Princess Cays Private Island - Cruise Destination

You may visit Princess Cay (or Princess Cays) on your Carnival, Holland America, or Princess cruise. It is a gorgeous tropical paradise with some beautiful beaches. The crowds don't spread out evenly across the island, however! Watch this video for a great tip, (and get up early).
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More Carnival Cruise info:
• Carnival Sunrise
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MorgansVeryunOfficialTravelGuides
Twitter: @MrMorganOBrien
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[@jumoo4823]

Thank you for this video! It’s exactly what I was looking for to help us avoid the crowds. Hopefully 3 years later, most people still don’t know about “the other side”

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Glad I could help. I hope you have a great cruise!

[@gone4daystravel]

Haha, you're funny😂

[@ronfrank09]

I would love to vacation with Morgan. Seems like the nicest person.

[@OrdinaryDude]

It was nice to see Marcus appear, however briefly. Say thank you for us!

[@bb-qd7wy]

Stop telling people about "The Other Side"!! You are going to ruin "The Other Side". : )

[@andreag8666]

Thank you. Great editing and helpful tip. Worth spending my 15 minutes. Thx

[@ialor3137]

I was just there last week and saw 2 sea turtles there!!!!

[@snugbear2]

Thanks for the tips about water shoes being needed and going to the other side

[@dondouglass8665]

My friend, 80* is not hot!! 98* to 103* is hot, 80* is just mild and nice. I’m enjoying this almost as much as you are. Thank You for sharing with us. As always stay strong, safe and sure. Happy travels.

[@pamelawiggins9131]

Yes Morgan I remember the old Royal Carribean Coco Cay also. They used to have a barbeque on the beach. It was so relaxing and quiet. Thanks for remembering that. 😊

[@markw639]

Just there last month on a Princess cruise and the drink package is honored on the island with a much better selection of drinks then offered when we were there with Carnival. Also cabana rentals are more with Princess and do not include snacks or soft drinks in the rental price

[@goeagles25]

3 times I giggled or smiled during this video: 1. "Hello, sand between my toes, I've missed you." 😂 Morgan, you are too cute! 2. When you pointed to the word Titi then giggled. LOL! 3. "I'm touching a cruise ship, touching a cruise ship." Hehe... Thanks for the fun Friday video, Morgan! And happy Valentine's Day!!!!! 💟

[@MsRaindropps]

Same! 😂

[@alvaradacosta293]

Thank you for the tip about the food... It's good to know that there is more then one location to get the food 😊 👍

[@davearchbell9921]

I have been skeptical of these private island but from your vlog I can see it looks pretty good. Thanks for sharing.

[@7.5Mviews]

I’ve watched a few of these videos on Princess Cay and looks like the lunch menu never changes lol

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Ya? Are there still "flies" on the menu? lol

[@bmccall614]

Royal's coco cay still has great tropical island beach spots, the water park is nice, but it still has nice beaches. Thanks for this video, heading there in 2 weeks

[@elainehill6504]

We got a cabana when we were there, it was "Coconut Cabana" #2. Now that I've been there, I know to get 7 or 8 instead since they have trees overhead and stay shady. Ours was $199, plus I paid an extra $26.99 because there were five people in our group. Don't do this! All that $26.99 did was get us two extra diet cokes. Nobody cares or will even notice if you have more than four people. But it was worth getting the cabana overall. It came with floating mats and snorkel gear, and the inside was air conditioned. This was important later because it did get hot! Also, when we got our lunch, we just brought our plates back and ate inside. No flies! The beach area in front of the cabanas was never crowded, maybe people thought they couldn't go there if they didn't have one? I would not pay the extra money for the sanctuary bungalows. The point being that there are no kids allowed so it's quieter, but it wasn't noisy at all where we were. And they are further away from everything else, bars, bathrooms, lunch, etc. We loved our day there, the snorkeling was great and the beach was beautiful.

[@ACottageGirl]

Elaine Hill We had this bungalow as well... I liked being closer to the center of activities... but yes, would have enjoyed some outside shade. They had just had that fire on the island {last year}, so because our shower wasn’t working, they upgraded our lunch for a nominal fee. Brought 3 courses of delicious fresh items! I’m assuming it’s what is brought to Sanctuary guests} We were on the Regal Princess.

[@eminiarvii]

Question: were you able to choose your number? I wil be there in Dec and would like to have a bungalow

[@elainehill6504]

@@eminiarvii Yes, when you get onboard, go to the shore excursions desk, they will give a form to fill out with how many snorkel sets you need and what kind of drinks you would like. They'll show you a map and you can pick which one you want based on availability. You'll be in the first group to tender to the island. Worth every penny. We're hopefully going to be there in January if all goes well and will definitely be getting one again.

