Just off Carnival Elation. I loved Princess Cays. We rented a bungalow (#14) for $299. That’s for 4 guests. It is air conditioned. You get a cooler with pop and water. Snacks like veggies and ranch. Chips with guacamole and salsa. Also with the rental snorkeling gear for 4. 2 nice foam floats and there are 2 loungers and another set of loungers w a clamshell. This was no brainer for me. Used our $25 cabin credit toward it. You also get priority tenders on and off the island. This is huge. We docked at 8 and were the first group off the ship. Arrived about 8:45 am. We checked into the bungalow then I had Shelly take me to the south end in a small tram. Absolutely gorgeous and there was no one there. There are rocky outcroppings all over but also smooth stretches of beach. The rocks are where all the cool fish gather and we all snorkeled just off shore and saw lots of fish. I heard such bad things about the food that I waited to eat until back on ship. Since we came so early we also left early (2 pm). I’d do this island again with a bungalow. I’d get number 9 or 10. They were shaded. There are 18 total bungalows then another group of sanctuary bungalows (no kids) but they were way further north. I didn’t walk down there to see what the beach was like there. More expensive too. I loved going in early September. Very few kids. Hardly anyone got off the ship. I don’t no why. So we had plenty of space at the beach. My recommendation is go when school is in session. Even got loungers by the pool on ship without getting up at 5 am. Elation is the oldest and smallest in the fleet but I really loved her and would book again. It’s the only ship that ports out of Jacksonville so super easy on and off ship. Parking right next to check in.
Oh wow, that is great! I love that you had such an amazing experience. If and when we go back I think we will just have to look at booking a bungalow. I saw those while we were there and wondered if it was worth it. Thanks for the info on it, I really appreciate it. Yes, absolutely I always recommend going when school is in session and preferably not on a 3 or 4 day cruise. I have never been on the Elation, but I do love the older ships. So maybe I can look at booking this one in the future as well. Thank you!
Saw some reviews of princess cay and they weren’t very positive reviews. I’m glad I didn’t go with any of those reviews because the water was beautiful! We did go to the other side away from the bungalows and the area where the sting rays were. This side was definitely less packed and did I mention the water was beautiful?! Also lots of beach chairs for free! We did not eat the free buffet food. We went passed the fence and ate at George’s bar and grill and it was amazing!!!! We just went this week on July 9, 2024. We stayed until the last tender boat!
I’ve only been there with Princess, but I enjoyed it. I just walked around and enjoyed the sun my first time. But I’ll be back in January and have a few things booked. With Princess the drink package also works on the island. The line was a long line for food on the north side but there is another food station on the south side that was empty and the food is piping hot. I can see why you left, I wonder if the other food station would have made for a better experience at least on the food side.
Oh my goodness that’s good to know. I don’t think the drink package for Carnival works on the island but I will definitely check. I’m also looking at booking Princess in 2024. Thank you for the feedback.
@@tpstravels No for Carnival it does not work. I think if you visit with Princess you will have a better time on the island. I found a good deal for January 2024 on Caribbean Princess. It’s my favorite Princess ship but one of the smaller and older ones, but that’s why I like it.
@@tpstravels wish they would have taken us somewhere else . we had a 4 day cruise and 3 was spend onboard . I was really looking forward to spending time in the water with my girlfriend . The only saving grace was Percy Cruise 2 was onboard and did some great comedy shows
@@mitchellportee150 I am sorry. I hate that when you get an extra sea day. That happened to me the first time I went to the Bahamas. I was so looking forward to getting in the water too. The only water I got in on that trip was the cruise pool, unfortunately. I am glad you found a good comedy show. I love going to their comedy shows. Carnival usually has some great comedians.
We Cruised 9/16/24🐚 We went to the south side of princess cay. Go left, not right over the little wooden bridge for seclusion. Chairs were abundant, even in the shade. Be mindful, wear water shoes or flip flops, there’s lots of painful tiny needle thingies from the trees. We were first on the Island off the boat. It was absolutely AMAZING! Side Note we grabbed a breakfast burrito before we left and didn’t eat lunch on the Island. We rented snorkel gear no problem, $10 bucks each. Another Note there are sting rays in the wild be mindful lol! We’re still alive obviously 😅 Bring LOTS OF WATER AND SUN BLOCK ❤
I've been on a couple of these private islands, and I'm not impressed at all. I'm sure its a huge money maker for the cruise lines, as they own all the attractions.
