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Cruise Private Islands: High Fees Surprise Passengers
8 Feb
Summary
- Cruise lines are charging extra fees at private island destinations.
- Onboard beverage packages may not apply to island amenities.
- High-profit margins drive cruise lines' investment in private islands.
Cruise lines are increasingly offering private island destinations, but these experiences are not always fully inclusive. Passengers may face additional charges for amenities beyond basic beach access, with costs often comparable to resort-style experiences. For instance, a visit to Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island could cost around $199 per person for a day pass with dining and drinks.
These private destinations, like Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day and Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay, are a new trend generating high profit margins for cruise lines. While some onboard beverage packages extend to these land-based locations, others, such as Norwegian's, now require separate purchases. This evolving landscape means travelers must carefully consider the total cost beyond the initial cruise fare when choosing a vacation that includes these private island stops.