[@miyahaugustus123]

Was.

[@ashleywatts6235]

So glad I found this. My family is going the first of April and I will definitely take your suggestions

[@doxiemom9570]

You are a riot! The titi shrimp. 😅

[@lindaredding4743]

I have been to Princess Cay twice & loved it!!

[@virginiamagnolia]

I’m going there in April. I will definitely check out the beach on the south side

[@christinericks-fletcher4230]

Me too April. What day is your cruise. I am on the April 9th cruise (Sunrise)

[@virginiamagnolia]

April 5, Carnival Pride

[@amusementsrevisited]

Now *this* is what I call a holiday! Great tips too!

[@alasanasilvia5605]

Good tips for the beach @princess cays, yes I don’t like crowded areas.

[@lisaanderson8235]

Ooooh. A sighting of the Elusive Marcus! ❤️ You can see all kinds of rare critters when you travel! ❤️ Seriously, this video warmed my soul when we've been having dark cold snowy weather here in Michigan.

[@magicaldays7099]

What a beautiful island

[@dorothyp3907]

Great perspective on Princess Cays and good tips. Love your photography. Gives me the feeling of being there.

[@christianmarcoux3325]

It's almost as if I'm there! Thanks for your video, I apreciate it.

[@keeperzero]

I just love this guy I can't believe he doesn't have 100,000 subscribers yet

[@AdventuresofDavidandAaron]

Beautiful beach great for scuba diving and snorkeling Half Moon Cay also set up the same way you cannot use your ship card to purchase drinks you have to use cash. Thanks for sharing. Sincerely, Adventures of David and Aaron.⚓⚓⚓

[@simplyMe-ho2xr]

I will be looking for the other side in a month,thanks😂

[@temmietaft2552]

I've never been to Carnival's private island. Thanks for this information because now I can plan a cruise around it so that we'll be able to check it out!!

[@quincyculmer3910]

It's not a private island.thier only leasing the beach.its 1 of the islands in the Bahamas. Its call eleuthera

[@edschermerhorn5415]

Thank you Morgan! Not sure how I have missed this video having subscribed for years. We head to Princess Cay on November 1, so will definitely remember “go right!”

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Ooh, your cruise is coming up very soon!

[@ACottageGirl]

We were there last February and loved Princess Cay! My fave was Janet... one of the crew on the island who gave us a super informative talk on our way to our bungalow. If you have 4 people, definitely worth the cost! I didn’t even KNOW there was another side of beaches, and we even did a stingray excursion 🙈 We were at Coco Cay last month... my first time. We stayed over by the quiet side by the buffet. So there are areas that feel tropical and quiet there. Thanks for sharing! It was fun seeing it through your eyes!

[@clairepatton6880]

Wonderful video. It’s really cold here in Pensacola Florida 58° February 17, 2020 I wish I could be with you.😀

[@melodymills5432]

Morgan...you hope those were raisins in the salad....hahaha (with all those flies). Thanks for the video as we will be there next year.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Oh gross! Don't say things like that! lol

[@livingintruth100]

I love princess cay

[@emilybartholdson9007]

Great video! I'm so excited to be there in a little over a week! I'll definitely be using your tips about water shoes and going to the south side of the island :)

[@denizalgazi]

Thumbs up for correctly pronouncing Princess Cays and Coco Cay! Princess Cays is actually just a private beach near the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera. It is NOT a private island though Carnival Corporation would like you to think otherwise! The map of the resort (at 3:24) is entirely misleading by attempting to give the impression that Princess Cays is an island! Eleuthera is over 175km long (that's over 100 miles!) with a population of over 11,000. For some odd (maybe greedy) reason, Carnival Cruise Lines drink packages are not valid at Princess Cays but drink packages from sister cruise line Princess are! I'm happy you had lovely weather for early January in the Bahamas!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

It’s the same as Royal Caribbean’s Labadee, which is part of Haiti and not an island for itself. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@denizalgazi]

@Brian Princess Cruise Lines drink packages are valid at the Princess Cays private beach, just not Carnival Cruise Lines. Both cruise lines are owned by Carnival Corporation. Neither cruise line charges for the buffet.

[@quincyculmer3910]

Thank you so much.i have to drive to work everyday to get there.its an island,and I live here and thousands of others with 3 airports that u can fly in any day. It is called eleuthera

[@emocean582]

Very Helpful. Hope to take my first cruise January 2021 and this is one of the stops...feel better now that I got a "tour" :)

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

You’re going to love it!

