Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay: Everything You Need to Know
Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays: which should you choose to be your port visit? Your deciding factor may ultimately be the overall cruise itinerary selected from Carnival Cruises, Holland America or Princess Cruises.
Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays are private island properties in The Bahamas owned by the Carnival Corporation, which in turn owns Princess Cruises and Holland America. Which island you visit depends on the specific itinerary you select as the cruise lines alternate which ships visit each of the properties.
These Carnival private islands, unlike other destinations that are filled with intense sightseeing excursions, are favorites of beach-loving passengers for their singular focus on rest and relaxation. Sure, you can book a few of the best private island shore excursions on these islands, but you're on island time, so doing absolutely nothing is perfectly OK, too.
Let's explore Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay, and the amenities each has to offer, to help you pick your next cruise itinerary.
Where Are Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay Located?
The private islands of Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are both located in the Bahamas, and just 15 miles from one another in the Atlantic Ocean. Half Moon Cay is its own island, while Princess Cays is located on the southern point of the island Eleuthera.
Each of these private destinations are less than 300 miles from Miami, so many cruisers will find themselves in these Bahamian ports on the first or last day of sailing from Florida.
Can I Visit Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays During a Caribbean Sailing?
Yes, The Bahamas make a year-round appearance on Caribbean cruise itineraries thanks to welcoming weather throughout the seasons and convenient island locations for both short sailings and lengthier getaways. The Bahamas are frequently included on Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, in addition to Bahamas-specific sailings.
Similarities Between Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay
Arriving at Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays
Both Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays require a tender boat to access their shores. Because of this, these ports are occasionally canceled if seas are rough or conditions are windy.
What Are the Crowds Like at Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays?
Carnival, Holland America and Princess ships all visit Half Moon Cay. Though it doesn't happen very often, this can result in more than one ship porting here on the same day. A less common but still possible scenario is more than one ship calling on Princess Cays.
What's Free at Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays?
At each island destination, you will find first come, first serve free beach chairs and hammocks, as well as a standard island barbecue buffet. It's always complimentary to go for an ocean swim.
Cabanas Options at Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
One of cruisers' favorite parts of visiting these destinations is renting cabanas for a private island getaway. Half Moon Cay offers colorful cabanas that are air-conditioned, starting from $280 per day for four guests, as well as two-story villas starting at $500 for eight guests. For both types of rentals, additional guests are permitted with a per person surcharge.
Princess Cays bungalows are also air-conditioned, starting from $210 per day. There is also an adults-only area at Princess Cays, The Sanctuary, with bungalows available. For guests simply seeking a bit of shade along the beach, clamshell rentals are also available to book in advance.
Note that prices are subject to change, so be sure to check directly with your chosen cruise line for up-to-date pricing.
Dining Options at Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
It turns out there is such a thing as a free lunch, and you'll find it on both Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays.
On Half Moon Cay, the Tropics Restaurant serves burgers, chicken, tacos and more. Plus, there's the Lobster Shack, which charges for a la carte seafood entrees. At Princess Cays, two pavilions are filled with burgers, hot dogs, ribs and salads at lunch time. For both island experiences, be sure to check the daily schedule to see when lunch is offered as it is not an all-day affair.
Rentals at Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
Visitors can rent equipment for snorkeling, kayaking and floating, plus beach clamshells and bungalows at both locations.
Differences Between Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay
Island Size and Characteristics of Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
Princess Cays is a 40-acre beach area on the southern point of the island Eleuthera, whereas Half Moon Cay is a 2,400-acre totally private island reserved exclusively for cruise passengers.
The Beaches of Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
Half Moon Cay Carnival guests love the soft, powdery sand of this private beach getaway. On Princess Cays, the sand is a bit coarser, with some rocky beach areas. If you intend to go exploring on the shores of Princess Cays, remember to pack some water shoes.
Half Moon Cay Excursions and Princess Cays Excursions
Both islands offer snorkeling and stingray encounters, as well as additional water-based activities and other local tours, but offerings are unique to each private island. Half Moon Cay Bahamas excursions offer horseback riding, eco-bike tours and hiking. Princess Cays features coastal cruising, sailboat rentals, fishing and a clear-bottom kayak tour.
In addition, because Princess Cays is attached to a Bahamian island, you can explore outside the realm of the designated cruise area. Some passengers enjoy visiting Eleuthera's villages, such as Rock Sound and Tarpum Bay. Passengers visiting Half Moon Cay will be limited to what's provided by the cruise line on the island.
Island Transportation on Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
Tender boats are primarily used at each destination to transfer guests from the ship to land. On Half Moon Cay, trams are available from the Welcome Center to the buffet area and back throughout the day. On Princess Cays, a motorized cart delivers passengers with reservations to their private cabanas.
Should I Bring Insect Repellent?
Passengers have noted that flies and other bugs can be a bit of a problem on Princess Cays, so consider bringing insect repellent.
Bar Services on Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
You won't have a problem ordering a frosty beverage at either locale. You'll find five different bars at Princess Cays: Reef Runners Bar, Coconuts, Palm Groove, Bahia Bar and Banana Beach Bar. There are four on Half Moon Cay: Rumrunners, I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar, Captain Morgan's (on a pirate ship!) and Bell Bar.
One difference to note is that on Princess Cays, the unlimited drink package you may have purchased on the ship will be valid on the island, while on Half Moon Cay, you'll buy drinks separately. (Cruise lines sometimes offer a separate drink package that you can purchase exclusively for use on the island.)
Shopping Options in Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
You can purchase trinkets and local handicrafts in both destinations. There's a Tropical Treasures boutique on Princess Cays, where you can use your cruise card to make purchases -- or you can venture outside the cruise area to find more shopping and crafts from local artisans. (You will need to pay cash here; U.S. currency is accepted.)
On Half Moon Cay, you'll find small shops selling cruise line-branded gear and jewelry, as well as a straw market that offers Bahamian-made art and other goods.
Princess Cays vs. Half Moon Cay: Bottom Line
Many passengers prefer Half Moon Cay's powdery beach and seemingly endless rustic beauty that is truly secluded from the rest of the world. If you're a beach-lover, you just might find that Half Moon Cay is your favorite cruise port for relaxation.
Snorkelers seem to give a slight edge to Princess Cays, and cruisers also like the proximity of the bars to the ocean. Travelers also like the option to explore the rest of Eleuthera if they tire of the beach life. But depending on the time of year, bugs here can be a nuisance.