Princess Cays (Cruise Line Private Island)
Cruise Port Guide
Upcoming Sailings for Princess Cays Cruise Line Private Island
Princess Cays Cruise Line Private Island Port Overview
Princess Cays is a port-of-call destination only — it is never a homeport. Passengers embark and disembark their cruise from the originating homeport (most commonly Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, or the Port of Tampa for Princess Cruises sailings; various East Coast and Gulf homeports for Carnival sailings). All embarkation and disembarkation logistics are governed by the homeport terminal, not by Princess Cays.
Port Overview
Princess Cays is a 40-acre private resort island owned by Carnival Corporation, situated at the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas — approximately 50 miles (80 km) from Nassau. Operated primarily under the Princess Cruises brand, the destination also hosts Carnival Cruise Line sailings, making it exclusive to Carnival Corporation vessels. The resort spans over half a mile of white-sand shoreline and features complimentary BBQ lunch service, retail shops, beach bars, water sports rentals, private bungalows, clamshells, and a children's play area (Pelican's Perch). Because this is a controlled private island — not a public port — there are no third-party excursion operators, no taxis, no rideshare, and no local town infrastructure. All activities and purchases are managed by the cruise line, with charges billed to onboard accounts. Cruise line shore excursions here are activity-based (snorkeling, jet skiing, horseback riding, parasailing) and are priced through the ship's excursion program; you should confirm current pricing via your ship's app or excursion desk before your visit.
Because Princess Cays is a private island, only one ship visits at any given time, which keeps crowding contained to a single vessel's passenger complement — typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 passengers depending on the ship. This means the island never experiences the multi-ship congestion common at Nassau or Freeport, but it also means that all tender demand, all beach chair demand, and all BBQ queue pressure comes from a single ship. Ships in the larger range (3,000+ passengers) will generate noticeable wait times at the tender dock — both outbound in the morning and inbound in the final hour before All Aboard. Early tender priority is awarded to passengers booked on cruise line excursions and bungalow renters; general boarding operates on a numbered group system managed by the ship's crew.
Terminal Assignments
Love Boat Marina (Tender Landing Pier)
The sole passenger landing facility at Princess Cays. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Love Boat Marina (). The marina was upgraded in 2018 to accommodate larger tender boats and now includes its own security clearance area, a Welcome Center with towel station, an Info Booth, and an outdoor shaded seating lounge. No pier exists for direct ship docking. Holland America Line has also been reported as an occasional caller under Carnival Corporation's fleet deployment; you should confirm current sailing assignments via your cruise line before your visit.
Arrival & Drop-off
Arrival type
tender
Drop-off point
The Drop-Off Point for Princess Cays is the Love Boat Marina tender landing pier (). Every distance, walkability reference, and logistics description in this guide is measured from the Love Boat Marina pier — not from the ship's anchorage and not from any other island location. Upon stepping off the tender at Love Boat Marina, passengers pass through the marina's security clearance area and enter the resort's Welcome Center, which serves as the island's central orientation point. The Info Booth, towel station, and posted resort map are all located immediately at this point. The shops (Bahama Treasures Shop and Tropical Treasure Shop) are situated close to the marina landing. From the Love Boat Marina, paved pathways extend north toward North Beach and Grill Crazy BBQ and south toward South Beach and the Sea Breeze Grill. The full resort is walkable from this point — the furthest end of the beach can be reached on foot in under 20 minutes. There is no shuttle, tram, or transport within the resort; all movement is on foot or by rented motorized cart (available to bungalow renters only).
Mandatory shuttle
No shuttle service exists or is required at Princess Cays. The resort is entirely self-contained and fully walkable from the Love Boat Marina tender pier. All areas of the island — beaches, bars, BBQ pavilions, shops, the children's play area, the Crow's Nest observation tower, and Serenity Beach — are reachable on foot via paved resort pathways. Bungalow renters have access to a motorized cart as part of their rental package, but no public transport runs within the island. There is no city, town, or external transport infrastructure at this location — Princess Cays is a private, gated resort on an otherwise rural peninsula of Eleuthera. Passengers who wish to explore the broader Eleuthera island independently should be aware that there is no taxi rank, rideshare service, or public transit within reach of the resort gate. Any off-island excursion must be pre-arranged through the cruise line.
Ship size context
Princess Cays receives a mix of mid-size to large ships — typically Carnival Corporation vessels ranging from approximately 2,000 to over 3,500 passengers. Because only one ship calls at a time, the island never reaches the saturation levels seen at multi-ship commercial ports. However, a large-capacity Princess or Carnival ship can still deposit a substantial crowd across a 40-acre resort. Expect noticeable queuing at the tender dock in the first 60–90 minutes after tendering begins and again in the final 90 minutes before All Aboard. Beach chair availability is generally adequate if you arrive ashore before midday, but premium locations near the water fill quickly. The absence of competing ships is the island's single greatest crowd-control advantage over commercial Bahamian ports.
Drop-off point details
Love Boat Marina is the single entry and exit point for all passengers visiting Princess Cays. It is both the arrival pier and the departure staging area for return tenders. All resort pathways originate here. The Welcome Center, Info Booth, security clearance zone, and towel station are immediately at the pier. Retail shops are within a very short walk. The BBQ pavilions and beach bars are distributed along the northern and southern beach arms and require a walk of 5–15 minutes along paved paths depending on your chosen destination. There is no vehicular access for general passengers within the resort. The local straw market operated by Eleuthera residents is located just outside the resort gate — accessible on foot from the marina area.
