Princess Cays, Bahamas, is for cruisers who want an easy beach day on Eleuthera, but it is worth understanding before you visit because this private resort feels very different from newer mega-island destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay or Celebration Key.
My view is simple: Princess Cays is best when you treat it as a classic private beach day, not a full private-island theme park. If you want shade, a calm plan, a good lunch, a drink or two, and easy beach time, it can be a very satisfying stop.
If you want a giant pool, a zipline skyline, a water park, swim-up bars everywhere, and endless paid zones, another private destination may fit you better.
If you are comparing private-destination styles, my Perfect Day at CocoCay guide is a useful contrast because CocoCay is much more built-out, while Princess Cays keeps the day simpler and more beach-focused.
Table of Contents
Quick Verdict: Is Princess Cays, Bahamas, Worth It?
Yes, Princess Cays, Bahamas, is worth getting off the ship for if you like a classic beach day and keep your expectations realistic.
This is a good private resort stop for cruisers who want loungers, ocean views, barbecue lunch, snorkeling, rentals, casual bars, and a low-effort day in the Bahamas. It is not the best fit for travelers who need a pool, major thrill attractions, or a highly developed beach-club atmosphere.
Best for: relaxed beach lovers, Princess cruisers, couples, older travelers, families who want a simple day, snorkelers who like easy shore access, and people who prefer a quieter private destination.
Think twice if you hate tendering, need lots of shade, dislike rocky water entry, want a big pool scene, or expect a private island to feel like a waterpark.
Worth paying more for: bungalows, clamshell shades, floats, snorkeling gear, kayaks, banana boats, or a more private base if you will use it for most of the day.
Not worth paying more for: upgrades you barely use because you plan to return to the ship early, dislike beach days, or only want a quick walkaround.
The non-obvious takeaway is that Princess Cays is not trying to be the biggest private island. Its strength is that it still feels like a beach stop first.
That makes it calmer and less overwhelming, but also less exciting if you are comparing it to newer private destinations with giant pools and more paid attractions.
1. Princess Cays Is on Eleuthera, Not a Standalone Fantasy Island
Princess Cays sits on the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. That matters because it gives the stop a slightly different feel from a fully artificial private-island complex.
You are not walking into a giant manufactured cruise playground. You are visiting a private resort area carved into a real Bahamian island, with beach areas, water access, local vendors, bars, barbecue pavilions, bungalows, and shore excursion options. That gives Princess Cays a more traditional private-beach feel.
It also means the natural setting comes with natural trade-offs. The beach can have rocky sections. Water shoes can be useful. Some areas are better for lounging than swimming. The best shade may not be exactly where you want to sit. And because the ship anchors offshore, you usually reach the resort by tender.
That is the first big planning point. Princess Cays is easy once you are ashore, but it is not a walk-off, docked port like some newer private destinations.
What this means for your day
The Eleuthera setting makes Princess Cays feel more laid-back but less engineered.
That is good if you like a real beach environment. It is less ideal if you want everything to be perfectly smooth, paved, controlled, and arranged around a massive pool.
| If you want… | Princess Cays fit |
|---|---|
| A classic beach day | Strong fit |
| A huge pool complex | Weak fit |
| Easy snorkeling from shore | Good fit |
| A major waterpark | Weak fit |
| A quieter private resort feel | Strong fit |
| A docked walk-off port | Not the right expectation |
This is where a lot of opinions about Princess Cays split. People who want a simple, pretty beach day often enjoy it. People expecting a modern mega-resort private island may leave underwhelmed.
2. You Usually Tender to Princess Cays
Tendering is one of the biggest things to know before visiting Princess Cays.
Instead of docking right at the resort, your ship typically anchors offshore, and guests ride tender boats to the island. That is normal for Princess Cays, but it changes the rhythm of the day.
Tendering can be perfectly fine. It can also add waiting, heat, crowd flow, and extra steps if you have small kids, mobility concerns, or a packed beach bag.
This does not mean you should skip the port. It just means you should plan differently than you would for a docked private destination.
Who tendering affects most
Tendering matters most for the following:
- Families with strollers or lots of gear
- Guests with mobility concerns
- People who get seasick easily
- Travelers who want to return to the ship repeatedly
- Anyone who hates waiting in lines
- Cruisers with early excursions or rented equipment
If you are mobile, flexible, and not rushing, tendering may be a minor inconvenience. If you need a very smooth port day, it may be the biggest drawback of Princess Cays.
