Head to head
Princess Cays vs Half Moon Cay: Which Private Island Wins?
Comparing Princess Cays (Princess Cruises) and Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador) (Holland America & Carnival) 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 | Princess Cays | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Score | 4.8 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Cruise line | Holland America & Carnival | Princess Cruises |
| Location | Little San Salvador Island, The Bahamas | Southern Eleuthera, The Bahamas |
| Getting ashore | Tender required (ship anchors offshore) | Tender required (ship anchors offshore) |
| What's included | Included (beach & lunch); paid cabanas, horseback ride & excursions | Included (beach & lunch); paid clamshells, bungalows & water sports |
| Vibe | Classic, serene, beach-first | Simple, classic, low-key |
| Best beach | The main crescent — the whole point | Walk left/west for the quieter, prettier stretch |
| Best for | Beaches, Relaxation, Couples, Families | 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 Half Moon Cay if…
- Arguably the most beautiful beach in cruising
- Calm, shallow water great for kids
- Famous horseback-in-the-sea ride
The verdict
Half Moon Cay edges it on our Editor's Score (4.8 vs 4.1), largely thanks to arguably the most beautiful beach in cruising. 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.