No shuttle required
Not applicable. Princess Cays is a compact, fully walkable private resort. No shuttle is needed, and none is provided to the general passenger population. Bungalow renters only receive motorized cart access.
Terminal Environment
Stepping off the tender at Love Boat Marina, passengers enter a well-organized but deliberately rustic resort environment — this is a beach destination, not a commercial port. The Welcome Center and Info Booth are immediately visible, with posted resort maps and a towel station. The path ahead forks toward the northern and southern beach areas, with clear signage along paved walkways. The immediate marina area includes retail shops and is the busiest, most congested zone of the island — passengers who cluster here throughout the day will find it more crowded and noisier than the further beach sections. The beaches themselves range from smooth sand in some areas to noticeably rocky entry points at the water's edge; water shoes are strongly recommended. The local straw market with Bahamian vendors is accessible just outside the resort gate, a short walk from the marina. There are no buses, taxis, ATMs, or public services at or near the resort — passengers are entirely within the cruise line's controlled environment for the duration of their visit.
Re-boarding
Gate location
Return tenders depart from the same Love Boat Marina pier where passengers originally landed. There is no separate reboarding gate — the tender loading area is at the marina dock. Queue at the marina staging area when ready to return to the ship.
Documents required
Your ship card (Princess MedallionCard or Carnival S.E.A. Pass card) is required to reboard the tender and re-embark the ship. Carry it on your person at all times ashore — do not leave it in a beach bag unattended. Passports or travel documents are not presented ashore but are required onboard at the gangway per the ship's standard reboarding procedure.
Security queue estimate
Return tender queues at Love Boat Marina grow significantly in the final 90 minutes before All Aboard. Passenger reports consistently describe long lines during this window, with wait times for a tender that can extend 30–45 minutes or more when the full ship population converges on the marina simultaneously. Plan to join the return queue no later than 60–75 minutes before All Aboard. Do not treat All Aboard as the moment to arrive at the marina — factor tender wait time, tender ride time (10–20 minutes), and ship reboarding screening into your return plan.
Customs pre-clearance
Not applicable. Princess Cays is a private Bahamian resort destination; there is no public immigration or customs processing at the island. Standard Bahamian entry was processed at your first Bahamian port of call on the itinerary. Re-embarkation is handled by the ship's security team at the gangway in the usual manner.
Getting Around Princess Cays Cruise Line Private Island
Walkability
Princess Cays is a self-contained, 40-acre private resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in The Bahamas. It is a tender-only port — the ship anchors offshore and passengers are ferried ashore to the Love Boat Marina (also called Loveboat Marina) via dedicated tender boats. The tender ride takes approximately 10–20 minutes each way depending on sea conditions, anchoring distance, and loading time. Once ashore at the tender pier, the entire resort is flat, paved, and purpose-built for cruise passengers. Paved paths and boardwalks connect all beaches, dining pavilions, bars, activity centers, the straw market, and the bungalow zone. A complimentary tram shuttles guests along the main corridor continuously throughout the day. The farthest practical point on the island — the Bungalow Beach zone at the northern end — is reachable on foot from the tender pier in approximately 15–18 minutes at a relaxed pace. The island is almost entirely walkable for able-bodied passengers. However, the tender boarding process itself presents a significant mobility barrier: passengers must step across a floating gangway onto a rocking vessel. Princess Cruises recommends that guests with mobility concerns be accompanied by an able-bodied companion; crew cannot lift more than 50 lbs to assist. Beach wheelchairs are available on the island upon request. There are no taxis, rideshare apps, public buses, or independent transport operators on Princess Cays. There is no access to the wider island of Eleuthera from within the resort without a pre-arranged cruise line shore excursion. The entire destination is cashless — all purchases are charged to your shipboard account via your cruise card or Medallion. US dollars and Bahamian dollars (pegged 1:1 to USD) are accepted at the straw market and George's Bar, the only locally-operated venue outside the resort perimeter. Only one ship visits Princess Cays at a time, which meaningfully limits crowd pressure compared to multi-ship ports.
Transport Options
Pickup location
Ship-side: designated tender deck on your cruise ship (deck and time confirmed in the ship's daily program). Shore-side: Love Boat Marina, Princess Cays tender pier. Tenders depart continuously throughout the day, beginning approximately one hour after the ship anchors. Tender tickets are issued on a numbered call system; bungalow guests, excursion guests, and clamshell renters receive priority boarding passes.
Rate structure
Complimentary — included in your cruise fare. No charge for the tender ride itself.
Payment
No payment required. Your cruise card or Medallion is scanned for embarkation tracking.
Notes
Tender ride is approximately 10–20 minutes each way depending on sea conditions and anchoring distance. Two-level tender boats with covered and open seating. Tender operations can be suspended or cancelled entirely in adverse sea conditions — this is at the captain's sole discretion and cannot be predicted in advance. If tenders are suspended after passengers are ashore, the ship will wait; however, if conditions deteriorate before going ashore, the port call may be cancelled. Last tender from shore to ship departs significantly before the published All Aboard time — see the LAST TENDER WARNING below. You should confirm the exact last tender time from the ship's daily program or at the gangway before going ashore.
Pickup location
Tram stops are located along the main paved corridor of the resort, beginning at or near the tender pier and running to the far end of the bungalow zone. No fixed stop map is published; the tram operator will indicate stops on the day. No reservation required.
Rate structure
Free — operated by Princess Cays resort staff as a complimentary guest service.
Payment
No payment required.