Best tender strategy
If you want your first choice of loungers or shade, go earlier. If you hate lines and are not worried about the best location, wait until the first rush fades. That is the trade-off.
Early gets you better positioning. Later gets you a calmer tender experience. Families often do better going early if they need shade and a stable home base. Couples who are relaxed about location may prefer letting the crowd move first.
My practical advice: do not overpack. Every extra bag feels heavier when you are tethering, walking in the sun, and trying to manage towels, sunscreen, water shoes, kids, and rentals.
3. The Beach Is the Main Attraction, But Water Shoes Can Help
Princess Cays is a beach-first destination.
That sounds obvious, but it is important because the beach is not just one single experience. Some areas are better for lounging. Some are better for swimming. Some are rockier. Some feel busier because they are closer to food, bars, restrooms, and tender traffic.
This is not the kind of port where I would judge the whole destination from the first chair I see.
If the first beach area feels crowded or rocky, keep walking and look for a spot that better matches your day.
What the beach usually feels like
Princess Cays tends to feel relaxed and classic. You have blue water, loungers, a a beach barbecue, local shopping, bars, and optional rentals. The atmosphere is less intense than a big private-island party zone. That can be a major positive.
It is especially nice for cruisers who want a quiet book-and-beach day, couples who do not need constant stimulation, and families who prefer simple sand-and-water time over high-cost attractions.
The main caution is the water entry. Some guests find parts of the beach rocky, so water shoes are a smart packing choice. You may not need them every minute, but they can make the day more comfortable.
Best beach strategy
Choose your beach spot based on your priority:
| Your priority | Best location mindset |
|---|---|
| Food and restrooms | Stay closer to main facilities |
| Quiet | Walk farther from the busiest tender flow |
| Swimming | Look for the easiest water-entry area |
| Shade | Prioritize shade before perfect view |
| Families | Stay near restrooms and an easy meeting point |
| Snorkeling | Choose based on water access and rental location |
The biggest mistake is chasing the prettiest view but ignoring shade, restrooms, and water entry. The best Princess Cays spot is not always the most photogenic one. It is the one that makes your day easier.
4. Lunch Is Included, But Drinks Need a Closer Look
One of the best things about Princess Cays is that the beach barbecue lunch is included for Princess Cruises guests.
That makes the port feel more generous than some private destinations where food ashore becomes a separate spending decision. The included lunch is casual, beach-day food rather than fine dining, but that is exactly what most people need: something easy, filling, and convenient without going back to the ship.
Expect simple barbecue-style options rather than a restaurant experience. Menus and exact setup can vary, so do not build your whole day around a specific item. Think burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sides, fruit, cookies, and casual beach food rather than specialty dining.
Drink-package rules at Princess Cays
Princess beverage packages can generally be used at Princess Cays, subject to the package terms, menu limits, venue availability, and current rules for your sailing.
That is a big plus compared with some private ports where drink packages stop the moment you walk ashore.
Still, I would check your exact package terms before sailing, especially if you are on Princess Plus, Princess Premier, or a standalone beverage package. Cruise lines update package rules, and private-destination exclusions can be confusing.
The practical version is this:
| Situation | Best assumption |
|---|---|
| You have Princess Plus or Premier | Check terms, but Princess Cays is generally package-friendly |
| You are buying a package only for this stop | Do not let one beach day drive the decision |
| You drink lightly | Pay as you go may still be smarter |
| You plan a full beach-bar day | Package value improves if covered drinks are available |
| You sail Carnival to Princess Cays | Carnival package rules can differ from Princess rules |
That last point matters.
Carnival ships also visit Princess Cays because Princess and Carnival sit under the same corporate umbrella. But a Carnival guest should not assume Princess package rules apply to Carnival beverage packages. If you are visiting on Carnival, check Carnival’s specific rules for Princess Cays before relying on any package benefits.
For readers thinking through drink-package value in general, my Royal Caribbean drink package worth it guide is still useful because the same principle applies across lines: a package only wins when it matches your real drinking pattern and the places you can actually use it.
5. Bungalows and Clamshells Are About Shade, Not Status
The paid upgrades at Princess Cays are easiest to understand when you stop thinking of them as luxury and start thinking of them as shade and control.
That is the real value.
A private bungalow can give you a more comfortable home base, often with air conditioning, seating, and a defined space for your group. Sanctuary-style bungalows are aimed more at adults who want a quieter, more premium retreat. Clamshells are simpler, but they solve the basic problem of getting shade without paying for a full bungalow.
