Complete Guide to Princess Cays - Map, Food Menus, Inclusions & More
Princess Cays is the private island resort destination owned and operated by Princess Cruises, located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in The Bahamas. Unlike a standard cruise port, Princess Cays is reserved exclusively for Princess Cruises guests and is designed as a relaxed beach day with included food, clear water beaches, and optional shore excursions. Access is only available on Princess itineraries that include Princess Cays as a port of call.
Princess Cays has been part of the Princess Cruises experience for many years and is well established as a low stress beach destination. Guests arrive by tender and spend the day enjoying included beach access, complimentary lunch, and optional paid activities such as snorkeling, water sports, and private bungalow rentals. This guide explains exactly what Princess Cays is, what is included, what costs extra, and what to expect when your ship visits.
Overview of Princess Cays
Princess Cays is a private cruise destination leased by Princess Cruises and operated specifically for its guests. While it is located on Eleuthera Island, the resort area is closed to the general public during cruise ship visits. All services on Princess Cays are staffed by local Bahamian employees as well as select ship crew.
The focus of Princess Cays is simple, low-key beach relaxation rather than large scale attractions. There are no water parks or large pools. Instead, the destination centers on multiple beaches, calm water for swimming, shaded seating areas, and a complimentary island style barbecue lunch.
Arrival and Getting Around
Princess Cays Map © Freestyle Travelers
Ships anchor offshore and guests are brought ashore to Princess Cays via dedicated water shuttles. Tendering usually begins in the morning approximately an hour after the ship anchors and continues throughout the day. Once ashore, the island is mostly flat and walkable.
Free shuttle trams operate along the main paths of Princess Cays to help guests move between beaches, lunch areas, excursion meeting points, and rental zones. Trams run continuously and do not require reservations.
Beaches at Princess Cays
Princess Cays features several beaches spread across the property, each offering free lounge chairs on a first come basis. Beach umbrellas are limited, so arriving early improves your chances of securing shade.
Popular beach areas include:
Little Bay Beach, the island’s largest beach on the north side featuring multiple bars and live music
Bungalow Beach, located near the private bungalow rentals
Serenity Beach, a quieter cove located on the south side of the island
Watersports Beach, close to snorkeling and rental equipment
Family friendly beach areas near restrooms and food service
All beaches have lifeguards on duty during operating hours. Swimming areas are marked and water conditions are generally calm.
Food and Dining at Princess Cays
Lunch is included for all guests visiting Princess Cays. The island barbecue lunch is served buffet style and typically includes items like grilled chicken and fish, barbecue ribs, beef burgers, hot dogs, a salad bar, various prepared salads such as potato salad, corn salad, and watermelon salad, fresh tropical fruit, and desserts like cookies, brownies, and pound cake.
Lunch service is provided during set hours and no reservation is required. Seating is available under the two large covered pavilions near the food service areas at either the Grill Crazy Restaurant on the north side or the Sea Breeze Grill on the south side.
Drinks are not included unless you have a Princess Cruises beverage package. Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages apply on Princess Cays for guests sailing on Princess Cruises, allowing guests to use their drink benefits at island bars. Guests without a package can purchase drinks using their Ocean Medallion.
Bars and Beverages
Banana Beach Bar © Freestyle Travelers
Princess Cays has multiple open air bars serving various cocktails, beer and wine, spirits, soft drinks, and refreshing nonalaholic beverages. Each bar on the island serves the same menu which is specially curated for the private island.
All purchases are charged to your shipboard account. The island is cashless.
Activities and Shore Excursions
Princess Cays offers a variety of optional shore excursions that can be booked through Princess Cruises. Popular options include various snorkeling excursions, kayak rentals, paddle boat rentals, banana boat rides, glass bottom boat tours, scenic coastal boat tours, and interactive lagoon wildlife experiences.
Snorkel gear is available for rent and snorkeling areas are marked. Water clarity is typically good depending on weather conditions.
Private Bungalows and Beach Rentals
Princess Cays is known for its private beach bungalows which are one of the most popular upgrades on the island. These must be reserved in advance and often sell out quickly.
Private bungalows are air conditioned and include indoor seating with a table and chairs, dedicated outdoor lounge chairs, a freshwater outdoor shower, and dedicated food and beverage service.
Other paid rentals include clamshell loungers and upgraded beach seating in select areas.
Accessibility at Princess Cays
Princess Cays offers accessible tram service and paved walkways throughout most of the resort area. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request. Guests with mobility needs should speak with guest services onboard prior to arrival.
Tender boats are also accessible, but weather conditions may affect ease of transfer.
What to Bring to Princess Cays
Guests should bring beach towels from the ship, sunscreen, and their Ocean Medallion. If you plan on exiting the port complex to visit the craft market, be sure to bring a passport or other government travel documents.
Water shoes are highly recommended for anyone planning to swim at Princess Cays as there are quite a bit of coral and rock formations directly offshore.
Towels are not provided on the island and must be returned to the ship.
Princess Cays FAQ
Is Princess Cays a private island?
Yes. Princess Cays is reserved exclusively for Princess Cruises guests during ship visits.
Is food included at Princess Cays?
Yes. A barbecue lunch is included for all guests.
Are drinks included?
Drinks are included only if you have an applicable Princess Cruises beverage package. Otherwise drinks must be purchased at the listed bar prices.
Do I need cash?
No. Princess Cays is completely cashless.
Are there pools at Princess Cays?
No. Princess Cays does not have swimming pools. The focus is on beach swimming and ocean watersports.
Are lifeguards present?
Yes. Lifeguards are stationed at swimming beaches throughout the day.
Is Princess Cays good for families?
Yes. Calm water beaches and a dedicated family area make it suitable for families with children.
Final Thoughts on Princess Cays
Princess Cays offers a casual private island beach experience focused on relaxation, included food, and optional water activities. It does not try to replicate a theme park or resort complex - instead, it delivers a calm and organized beach day that fits well into a Princess Cruises itinerary.
For guests looking for an easy beach stop with minimal planning, included lunch, and clear Bahamian water, Princess Cays remains one of the most popular private cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
Sea Breeze Grill © Freestyle Travelers