Notes
Trams run continuously throughout the day while the resort is open. Service is particularly useful for guests with mobility limitations, seniors, families with small children, and passengers who have walked the length of the island and prefer a ride back to the pier. Tram capacity is limited; wait times may increase in the hour before the last tender. Do not rely solely on the tram to return to the tender pier at the end of the day — build extra time into your return.
Pickup location
Available exclusively to confirmed bungalow rental guests. Pickup is arranged at the bungalow or through the bungalow attendant.
Rate structure
Included with bungalow rental (starting from approximately $250–$450+ depending on bungalow type and demand). You should confirm current bungalow pricing through the Princess Cruises Cruise Personalizer before your visit.
Payment
Pre-booked and charged to shipboard account via Cruise Personalizer. No cash payment on the day.
Notes
Cart use is limited to bungalow guests only. Provides transport between the bungalow zone and the rest of the resort. Bungalow guests also receive priority tender tickets for both outbound and return tender boarding.
Congestion buffer
Princess Cays receives only one cruise ship at a time by design, which significantly reduces crowd pressure compared to open commercial ports. However, tender queues — both outbound in the morning and inbound in the final hour before the last tender — can involve meaningful wait times when a large ship (2,000–4,000+ passengers) is in port. The outbound morning tender queue can run 30–60 minutes for passengers without priority boarding during peak embarkation windows. The inbound tender queue in the final 60–90 minutes before the last tender departure from shore can be substantial — multiple passenger accounts confirm long lines forming in direct sun. There is no multi-ship congestion buffer applicable here, but passengers should add a minimum of 30–45 minutes to their return timeline to account for tender queue wait times at the end of the day. Do not assume the tram will be immediately available during the final hour of resort operations.
Port agents
Independent port agents do not operate at Princess Cays. This is a private, access-controlled resort owned and operated by Princess Cruises (Carnival Corporation). There is no public port infrastructure, no commercial terminal, and no provision for independent shore agents to operate within the resort perimeter. All guest services, excursions, and on-island logistics are managed exclusively by Princess Cays and cruise line staff. Off-island shore excursions to Eleuthera (e.g., Glass Window Bridge, dune buggy tours, horseback riding) must be pre-booked through the cruise line's official shore excursion program. No third-party excursion operators can be engaged independently from within the resort.
Known scams
No confirmed taxi scams, transport overcharging, or predatory vendor behavior targeting cruise passengers has been documented at Princess Cays in researched sources. This is a private, access-controlled resort — the environment is curated and monitored by Princess Cruises/Carnival Corporation staff. The straw market and George's Bar are the only locally operated venues; vendor interactions there are generally low-pressure. Exercise standard judgment when purchasing souvenirs. The absence of confirmed scams at this location does not mean passengers should be careless with personal belongings on the beach.
Food & Dining in Princess Cays Cruise Line Private Island
Food Culture
Princess Cays operates as a private beach resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas — a 110-mile-long sliver of land roughly 70 miles (112.7 km) east of Nassau — and its dining experience is entirely a product of that dual identity: part Bahamian coast, part cruise line logistics. Because the destination is leased and operated by Princess Cruises (a Carnival Corporation brand), all food served within the resort perimeter is sourced, prepared, and staffed by the cruise line itself, not by local restaurateurs. What makes the food culture here distinct from other private island stops is its deliberate Bahamian framing layered over a classic American-style BBQ format. The island's signature barbecue lunch is cooked on-site each morning by ship crew, and the buffet menu — grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, beef burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, corn salad, watermelon salad, fresh tropical fruit, and desserts — draws on the outdoor cook-up tradition that defines casual Bahamian hospitality across Eleuthera's small settlements. Beyond the resort gates, local Bahamian vendors operate a straw market and at least one independent bar and grill (George's Bar), where Kalik and Sands beers — the two Bahamian-brewed lagers central to everyday island life — are sold at local prices, offering a genuine taste of Eleuthera outside the cruise line's managed environment. The drink culture inside the resort reflects a tropical Caribbean cocktail tradition: rum-forward, fruit-driven concoctions like the Bahama Mama and Rum Runner are the signatures, mixed fresh at open-air bars positioned along the beach. Because no permanent restaurants exist here in the conventional sense — no independent operators with fixed kitchens, no dinner service, no à la carte menus — the food experience at Princess Cays is best understood as a well-executed beach cook-up rooted in Bahamian BBQ tradition, delivered at cruise-ship scale in one of the most scenic settings in the southern Bahamas.
Signature Dishes to Try
Island BBQ Ribs (Barbecue Pork Ribs)
Open-air rib and pork cook-ups are a cornerstone of Bahamian festive and community eating, particularly across the Family Islands like Eleuthera. The format at Princess Cays mirrors the roadside BBQ culture found in settlements like Rock Sound and Tarpum Bay on the same island, adapted for cruise-scale service.
Grill Crazy BBQ (North Beach pavilion) and Sea Breeze Grill (South Beach pavilion), Princess Cays — both included with all passenger visits. Princess Cays is rated 4.5 on Tripadvisor based on recent 2025–2026 reviews.
Grilled BBQ Chicken
Grilled chicken is the everyday protein of Bahamian home and street cooking throughout Eleuthera. Its presence at the Princess Cays buffet reflects the most accessible and universal expression of Bahamian outdoor cooking, replicated here in a setting that otherwise bears little resemblance to the local food economy.
Grill Crazy BBQ and Sea Breeze Grill, Princess Cays — complimentary for all cruise guests. Confirmed available per multiple 2025 passenger reviews on Tripadvisor.
