Head to head
Princess Cays vs Castaway Cay: Which Private Island Wins?
Comparing Princess Cays (Princess Cruises) 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.
| Castaway Cay | Princess Cays | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Score | 4.8 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Cruise line | Disney Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Location | Abaco, The Bahamas | Southern Eleuthera, The Bahamas |
| Getting ashore | Ship docks alongside — no tender required | Tender required (ship anchors offshore) |
| What's included | Included (beaches, lunch, trams, most activities); paid excursions, cabanas & spa | Included (beach & lunch); paid clamshells, bungalows & water sports |
| Vibe | Polished, wholesome, impeccably run | Simple, classic, low-key |
| Best beach | Serenity Bay (adults); Family Beach for kids | Walk left/west for the quieter, prettier stretch |
| Best for | Families, Relaxation, Couples, Snorkeling | Beaches, 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 Princess Cays if…
- Relaxed, classic beach day
- Good snorkeling off the beach
- Inexpensive clamshell shade option
Choose Castaway Cay if…
- Best-in-class service and organization
- Genuinely included experience — low extra spend
- Adults-only Serenity Bay
The verdict
Castaway Cay edges it on our Editor's Score (4.8 vs 4.1), largely thanks to best-in-class service and organization. That said, Princess Cays is the smarter pick if you value beaches and relaxation. Use the full comparison tool to weigh them against the rest.