Carnival Opens Princess Cay to Rival Cruise Lines
Competing lines can now call at the Carnival-owned island, while Princess itineraries shift to Half Moon Cay starting this month.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Cruises
Carnival has opened Princess Cay to competing cruise lines, according to an announcement made at CruiseWorld. Princess Cruises visits to the island are being replaced by stops at Half Moon Cay in itineraries beginning this month.
Why it matters
The move gives other cruise operators access to a private island that Carnival has been developing, and it concentrates Princess guest traffic at Half Moon Cay, which recently received upgrades. Travelers booking Caribbean itineraries may see different port-of-call options depending on the line they choose.
Carnival's Paradise Collection includes six ports, two of which, Princess Cay and Half Moon Cay, are designated social hub ports. Details on which rival lines will use Princess Cay and under what terms have not been disclosed.
The players
Carnival Corporation
Carnival Corporation is a global cruise company that owns multiple cruise brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is a cruise brand within Carnival Corporation known for its Alaska and worldwide itineraries.
The details
Carnival announced the opening of Princess Cay to competing lines at CruiseWorld. Half Moon Cay's enhancements include a new pier, tram services on the Carnival Cruise Line side, a new beach club, and additional beach facilities on the Holland America Line side. Carnival operates both islands under a blended operating model, and the team serving Half Moon Cay will also support Princess Cay. Princess Cay is not closed.
Timeline
Last Wednesday: Carnival announces opening of Princess Cay to competing cruise lines at CruiseWorld.
Beginning November 2026: Princess Cruises itineraries shift from Princess Cay to Half Moon Cay.
Season Trajectory
Carnival's approach of consolidating traffic onto Half Moon Cay while opening Princess Cay to rivals reflects a shift toward treating private islands as shared infrastructure rather than brand-exclusive assets. This sets up a clearer hierarchy among Carnival's own ports as its Caribbean island network matures.
Travelers booked on Princess itineraries that previously called at Princess Cay should check updated port schedules, since stops now move to Half Moon Cay beginning this month. Guests on other lines should confirm whether Princess Cay appears on their itineraries as rival cruise lines begin calling there.
The takeaway
Check your cruise itinerary before departure, since port stops at Caribbean private islands can change with little notice. Booking a line that already uses Half Moon Cay may give you the most consistent access to its upgraded facilities.
Further reading
For more on how private island itineraries are reshaping Caribbean routes, explore Cruises.
