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Private islands continue to be among the most popular Caribbean cruise stops

Exclusive tropical getaways offer change of pace and plenty to do and see.

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 27, 2007 - Uninhabited islands, pristine beaches, tropical landscapes and island frolicking make the private islands operated by cruise lines some of the most popular port-of-calls in the Caribbean region.

"For many cruisers, the highlight of their voyages comes when their ships visit an exclusive private island for the day," said Bob Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete.com. "User feedback tells us private islands are the favorite part of the cruise. Other than on a cruise, most people never have the experience of lounging all day on an exclusive, beautiful private island in the Caribbean. The cruise lines have done a fabulous job of turning these islands into magical experience."

If a person's idea of pampering is an air-conditioned, open-air beach cabana with a private butler and chilled appetizers, Holland America offers these amenities on their island, Levinstein said. Or maybe an active day on the island sounds fun? Then Royal Caribbean's private island beachside zip lines, volleyball courts and floating aqua parks are ideal. How about family fun, plus a secluded beach just for adults? Disney may have some magic in store for you, he added.

The following is a rundown of several of the Caribbean cruise industry's most popular private islands:

Royal Caribbean - The cruise line operates two separate, distinct private island getaways. Cruisers taking seven-day trips from Miami visit Labadee, Haiti, a 260-acre peninsula at Pointe Ste. Honore on the mountainous and secluded northern coast of the island. Settled as a trading post hundreds of years ago, the peninsula has been restored exclusively for the use of Royal Caribbean guest. It now features five beaches, secluded coves, nature trails, open-air dining and beachside refreshment bars, artisan markets and more. Water activities include the Dragons Flight Zip Line, a 4,000 foot-long trip over the water of Dragon's Tail Beach, snorkeling, waver runners, kayaks and parasailing. Its Arawak Aqua Park features floating trampolines, inflatable iceberg slides and other fun.

CoCoCay is a 140-acre island located in the Bahamas' Berry Island chain between Freeport and Nassau. It is a tropical oasis for Royal Caribbean guests taking 3-4 day voyages out of Port Canaveral or Miami. CocoCay features three white sand beaches, coconut palm groves, coral reefs, trails and a sunken replica of Blackbeard's flagship "Queen Anne's Revenge". There are plenty of water activities, including scuba diving and snorkeling, inflatable water slides, a glass bottom boat and Caylana's Aqua Park, featuring a floating sand castle.

Holland America - Half Moon Cay, considered by many to be the most beautiful of the cruise lines' private islands, is located about 100 miles south of Nassau, in the Bahamas. Holland America has made a great effort to maintain the natural beauty of the island, with only 45 acres of the 2,500-acre island developed. All parts of the island are accessible, however, via tram and hard-surfaced walkways. Horseback riding is hugely popular. Half Moon Cay was built on a crescent-shaped white sand beach several miles in length. Its protective bay makes for ideal swimming conditions in the calm waters. Holland America has one of the most comprehensive water sports programs of the private islands, where guests can snorkel with stingrays, enjoy kayak lagoon tours or parasail, among other activities. The Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park is another popular stop. One can also just relax beachside, with a soothing massage and private butler catering to your needs. Regent Seven Seas has made special arrangements with Holland America so Regent cruisers also have the opportunity to visit this tropical locale during their visits to the region.

Princess Cruise Line - Princess Cays is situated about 30 miles from Nassau, at the southern point of tiny Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. Two-miles wide, it is one of the best snorkeling and dive spots the cruise lines offer, with a coral reef surrounding the island. Its white sand beaches provide for all kinds of water and beach activities are available, including aqua bikes, sailboats, kayaks and more. Guests are welcome to climb the Crow's Nest Tower for panoramic views of the landscape. For those whose goal is to relax, there are plenty of beach umbrellas, tiki huts and hammocks slung between Mangrove trees.

Norwegian Cruise Lines - Great Stirrup Cay, located 120 miles east of Fort Lauderdale in the Berry Island Chain of the Bahamas, was the cruise industry's first private island paradise. Surrounded by a reef, the waters of this peaceful cove are filled with coral and fish. There are two maintained beaches on the island, plus several other more isolated beaches. In addition to a wide array of water activities, guests enjoy participating in special cruise line beachside Olympic competitions. Palm trees, hammocks, loungers and a private mansion complete the landscape. The island also features it own lighthouse.

Disney Cruise Line - Castaway Cay provides plenty of island magic for people of all ages. For kids and teens, the cruise line compares it to Never Land; for adults, it is Shangri-La. The three-mile long island, of which only ten percent is developed, provides plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy its natural beauty. Castaway Family Beach features an aquatic playground, snorkeling and plenty of other family-oriented fun. Serenity Bay is a secluded beach for adults, with soothing calm waves lapping the shore. Teen Beach gives older children their own place to hang out and relax. Scuttle's Cove, built for kids ages 3-12, has bountiful water and beach activities for kids this age, including the change to "dig" for massive whale bones. Plus, see the Flying Dutchman pirate ship from Disney's popular Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's Chest.

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Agents have provided more than three million quotes to consumers. CruiseCompete, LLC, is an independent company not owned by or affiliated with any travel agency. For more information, visit www.cruisecompete.com.

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