None of these are mandatory. But for the right traveler, they can change the whole day.
Who should consider a bungalow
A bungalow makes the most sense for:
- Families who need breaks from the sun
- Multi-generational groups
- Couples who want a quieter premium base
- Guests who value privacy and comfort
- Travelers who plan to spend most of the day ashore
- People who dislike beach-chair hunting
- Anyone celebrating a special occasion
A bungalow is less compelling if you are only staying on the island for an hour or two. It is also less useful if you plan to spend most of the day snorkeling, kayaking, shopping, or bouncing between activities.
The value is strongest when the bungalow becomes your actual base.
Who should book a clamshell instead
A clamshell is the more practical shade upgrade.
It does not give you the same comfort or privacy as a bungalow, but it can be a much better value if your main problem is sun exposure. For many cruisers, shade matters more than square footage.
My view: book the cheapest upgrade that solves your real problem. If you need shade, a clamshell may be enough. If you need privacy, comfort, and a group base, then look at bungalows.
When the upgrade is not worth it
Skip paid shade if you are comfortable moving around, returning to the ship early, or sitting in a less-than-perfect location.
Also skip it if the cost makes you feel trapped. A bungalow should make the day easier, not create pressure to stay ashore all day because you paid for it.
That is a common private-island mistake.
6. Snorkeling and Water Sports Are Good, But Not for Everyone
Princess Cays can be a good stop for snorkeling and water sports, especially because you do not need a complicated transfer to get on the water.
Princess promotes snorkeling, kayaking, paddle-style rentals, banana boat rides, glass-bottom boat-style excursions, and other beach-day activities. Exact options can vary by sailing, weather, demand, and current excursion availability.
The snorkeling can be enjoyable, especially for people who like easy shore-based exploring. You may see fish, coral, sea fans, sponges, and natural underwater structures depending on conditions.
But I would not oversell it as a bucket-list reef experience.
Princess Cays snorkeling is best as a convenient private-resort activity, not a replacement for a dedicated reef excursion in a top snorkeling destination.
Who snorkeling is best for
Snorkeling at Princess Cays is best for:
- Beginners who want a low-stress place to try it
- Casual snorkelers who do not need a boat trip
- Families with confident swimmers
- Cruisers who want one active hour before relaxing
- Travelers who like natural water more than pools
It is less ideal for guests who need perfectly calm conditions, dislike rocky entries, or expect dramatic reef walls and huge marine life.
Should you bring your own snorkel gear?
If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own mask.
A good mask fit can make the difference between a fun swim and a frustrating one. You can often rent gear, but your own mask is usually more comfortable and more reliable.
Fins are more optional. They take up space and are not always worth packing for casual snorkeling. But a mask and snorkel are small enough to justify if you actually plan to use them.
Best timing for water activities
Do your active water time earlier in the day.
Heat, lunch, drinks, and beach laziness all have a way of winning later. If snorkeling, kayaking, or a boat excursion matters, make it part of your morning plan rather than a vague “maybe later.”
At a beach stop like this, later often turns into never.
7. Princess Cays Is Best When You Plan a Simple Day
Princess Cays rewards simplicity.
That might sound boring, but it is actually the secret to enjoying the port. This is not the place where you need to stack five different paid experiences. Most cruisers will have a better day by choosing one main priority and building around it.
Are you having a beach day? A snorkel day? A bungalow day? A low-spend day? A family shade-and-swim day?
Pick one.
When people are disappointed in Princess Cays, it is often because their expectations were vague. They wanted the port to be relaxing, exciting, beautiful, convenient, cheap, uncrowded, shaded, and activity-packed all at once. No private destination does all of that perfectly.
Best simple plans
| Traveler type | Best Princess Cays plan |
|---|---|
| Budget cruiser | Tender ashore, use included lunch, skip rentals, return when ready |
| Couple | Find a quieter beach spot, swim, lunch, drinks, relax |
| Family | Get off early, prioritize shade, keep activities simple |
| Snorkeler | Snorkel early, then beach and lunch |
| Comfort-focused cruiser | Book a bungalow or clamshell and stay mostly put |
| Carnival guest | Double-check food and beverage rules before assuming package value |
The best Princess Cays day usually has one anchor, not six. That is what makes it feel relaxing instead of scattered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Princess Cays
Mistake 1: Assuming Princess Cays is just like CocoCay
Why it is a problem: Princess Cays is much more beach-focused and much less developed than the biggest modern private-island destinations. If you expect giant pools, thrill parks, and a highly segmented resort layout, you may be disappointed.