Bahama Mama
The Bahama Mama is the defining tourist-facing cocktail of the Bahamas, born out of the Nassau and Paradise Island beach bar scene and adopted across the Family Islands. At Princess Cays, it is the most-requested drink and functions as the unofficial liquid symbol of a day at the island — referenced by name in dozens of passenger accounts.
Coconut Cove Bar and all open-air bars, Princess Cays. Available for purchase (charged to shipboard account for Princess guests; individual purchase for Carnival guests). Confirmed per multiple 2024–2025 sources.
Coco Loco (Piña Colada in a Souvenir Monkey Head)
Princess Cays developed the Coco Loco as a proprietary island experience — a signature that exists nowhere else in the Carnival Corporation portfolio. It has become a rite of passage for repeat visitors, with multiple guests across reviews specifically mentioning returning to get another monkey head to pair with one from a previous sailing.
Island bars, Princess Cays. Confirmed in passenger accounts from 2024–2025. Additional charge applies (not included in standard buffet). You should confirm current pricing before your visit.
Rum Runner
The Rum Runner has deep Caribbean coastal heritage, with origins traced to Florida Keys bar culture that spread through the Bahamian chain. At Princess Cays, it represents the rum-forward drinking tradition shared across Eleuthera and the wider Bahamas, where locally produced and imported rums anchor cocktail culture year-round.
Tropical Tides Bar and island bars, Princess Cays. Confirmed per 2025 source reporting. Additional charge applies; not included in standard lunch.
Kalik & Sands Beer (Local Bahamian Lagers)
These are not cruise line products — they are the everyday beers of Bahamian island life, drunk at fish fry stands, roadside bars, and family cook-outs across Eleuthera. The only place to purchase them at local Bahamian prices at Princess Cays is at George's Bar outside the resort gate, making this the single most authentic local food-and-drink experience available during the port call.
George's Bar, located just outside the Princess Cays security gate beyond the straw market. Cash preferred; prices reported at approximately $5 USD per bottle vs. $9 USD inside the resort. Confirmed per 2024 on-site visitor account.
Recommended Restaurants
Distance & transport
Approximately 0.3–0.5 miles (0.5–0.8 km) north of the tender landing area along the main resort pathway.
Hours
Lunch service approximately 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on port days. You should confirm exact hours on your ship's daily schedule before visiting, as times are subject to change based on ship arrival.
What to order
1) BBQ Ribs — the most consistently praised item across recent passenger reviews, served hot from the grill. 2) Grilled Chicken — bone-in, flame-grilled and well-seasoned. 3) Salad Bar selections including potato salad, corn salad, and fresh tropical fruit — frequently cited as the best accompaniment to the proteins.
Why it's worth visiting
Grill Crazy is the larger of the two island pavilions and the primary lunch hub for North Beach guests. It operates four parallel serving lines, which significantly reduces wait times even on high-capacity ship days. Its proximity to the snorkeling beach makes it the natural refueling stop after water activities.
Operational notes
Complimentary for all cruise guests — no charge, no reservation required. Charged to shipboard account for beverages. Princess Plus and Princess Premier drink packages honored here for Princess Cruises guests. Carnival guests must pay individually for all beverages. Minimum drinking age is 21 (cruise line policy applies, not Bahamian law). Tram runs continuously from tender area if walking is not preferred.
Distance & transport
Approximately 0.1–0.2 miles (0.2–0.3 km) from the tender landing area, near the south beach and tender staging zone.
Hours
Lunch service approximately 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on port days. You should confirm exact hours on your ship's daily schedule before visiting, as times are subject to change based on ship arrival.
What to order
1) BBQ Chicken and Ribs — identical menu to Grill Crazy; same preparation, same quality. 2) Hot Dogs and Burgers — consistently noted as solid and served hot. 3) Brownies and fresh fruit dessert station — frequently mentioned as a satisfying finish to the buffet.
Why it's worth visiting
Sea Breeze Grill is the quieter, less crowded alternative to Grill Crazy. Guests who prefer a more relaxed lunch atmosphere without long queues — particularly those staying on South Beach or Serenity Beach — consistently find shorter lines and easier seating here. It functions as a secondary pavilion but serves an identical menu.
Operational notes
Complimentary for all cruise guests. No reservation required. Same beverage package rules apply as Grill Crazy. Seating under large covered pavilion — shade is available. Recommended for guests with mobility considerations due to proximity to the tender landing. Tram access also available.
Near Grill Crazy BBQ Pavilion, North Beach Area, Princess Cays Private Resort, Southern Eleuthera, Bahamas
Distance & transport
Approximately 0.3–0.5 miles (0.5–0.8 km) north of the tender landing.
Hours
Open during port-day operating hours, typically aligned with ship's time on island (morning arrival through mid-afternoon departure). You should confirm current bar hours on your ship's daily schedule.
What to order
1) Bahama Mama — the island's signature cocktail and the most-ordered drink at this bar; rum-forward, fruit-driven, served over ice. 2) Tropical cocktail of the day — varies by sailing. 3) Non-alcoholic frozen drinks and soft drinks for non-drinkers or guests under 21.
Why it's worth visiting
Coconut Cove is positioned directly adjacent to the main lunch pavilion, making it the natural drink-pairing stop for the midday BBQ. It is the most centrally located bar for North Beach guests and consistently busy during the lunch window. The Bahama Mama served here is referenced by name in multiple verified passenger accounts as a standout.