[@Cakesbylameeka]

Thanks for sharing!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Are you going to the island? I’m jealous!

[@dianepeacock4521]

I went to coco cat and if you get away from the slides the beaches are beautiful. And the drink package works on the island there

[@shar159]

Please tell Marcus he is a very handsome man and we wouldn't mind seeing him occasionally. Princess Cays is a beautiful white sand beach that allows travelers time off the ship to dip their toes in the water and play in that wonderful sand.

[@pawprints1986]

My cruise stopped here too... and we followed the crowds and went left... would have been nice to know there was another "hidden" lunch line... we ended up renting one of those little cabin things, we were worried about over heating and they had AC, came in very handy (especially not knowing about the secret shady chairs lol)! But, that price split with 3 others, well worth it. They provided drinks and snacks in there too. I did learn that salt from the water being on you and thighs rubbing is very, VERY painful after walking a decent distance. it burned huge. I brought shorts the next excursion day and it was worlds better ( just as a tip for any ladies who might see this who have sensitive skin - bring shorts too! even if you have a wrap around cover up thingy, bring shorts too!)

[@kdsrn431]

Hi Morgan, just watched your Princess Cays video. All very good tips, Thank You for sharing!! Just 1 tip from me, when your are on the island on a Princess Cruise vs a Carnival Cruise the All Inclusive Drink Package does include all drinks available on the island :) I'm left wondering why drinks were not included with Carnival..."Things that make you go Hmmm"!

[@LeoRousseau]

Good to know about the "Other side" and the "Drink package"! My wife and I just booked for a cruise on The Caribbean Princess for May 21st. I hope that we made a good decision. My wife's first cruise and I'm so happy for her! Thanks for the video!

[@thomaslower5375]

Thank you for this , that was super informational 💜

[@cruisingwithcrystal146]

With any carnival private island or resort your drink package is not included. You will need to buy drinks on the island for full price!

[@cruisingwithcrystal146]

If you waited an hour in line for lunch, also consider bring snacks, and eating a healthy breakfast to tide you over to eat lunch a little later to avoid the lines. The lunch hours are posted. Go during those times.

[@spurmarks]

You should come to Dallas in July, August or September - about 100' every day and humid! I would get out my fur if it were only 80'! ;-)

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Haha! I bet!

[@secretstoconnect3443]

So we cruised in October on theCarnival Liberty and the highlight of our trip was the authentic Bahamian experience we had on Princess Cays. At the very end of the day, as people were clearing out and heading back to the ship, my brother who I was traveling with, found a conch shell in the water on the snorkeling beach. He came up out of the water and told me what he had found and the lifeguard went berserk. She started yelling at him to dive deeper and get it and bring it to her. She was absolutely delighted that he had found a conch shell and told him she would help him get the meat out of it. He dove down and got it and we brought it to her. For the next half an hour we worked to get the meat out of the center of the shell. She pulled it out alive and handed it to me to go wash it off in the ocean. I actually have an entire video about it on my KZbin channel because it was hilarious. By this point, we were pretty much the only people in her area so there wasn’t anyone in the water and she could concentrate on helping us with the shell. She offered the meat to my brother who was horrified to eat something raw that had just been alive a few minutes earlier. He told her that if she wanted it, she could have it for herself. I have never seen someone so happy! She tore into that thing like nobody’s business. She kept saying we just saved her $50 because that’s what it would cost her if she went to a fancy restaurant and ordered conch. I don’t think I can post a picture in the comments here but I have a picture of her smiling as she “dives in”. I love stuff like that on vacation when you can see things that aren’t in the schedule. It’s fantastic. Loved Princess Cays. It was beautiful and peaceful there.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

That sounds like an amazing experience and a great story to tell, but if I were to watch somebody rip the guts out of a conch and then stuff it into their mouth, I would projectile vomit in their face. I’ll pass, but thanks for letting me know! LOL

[@elainehill6504]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides I decided to be adventurous and order a conch fritter at dinner the night we left Princess Cays. I took one small bite, and chewed and chewed that thing, it was so tough. If there had been paper napkins at the table, I would have just spit it out, but I wasn't going to do that with the cloth ones haha. It took a lot of chewing and and lot of water to finally get it down. I didn't take a second bite

[@secretstoconnect3443]

Very unOfficial Travel Guides 😂😂yeah, it was pretty gross. But she was SOOO happy. It almost made it worth it. 😁

[@Dangic23]

At least Disney and now recently Royal can actually dock at their Islands.

[@kellyleach3426]

All I could think was that I hoped you had your water shoes on! 😳 Edit:. Now yo just told us to bring water shoes. 🤣

[@malekatahcampbell6326]

Coco Cay is really nice.

