Our first port on our Radiance of the Seas cruise, Labadee, isn't exactly a private island, in that it is part of the large island of Hispaniola and more specifically in the country of Haiti, but it is isolated from the locals with the exception of a little swap meet area where local crafts are displayed. I'm not that much of a shopper, but I can say that there was brightly painted handmade stuff on display. Like other private islands, there are lounge chairs, hammocks and beaches to lounge around. The snorkeling in the lagoon isn't particularly good, but a lot of people seemed to be enjoying it. Royal Caribbean required snorkelers to rent brightly covered life vests for "safety," but I really resented this as a nickel and dime rip-off unbecoming of such a wonderful cruise line.
They also rented inflatable rafts. We always bring our own inlatable "floaties," which you can buy at any ABC store in Hawaii or your corner drug store for about $2 or $3, which is generally a lot less than the price to rent one for the day. Leave your cheap floatie behind on the beach or deflate it and take it with you on the next cruise. Either way, you come out ahead, if you can spare a little room in your suitcase.
Private islands always remind me of those Corona beer TV ads.
The best way to enjoy them is to find a deserted spot on the beach and stare out at the ocean or read a book. Have a drink, take a dip in the ocean, and repeat until you have no idea what time it is, and then someone will probably tell you it is time to go.
Coming early in the trip as this stop did, a private island is a great way to get in that vacation frame of relaxed mind. If you're looking for activities, there are usually some water sport rentals, or you can simply hang out on the ship instead of going ashore.
You don't have to go back to the ship for lunch, though, because the galley crew brings all the ingredients for a big barbecue out to the beach. Radiance of the Seas delivered a delicious meal including some killer ribs.