Operational notes
All purchases charged to shipboard account (Ocean Medallion for Princess guests; Sail & Sign for Carnival guests). Princess Plus and Princess Premier beverage packages honored. Carnival drink packages NOT honored — individual purchase required. Minimum drinking age 21. No cash transactions inside the resort perimeter.
Distance & transport
Moderate walk from tender landing; free tram service available if needed. Exact distance varies by island map positioning confirmed on arrival.
Hours
Open during port-day operating hours. You should confirm current bar hours on your ship's daily schedule before visiting.
What to order
1) Rum Runner — the bar's most-cited signature drink; dark rum, banana liqueur, blackberry brandy, and citrus juice. 2) Bahama Mama — available here as at all island bars. 3) Cold beer including local Bahamian brands when available.
Why it's worth visiting
Tropical Tides draws guests specifically for the Rum Runner, which is called out by name in visitor accounts as the drink to order here. The open-air beachside setting with views over the water is consistently rated as one of the most scenic bar experiences on the island.
Operational notes
All purchases charged to shipboard account. Princess beverage packages honored; Carnival packages not honored. Minimum drinking age 21. No cash inside resort. You should confirm this bar's current operating name and location on the island map posted at the tender information desk on arrival, as venue names and positions can be updated between sailings.
George's Bar (Outside Resort Gate)
Just outside the Princess Cays security gate, beyond the straw market, Southern Eleuthera, Bahamas
Distance & transport
Approximately 10–12 minutes total walk from the tender landing, including crossing back over the bridge and clearing the gate checkpoint.
Hours
You should confirm hours before visiting. George's Bar operates independently and hours are not published by the cruise line. Based on visitor reports it is open during ship day hours. Confirm before walking out.
What to order
1) Kalik Beer — the flagship Bahamian lager, served cold at local prices (approximately $5 USD vs. $9 USD inside the resort). 2) Sands Beer — the other primary Bahamian domestic lager. 3) Mixed drinks including local rum-based options at prices lower than the resort bars.
Why it's worth visiting
George's Bar is the only independently operated food-and-drink venue accessible to cruise guests during a Princess Cays port call. It is staffed by local Bahamians and prices reflect the local economy rather than cruise line pricing. For guests who want a brief, genuine off-resort experience without organizing a full island excursion, this is the most accessible option. Multiple visitor accounts specifically recommend it for cheaper cold beers and a more local atmosphere.
Operational notes
Cash strongly preferred — local vendors outside the resort gate typically do not accept cruise ship cards or credit cards. Bring small denomination USD bills. The Bahamian legal drinking age of 18 applies outside the resort gate, but you should verify this on arrival. You must pass through a security checkpoint with your ship card and ID to exit and re-enter the resort. Allow sufficient time to return to the tender staging area before the last tender departure — confirm last tender time at the information desk near the landing before leaving the resort perimeter. This venue is not managed or endorsed by Princess Cruises or Carnival Corporation.
Shore Excursions & Tours
No tours available for this port yet.
Shopping in Princess Cays Cruise Line Private Island
Shopping Overview
Princess Cays is a controlled, private-island environment operated by Carnival Corporation on the southern tip of Eleuthera, Bahamas. Shopping is split between two distinct zones: the official Tropical Treasures boutique (also referenced as the Princess Cays Resort Store) inside the secured resort perimeter, and an open-air craft market positioned just outside the secure gate near the tender arrival area. The boutique stocks cruise line–branded merchandise, souvenirs, and gifts that can be charged directly to your shipboard account using your Princess Medallion or Carnival cruise card. The external craft market is where Bahamian vendors operate independently — this is where authentic, locally made goods are found, but it is a cash-only environment. Security staff must allow you through the gate to access the craft market; the entrance is behind a pink building near the tender dock and is easy to miss. Purchases at the boutique can be charged to your onboard account. Cash in USD is essential for the craft market. Because this is a private island, there are no local high-street shops, no competing retailers, and no option to negotiate prices in the boutique. The craft market vendors are more flexible.
What's Worth Buying
Bahamian Straw Work and Woven Goods — The Bahamas has a documented tradition of straw weaving dating back generations. Vendors at the Princess Cays craft market sell hand-woven straw hats, tote bags, and shell-encrusted straw handbags made by local artisans from Eleuthera. These are among the few genuinely locally produced goods available at this port. Prices are negotiable with cash. This category represents real cultural provenance — you are buying from the island community adjacent to the resort, not a warehouse import.
Bahamian Batik Fabric and Clothing — Bahamian batik is a distinct regional textile tradition. Fabric is hand-stenciled using carved sponges, producing patterns of coral, hibiscus, and other Bahamian motifs. This craft has been associated with the Bahamas since the 1970s. Available in fabric by the yard, clothing, and home goods. Look for this at craft market vendors rather than the resort boutique, where branded merchandise dominates. Verify origin directly with the vendor — confirm hand-production before purchasing.
Local Artwork and Wood Carvings — Eleuthera-based artisans sell canvas paintings depicting Bahamian coastal life and hand-carved wood sculptures at the craft market. These are not mass-produced imports. Pieces vary significantly in quality and price. Cash is required. Purchasing directly from the artist supports the local Eleuthera economy, which has limited commercial infrastructure beyond cruise call days.
Tropical Jewelry with Caribbean Accents — Sea glass pendants, shell-encrusted necklaces, and pearl drop earrings are available from both the resort boutique and craft market vendors. The boutique carries sterling silver and gold pieces. For handcrafted shell and sea glass items, the craft market vendors offer more authentic provenance. Verify that any item described as 'gold' or 'sterling silver' is hallmarked before purchasing — carry cash for craft market vendors as cards are not accepted.