Extra considerations: The simpler setup can actually be a positive for cruisers who prefer a calmer beach day. Less development can mean less pressure to spend and less sensory overload.
Better alternatives: Treat Princess Cays as a classic private beach resort. If you want a giant activity island, compare your itinerary with cruise lines that visit more heavily developed private destinations.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the tender process
Why it is a problem: Tendering can add time, lines, heat, and extra effort. It matters more if you have kids, mobility concerns, bulky bags, or a tight excursion plan.
Extra considerations: Tendering can also be affected by sea conditions. Private-destination calls are never guaranteed, even when the weather looks decent from your balcony.
Better alternatives: Pack lighter, check tender instructions, go early if location matters, and avoid planning multiple back-and-forth trips between ship and shore.
Mistake 3: Skipping water shoes
Why it is a problem: Some areas can be rocky or uncomfortable underfoot. Barefoot beach expectations do not always match the actual water entry.
Extra considerations: You may not need water shoes the entire day, but they are small enough to pack and can make swimming more comfortable.
Better alternatives: Bring lightweight water shoes or sandals that can get wet, especially if you have sensitive feet or kids who complain about rocks.
Mistake 4: Overpaying for a bungalow you barely use
Why it is a problem: Bungalows can be great, but they are poor value if you spend most of the day in the water, walking around, on excursions, or back on the ship.
Extra considerations: The value improves for groups, families, and guests who need shade or privacy. It drops quickly for short visits.
Better alternatives: Book a bungalow only if it becomes your home base. If shade is your only need, compare a clamshell or a less expensive setup first.
Mistake 5: Waiting too long to do the one activity you care about
Why it is a problem: Beach days have a way of drifting. Lunch, heat, drinks, and relaxation can push snorkeling or rentals until it is too late.
Extra considerations: Weather and water conditions can also change during the day.
Better alternatives: Do your priority activity early, then let the rest of the day be flexible.
Who Should Love Princess Cays?
Princess Cays is a strong fit for cruisers who like calm, classic beach days.
It works especially well for people who want to get off the ship, relax without complicated planning, eat an included lunch, enjoy the water, and return onboard without feeling like they missed a giant list of must-do attractions.
Couples may like it because it is easy and not overly chaotic. Families may like it because the day can be simple and contained. Older cruisers may appreciate that it is less intense than bigger private destinations. Princess loyalists may like that it feels aligned with the more relaxed Princess style.
It also works well for cruisers who prefer a beach stop that does not feel like a competition to buy every upgrade.
There are paid options, but you do not need to build a huge paid day to enjoy Princess Cays.
Who Should Skip or Lower Expectations?
You should lower expectations if your ideal private destination includes a large pool, lazy river, water park, thrill slides, and a long list of big-ticket attractions.
Princess Cays is not that.
You should also think carefully if tendering is a major problem for you. Even a lovely beach day can become frustrating if the tender process is the part of cruising you dislike most.
This port may also be less exciting for travelers who want a deeper Eleuthera experience. Princess Cays gives you a private resort slice of Eleuthera, not a full island exploration. If you want more local history, independent beaches, settlements, restaurants, or sightseeing, you need to look closely at available excursions and what they actually include.
In other words, Princess Cays is easy for Eleuthera. It is not complete, Eleuthera. That distinction is important.
Princess Cays vs Other Private Cruise Destinations
Princess Cays is best understood by comparing it with the more obvious alternatives.
| Destination | Best for |
|---|---|
| Princess Cays | Classic beach day, relaxed atmosphere, included lunch |
| Perfect Day at CocoCay | Big attractions, pools, thrill options, private-island variety |
| Great Stirrup Cay | NCL-style beach day with growing resort features |
| Harvest Caye | Docked private port feel with more paid food-and-drink planning |
| Celebration Key | Newer large-scale Bahamas resort destination |
Princess Cays is not trying to win the “most attractions” contest.
Its advantage is that it feels simpler. For some cruisers, that is a downgrade. For others, it is the whole point.
If you like the idea of a private destination but want more built-out resort features, my Royal Beach Club Paradise Island guide is another useful comparison because that type of paid beach club model is very different from a relaxed included-lunch beach stop.
What to Pack for Princess Cays
Packing well can make Princess Cays much more comfortable.
