Complete Guide to Princess Cays - Map, Food Menus, Inclusions & More
Princess Cays is a private island beach destination located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in The Bahamas. While the destination is owned and operated by Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line ships also occasionally call at Princess Cays on select Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries.
For Carnival guests, Princess Cays offers a relaxed private island beach day with included lunch, clear water beaches, and a wide range of optional shore excursions. However, there are a few important differences compared to visiting Princess Cays on a Princess Cruises sailing. The most notable difference is that Carnival drink packages and wifi plans do not work ashore at Princess Cays, even though food and most activities remain the same.
This guide explains exactly what Princess Cays is like for Carnival Cruise Line guests, what is included, what costs extra, and what to expect when your Carnival ship visits this private island in The Bahamas.
Overview of Princess Cays
Princess Cays © Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cays is a private cruise destination located on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. When Carnival Cruise Line ships call at Princess Cays, the island operates as a private beach resort exclusively for cruise guests that day.
The experience is centered around beach relaxation rather than large attractions. There are no water parks, roller coasters, or large pools. Instead, Princess Cays focuses on calm beaches, clear Bahamian water, shaded seating areas, complimentary lunch, and optional shore excursions that can be booked through Carnival Cruise Line.
Guests arrive by tender and spend the day enjoying included beach access, free lounge chairs, and a barbecue style lunch. All excursions, rentals, and purchases are charged to your Carnival Sail and Sign account.
Arrival and Getting Around
Carnival cruise ships anchor offshore at Princess Cays, and guests are transported to the island by water shuttle tenders. Tendering typically begins in the morning after the ship anchors and continues throughout the day.
Once ashore, Princess Cays is mostly flat and easy to navigate on foot. Free shuttle trams operate continuously along the main paths, connecting beaches, lunch areas, excursion meeting points, and rental locations. Trams do not require reservations and are included for all guests.
Beaches at Princess Cays
Princess Cays Bungalow Beach © Freestyle Travelers
Princess Cays features multiple beaches spread across the property, all offering free lounge chairs on a first come basis. Beach umbrellas are limited, so guests who want shade should plan to arrive earlier in the day.
Popular beach areas for guests include:
Little Bay Beach, the largest beach with bars and music
Bungalow Beach, near the private bungalow rentals
Serenity Beach, a quieter area on the south side
Watersports Beach, close to snorkeling and equipment rentals
Family friendly beach areas near restrooms and food service
Lifeguards are stationed at designated swimming beaches during operating hours. Swimming zones are clearly marked and water conditions are usually calm.
Food and Dining at Princess Cays on Carnival Cruise Line
Lunch is included for all Carnival Cruise Line guests visiting Princess Cays. The complimentary barbecue lunch is served buffet style during set hours and does not require a reservation.
Typical lunch offerings include:
Grilled chicken
Barbecue ribs
Beef burgers and hot dogs
Salad bar and prepared salads
Fresh fruit
Desserts such as cookies, brownies, and cake
Lunch is served at two main locations on the island, with covered seating available near the food service areas. Seating is first come, and guests may eat at either location regardless of where they spend the day.
Drinks and Beverage Packages at Princess Cays for Carnival Guests
Banana Beach Bar © Freestyle Travelers
It is important to note tha Carnival beverage packages do not work on Princess Cays. This includes any Cheers! beverage package, Bottomless Bubbles, or Zero Proof beverage packages purchased on the ship.
All drinks on the island must be purchased individually at posted bar prices and are charged to your Sail and Sign account. The island operates as a cashless destination.
Bars serve cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, and non alcoholic beverages. Bar menus are standardized across the island.
Activities and Shore Excursions
Princess Cays Lagoon Kayaks © Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cays offers a variety of optional shore excursions that can be booked through Carnival Cruise Line. Availability may vary by sailing.
Popular Princess Cays excursions for Carnival guests include:
Snorkeling excursions and snorkel gear rentals
Kayak rentals
Paddle boat rentals
Banana boat rides
Glass bottom boat tours
Scenic coastal boat tours
Wildlife and lagoon experiences
Snorkeling areas are marked, and water clarity is typically good depending on weather and sea conditions.
Private Bungalows and Beach Rentals
Private beach bungalows are one of the most popular upgrades at Princess Cays and are available to Carnival guests on a limited basis. These must be reserved in advance and often sell out.
Bungalows include:
Air conditioned indoor space
Table and chairs
Dedicated outdoor lounge chairs
Freshwater outdoor shower
Dedicated food and beverage service
Additional rentals may include clamshell loungers and upgraded beach seating in select areas.
Accessibility at Princess Cays
Princess Cays offers accessible shuttle trams and paved walkways throughout most of the resort area. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request.
Tender boats are accessible, but weather and sea conditions can affect ease of transfer. Guests with mobility needs should speak with Carnival guest services onboard prior to arrival.
What to Bring to Princess Cays
When going ashore at Princess Cays, Guests should bring:
Beach towels from the ship
Sunscreen
Sail and Sign card
Water shoes for rocky entry areas
Towels are not provided on the island and must be returned to the ship before departure.
Princess Cays FAQ for Carnival Cruise Line Guests
Is Princess Cays a private island?
Yes. Princess Cays is a private cruise destination built for Princess Cruises which is also visited by Carnival Cruise Line. It is closed to the public during ship visits.
Is food included at Princess Cays for Carnival guests?
Yes. A barbecue style lunch is included for all Carnival Cruise Line guests.
Do Carnival drink packages work at Princess Cays?
No. Carnival beverage packages and wifi plans do not work on the island.
Do I need cash at Princess Cays?
No. Princess Cays is completely cashless. All purchases are charged to your Sail and Sign account. However, the Bahamian Straw Market located outside of the port area is cash-only, so plan on bringing cash and a valid photo ID or passport if you plan to visit.
Are there pools at Princess Cays?
No. There are no swimming pools. The experience is focused on beach swimming and ocean activities.
Is Princess Cays good for families?
Yes. Calm water beaches and family friendly areas make Princess Cays suitable for guests of all ages.
Final Thoughts on Princess Cays for Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cays Seabreeze Grill © Freestyle Travelers
Princess Cays offers Carnival Cruise Line guests a simple and organized private island beach day in The Bahamas. With included lunch, free beach access, and optional excursions, it provides a low stress port stop that requires minimal planning.
While Carnival drink packages and wifi plans do not work ashore, the overall experience remains similar to other Carnival private destination visits, with clear water, beach relaxation, and a full day to enjoy the island.
For Carnival cruisers looking for an easy beach stop with included food and classic Bahamian scenery, Princess Cays remains a popular and enjoyable port of call on select Carnival itineraries.
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