[@cherylbaldanzi6421]

Enjoyed your review

[@orianafisher3960]

Very informative video!

[@DadHomeGym]

Perfect video. I’m glad you took a shot of the entire map. Very helpful. My only question is what if we got off the ship and immediately went to the buffet then went to the south side for beach relaxation? Would u also recommend that approach?

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

I think the buffet isn't set up until lunch time, so I'm not sure that plan would work!

[@Combination12345]

I learned from this video to avoid the buffet here. Yuck! Flies all over the food! They should do a better job at covering up. Mental note - Eat lunch on ship first.

[@lchurch1]

Excellent tip - go to the RIGHT over the bridge after you get off the tender. The beach is the same, but it's a lot less crowded. I still find it odd that with Carnival ships you can't use the drink packages on the island. If you sail here on Princess your drink package will work on shore. I agree with the included lunch. It gets the job done if you're really intent on spending the full day on the beach but it's not the worst idea to plan your day around getting back on board for lunch. Wife and I have historically eaten a big breakfast, taken a tender as early as possible, then come back on board after a few hours on the beach for a late lunch.

[@gregorypawlowski1835]

To answer your question on why Princess honors their drink package on the island while Carnival does not has to do with the clientele each cruise line serves. A Princess guest will be more upscale and travel as couples and in smaller groups. And most likely the other members of the group will also be enrolled in a drink package; therefore, it is very likely those guests will NOT share their drink package with non-package guests. A Carnival guest is commonly booked on that cruise line because it is the most economical one. They will be with children and other family and friends with a large portion not signed up for a costly drink package. Carnival has witnessed enough violations of package sharing to recognize it will be abused on an island where it's difficult to monitor. In short, the facts show that Carnival guests are less honest than Princess guests.

[@lchurch1]

@@gregorypawlowski1835 Wow, well, that's an aggressive way of wording it but I can definitely put myself in the company's shoes and if it were my money on the line I would be more comfortable with princess over carnival as well. As a dedicated Princess cruiser myself I don't get offended by this policy but I imagine if Carnival were to explain it to someone and use this same language it would probably go over like a lead balloon lol

[@davidhoffman8122]

We will finally get to Princess Cay in June 2024. We have been to Half Moon Cay 4 times and I hope it is just as nice as Half Moon. Were there any games going on when you were there?

[@TripReviews]

The nutty flavour in your coleslaw was from the flies disguised as raisins. 😜 the buffet is not worth the wait in line.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

OK gross!!!!

[@TripReviews]

😀 gotcha thinking, lol

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

What camera did you use to film this?? The clarity is amazing!! I was last at Princess Cays in 1999, so I don't think any of these special features were available back then!!

[@bruciethecuz9031]

Thanks Morgan for the video and the tips about Princess Cays. We missed this on our Royal Princess cruise a couple years back due to windy conditions. I'm sure on a future cruise we'll get another chance. Looks nice there ( we like calmer environments versus amusements). That does kinda suck that the drink package is not honored there though. Enjoy your channel very much! 👍👍👍

[@cruisingwithcrystal146]

Snorkle at the rocks, and enjoy your time at this port. Bring your snorkle gear, and water shoes.

[@Kiara_Kat]

Drink packages ARE valid on Princess Cays if you’re sailing on Princess. Yours must not be because you’re on Carnival and Princess Cays belongs to Princess Cruises.

[@lmaono24]

bitch no carnival Cruise owens all the cays islands but ok dumbass

[@younglady2789]

Yay, I finally got to see Marcus! Did you twist his arm to get in the video?

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

I tricked him. That’s the only way.

[@samuelcollins1331]

Info 4 U: Princess Cays is NOT AN ISLAND. It is on the very Southern tip of Eleuthera, an island in the Bahamas archipelago. There is no KITCHEN: All of the food is prepared on the SHIP and brought ashore PRIOR to when guests arrive. This destination is regularly MISSED due to rough conditions prohibiting Tendering.

[@lw3269]

Just had a Carnival cruise that featured Princess Cays. Very disappointed that we couldn't go there because the waters were too rough for the smaller tender craft to get there . Why are there no docks on this island?

[@lzshow]

So if we walk south towards snorkeling bay is there shadey trees to sit under and less rocks to walk in the water?

[@Dangic23]

I feel the same about Coco Cay. Next time I cruise Royal, I'll make sure the itinerary does not include a stop at Coco Cay.

[@hopedavis9878]

Coco Cay is amazing! I haven't been since the remodel though.