I would keep the bag simple but intentional:
- Cruise card and photo ID if required
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes
- Lightweight cover-up
- Towel if instructed by the ship
- Snorkel mask if you care about fit
- Small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
- Basic medication or motion items
- Cash or card for shopping, tips, and extras
- A compact beach bag that is easy to carry on the tender
The two items I would not skip are water shoes and a hat.
Water shoes help with rocky areas. A hat helps with the Bahamian sun. Shade can become the real luxury at Princess Cays, even more than a perfect chair location.
FAQs About Princess Cays Bahamas
Is Princess Cays a private island?
Princess Cays is Princess Cruises’ private resort area on the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. It is not a separate standalone island in the way some cruisers imagine, but it functions as a private beach destination for cruise guests.
Do you tender at Princess Cays?
Yes, Princess Cays is typically a tender port. The ship anchors offshore, and guests ride tender boats to the resort area.
Is lunch included at Princess Cays?
Yes, Princess guests typically have an included beach barbecue lunch at Princess Cays. Exact offerings can vary, but it is designed as a casual beach-day meal.
Does the Princess drink package work at Princess Cays?
Princess beverage packages can generally be used at Princess Cays, subject to current package terms, menu limits, and venue availability. Always check your own baggage rules before sailing.
Does Carnival’s drink package work at Princess Cays?
Carnival guests should not assume Carnival drink packages work at Princess Cays. Princess and Carnival rules can differ, so check your Carnival sailing terms before relying on package coverage.
Is Princess Cays good for snorkeling?
Yes, Princess Cays can be good for casual snorkeling, especially if you want easy shore access. It is better for a relaxed private-resort snorkel than for a serious reef-focused adventure.
Do you need water shoes at Princess Cays?
Water shoes are a smart idea because some beach and water-entry areas can be rocky. You may not need them everywhere, but they can make the day more comfortable.
Are bungalows worth it at Princess Cays?
Bungalows are worth it if you want shade, privacy, comfort, and a reliable home base. They are less worthwhile if you plan to be ashore briefly or spend most of the day away from the bungalow.
Is Princess Cays good for families?
Yes, Princess Cays can be good for families because it is contained, beach-focused, and relatively easy once ashore. Families should plan around tents, shade, water shoes, and simple activities.
Can you explore Eleuthera from Princess Cays?
Princess Cays gives you access to a private resort area on Eleuthera, but it is not the same as independently exploring the island. Look at official excursions if you want more than the beach resort experience.
Is Princess Cays better than staying on the ship?
For most beach-loving cruisers, yes, it is worth going ashore for at least part of the day. If you hate beaches, tendering, heat, or rocky water, staying onboard can be a smart quiet-ship day.
Jim’s Take
Princess Cays, Bahamas, is the kind of private destination I would enjoy most by keeping the day simple.
I would not go into it looking for the biggest, flashiest, most attraction-packed island in cruising. That is not what Princess Cays does best. Its strength is that it gives you a relaxed Bahamian beach day with included lunch, water activities if you want them, and enough structure to make the day easy without turning it into a theme park.
If it were me, I would pack water shoes, tread over without too much gear, choose a beach spot based on shade and water entry, snorkel or swim early, eat the barbecue lunch, and avoid overbuying extras unless I had a clear reason.
A bungalow would be tempting with a group or if shade and comfort were essential. For two adults planning a casual day, I would probably start with the included setup and only pay extra if the price and need made sense.
The key is expectation. Princess Cays is not CocoCay. It is not trying to be. Go in wanting a classic, lower-key beach day on Eleuthera, and the port makes much more sense.
Final Recommendation
Princess Cays is a very good private resort stop for cruisers who want a relaxed beach day, included lunch, easy water activities, and a quieter Bahamian setting.
It is not the best choice for travelers who need a docked port, a huge pool, a water park, or a highly developed private-island resort feel. Tender, rocky water areas, and limited shade can also affect how much you enjoy it.
Best overall strategy: treat Princess Cays as a classic beach day and spend only on the upgrades that solve a real problem.
For most cruisers, that means packing water shoes, getting ashore with a simple plan, using the included lunch, doing your priority activity early, and being honest about whether a bungalow, clamshell, snorkel rental, or water sport actually improves the day.
Do that, and Princess Cays can be exactly what it is meant to be, a relaxing Eleuthera beach stop that gives your cruise a slow, sunny Bahamas day without making you work too hard for it.
