Princess Cays Cruise Port Guide

Everything you need to know about Princess Cays — Princess Cruises' private island on Eleuthera in the Bahamas, with beaches, water sports, dining, and cabanas.

Princess Cays is a 40-acre private island retreat operated by Princess Cruises on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas — about 70 miles southeast of Nassau. Despite the name, Princess Cays is not technically a separate island but rather a developed section of the northern tip of Eleuthera, one of the most beautiful and least commercialized islands in the Bahamas.

Unlike busier private island destinations, Princess Cays has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. The half-mile crescent beach is the centerpiece — wide, white sand with calm turquoise water. Carnival Cruise Line ships also occasionally call at Princess Cays, as both Princess and Carnival are owned by Carnival Corporation. The destination is a tender port — ships anchor offshore and guests are ferried to the pier by tender boats.

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Know Before You Go

Update (September 2026): Princess Cruises is phasing out most calls to Princess Cays starting this November, after more than 30 years as a regular stop. Most affected sailings are being rerouted to Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key instead. Princess Cays itself isn't closing — it remains open and will continue to be visited by Carnival Cruise Line ships — but if you're sailing on Princess, check your itinerary directly to confirm whether this port is still included.

Princess Cays – Quick Facts

BAHAMAS WEATHER

Getting Around Princess Cays

Transportation options once you're ashore.

Princess Cays is a tender port — ships anchor offshore and passengers take tender boats to the pier. Tender tickets are typically distributed on board; check with guest services on your sailing day for the current process. The tender ride takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes each way.

Princess Cays is located on Eleuthera Island, approximately 70 miles southeast of Nassau. There is no commercial airport nearby — the destination is accessible exclusively by cruise ship. The nearest airstrip is on Eleuthera but it serves only small regional aircraft and is not relevant for cruise passengers.

Things To Do in Princess Cays

Make the most of your time ashore.

Beach and Water Sports

The half-mile crescent beach is the heart of Princess Cays — wide white sand, calm turquoise water, and a relaxed atmosphere that never feels overcrowded. Complimentary beach loungers and umbrellas are available throughout. The water is shallow and calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling directly off the beach.

Water Sports Rentals

A full range of non-motorized water sports equipment is available for rent at the beach activity center — kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, paddleboats, and sailboats. The calm, protected waters around Princess Cays are ideal for all skill levels. Banana boat rides and other motorized water activities are also available as paid excursions.

Stingray Encounter

One of the most popular excursions at Princess Cays — a guided encounter with southern stingrays in the shallow waters near the island. A memorable and hands-on experience for guests of all ages. Book through Princess Cruises before sailing as this sells out quickly.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

A guided tour of the reef system surrounding Princess Cays in a glass-bottom boat — ideal for guests who want to see the marine life without getting wet. Colorful reef fish, coral formations, and the occasional sea turtle are commonly spotted.

Nature Trails and Tram Tours

Walking trails wind through the natural vegetation of Princess Cays, connecting the beach areas with the interior of the property. A tram service runs throughout the destination for those who prefer not to walk. The natural landscape of Eleuthera — native plants, birds, and the distinctive pink-tinged sand of the island — gives Princess Cays a more authentic feel than more heavily developed private island destinations.

Kids Club

A dedicated children's area with a playground, supervised activities, and a wading pool — giving parents a chance to relax on the beach while younger guests are entertained. Princess Cruises' kids club programming extends ashore at Princess Cays.

Beaches & Outdoors in Princess Cays

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

The Main Beach

Princess Cays' half-mile crescent beach is one of the finest in the Bahamas — wide, white sand with calm, clear turquoise water. Complimentary loungers and umbrellas are available throughout. The beach is never as crowded as comparable destinations because Princess manages capacity carefully relative to the ship in port.

Snorkeling

The reef system around Princess Cays offers good snorkeling — tropical fish, coral, and occasionally sea turtles in clear, shallow water. Snorkel gear is available for rent at the water sports center. The best snorkeling is off the ends of the beach where the reef is closest to shore.

Private Clamshells and Bungalows

Premium beach clamshells and bungalows are available to rent for guests who want a more private and shaded setup. These are popular and book up quickly — reserve through the Princess Cruises app or website before sailing. Bungalows include dedicated service and enhanced amenities.

Shopping in Princess Cays

Where to shop and what to look for.

Shopping at Princess Cays is low-key and authentic — a small selection of local Bahamian vendors sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. There are no large duty-free shops or chain stores. The focus is on locally made goods from Eleuthera and the surrounding islands, making this one of the more genuine shopping experiences at any private island destination.

Dining in Princess Cays

Where to eat and drink ashore.

Princess Cays includes a complimentary beach barbecue for all guests — grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, rice and beans, salads, and tropical desserts served in an open-air setting. This is one of the few private island destinations where a full meal is genuinely included without additional charge or credit system. Multiple bars serve tropical cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day — drinks are an additional charge unless you have a beverage package. Check with Princess Cruises whether your package extends ashore.

Princess Cays – FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Princess Cays?

Princess Cays is a 40-acre private beach destination operated by Princess Cruises on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. It is not a separate island but a developed section of Eleuthera, approximately 70 miles southeast of Nassau. Carnival Cruise Line ships also occasionally call here, as both brands are owned by Carnival Corporation.

Is Princess Cays a tender port?

Yes — ships anchor offshore and passengers take tender boats to the pier. The tender ride takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes each way. Tender tickets are distributed on board — check with guest services on your sailing day for the current process. Those with mobility limitations should speak with guest services in advance about tender accessibility.

What is included at Princess Cays?

A complimentary beach barbecue lunch is included for all guests — one of the few private island destinations where a full meal is genuinely included without a credit system. Beach loungers and umbrellas are complimentary throughout. Water sports rentals, alcoholic beverages, cabanas, bungalows, and shore excursions are additional charges.

Can I snorkel at Princess Cays?

Yes — the reef system around Princess Cays offers good snorkeling with tropical fish, coral, and occasional sea turtles. Snorkel gear is available for rent at the water sports center. The best snorkeling is off the ends of the beach where the reef is closest to shore.

Which cruise lines visit Princess Cays?

Princess Cays is operated by Princess Cruises and is the primary private destination for Princess itineraries calling on the Bahamas. Carnival Cruise Line ships also occasionally call here, as both Princess and Carnival are owned by Carnival Corporation.

How do I book cabanas and excursions at Princess Cays?

Through the Princess Cruises app or website before your sailing. Cabanas, bungalows, and popular excursions like the stingray encounter sell out well before departure — book as soon as your reservation window opens.

What is the best time of year to visit Princess Cays?

The Bahamas is pleasant year-round but the best conditions are December through mid-April — warm, drier, and with trade winds keeping temperatures comfortable. Hurricane season runs June through November; direct impacts on Eleuthera are possible but relatively infrequent.

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