Port information & tips for Princess Cays (Private Resort, Eleuthera Island)
Princess Cays is an exclusive private resort on the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera and embodies the epitome of a tropical paradise in the Bahamas. The idyllic complex impresses with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed flair under swaying palm trees. Highlights include the picturesque observation tower with panoramic views, the colorful snorkeling area directly on the coast, and the nearby natural wonder Rock Sound Ocean Hole. Since the ship anchors off the coast, the transfer is conveniently made by tender boat directly to the Princess Cays Marina. Thanks to this direct connection, visitors can reach all the amenities of the resort as well as neighboring Bannerman Town in a very short time, making the stay particularly comfortable and versatile.
Princess Cays is an exclusive private resort at the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera and is accessed as a tender port directly by cruise ships from Florida. Since the resort does not have a public check-in terminal, travel for guests from the DACH region takes place via the international airports of the USA and by sea.
Airplane
For travel from Europe, direct connections are available from Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Zurich (ZRH) to Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Travelers who wish to discover Eleuthera on their own can use Rock Sound International Airport (RSD), which is located about 20 kilometers from the resort and is easily accessible via Nassau (NAS).
Transfer & Tender
Access to the resort is provided by the ship's own tender service directly from the anchorage off the coast to the private pier of Princess Cays. The short crossings take around 15 to 20 minutes and allow for a smooth transition from ship to beach, with all logistics and equipment provided directly by the cruise lines Princess Cruises or Carnival.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Since travel from the DACH region involves crossing multiple time zones, an overnight stay in Florida before the start of the cruise is highly recommended. Those who wish to enjoy the peace and quiet of Eleuthera for longer will find exclusive accommodations along the Queen’s Highway and can explore the island with a rental car before the ship sets course for the private paradise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Princess Cays is an exclusive private resort at the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera and is accessed as a tender port directly by cruise ships from Florida. Since the resort does not have a public check-in terminal, travel for guests from the DACH region takes place via the international airports of the USA and by sea.
Airplane
For travel from Europe, direct connections are available from Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Zurich (ZRH) to Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Travelers who wish to discover Eleuthera on their own can use Rock Sound International Airport (RSD), which is located about 20 kilometers from the resort and is easily accessible via Nassau (NAS).
Transfer & Tender
Access to the resort is provided by the ship's own tender service directly from the anchorage off the coast to the private pier of Princess Cays. The short crossings take around 15 to 20 minutes and allow for a smooth transition from ship to beach, with all logistics and equipment provided directly by the cruise lines Princess Cruises or Carnival.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Since travel from the DACH region involves crossing multiple time zones, an overnight stay in Florida before the start of the cruise is highly recommended. Those who wish to enjoy the peace and quiet of Eleuthera for longer will find exclusive accommodations along the Queen’s Highway and can explore the island with a rental car before the ship sets course for the private paradise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Princess Cays is an exclusive private resort and is excellently developed thanks to its compact design and direct location by the sea. Arrival is conveniently by tender boat directly at the central pier of the facility.
On Foot
Within the extensive area of Princess Cays, all attractions, beaches, and restaurants can be reached on foot within a few minutes. The paved paths lead along the coast and offer a magnificent view of the turquoise water at all times.
Island Shuttle
A free shuttle service is available for relaxed movement within the resort. These open carriages connect the pier regularly with the more distant beach sections and ensure easy accessibility of all amenities.
Taxi
Outside the gated private grounds, local taxis are available for exploration tours across the island of Eleuthera. These vehicles wait at the resort's main entrance and allow for individual trips to nearby places such as Rock Sound or the natural wonders of the surrounding area.
To make the most of your time on this exclusive private island, we recommend a combination of relaxing hours at the private beach resort and exploring the fascinating natural wonders in southern Eleuthera.
Princess Cays Beach Resort
Directly at the pier, an extensive bathing paradise awaits you with crystal-clear water and colorful snorkeling reefs, as well as perfectly equipped bungalows for a luxurious day at the beach.
Rock Sound Ocean Hole
This impressive natural phenomenon inland is easily accessible thanks to a short travel time and offers the unique opportunity to swim in a deep saltwater grotto amidst tropical fish.
Lighthouse Beach
Located at the southern tip, this coastal section impresses with its soft pink sand and dramatic limestone cliffs and is perfectly suited for unforgettable panoramic shots of Bahamian nature.
South Beach & Lookout Point
The extensive area at South Beach is easily accessible on foot or with the free island shuttle after arrival at the tender pier and offers guests a much quieter atmosphere than the busy main beach. This section of the coast impresses with its fine coral sand as well as crystal-clear, shallow water and is also ideal for relaxed snorkeling near the reefs. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure with comfortable loungers, shady palms, and a nearby bar, you can enjoy pure comfort directly by the sea. A short detour to the wooden lookout tower also allows you a fantastic panoramic view over the entire coastline of Eleuthera and the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Ideally, use one of the first tender boats in the morning to secure a prime spot in the shade, and plan your return to the pier about sixty minutes before the last departure to end the day in a completely relaxed manner.
The way back to the tender pier at Princess Cays is very simple and safely organized thanks to the clear layout of the private resort.
Resort Shuttle and Tram
A regular tram service connects the distant beach sections as well as the private bungalows directly with the central arrival area, allowing for a relaxed return without long walking distances.
On Foot
The paved paths within the gated complex are clearly signposted and lead you through the colorful marketplace directly to the Welcome Center at the harbor basin.
Taxi
For guests who have taken individual excursions into the surrounding area, taxis are available at the official meeting point in front of the main entrance of the resort and will bring you back to the security gate at the harbor area on time.
