a power strip so everything can charge simultaneously.
• The three S’s: Swimsuits, sunglasses and sun block are a must.
• Day bags: Bring a bag to carry your essentials in while you’re at port.
• Ear plugs: Ear plugs are life-savers on flights and onboard if you have noisy neighbors.
• Money belt: Great way to carry cash in a safe way.  Related:  ATM card. ATMs are everywhere and typically give a better exchange rate than local merchants 

Nice to Have

• Music: iPod, CD player, cell phone and even mini speakers are great to have in your cabin.
• Alarm clock: If you are in an inside cabin, you could have no idea what time it is.
• Special toiletries: Bring them, as most lines supply the basics (shampoo, soap, lotion). Tip: Toilet paper on cruises is “basic.” If you like the double-ply stuff, bring your own!
• Travel guides: To help you explore new destinations without having to stop for direction every ten minutes, travel guides are a great thing to have.
• Books: Books, magazines or e-readers are a great time-killer for days spent at sea or on the beach.
• Inflatable beach toys: Kids love them!
• Over-the-door shoe bags: Space can be tight in cabin. These organizers will prevent toiletries and small items from getting lost in the black hole of purses and makeup bags.
• Water bottle: Walking around the ports, a water bottle that you can refill is a great travel buddy.
• Journal: To record all the amazing adventures you’re having, carry a small journal with you.
• Addresses: You’ll likely want to send your friends and family postcards.
• Zip-lock bags: These keep necessities dry at the beach.

Now you’re all set! Overall, try to pack lightly, as rooms are small. And don’t fret – if you do forgot something, chances are you’ll be able to buy it on the ship or in one of the ports. Don’t forget to save some room in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you’ll be bringing home!

Did we miss something? Tell us your personal must-have items when you cruise!

Feature Friday: Member Photos

Need inspiration for booking your next cruise? Check out our newest feature — member photos! Now members can browse photos uploaded by other cruisers and maybe even get an idea for their next cruise. Whether submitted through reviews or uploaded directly to the page, the members photos page provides access to all the photos on Cruiseline.com in one place. 

Do you have photos you’d like to share from past cruises? Upload them here!

How to Win the Battle of the Shipboard Bulge

Today’s blog post is by Judi Cuervo. Judi Cuervo began her freelance cruise writing in 1998 with Porthole Cruise Magazine and since then her work has appeared in a number of regional, national, Canadian, U.K. and Australian publications. A New York City native who met her husband Michael aboard Holland America Line’s Statendam and was married aboard Celebrity’s Galaxy, Judi is Associate Director/Client Services at a major book publishing company.

When: A week following disembarkation from my last cruise.

Where: The locker room at my local gym.

What: I step on to the scale, prepared for the worst, and see that I’ve LOST two pounds!

How?

Hot off the gangway of a decadent 10-day Silversea cruise, I return to discover I’ve actually lost weight. Impossible — I could still taste the luscious desserts. I could still feel the tipsy result of indulging in a bit too much champagne. I could still smell the heady aroma of the gourmet dishes served up in the restaurant and savor the rich cheeses available on the after-dinner trolley. After such an extravagant sailing, could I possibly be two pounds lighter? I was.  

After a few whoops of locker room joy, I examined my behavior throughout the sailing and realized that I just might have stumbled across a few strategies that can help win the battle of the shipboard bulge. Here, I share some of those keys to emerging from Silversea, or any cruise for that matter, without a desperate need for elastic waistbands:

Work Out! Sadly, I’ve found this to be the most vital component of weight control at sea. Each morning, before I even know what the heck I’m doing, I go to the ship’s gym for a 40-minute cardio workout followed by about 20 minutes of weight training.  Kicking off the day with a workout not only helps keep weight gain at bay, but your virtuous start might neutralize a binge later in the day or maybe even prevent one. 

For those who work out regularly, shake up your routine on a cruise! An elliptical junkie at home, aboard my cruise, I varied my routine with the treadmill, Life Cycle, classes of all kinds and, on one particularly lovely morning, an outside run on the jogging track.

Take the Stairs. Until I married a somewhat lazy fellow 10 years ago, I had never ridden a cruise ship elevator. Even now, I often opt for the stairs and race the elevator, frequently arriving ahead of my husband, who is usually sharing the lift with a family who’s youngest child gets his jollies by pressing all the buttons.

Don’t Just See, Do! A tour bus or boat ride may be a convenient way to see the sights, but they do little to burn calories. Instead, zero in on active excursions like hikes through the rain forest or a countryside bike ride. Best of all, active excursions are usually a lot more fun than passive sight seeing.  

Keep it Simple. Many ships supplement their evening menus with “simplicity” entrees like broiled chicken breast, a simple filet or poached salmon. Why not opt for one of these less adorned—though still delicious—selections every once in awhile?

Avoid the Pina Colada! True, there’s something about lazing by the pool sipping a decorative pina colada that captures the whole spirit of a cruise. Consider though, that one Pina Colada likely contains over 500 calories! For the same amount, you can slug down about 6 glasses of white wine.   

Decide if it’s Worth the Splurge. Are you sure you want to waste about 800 calories on peanuts or potato chips? Yawn. Instead, save those calories for something fabulous like linguini with Gorgonzola and walnuts, broiled lobster tail with drawn butter or an awesome dessert. A good rule is: If it’s often offered as buy-one-get-one-free at your local supermarket, seek your splurge elsewhere.

Feature Friday: Cruiseline.com Activity Feed

This week, we launched the activity feed on the Cruiseline.com home page. This feed gives you the latest updates about what members have been doing in the Cruiseline.com community. Want to read the latest review? See who joined what roll calls? Browse the most recent forum posts? Now you can — all in one place. You can also see all of your cruise history on the left hand side of the page and easily access your full profile by clicking on your user image.

This newest feature is only available to members, so join Cruiseline.com, log in and start browsing right  on the home page. 

Do you find this feature helpful? How can we make it better? What else would you like to see on our site? We’d love to hear from you, so please send any comments, questions and suggestions you have to hello@cruiseline.com.