Boo hoo. It's an island. You are in vacation. Have fun. Enjoy the water, swim, eat, shop, go on an excursion, and relax. It's better than wherever you are from stressed all day working 9 to 5 and still being broke.
The perfect cruise is where the ship anchors off the coast of the private island and just stays there for the entire cruise. It would be the best.... The other port is Nassau, we plan to stay on board there as we have been a few times and well its nothing special.... We cruise next week on the liberty....
It's funny I agree with most of your issues with the island but still one of my favorite stops. We plan out our day to get back to the ship for lunch since the BBQ as you pointed out isn't very good. As for rocks water shoes aren't the worst idea but it's not so extreme I'd give up my Bahamas beach day over it. If you go to the south side (to the right off the tender boat where the sting ray excursion takes place) there are usually a lot less people and also less rocks. Hard to call it a huge secret but almost everyone goes North/Left off the tender boat but you're way better off going South/Right. As others have pointed out, when sailing Princess brand, the drink packages do work on the island, while they do not with Carnival. Why this is? No clue, but it's always been like that.
Thanks for the tip. I will definitely go to the South Side next time and check out that area. I may even rent a bungalow. It doesn't really make much sense that Carnival doesn't honor the drink package for their guests on their island. I hope that next time I visit the island, I will be doing it with Princess.
First of all, you kept calling a ship a boat there is a clear difference between a boat and a ship. Also, you mispronounced cays.. It is pronounced, Keys. This was a whiny video. I hope you learn something from it.
Not the old Key vs Cay routine again, I swear there is a cruise forum with 4 pages of argument on that debate! From Wiki - A cay (/ˈkiː, ˈkeɪ/ KEE, KAY), also spelled caye or key. Many locals pronounce it key, many Princess staff on the island pronounce it Kay. Another cruise line has the slogan, "Perfect day at CocoCay". Using Key instead of Kay in the slogan does not rhyme. Either can be used, and you are not going to offend someone if you use either pronunciation, unless said person has a chip on their shoulder. On another note, isn't it whiny to complain about the pronunciation of a word, and also whine about the difference in a boat and a ship? I mean when she said boat I knew exactly what she meant. It wasn't hard to translate.
Been on lots of cruises, the best private island by far is the one owned by MSC. It's absolutely hands-down the nicest beach of all the cruise lines (although I hear Royal Caribbean has the cool water park, albeit expensive). I appreciate your honest review, and we've got a full 10 days with Princess so I think we'll skip this island, stay on the ship. and go from there. Thanks much.
I will be there in January in the Caribbean Princess, I really had no plans on going to the island just for a dip, walk around and back to ship. I hate crowded beaches. I’d rather enjoy the pool with hardly anyone on with the ship Buffet or hotdogs right there. Your video confirms what I thought. Oh yes I can’t believe in this day people would want to bother those poor sting rays trapped . How inhuman.
Thank you for giving an honest and helpful review. I appreciate your positivity despite your less than enjoyable experience. 😊
Thank you 😊 While this may have been my experience this day it may not be like this all the time, but just wanted to share my experience.
Just off Carnival Elation. I loved Princess Cays. We rented a bungalow (#14) for $299. That’s for 4 guests. It is air conditioned. You get a cooler with pop and water. Snacks like veggies and ranch. Chips with guacamole and salsa. Also with the rental snorkeling gear for 4. 2 nice foam floats and there are 2 loungers and another set of loungers w a clamshell. This was no brainer for me. Used our $25 cabin credit toward it. You also get priority tenders on and off the island. This is huge. We docked at 8 and were the first group off the ship. Arrived about 8:45 am. We checked into the bungalow then I had Shelly take me to the south end in a small tram. Absolutely gorgeous and there was no one there. There are rocky outcroppings all over but also smooth stretches of beach. The rocks are where all the cool fish gather and we all snorkeled just off shore and saw lots of fish. I heard such bad things about the food that I waited to eat until back on ship. Since we came so early we also left early (2 pm). I’d do this island again with a bungalow. I’d get number 9 or 10. They were shaded. There are 18 total bungalows then another group of sanctuary bungalows (no kids) but they were way further north. I didn’t walk down there to see what the beach was like there. More expensive too. I loved going in early September. Very few kids. Hardly anyone got off the ship. I don’t no why. So we had plenty of space at the beach. My recommendation is go when school is in session. Even got loungers by the pool on ship without getting up at 5 am. Elation is the oldest and smallest in the fleet but I really loved her and would book again. It’s the only ship that ports out of Jacksonville so super easy on and off ship. Parking right next to check in.
