Private Islands: Coco Cay & Labadee
Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean International
Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have twice as many opportunities to relax in the sanctity of a private island—parent company Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has two and many of their Caribbean itineraries include one or the other.
First there is Coco Cay, a 140-acre island is located in the Berry Island chain between Nassau and Freeport. Known originally as Little Stirrup Cay, the island is within view of Great Stirrup Cay (NCL’s private island) and the snorkeling is just as good, especially around a sunken airplane and a replica of Blackbeard’s flagship, “Queen Anne’s Revenge.”
In addition to activities and games, passengers will find Caylana’s Aqua Park—the largest in the Caribbean—where children and adults alike can jump on an in-water trampoline or climb a floating sand castle before they dig into a beach barbeque or explore extensive nature trails. The newest attractions include an inflatable 40-foot water slide (fun for all ages) and a Power Wheels track with miniature cars for 3 to 8 year olds (speed limit is a sedate 3 mph).
For passengers with mobility challenges, wheelchairs with balloon tires are available on a complimentary, first-come, first-served basis. Inviting hammocks are plentiful for those who want nothing more than to snooze beneath in the shade of a palm tree. An authentic Bahamian Straw Market near the tender dock includes not only shops, but an entire section devoted to hair braiding.
What to do there: Scuba dive, snorkel, jet ski, kayak, parasail, hike, volleyball, organized games, shopping
*****
Located on a 260-acre peninsula, Labadee is approximately six miles from Cap Haitien on the secluded north coast of Hispaniola (more familiarly known as Haiti). In addition to swimming, water sports, an Aqua Park, and nature trails to explore, visitors to Labadee are treated to an authentic folkloric show presented by island performers. A market, where you might find an interesting painting or unique wood carving, features the work of local artists and crafters. Naturally there are bars for refreshments and a huge beach barbeque is served by the ship’s crew.
Due to Labadee’s proximity to mainland Haiti, it has sometimes been necessary in the past to cancel calls there due to political unrest. In that event, an alternate port is usually scheduled.
What to do there: Snorkel, jet ski, kayak, parasail, hike; play volleyball; participate in organized games; shop
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