Head to head
Half Moon Cay vs Castaway Cay: Which Private Island Wins?
Comparing Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador) (Holland America & Carnival) and Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line) on the things that actually decide your beach day — score, access, cost and vibe. Here's how they stack up, and who should pick which.
| Half Moon Cay | Castaway Cay | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Score | 4.8 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Cruise line | Holland America & Carnival | Disney Cruise Line |
| Location | Little San Salvador Island, The Bahamas | Abaco, The Bahamas |
| Getting ashore | Tender required (ship anchors offshore) | Ship docks alongside — no tender required |
| What's included | Included (beach & lunch); paid cabanas, horseback ride & excursions | Included (beaches, lunch, trams, most activities); paid excursions, cabanas & spa |
| Vibe | Classic, serene, beach-first | Polished, wholesome, impeccably run |
| Best beach | The main crescent — the whole point | Serenity Bay (adults); Family Beach for kids |
| Best for | Beaches, Relaxation, Couples, Families | Families, Relaxation, Couples, Snorkeling |
Editor's Scores are our editorial assessment, not user reviews. How we score →
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Who should choose which
Choose Half Moon Cay if…
- Arguably the most beautiful beach in cruising
- Calm, shallow water great for kids
- Famous horseback-in-the-sea ride
Choose Castaway Cay if…
- Best-in-class service and organization
- Genuinely included experience — low extra spend
- Adults-only Serenity Bay
The verdict
Half Moon Cay edges it on our Editor's Score (4.8 vs 4.8), largely thanks to arguably the most beautiful beach in cruising. That said, Castaway Cay is the smarter pick if you value families and relaxation. Use the full comparison tool to weigh them against the rest.