Oh wow, that is great! I love that you had such an amazing experience. If and when we go back I think we will just have to look at booking a bungalow. I saw those while we were there and wondered if it was worth it. Thanks for the info on it, I really appreciate it. Yes, absolutely I always recommend going when school is in session and preferably not on a 3 or 4 day cruise. I have never been on the Elation, but I do love the older ships. So maybe I can look at booking this one in the future as well. Thank you!
Very Helpful!!
Thank you
Been there a few times and love it for snorkeling. Wear decent water shoes and hang out on the right side of the pier and it's a great beach day!
Great, thanks for the tip!
Saw some reviews of princess cay and they weren’t very positive reviews. I’m glad I didn’t go with any of those reviews because the water was beautiful! We did go to the other side away from the bungalows and the area where the sting rays were. This side was definitely less packed and did I mention the water was beautiful?! Also lots of beach chairs for free! We did not eat the free buffet food. We went passed the fence and ate at George’s bar and grill and it was amazing!!!! We just went this week on July 9, 2024. We stayed until the last tender boat!
That's great, I love to hear that. I will need to try George's bar and grill next time. Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it.
Been to Princess Cays about a dozen times and it’s one of my favorite spots!
That’s great! I will definitely try it again.
The BEST meal of the entire cruise is the barbecued ribs on Princess Cay.
I’ve only been there with Princess, but I enjoyed it. I just walked around and enjoyed the sun my first time. But I’ll be back in January and have a few things booked. With Princess the drink package also works on the island. The line was a long line for food on the north side but there is another food station on the south side that was empty and the food is piping hot. I can see why you left, I wonder if the other food station would have made for a better experience at least on the food side.
Oh my goodness that’s good to know. I don’t think the drink package for Carnival works on the island but I will definitely check. I’m also looking at booking Princess in 2024. Thank you for the feedback.
@@tpstravels No for Carnival it does not work. I think if you visit with Princess you will have a better time on the island. I found a good deal for January 2024 on Caribbean Princess. It’s my favorite Princess ship but one of the smaller and older ones, but that’s why I like it.
@@cruisingforone Awesome! Thank you for that information. I like the older and smaller ships myself. It seems to be a more personable feel.
Thank you for an honest review.
It's a shame you can't see the beauty in the moment
I had a wonderful day. I was on a cruise in the Bahamas. I wanted to share with others my experience and what I saw on this day I visited.
just got off the liberty yesterday . we weren't able to got to Princess Cay because the weather was to bad so we had an extra sea day and it sucked
I get it. That’s what happened to me last November on Royal Caribbean. The weather detoured us from CoCoa Cay.
@@tpstravels wish they would have taken us somewhere else . we had a 4 day cruise and 3 was spend onboard . I was really looking forward to spending time in the water with my girlfriend . The only saving grace was Percy Cruise 2 was onboard and did some great comedy shows
@@mitchellportee150 I am sorry. I hate that when you get an extra sea day. That happened to me the first time I went to the Bahamas. I was so looking forward to getting in the water too. The only water I got in on that trip was the cruise pool, unfortunately. I am glad you found a good comedy show. I love going to their comedy shows. Carnival usually has some great comedians.
We Cruised 9/16/24🐚
We went to the south side of princess cay.
Go left, not right over the little wooden bridge for seclusion. Chairs were abundant, even in the shade. Be mindful, wear water shoes or flip flops, there’s lots of painful tiny needle thingies from the trees. We were first on the Island off the boat. It was absolutely AMAZING! Side Note we grabbed a breakfast burrito before we left and didn’t eat lunch on the Island. We rented snorkel gear no problem, $10 bucks each. Another Note there are sting rays in the wild be mindful lol!
