Princess Cays cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Ships anchor offshore and transfer passengers by tender. Princess's destination FAQ confirms this practice, and Carnival identifies Love Boat Marina as the arrival point. The landing serves the beach resort, rather than a town centre requiring a city shuttle.

Follow the ship's instructions for tender tickets and excursion groups. Pack your beach bag before joining the queue, including your access card or Medallion and the identification requested onboard. Returning to the cabin for something forgotten involves another boat transfer.

Princess's accessibility guidance explains that water-shuttle boarding depends on the vessel, shore facilities and conditions; the captain makes the final decision. Passengers using mobility equipment should discuss the transfer beforehand. A beach bungalow or an accessible facility ashore does not establish that the tender journey will be suitable.

About this port

Princess Cays is a private cruise beach destination on the southern end of Eleuthera. Despite the name, it is part of that larger Bahamian island. Check your sailing's latest itinerary before planning a day at Princess Cays. The day centres on the resort beachfront, with swimming, water activities and optional excursions into the surrounding area.

This is a good stop for keeping plans simple: choose a beach base, have lunch ashore and add one activity if desired. The transfer from the anchored ship is part of the visit, so allow for tender boarding rather than treating the first advertised hour in port as time already on the sand.

Getting Around

Within the resort, organise the day around the landing, beach and your chosen facilities. Choose a base before spreading the party between activities, and agree where to meet afterwards. The main beach has the livelier concentration of chairs, bars and activities; quieter stretches offer a different atmosphere, as described by Princess.

For exploring beyond the beach destination, choose an organised shore excursion whose route and return fit your call. Princess describes outings into southern Eleuthera and nearby communities. Do not add a village visit casually after swimming: it changes the day from a resort walk into a transport-dependent excursion.

Things to Do

Beach time with shade: Swimming and a beach chair can be the whole plan. For a more defined base, Princess offers clamshells, daybeds and bungalows as optional rentals. Compare what each includes: a shade shelter and an enclosed bungalow serve different needs. The operator's activity guide explains the choices.

Snorkelling or kayaking: Equipment hire and organised water activities let you explore the coastline from the water. Choose an activity that matches your confidence and follow the operating area's instructions. Water shoes are useful because parts of the shoreline are rocky. An excursion's advertised wildlife is a possibility rather than a promised sighting.

A glass-bottom boat: For passengers interested in the underwater scenery who prefer to stay dry, both operators advertise boat excursions. This still involves getting into another vessel, so read its boarding requirements. Alternatively, browse the local craft shops for handmade Bahamian items and keep the afternoon free for the beach. Carnival lists these activities.

Getting back to your ship

Return to Love Boat Marina for the ship's tender service. Make a note of the last tender departure announced onboard and begin your return before that deadline, allowing time to gather belongings, reach the landing and queue. Weather and sea conditions can affect the transfer, so follow any revised instructions from the crew. If taking an excursion, keep its return meeting time separate from the ship's final tender time.

Practical Information

Bring a towel from the ship, water, sunscreen, a hat and a dry pouch for valuables. Natural shade can be limited. Princess describes a complimentary beach barbecue with most cruises; use the lunch arrangements announced for your sailing. Allow a separate budget for rentals and additional drinks.

Princess's Premier beverage-package terms permit use here, while Carnival's Cheers terms exclude Princess Cays. Follow your own operator's entitlement rather than borrowing another line's inclusions. Carry some small cash for independent purchases.