Duty-free & Customs Allowance
Princess Cays is located in the Bahamas, which is outside the United States customs territory. All purchases made ashore are subject to U.S. Customs declaration requirements upon return to a U.S. port. The current U.S. Customs duty-free allowance is $800 per person for goods purchased in the Bahamas — you should confirm the current CBP allowance at cbp.gov before your voyage as allowances can be updated. Goods exceeding $800 in declared value are subject to a flat 3% duty on the next $1,000 above the exemption. The Bahamas is not a VAT country, so no VAT refund process applies. There is no U.S. duty-free advantage specific to the Bahamas beyond the standard $800 allowance. Items to declare include alcohol, tobacco, and any food products. Straw goods, fabric, artwork, and jewelry purchased at the craft market are all declarable but do not typically trigger import restrictions. Do not attempt to bring back any live coral, sea turtle products, or items made from protected marine species — these are prohibited under both Bahamian law and U.S. import regulations (CITES). Shell and sea glass jewelry is generally permissible but avoid purchasing anything that appears to contain coral or protected species material. When in doubt, ask the vendor what the item is made of and decline if you cannot verify.
Practical Notes
USD is the accepted currency across the entire island — the Bahamas uses the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is pegged 1:1 to USD, and US dollars are universally accepted at face value at Princess Cays. The resort boutique (Tropical Treasures) accepts Princess Medallion and cruise card charges to your onboard account, and accepts credit cards. The external craft market vendors are cash-only — confirmed by multiple passenger accounts. Local vendors inside the resort area for services such as island hairstyling also operate on a cash basis. Bring a minimum of $40–$80 USD in small bills if you plan to shop the craft market or use any vendor services. There are no ATMs on the island. Do not expect to find one after going ashore. Withdraw cash on the ship or before departure.
Known scams
No confirmed reports of organized predatory shopping scams operating specifically at Princess Cays have been identified from current live sources, which is consistent with the controlled private-island environment — vendor access is regulated by Princess Cruises/Carnival Corporation, and unsanctioned operators cannot access the resort area freely. The craft market outside the secure perimeter is the primary area where independent vendors operate. Exercise standard vigilance: agree on a price before any service begins, including hair braiding, which is offered by vendors in the craft market area. Hair braiding is a confirmed service offered here; passengers have reported that pricing expectations can be unclear before work begins — confirm the total cost and any extras in advance and in writing if possible. There is no confirmed gem scam, jewelry switching operation, or counterfeit goods market at this location. The boutique inside the resort is an official Princess Cruises retail operation.
Practical Information
General Information
Peak season
Princess Cays operates on a seasonal cruise calendar running primarily from October through April, which aligns with the broader Caribbean cruise peak season. December through March represents the highest passenger volume, with ships from Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line both scheduled to call. During peak winter months, the tender queue is the single biggest practical constraint: passengers waiting for a tender ashore in the morning face potential waits of 30–60 minutes during peak embarkation windows, and the return queue in the late afternoon — particularly in the final 60–90 minutes before All Aboard — can be equally long. Priority tender access is available for passengers who have booked cabanas or bungalows. Ship calls average seven to eight hours, giving most passengers a full beach day, but the effective usable time ashore is reduced by tender time at both ends. Book popular watersports excursions — banana boat rides, snorkeling tours, stingray encounters — in advance through the cruise line app or shore excursions desk, as these can sell out on high-occupancy sailings.
Weather
Princess Cays has a tropical climate with minimal seasonal temperature variation. Winter highs (December–March) average 75°F (24°C); summer highs (June–September) reach 85–88°F (29–31°C). Humidity is year-round and the sun intensity is extreme even in winter months — passengers have reported significant sunburn during November visits. Apply high-SPF sunscreen before going ashore and reapply throughout the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are a realistic risk from June through October, consistent with the Caribbean hurricane and wet season pattern. If lightning or severe weather develops, tender operations will be suspended — the ship's crew will manage return logistics, but passengers already ashore should move to the covered shelter areas and follow resort staff instructions. Tender suspension due to weather is a confirmed operational risk at this tender-only port. If a weather event suspends tendering during your visit, do not attempt to return independently. Wait for ship crew announcements via the onboard PA or the MedallionClass app (Princess) or HUB app (Carnival). The island's rocky shoreline means water entry is more challenging than at sand-bottom beaches — water shoes or reef shoes are strongly recommended and offer significant practical value here.
Language
English is the official and primary language of the Bahamas and is spoken by all resort staff, vendor operators, activity providers, and tender crew. No language barrier exists at this destination. All signage, menus, and activity instructions are in English. Communication with the ship during your time ashore is best maintained via the Princess MedallionClass app (Princess passengers) or the Carnival HUB app (Carnival passengers) — both function using the ship's onboard Wi-Fi network extended to the island on some sailings. Confirm app connectivity at the resort with your ship's guest services before going ashore.