We’re still alive obviously 😅
Bring LOTS OF WATER AND SUN BLOCK ❤
Thanks for the feedback. That sounds amazing!
I've been on a couple of these private islands, and I'm not impressed at all. I'm sure its a huge money maker for the cruise lines, as they own all the attractions.
Boo hoo. It's an island. You are in vacation. Have fun. Enjoy the water, swim, eat, shop, go on an excursion, and relax. It's better than wherever you are from stressed all day working 9 to 5 and still being broke.
Bingo
🎯
The perfect cruise is where the ship anchors off the coast of the private island and just stays there for the entire cruise. It would be the best.... The other port is Nassau, we plan to stay on board there as we have been a few times and well its nothing special.... We cruise next week on the liberty....
It's funny I agree with most of your issues with the island but still one of my favorite stops. We plan out our day to get back to the ship for lunch since the BBQ as you pointed out isn't very good. As for rocks water shoes aren't the worst idea but it's not so extreme I'd give up my Bahamas beach day over it. If you go to the south side (to the right off the tender boat where the sting ray excursion takes place) there are usually a lot less people and also less rocks. Hard to call it a huge secret but almost everyone goes North/Left off the tender boat but you're way better off going South/Right. As others have pointed out, when sailing Princess brand, the drink packages do work on the island, while they do not with Carnival. Why this is? No clue, but it's always been like that.
Thanks for the tip. I will definitely go to the South Side next time and check out that area. I may even rent a bungalow. It doesn't really make much sense that Carnival doesn't honor the drink package for their guests on their island. I hope that next time I visit the island, I will be doing it with Princess.
The shuttle was the best part. I was disappointed with the beach. Too many rocks.
Haha I agree I liked that part too 😂
First of all, you kept calling a ship a boat there is a clear difference between a boat and a ship. Also, you mispronounced cays.. It is pronounced, Keys. This was a whiny video. I hope you learn something from it.
Not the old Key vs Cay routine again, I swear there is a cruise forum with 4 pages of argument on that debate! From Wiki - A cay (/ˈkiː, ˈkeɪ/ KEE, KAY), also spelled caye or key. Many locals pronounce it key, many Princess staff on the island pronounce it Kay. Another cruise line has the slogan, "Perfect day at CocoCay". Using Key instead of Kay in the slogan does not rhyme. Either can be used, and you are not going to offend someone if you use either pronunciation, unless said person has a chip on their shoulder. On another note, isn't it whiny to complain about the pronunciation of a word, and also whine about the difference in a boat and a ship? I mean when she said boat I knew exactly what she meant. It wasn't hard to translate.
Boat/Ship who freaking cares lol
Really!
It’s a great little Island!
Key/Cay Trust me there’s far more worse things going on. Be happy you can even go on a cruise
Jesus!
🪷Peace Peace Peace 🪷
Thank you great review. Cold fast foods 😤 mix rocks beach 😩 over crowded beaches 😡 Princess cays probably not on my bucket list !
You are welcome. I know some have had good experiences, but just wanted to share my experience when I was there.
Been on lots of cruises, the best private island by far is the one owned by MSC. It's absolutely hands-down the nicest beach of all the cruise lines (although I hear Royal Caribbean has the cool water park, albeit expensive). I appreciate your honest review, and we've got a full 10 days with Princess so I think we'll skip this island, stay on the ship. and go from there. Thanks much.
Thank you I appreciate the feedback. I am looking to start cruising on MSC soon and can’t wait to see their private islands.
Great video!!
Thank you. I hope it was helpful
I will be there in January in the Caribbean Princess, I really had no plans on going to the island just for a dip, walk around and back to ship. I hate crowded beaches. I’d rather enjoy the pool with hardly anyone on with the ship Buffet or hotdogs right there.
Your video confirms what I thought.
Oh yes I can’t believe in this day people would want to bother those poor sting rays trapped . How inhuman.
Agree! First thing I thought is the poor sting rays!
Hopefully I can find a local with weed!!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😅😅😅😅😅😅
😂😂😂😂
It's a ship. not a boat 😎
WOW
@@melissamelissa5575 Ship vs. Boat: a boat is what you will be looking for when the ship goes down.