Beach Exploring on a Private Island with Kids

A private tropical island experience is like opening a storybook for parents and their children. In all of our cruises, one of our favorite cruise ports of call is actually not what you might think. Yes, we do like experiencing the local culture in St. Thomas, Cozumel, Aruba and other tropical family destinations; but, what we really find exciting for our toddler is the cruise line private islands. Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and others offer their own variety of an isolated beach escape.

CoCoCay is a favorite private island destination, owned by Royal Caribbean and located in the Berry islands chain in the Bahamas, which like others has different beach areas depending on preferences. There are watersports aplenty, albeit these are for older children. Beware though as these do have a cost associated. Island goers can try out kayaking in some of the most beautiful water you’ll see, parasail, jet ski, and even jump around in a water activity area with a trampoline and giant slide.

Specifically for kids, CoCoCay has a kids area complete with a driving experience on the Fisher-Price Power Wheels® Track, which is appropriate for small children. There’s also a sand area for kids to play. Our little one did take her turn on the ATV track, but she really soaked up the sun looking at sea life and walking around the sand bars and of course, the food!

With each of the private islands, the cruise line staff comes ashore bringing gifts! They serve a beachside BBQ lunch and there are many tiki hut bars serving adult and kid-friendly beverages. The food is included, but beverages are not, yet you can use your ship card for purchases.

Royal Caribbean also has a private beach escape in Labadee, located on the northern coast of Haiti. As with CoCoCay, there are numerous water sports to participate in and a great beachside lunch. Also, for families with children, I recommend staying on the side of the beach that is calmer versus the rougher surf area for safety concern. But don't miss the kids-area with the "pirate ship" for some water fun and treasure hunts. Despite being in another country, you do have the feel of tropical isolation, unless you walk over to the shopping area as there you will be bombarded by locals trying to make a deal. I do not recommend taking your children in this area as it is too congested and busy.

Between the two Royal Caribbean island and beach port of calls, CoCoCay ranks tops as more family-friendly and for an overall better island experience.

Another favorite we’ve visited is offered by Princess Cruises. This private beach escape is Princess Cays, located on Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Princess Cays is complete with a private area for kids complete with sand toys.

I’ve saved one of the kids favorites for last and that is Castaway Cay, located near Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas and is Disney Cruise Line’s port of call. Here kids will even see the Flying Dutchman from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Children’s programs are available to give mom and dad some alone time in the adult-only areas. Young kids will love spending time digging around in Scuttle's Cove. For your older kids, there's even a teen-only beach. Disney characters can be found throughout the island giving children even more opportunities for photo opportunities and character greetings, which is a huge bonus on a Disney cruise! Disney always thinks of everything, including free strollers (while supplies last).

I think what I like most about these private islands is the change of pace. These ports of calls are some of the best quality vacation moments you will spend together. And, I can never tire of the tropical scenery. Overall, private tropical island scenery has been the backdrop for some fun-filled family moments and famous vacation photo moments.

Which tropical destination would you like to be stranded with kids?

--Bill Thomas

PHOTO CREDIT: Tropical Latitudes Travel (www.tltravels.com)