Private island · Bahamas · Bahamas
Princess Cays: private island guide
Princess Cays is a private beach resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, used by Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line. Ships anchor offshore and tender guests to a long, palm-lined beach with calm water, a complimentary barbecue lunch, a Bahamian craft market and paid extras such as beach bungalows and water sports.
- Beach days
- Snorkeling
- Families
- Relaxation
Photo: Trish Hartmann from Tampa, Florida, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Bahamas
- Region
- Bahamas
- Type of stop
- Private island
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- Purchases go on your ship account. Bahamian and U.S. dollars are used interchangeably at the craft market.
- Best time to visit
- March–May
- Average highs
- 76–86°F through the year
About Princess Cays
Unlike most cruise-line islands, Princess Cays isn’t a separate island but a stretch of coast on Eleuthera, a long, thin Bahamian island known for pink-sand beaches and quiet settlements. Princess Cruises opened the resort in the early 1990s, and it’s now shared with sister line Carnival. Facilities are spread along about a mile and a half of shoreline, with plenty of space to spread out.
It offers a simple, relaxed beach day with a Bahamian touch: island music, a market of local crafts and a laid-back pace. It suits travelers who want to swim, snorkel and lounge. Those hoping for a waterpark or lots of thrills may find it low-key, and as a tender port, getting ashore takes some patience.
Where cruise ships dock in Princess Cays
Princess Cays is a tender port. Ships anchor off Eleuthera’s southern tip and run tenders to the resort’s pier, usually a short ride. Calls can be canceled if seas are too rough to tender safely. Once ashore, you can walk the length of the resort. Free: the beach, loungers, swimming areas and a barbecue lunch with water and lemonade. Extra cost: beach bungalows, cabanas and retreats, snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, glass-bottom boat and other tours, and alcoholic drinks unless covered by a package. Purchases go on your ship account, though cash is useful at the craft market.
Best things to do in Princess Cays on a cruise
- 1
The beach
beach
A long, palm-shaded beach with soft sand and calm, clear water, divided into areas with free loungers. Walk away from the tender pier to find quieter spots. The swimming area is protected and good for families.
- 2
Beach bungalows and retreats
beach
Private bungalows and cabanas offer shade, loungers and a dedicated spot to return to all day, some with sea views from a raised deck. They’re popular for families and groups and sell out early on busy sailings.
- 3
Snorkeling
wildlife
Snorkel gear rentals let you explore reefs and rocky areas near the shore, with tropical fish in the clear water. Guided snorkel tours visit nearby reefs. Water shoes help near rocks.
- 4
Bahamian craft market
shopping
Local vendors sell straw goods, shell jewelry, wood carvings, T-shirts and other souvenirs. It’s a chance to support Bahamian artisans; bargaining is common, and cash is handy.
- 5
Water sports and tours
adventure
Rent kayaks, paddleboards and floats, or join a glass-bottom boat or banana boat ride. Activities vary by sailing, so check what’s offered in your ship’s shore excursion list.
- 6
Hammocks and island music
culture
Settle into a hammock in the shade and enjoy Bahamian music, sometimes performed live by local bands. It’s a big part of the relaxed atmosphere at Princess Cays.
Princess Cays weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 7625 | 7625 | 7725 | 7826 | 8027 | 8328 | 8530 | 8630 | 8530 | 8429 | 8127 | 7826 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7424 | 7424 | 7424 | 7625 | 7926 | 8228 | 8329 | 8429 | 8429 | 8228 | 7926 | 7725 |
| Rain in (mm) | 1.538 | 0.821 | 1.127 | 1.334 | 3.896 | 5.1129 | 2.460 | 2.564 | 3.077 | 3.588 | 2.255 | 1.539 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
What to eat and drink in Princess Cays
A complimentary barbecue lunch features burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs or fish, salads, fruit and desserts, often with Bahamian touches. Lemonade and water come free with the meal, while bar drinks and sodas go on your account unless a beverage package covers them. Beach bars serve tropical cocktails like the Bahama Mama and Goombay Smash. Look for conch fritters or Bahamian dishes at the barbecue when they’re offered.
Tips for your port day
- Go ashore early to avoid tender lines and get the best beach spots.
- Reserve bungalows and cabanas early, especially on busy sailings.
- Bring cash for the craft market, where bargaining is normal.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water shoes for rocky snorkeling areas.
- Because tendering depends on calm seas, an occasional call is skipped for weather; don’t pin your whole cruise on this one day.
Cruise lines that visit Princess Cays
Often on the same itinerary
Princess Cays cruise FAQs
Which cruise lines visit Princess Cays?
Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, both part of Carnival Corporation. The resort is reserved for guests of these lines.
Is Princess Cays a tender port?
Yes. Ships anchor offshore and tender guests to the resort’s pier. Allow time for tender lines, and know that calls can be canceled in rough seas.
Is Princess Cays an island?
Not exactly. Princess Cays is a private resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera, a much larger island in the Bahamas.
What is free at Princess Cays?
The beach, loungers, swimming areas and the barbecue lunch with water and lemonade. Bungalows, cabanas, water sports, tours and most drinks cost extra.
Is there good snorkeling at Princess Cays?
Yes, for casual snorkelers. Rental gear lets you explore near the shore, and guided tours visit nearby reefs with more fish and coral.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.