Ports of Call: Princess Cays in the Bahamas

Princess Cays is a private island stop located on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Owned by Princess Cruises, this 40-acre beach port is a popular stop for cruises from Princess, Carnival, and Holland America ships. 

Princess Cays is a tender port, meaning passengers are ferried from the cruise ship to the island in smaller boats, and it takes 20 minutes each way.

The Sea Breeze Grill, operated by cruise line staff, serves typical beach barbecue food. The menu included hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, fish, ribs,  various sides, fruit, and cookies. This complimentary BBQ lunch buffet is provided by the cruise line, but it's only available during a set time. 

What to Do Here:

Beach Day: Enjoy a beach day on the island's white-sand shores. 

Soft sand and clear water on Princess Cays

Snorkel: Bring your own gear for free snorkeling. The waters around Princess Cays have lots of marine life, including stingrays, flounder, trumpet fish, conch, and other tropical fish. There are plenty of reef areas to explore near the beach. 

Activities: Excursions and rentals are available, like jet skiing, kayaking, paddle bikes, banana boat rides, and horseback riding. Cabanas and clamshell rentals are also available to relax in the shade. You can visit the observation tower for great views of the beaches and the ship anchored on the horizon. There are also sand volleyball courts for passengers to use.

 

What to Bring:

• Water Shoes 
• Towels from the ship
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cover ups
• Cruise keycard
• GoPro or waterproof phone pouch 
• Optional- snorkel gear and floats 

Tips from my experience:

• There are plenty of free loungers but if you want shade you'll have to rent a clam shell. You can also relax under the shade of a palm tree. Sometimes there are chairs close enough to the trees that we could nudge into the shade. Because of the lack of shade, bring all forms sun protection! I like to snorkel with a UV blocking shirt. Reef Safe sunscreen is recommended to protect the marine life.

• The further you venture from the tender dock, the better the snorkeling gets. We saw stingrays and fish right under the covered pavillion. If your bring your own gear, inflatable vests are not required; when renting from the cruise line, they are.

• The best snorkeling is on the snorkeling boat excursion.  

• You can bring some snacks from the ship onto the island with you. Bring Ziploc bags with you and grab a banana or a pastry before you debark. Bring a slice of bread to break up and throw to the fish on the pier to see them without snorkeling.

• The port is wheelchair accessible, They provide a few beach wheelchairs. There are also open-air showers throughout the island, to rinse off the sand, but there are no private shower stalls.

• Don't wait until the end of the day to return to the ship.  You will wait in extremely long tender lines, in the sun, if you stay until closing time. Return at least an hour before the all aboard time.

Princess Cays offers a relaxing and beautiful escape, perfect for a beach day or a snorkeling adventure. While the tender port process might not be everyone’s favorite, the island's natural beauty and variety of activities make it a worthwhile stop on your itinerary!

Planning to take a cruise to the Bahamas or sail on an itinerary that includes a stop at Princess Cays? We'd love to help! Contact your Kingdom Konsultant travel professional or email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

We Want to Hear From You

What is your favorite thing to do at Princess Cays? We would love to hear your favorites. Let us know in the comments.

Summer Squires

Summer is a Gold level VIFP on Carnival Cruise Line. She loves to help plan stress-free family cruises to the Caribbean and beyond! You can email Summer at summer@kingdomkonsultant.com.