[@Dangic23]

@@hopedavis9878 Yes..its nice. I went twice before the remodel, and once after. I liked the old version more. Now it's a giant waterpark. I don't visit waterparks ever here in the US...so not something I want to see on a private cruise island.

[@ddouglas8161]

This is a great island. I am surprised some things are included with non princess cruises like Carnival. But I sail on the Imagination August 30th. But maybe next year's cruise, I might do a Carribean cruise that vias here.

[@carolynmedlock811]

My Mom made a carrot salad that was just carrots, raisins and a dressing. She was of Austria, Polish and Greek ancestry. She said her Mom who was Polish and Greek always added raisins to salads..Now I have to wonder if it’s because they taste good or heritage??

[@lovinggoldens4183]

Thks for the great video we are visiting with Princess next month .. we have a clam shell reserved did you think it is neccesary for a clam shell? Was there many clam shells on the south side where you were... thks..

[@audreyann4777]

Keep in mind that the “less crowded” side may or MAY NOT have the buffet. We were there last year and for some reason, they only had the “busy side” buffet. By the time we realized it, the line was insane so we just returned to the ship. I’m going again next week. Since it’s getting to be during spring break, hopefully both sides will have the buffet.

[@derekcudihy784]

Was it open this time?

[@ciaojeffitalia]

How do call that "Getting away" when you are with thousands of others.

[@jworth7203]

Hey! I saw that driver’s license! Are you from MN? Me too-NW of Mpls.

[@macsh6434]

8:30 That fly on the Jerked Chicken. 🤢

[@bbergs8628]

My last 3 times on Princess Cays I did rent a bungalow (I was with 3 or 4 other people- we split the price & one of my friends had her 80 yr old mother with her - and we were driven to the bungalow via a golf cart)! The bungalow had a/c which was really nice & we ate inside (had food delivered from a special menu - so much food & so yummy)! It was also nice & quiet & we kind of had our own private beach & swimming area!! The bartenders also came by frequently to make sure we kept well hydrated (lol)! I love Princess Cays (have never been to the Sanctuary area - maybe on my next Princess Cruise)! BTW - Princess Cays is part of the island of Eleuthera & you can actually do a shore excursion/island tour. I’ve also heard that the stingray experience is fantastic.

[@joycesmith8354]

Sandals,sandals, sandals

[@bryanutz4870]

I liked this island/cay, walked all the way down to the far end, in November 2019. Walking on the rocks! , did you get a Carnival "Kiss on the lips" drink?, an edible straw?

[@justin487322]

Are there walking paths all the way around the island

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

There are a lot of walking paths, yes, but not technically ALL around the island.

[@shaas1]

Hey Morgan! Do you have a video similar to this but on Great Stirrup Cay for Norwegian? Thanks!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Sorry! Haven’t been there yet.

[@cyberi4a]

I'd have stayed on the ship to enjoy less people while I could.

[@pce-sz1gi]

I agree with you. I am not a huge fan of cruises , too many drunks and surly people.

[@RonChase21]

@@pce-sz1gi So why are you here?

[@lzshow]

Did the Southside have Pavillions that can put ur chair under?

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Sorry, I don’t remember! Are you cruising soon? What ship?

[@eleutheratours]

FYI, Princess Cays is not a private island... it's a small rocky beach on a 110 mile long island named Eleuthera. Next time you visit go beyond the port and see the gorgeousness that Eleuthera has to offer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqHJnYKYar-Vj7M

[@BrookeLyn39]

Avoid that beach??? I would avoid that ship! Isn't that the ship that broke down and everyone was using the red poop bags? Was it renamed?

[@Nutzkie2001]

So Princess Cay is used by all the Carnival brands and not just Princess?

[@danae1326]

Carnival and Princess are both owned by the same company.

[@fluf118]

Titi shrimp 🤣🤣🤣

[@amyblount644]

I laughed at that too!!!!

[@socalkikrox1jen]

It’s Roasted Patty Squash Salad, not Pumpkin salad 😃

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Well, I talked to Patty and she said I could call it pumpkin.

[@carolyngardner4999]

Incorrect. People who goes to Princess Cay, knowns there another side of these island.

[@sowhatwearedoomed]

I would not eat that fly food but thenIsland is ok.

[@colinvanful]

is that woman wearing an inflatable but @ 10.58

[@MrBear1967]

My idea of hell

[@richystar2001]

Stop going on McVacations. They are a industrialized and stressful waste of time.

[@chauntinamedina1131]

How Hot is it again? Lol..your funny

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Dang it. I forgot to make it clear that the temperature was slightly elevated.

[@kingofcomments4832]

you have heard of the coronavirus ?

[@garyslaunwhite3153]

D S Hahaha haha.........fuck off tool!