Currency & payments
The Bahamas uses the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar. At Princess Cays, US Dollars are the effective operating currency — all prices at the resort boutique, bars, and activity desks are quoted and accepted in USD. There is no rate disadvantage to using USD here. The resort boutique (Tropical Treasures) accepts credit cards and cruise card charges to your onboard account. All independent craft market vendors and service providers (hair braiding, etc.) outside the secure perimeter are cash-only — USD accepted. There are no ATMs on the island. Withdraw cash on the ship before going ashore. No VAT applies in the Bahamas; no refund process is relevant here.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi availability on the island itself is limited and should not be relied upon for communication or navigation. The resort does not operate as a public hotspot independent of ship connectivity. Cell signal from US carriers is generally weak to absent at Princess Cays — Eleuthera is a lightly populated out-island with limited tower infrastructure. Do not expect consistent 4G or LTE signal ashore. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) do not operate at this location — ground transport off the island is not available independently. Local SIM cards are not relevant for a single beach day at a private island. If you need to communicate with the ship while ashore, use the ship's app on Wi-Fi if available, or ask a Princess/Carnival staff member on the island to radio the ship directly. You should confirm connectivity details with your ship's guest services desk before going ashore, as this may vary by vessel and season.
Photography restrictions
No confirmed photography restrictions apply at Princess Cays. The island is a private cruise resort and does not include military installations, government buildings, or restricted cultural heritage sites. Passengers are free to photograph throughout the resort area and on the beach. The craft market outside the secure perimeter is also photographable — ask individual vendors for permission before photographing them directly, as a matter of courtesy. No penalties for photography have been identified from any current source.
Dress codes
Princess Cays is a beach resort environment and no formal dress code applies to any area of the island. Beach attire — swimwear, shorts, cover-ups, sandals — is the standard and expected clothing for all guests ashore. There are no religious sites, government buildings, or historical monuments on the island that impose dress requirements. Passengers may go ashore directly in swimwear. The only practical clothing note: the craft market outside the secure perimeter involves walking on a gravel and dirt surface path, so flip-flops with grip or sandals are more practical than bare feet. Water shoes are strongly recommended for entering the water due to the rocky shoreline.
Closures & pre-booking
Princess Cays operates exclusively on days when a Princess Cruises or Carnival Cruise Line vessel is scheduled to call — it is not open to the general public and has no independent operating schedule. There are no day-of-week closures to plan around. All activities and watersports are tied to the ship's call schedule. Cabanas and bungalows sell out quickly and must be booked in advance through the cruise line's app or website — these cannot be booked at the pier on arrival. Overwater cabanas and Sanctuary Bungalows (adults-only) are the fastest to sell. Book these as early as 90 days before sailing if possible. Snorkeling tours, stingray encounters, glass-bottom boat excursions, banana boat rides, and kayaking tours should also be pre-booked through the ship. Walk-up availability for popular watersports is not guaranteed on high-occupancy sailings. There are no public holidays that affect access to Princess Cays, as it operates as a private resort. If the ship cancels its Princess Cays call due to weather or operational reasons, no shore access is possible — this decision is made by the ship's captain and is non-negotiable.
Pier Runner Protocol
PRINCESS CAYS IS A TENDER PORT. The ship does not dock — it anchors offshore, and all passenger movement between the ship and shore is by tender boat. This has critical implications for your All Aboard deadline.
LAST TENDER WARNING: The last tender from shore departs well before the published All Aboard time — typically 45 to 90 minutes earlier. On a 7–8 hour port day, if All Aboard is published as 4:30 PM, the last tender from shore may depart as early as 3:00–3:45 PM. Confirm the exact last tender departure time from the ship's Daily Program or at the shore excursions desk before going ashore. Missing the last tender means missing the ship — there is no pier to run to.
The ship will not hold for passengers on independent activities. It may hold for passengers booked on the cruise line's own organized shore excursions — confirm this policy at the shore excursions desk before going ashore.
Port agent contact: Princess Cays is a private island with no independent commercial port agent infrastructure. You should locate the cruise line's port agent contact before going ashore — ask at the ship's shore excursions desk for the emergency contact number to use if you are left ashore.
If the ship departs without you: You are stranded on a private island with no commercial transport access. The resort will eventually close when the ship leaves. You would need to be transported by local boat to mainland Eleuthera and then arrange onward travel — either to Nassau (approximately 80 km (49.7 mi) north by road or air) or via charter flight. The nearest major transport hub is Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. A charter flight from North Eleuthera Airport or Governor's Harbour Airport to Nassau takes approximately 30–45 minutes. From Nassau, commercial flights connect to U.S. cities and other Caribbean ports. This is an expensive and logistically complex scenario. Travel insurance covering missed ship departure is not optional for passengers spending time ashore at a tender-only private island.
STEP-BY-STEP RETURN JOURNEY FROM THE FAR END OF THE BEACH:
— Walk from far end of beach to tender staging area: 10–15 minutes on foot
— Tender queue wait time (allow extra during peak afternoon return period): 20–45 minutes
— Tender ride from shore to ship: approximately 5–10 minutes
— Re-boarding security screening and embarkation queue: 10–15 minutes
— TOTAL MINIMUM RETURN TIME: 45–85 minutes from the far beach
— RECOMMENDED PERSONAL BUFFER: Add 30 minutes beyond your calculated minimum
— BEGIN RETURN NO LATER THAN 90–120 minutes before the published All Aboard time
Port-specific risk factors: tender suspension due to weather or sea conditions can occur with no advance warning; afternoon return queues surge significantly in the last hour before All Aboard; tender capacity is finite and queues do not guarantee a spot on the next available boat.
*Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.*
Medical & Safety
Nearest hospital
Princess Cays is a remote private island on the southern tip of Eleuthera, approximately 50–80 km (31.1–49.7 mi) from Nassau. There is no hospital on Princess Cays or in the immediate vicinity of the resort. The ship carries medical staff and a medical center onboard — for any medical emergency while ashore, notify Princess Cays resort staff or tender crew immediately so the ship's medical team can be contacted. For serious emergencies requiring hospital-level care, the nearest major facilities are both located in Nassau, New Providence Island, requiring air or sea transport from Eleuthera: (1) Princess Margaret Hospital, Elizabeth Avenue & Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas () — the national public trauma center and largest hospital in the Bahamas, 400+ beds, full emergency department. Phone: +1 (242) 322-2861; Accident & Emergency: +1 (242) 326-7014. (2) Doctors Hospital, 1 Collins Avenue & Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas () — the only JCI-accredited private hospital in the Bahamas, with emergency services. Phone: +1 (242) 302-4600; Emergency ambulance dispatch: +1 (242) 302-4747. Travel time from Princess Cays to Nassau by air (charter) is approximately 30–45 minutes; by boat it is significantly longer. Medical evacuation from this location is a serious logistical undertaking. Travel insurance with medevac coverage is essential for any passenger with pre-existing medical conditions. The Bahamian emergency number is 919.
Nearest pharmacy
There is no pharmacy on Princess Cays. The ship's medical center stocks basic medications including seasickness remedies, antacids, and first aid supplies — this is your most practical resource for minor medical needs during your island day. In Nassau (requiring air or sea transport from Eleuthera, approximately 50–80 km (31.1–49.7 mi)), pharmacies include the outpatient pharmacy at Princess Margaret Hospital, Elizabeth Avenue & Shirley Street, Nassau () and Quality Care Pharmacy in Nassau/Paradise Island area. You should confirm specific pharmacy hours before travel, as Bahamian pharmacies may observe midday closures and reduced Sunday hours. Bring all personal prescription medications from the ship in sufficient supply before going ashore. Do not assume any pharmacy-level supply is accessible during a same-day visit to Princess Cays. Sunscreen, seasickness medication, and basic first aid items should be packed in your beach bag before departing the ship.
Petty crime patterns
No confirmed reports of organized petty crime operations targeting cruise passengers specifically at Princess Cays have been identified from current sources. The controlled private-island environment — with security staff managing access between the resort and the external craft market — substantially limits the exposure passengers face compared to open port destinations. The craft market outside the secure perimeter is the only area where unmanaged public interaction occurs. Exercise standard awareness in this area: keep cash in a front pocket or secure pouch, do not display large amounts of cash when paying vendors, and be alert to distractions. There is no confirmed pickpocket hotspot, bag-snatch pattern, or distraction-scam operation documented at this location. The tender pier area during embarkation and disembarkation involves crowding — keep bags closed and in front of you during these periods as a standard precaution.
Returning to Your Ship
Back to Ship — Critical Timing Info
Missing ship departure means being stranded at port. Review the warnings below and plan your return time carefully.
Final Departure Warning
Leave no later than ⚠️ LAST TENDER WARNING — PRINCESS CAYS IS A TENDER PORT. The last tender departure from shore is operationally earlier than the published All Aboard time — typically 45 to 60 minutes before All Aboard on documented Princess Cays itineraries (one confirmed account shows a 4:00 p.m. All Aboard with a 3:15 p.m. last tender). Missing the last tender means missing the ship. The ship will not delay departure for passengers who miss the final tender. Confirm the exact last tender departure time from the ship's daily program AND at the gangway/tender deck before going ashore. Do not rely on the published All Aboard time as your tender deadline. For passengers at the farthest practical destination (Bungalow Beach Zone, approx. 900 m–1 km (0.6 mi) from the tender pier): — Walk from Bungalow Beach Zone to tender pier: 15–18 minutes — Tender queue wait (end-of-day): 20–45 minutes (highly variable; queues build significantly in the final 60–90 minutes before last tender) — Tender ride, shore to ship: 10–20 minutes — Ship re-boarding and security screening: 10–15 minutes — TOTAL MINIMUM RETURN TIME: 55–98 minutes Recommended personal buffer: Depart the Bungalow Beach Zone no later than 90 minutes before the confirmed last tender time. For all other beach zones, depart no later than 60 minutes before the confirmed last tender time. Tender queue wait times in direct Bahamian sun with no shade are a documented discomfort and operational risk — do not underestimate them. Port-specific risk factors: 1. Last tender departs before All Aboard — do not use All Aboard as your deadline. 2. End-of-day tender queues in full sun can run 30–45 minutes with no guarantee of tram availability. 3. Tender operations can be suspended mid-day due to weather or sea conditions — monitor ship announcements if conditions change. 4. The tram may not be immediately available during peak end-of-day demand. 5. There is no taxi, rideshare, or alternative transport if you miss the last tender — you are on a private island with no public infrastructure. Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.
- Walk from farthest point (Bungalow Beach Zone) to tender pier: 15–18 minutes
- End-of-day tender queue wait at shore pier: 20–45 minutes (confirm conditions on the day)
- Tender ride, shore to ship: 10–20 minutes
- Ship re-boarding and security screening: 10–15 minutes
Last tender departs 45–60 minutes before published All Aboard time — do not use All Aboard as your return deadline. End-of-day tender queues in full sun are documented and can be 30–45 minutes with no shade cover. Tram availability is reduced and unreliable in the final hour of resort operations. Tender operations can be suspended without notice due to sea conditions. There is no alternative transport off the island if the last tender is missed — Princess Cays has no public port infrastructure, no taxis, and no rideshare. Missing the last tender means missing the ship.
Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.