The coolest private islands you can visit on a cruise this summer

Nearly every cruise line has its own private island, but few are as elaborate, fun, and thrilling as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay—an exciting, one-of-a-kind destination. This hidden cruise island features activities catering to families, solo cruisers, couples, and pretty much every type of traveler.

If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping experiences, you’ll want to visit the Thrill Waterpark and plunge down the tallest waterslide in North America or rise 450 feet in the air in the “Up, Up & Away” helium balloon ride. If you just want to unwind, Perfect Day offers miles of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters dotted with an array of loungers, private cabanas, and lavish exclusive retreats.

You can book your next island cruise to this gorgeous destination aboard the Adventure of the Seas or the Vision of the Seas.

Another hidden Caribbean gem is Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island located in the southern part of Belize. NCL’s sister cruise lines, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, also stop here. An expansive pool area with a cascading waterfall, a saltwater lagoon for water sports, a large marina area brimming with food and bar options, and luxurious beachside cabanas are just some of the many options available here.

The Flighthouse platform offers 3,000 feet of zip lining across the island, quick jumps, and an observation deck with mainland views. Harvest Caye also features a splash park for kids, a walk-through animal habitat and butterfly garden, and other activities that your whole family can enjoy.

The NCL private island also offers shore excursions to Belize. You can visit the Mayan Temple at Nim LI Punit, go on a rainforest river tubing adventure, or simply take a boat ride to the mainland.

Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, is also a marine reserve. This cruise island has eight white sand beaches, giving you plenty of opportunities to simply soak under the Bahamian sun, relax, and witness the diverse marine life.

The island is easy to navigate, with restaurants and bars within walking distance of the beaches. One of the landmarks of this island is the Lighthouse. Explore it during the day, climbing up the 165 steps for a spectacular view, or wait until night for the light shows that take place there.

Cruise ships to the island dock right on it, giving you more time to explore. You can upgrade your experience at Ocean Cay by renting a cabana, visiting The Spa at Ocean Cay, or choosing one of the exciting water activities.

Want to learn more? Check out the four things you need to know about Ocean Cay.

Great Stirrup Cay is another Norwegian Cruise Line private island, located in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. It had a complete makeover that included new restaurants and extensive landscape improvements. One of the major improvements was adding over 3,500 beach-front chairs, making it easier for you and your group to secure a spot with an ocean view, even on the busiest days.

Great Stirrup Cay has something for everyone. You can design your perfect day, whether that’s getting your toes in the white-sand beaches, swimming with friendly ocean pigs (it’s a thing), disconnecting from the busy world in your private cabana, or kayaking in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.